Starting  November 1, 2022, Google Hangouts on web will begin redirecting to Google Chat on web and Hangouts will no longer be available.

What does this mean for your orginaztion?

In February 2022, it was announced that Google would make Google Chat the default chat application by turning on the "Chat preferred" setting for any customers who hadn't already done so.

Since March 2022, Hangouts mobile apps, Hangouts in Gmail web, and the Hangouts Chrome extention have been redirection to Chat. Starting Nobemver 1, 2022, visiting hangouts on web will redirect you to Chat on web. This changw is not optional. 

Note: Hangouts on web and users' conversations will remain accessible until November 1, 2022.

Here are some additional changed you can expect as part of this update:

• Searching for Hangouts and Chat messages in Gmail
  • Currently, when a gmail user preforms a search, they find results for Hangouts and Chat messages in two places -under the Mail tab and under the Messages tab (previously displayed as Chat & Spaces tab).
  • Starting November 1, 2022, Gmail users will only find results for Hangouts and Chat messages under the Messages tab (previously displayed as Chat & Spaces tab).
  • After  January 1, 2023, all Hangouts and Chat search results will be removed from the mail tab in Gmail. However, any messages under Vault retention or holds will continue to be available for admins vault.

• Exporting Hangouts and Chat data
  • Currently, Hangouts and Chat messages are available in the Data Export Tools for Hangouts, Chat, and Gmail (for admins).
    • If your organization uses Vault, you can find and export Hangouts and Chat messages in Vault search results for Hangouts, Chat, and Gmail.
  • Starting November 1, 2022, interoperability between Hangouts and Chat will be turned down. As a result, new Chat messages will no longer be available in the Data Export Tools for Hangouts and Gmail. They will only be available in the Data Export Tool for Chat.
    • If your organization uses Vault, starting November 1, 2022, Google recommends searching for Hangouts and Chat messages under Chat only.
  • After January 1, 2023, Hangouts data will be deleted. Hangouts and Chat messages will no longer be available in the Data Export Tools for Hangouts and Gmail. Old Hangouts data that is already available in Chat, will be available in the Data Export Tool for Chat.
    • If your organization uses Vault, starting January 1, 2023, you’ll no longer see Hangouts and Chat messages if you search under Hangouts or Gmail—unless those messages are under a retention or hold. Google recommenda searching for Hangouts and Chat messages under Chat.

• Other Changes
  • Data Export Tool: Starting January 1, 2023, customers won’t be able to use the Data Export Tool to download Hangouts data and users will no longer be able to use Hangouts Takeout. Note that Data Export Tool for Chat for Google Chat does not include user’s messages from group conversations created by users from other organizations.
  • Gmail API: Starting November 1, 2022, the Gmail API will no longer produce new Chat messages.
  • Apps Monthly Uptime Dashboard: The Apps Monthly Uptime Dashboard will not list Hangouts starting November 1, 2022.
  • Domain Transfer: Starting January 1, 2023, Hangouts data will be unsupported for Domain Transfer.

What do You need to do?

Inform your users who are still accessing Hangouts on the web that they will no longer be able to access Hangouts as of November 1, 2022, and they will be redirected to Google chat.

This message was brought to you by Google Workspace Team.

Wellesley, MA - September 28, 2021 - Adsonica®, the leading audio display advertising solution, announced today the availability of self-service audio display ads for small- to medium-sized radio stations using the Envisionwise station marketing platform. Adsonica ads are created using the Adsonica Studio web application that combines audio and image in a single image file, without video, coding, or multiple file management.

Subscribers to Envisionwise’s LinkedUpRadio website platform will have the option to access a basic version of Adsonica, enabling them to create single-image audio ads and serve them using Envisionwise’s ad management software. The service, priced at $50 per month, provides up to 15,000 digital ad impressions, with additional impressions available as required.

"I'm very excited to be working with Envisionwise to bring the storytelling power of audio display ads to radio stations across the country” said William Agush, Founder & CEO of Adsonica. He continued, “these new ad units increase engagement by 50% or more giving Envisionwise’s stations a premium ad product to sell with only minimal production overhead. Advertisers can utilize existing display ad creative and audio content so stations can begin selling immediately."

Jackie Parks, President & CEO, Envisionwise, said: “The alliance between Adsonica's groundbreaking audio display ad unit and our Envisionwise integrated ad software will advance the digital presence in radio and bring new opportunities to stations across the nation. Providing this unique and effective solution with combined audio and visual concepts will amplify brand awareness and engagement for our clients. When Dave "Chachi" Denes, CEO of Benztown, introduced us to William Agush, Founder & CEO of Adsonica, we knew this was an opportunity that would work seamlessly with our existing products. We look forward to embracing the power of audio with Adsonica."

