Here are the editor's top picks for the week.
Facebook unveils new slate of VR features at Oculus event
Facebook Inc. is prepping a range of new features for its Oculus virtual reality headsets as it works to make the technology easier to use with less equipment. In doing so, the company is hoping to drive more revenue, as the amount of VR content available for consumption grows.
User audio collection could raise liability risk over children's privacy
In the wake of acknowledgments from major tech companies that they have either collected or reviewed some user audio for certain purposes, privacy attorneys said some large companies could face liability for possible violations of a federal law aimed at protecting the privacy of children. Alphabet Inc.'s Google LLC, Microsoft Corp., Amazon.com Inc. and Apple Inc. have all disclosed that humans have reviewed certain user audio clips to improve products and services. Facebook also reportedly admitted that it did so as well.
Connected TVs score advertising gains via reach, targeting, data attributes
More consumers are consuming video programming through connected devices from Roku Inc., Apple and Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd.'s line of smart TV. As a result, advertisers are turning to connected TV as an effective means to reach displaced viewers.
FCC advances proposed procedures for 2020 auction of crucial 5G spectrum
The U.S. Federal Communications Commission voted to advance a public notice that proposes procedures for a spectrum auction in the 3.5 GHz band, which the wireless industry considers crucial for 5G deployment. At the FCC's open meeting Sept. 26, Ajit Pai said that when he became the agency's chairman, the regulator lacked the proper rules to encourage 5G deployment in the band.
Viacom Digital Studios generating 5.5 billion monthly views across platforms
Viacom Digital Studios channels are yielding 5.5 billion monthly views thanks to its cross-platform strategy, according to President Kelly Day. The Viacom Inc. unit is producing a vast amount of content for its owned and operated channels, including those on Google's YouTube and Facebook, Day said.
