Five things worth sharing from the last week or so, brought to you by a different member of the Browser Media team every Friday.
This week’s My Five is by Will.
1. Google’s Year in Search 2020
With 2020 drawing to a close, companies across the world are taking a moment to reflect on the past 12 months. This year especially has been a difficult one, with a number of challenges we’ve had to face. Once again, Google has produced its annual listing of the most searched terms, which offers an important reminder of the events of the past 12 months.
In addition to the mass of data that is available on the Google Trends site, they have also created a fantastic video that is a poignant reminder of what a tough year 2020 has been.
2. Google Look to Speak
This week Google has announced a new experimental app on Android that aims to make communication easier for those with speech and motor disabilities. The new Look to Speak app allows users to choose from a choice of preselected phrases on their phone using their eyes. In short, the app works by placing a phone below eye level and then the user can look left or right to choose from a list of phrases that the device then speaks out. Additionally, all of the phrases can be personalised so the user can share their authentic voice.
Look to Speak is a brilliant example of how technology can be used to help improve the lives of those living with disabilities. The video below gives a great overview of how this fantastic app works.
3. What was the most downloaded app of 2020?
Time to take another look back at the past 12 months and look at how mobile device usage has changed. A recent report from App Annie took a look at all things mobile from the past 12 months, with an interesting look at the most popular apps.
Unsurprisingly, TikTok takes the top spot, for downloads, however, is still below the majority of the ‘big’ apps for monthly active users. Another unsurprising entry in the top 10 is Zoom that rose 219 places!
See below for an overview of the top ten apps of the year in terms of ‘total downloads’, ‘consumer spend’ and ‘monthly active users’.
The data is based on App Annie’s own data tracking, therefore, it isn’t as accurate as the data provided by the companies themselves. However, it does still provide an indication of the overall landscape. The whole report is a fascinating read, taking a look at the top games, top apps, as well as how people are using mobile in general.
4. YouTube Gaming
Gaming has become an unavoidable part of popular culture and provides one of the best opportunities to reach the next generation. ‘Gamers’ have started to take the place of major celebrities and are often leading the way when it comes to the latest trends.
In a week of analysis, YouTube has also provided some insights into the growth of YouTube Gaming. Again, unsurprisingly due to the nature of 2020, YouTube Gaming saw its biggest year yet, with over 100 billion hours watched throughout the year. This is likely heightened due to coronavirus, however, it’s growth and the popularity of gaming, in general, can be seen over the past few years.
Below is a great overview of the key stats from the past year for YouTube Gaming.
5. Unwanted guests at the nativity
The countdown to Christmas is well and truly on, and households around the world are getting ready for the festive season. It’s a time for fun and laughter, and these jokers have taken it a step further by sneaking some unexpected guests into the nativity scene.
Waiting to see how long it takes my wife to notice I put up our nativity scene and made some… adjustments.
byu/LilJethroBodine infunny
My GF snuck in an unusual character in her parents' nativity scene. They still haven't noticed.
byu/Speider infunny