For more information on subscribing to Adsonica through Envisionwise please visit www.envisionwise.com/add-ons/adsonica or for more information on Adsonica visit www.adsonica.com". The company is holding a webinar on October 6, 2021 to demonstrate the technology. Registration is free and open to all via Eventbrite.

About Adsonica

Adsonica developed and patented technology that combines image and non-image data into a single file for advertising and web development. Founded in 2012, the company originally deployed the technology in its Shuttersong® consumer photo application. The company’s investors and advisors include veterans of ad-tech, e-commerce, enterprise software and new media.

About Envisionwise

Envisionwise is a web design and development company established in 2001. Envisionwise specializes in custom websites and distinctive digital product solutions for the radio industry. The company creates user-friendly websites that are easy to navigate, empowering clients to edit their own content, using a very simple, yet sophisticated, admin panel interface. Envisionwise takes pride in high quality products, flexible pricing, offering excellent support for all digital products and services providing the best user experience. Visit envisionwise.com to learn more.

Media Contacts:
Adsonica
William Agush
(781) 492-0336
william@adsonica.com

Envisionwise
Jackie Parks
(217) 239-1063
jackie@envisionwise.com

LOS ANGELES, CA, and SAVOY, IL, September 21, 2021 — Benztown, a global leader in radio imaging, voiceover, programming, podcasting and jingles, announces that it has entered into an agreement with Envisionwise, a Savoy, IL-based web design and development company serving radio since 2001, to offer its easy-to-use, cost-effective technology platform to enhance radio stations’ digital presence, while increasing revenue opportunities for stations. Envisionwise presented by Benztown delivers three technology products that deliver and maintain station Websites, Alexa Skills and Text Messaging service for radio: LinkedUpRadio, Pivot Radio and TextMeMan. Stations can activate one, two or all three products, with the convenience of one log-in for multiple stations. Envisionwise presented by Benztown also offers 24/7/365 live concierge support so there is always a live person to assist with the technology, as needed. The platforms are scalable and give stations more capabilities for less money, with no long-term commitments with both cash and barter options.

LinkedUpRadio is a custom-designed, affordable website platform that allows individuals or groups to easily manage all station websites, ads, content, and social networking in one system, with no coding or special skills required. LinkedUpRadio websites are designed for radio stations housing unlimited blogs, image sliders, schedules, photos, custom forms and much more. A variety of premium add-ons available for unlimited digital revenue opportunity.

Pivot Radio develops custom Alexa Skills for radio stations that integrate with Amazon smart speakers. Stations can schedule pre-rolls and outro advertisements while managing the Alexa voice and the visual display graphics through a simple admin interface. Pivot Radio handles all development, submissions and establishes an Amazon Alexa skills store presence for each station’s skill. Custom banner graphics are provided help promote skills and analytics are available to share with station advertisers. Pivot Radios newest skill feature provides an opportunity for stations to take client requests over Alexa.

TextMeMan is an affordable easy-to-use text messaging service that connects stations directly to listeners through texts for contests, giveaways, song requests, and local updates, including news, events, and advertising promotions. Listeners can receive both SMS or MMS messages, with options to opt in and out at any time. All technology is managed online from any location with no special software needed.

Dave “Chachi” Denes, President, Benztown, said: “What can I say about Jackie Parks other than she’s a Super Hero! She’s Wonder Woman, Captain Marvel and the Black Widow all rolled into one and Envisionwise’s incredible services can give stations super powers including revenue generation, time savings and listener engagement.”  

Jackie Parks, President/CEO, Envisionwise, commented: “Working with Dave "Chachi" Denes, Masa Patterson, Mike McVay and the entire staff at Benztown is an exciting opportunity for us. Benztown has an impeccable reputation with a valuable team and services. We've been in the radio space for over twenty years and have built an empire of digital products that will target the same audience. Joining forces with Benztown and sharing the same vision is a dream come true. We couldn't be more thrilled to work with Benztown and to see what the future holds.”

For more information, visit or https://benztown.com/program/envisionwise/ 

or contact Masa Patterson at mp@benztown.com or (818) 842-4600.

