Asia’s top 3 technology trends in 2018
In Reuters Institute’s trends and predictions study, researchers found that Asian tech firms are driving new ideas at a relentless speed.
By Ella Wilks-Harper | Apr 10, 2018
In the latest Reuters Institute report, researchers found that Asian tech firms are driving new ideas at a relentless speed. Researchers interviewed 194 leading editors, CEOs, and digital leaders to find out what innovation is likely to impact the media landscape.
This article outlines the key develops from the East…
1. Increased investment in ‘robo-journalism’
Almost three-quarters (72 percent) of 194 leading editors, CEOs, and digital leaders surveyed in the report support better content recommendations and plan to actively experiment with artificial intelligence (AI).
Toutiao, a Beijing-based news and information content platform uses AI to aggregate content from around 4,000 traditional news providers, bloggers and other personal content. Its news feed updates based on time spent on an article, location and reading preferences.
Key facts:
- Claims to have a user figured out within 24 hours
- 120m daily active users
- Daily engagement time is 74 minutes
- $22 billion valuation
2. Adapting content for mobile
Almost half of publishers (44%) surveyed see subscriptions as a very important source of digital revenue in 2018.
In India, the boom in mobile internet users, estimated to be 420 million by mid-2017, has led to opportunities for content to be re-imaged for mobile and a focus on paid subscriptions. This is particularly the case in the education and entertainment sectors.
BYJU’s, a Bangalore-based online learning app, provides audiences with personalized lessons and is helping to overcome the shortage of high-quality teaching in India. Named after its founder, Byju Raveendran, the app has proven popular with 12m downloads and 700,000 paying subscribers.
3. Pivot to messaging platforms
Reuters researchers predict that in social media, we will see a further move to messaging platforms and conversational interfaces.
WeChat, a Chinese multi-purpose social media platform by Tencent is becoming China’s main news source. In the most recently reported quarter the platform had 963 million monthly active users.
For publishers, the platform offers the opportunity for users to pay-per-article and tip. According to Columbia Journalism Review, WeChat columnist He Caitou said in 2017 that on average he receives $602 per article.
Similarly, Line, one of Japan’s most popular messaging apps is an opportunity for news publishers. Since its launch, the The Wall Street Journal claim the app has accrued over 2 million followers.
What trends matter to your organization? Explore Reuters Institute’s Trends & Predictions Report