Google's Youtube announced paid subscription channels!

YouTube announced the launching of a pilot program that sees a number of its partners offering exclusive content behind a monthly fee.

YouTube, which is owned by Google, said the launch was part of an effort to enable "content creators to earn revenue for their creativity".

Under the pilot programme, a small number of content makers will offer the channels for subscriptions starting at $0.99 a month. Each of these channels will offer two weeks of free viewing before charges kick in and some will provide discounts for those who sign up for an annual subscription.

Google introduced Google Play!

Recently Google introduced Google Play to the world. The new cloud-based “digital entertainment destination” for apps, music, movies, and books merges three Google entities into Google Play: Android Market, Google Music and the Google eBookstore.

"You'll be able to buy or rent content directly through the Google Play Store on Google TV, and purchases you’ve made on other devices will also be automatically available on Google TV," Google TV product manager Ambarish Kenghe said in a blog post introducing the update.

The addition of television support comes as part of a larger update by Google for its Play application store. The company said that it would also be adding a number of new features for developers which will add subscription billing options and the addition of auto-update support.

Where businesses should be focusing!!

If 2012 is anything like 2011 has been, the world of internet marketing is sure to be yet another rollercoaster, especially as Google continues to integrate Google+ into its products and its search results. As a local business, you need to be ready to act and to adapt. By having a strong foundation and focusing on your core efforts, you will have some wiggle room in the long run if you can’t act instantaneously.

Also, it’s no surprise that mobile is becoming more popular as more people purchase and use smart phones and tablets at home and on the go. If you are a local business that see’s a lot of local foot traffic, such as a restaurant, hotel, or similar service, now is the time to hop on the mobile bandwagon.