About Envisionwise

Envisionwise is a web design and development company established in 2001. Envisionwise specializes in custom websites and distinctive digital product solutions for the radio industry. Envisionwise creates user-friendly websites that are easy to navigate, empowering clients to edit their own content, using a very simple, yet sophisticated, admin panel interface. Envisionwise takes pride in offering excellent support for all digital products and services providing the best user experience. No long term contracts required. Turnaround times are quick. For more information, visit: https://envisionwise.com/.

About Benztown

Benztown is a leading international audio imaging, production library, voiceover, programming, podcasting, and jingle production company with over 2,900 affiliations on six different continents. Benztown provides audio brands and radio stations of all formats with end-to-end imaging and production, making high-quality sound and world-class audio branding a reality for radio stations of all market sizes and budgets. Benztown was named to the prestigious Inc. 5000 by Inc. magazine for five consecutive years as one of America’s Fastest Growing Privately Held Companies. With studios in Los Angeles, New York, and Stuttgart, Benztown offers the highest quality audio imaging work parts for 23 libraries across 14 music and spoken word formats including AC, Hot AC, CHR, Country, Hip Hop and R&B, Rhythmic, Classic Hits, Rock, News/Talk, Sports, and JACK. Benztown provides custom VO and imaging across all formats, including commercial VO and copywriting in partnership with Yamanair Creative. Benztown Radio Networks produces, markets and distributes high quality programming and services to radio stations around the world, including: The Rick Dees Weekly Top 40 Countdown, The Daily Dees Show, The Todd-N-Tyler Radio Empire, Hot Mix, Sunday Night Slow Jams with R Dub!, Flashback, Skee Sports Card Minute, Top 10 Now and Then, Tough Love With Siri, Ask Alexa, Smash Prep, Audio Architecture, and Benztown Swag Bank. Benztown + McVay Podcast Networks produces and markets premium podcasts including: THE MAKING OF: A NAT GEO PODCAST, Run It Again, and Consenting Adults. For more information, visit www.benztown.com or contact Masa Patterson at mp@benztown.com or (818) 842-4600.    

Contact: Lisa Dollinger, Dollinger Strategic Communication for Benztown, 512.633.4084 or lisa@dollcomm.com.

by Donata Stroink-Skillrud

Colorado just passed its first website-related privacy law, the Colorado Privacy Act. This is a comprehensive privacy law with some similarities to the Virginia Consumer Data Protection Act.

This privacy law will go into effect on July 1st, 2023. We will be closely tracking updates to this law and will notify you if your website policies need to be updated prior to the effective date. No further action is required from you at this time.  

Below, you can find more information about this new law as well as the rest of the US privacy bills that we are currently tracking.

What US privacy bills are we tracking?
As part of our service, we keep track of privacy bills that would affect the way Privacy Policies are written. Below is our most recent list of privacy bill proposals in the United States. You can check out the US privacy bill tracker here.

Sign up and keep your business protected.

Over a dozen states have proposed or already are implementing privacy laws to protect the Personally Identifiable Information (PII) of its citizens. Each of these laws has unique requirements as well as unique penalties for not complying. Some states are proposing businesses be fined over $5,000 per infringement (per website visitor). Some states are proposing private right of action (meaning citizens of that state can sue businesses anywhere in the US). Read our state privacy law tracker for more information.
 

These laws do not care where the business is located. The laws are only out to protect its citizens.
 

Websites that ask for a ‘name’ and ’email’ address on a contact form are collecting PII and need to not only have a compliant Privacy Policy, but also need a strategy to keep their policy up to date when these laws are added or changed.
 

In summary:

• Avoid massive fines and lawsuits
• Limit your liability
• Keep control of your website
• Protect your intellectual-property
• Ensure legitimacy to your website visitors

Want to get started? Contact us and we will reach out to you. 

Creating compelling content is just the beginning of a truly successful project. The Family Features expert team can take your campaign to the next level using Social Media Amplification and Content Amplification to drive additional impressions, engagements and clicks as part of an individualized digital strategy.

By researching your brand’s social pages and website, Family Features is able to replicate voice and tone to let your recipes, lifestyle or home & garden messaging shine on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter and via our cost-per-click campaigns. Once promotion begins, Family Features will manage and track the success of your campaigns to provide you with a detailed report on impressions, engagements, clicks, likes, comments, shares and more.

Learn More

Rising consumer expectations and changing industry regulations have set higher standards for user privacy and data protection. This has led many businesses to revisit how they are managing data in their Google Analytics accounts. To help, Analytics provides businesses with a variety of features to control how their data is used. Here is an updated overview of controls in Analytics that govern how data is collected, stored, and used–all of which can be adjusted at any time.

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