Linked List: May 9, 2017

Tuesday, 9 May 2017

iTunes Affiliate Commission Cut Is Only for In-App Purchases ★

Apple:

We’d like to clarify some changes being made to the Affiliate Program. Commissions for all iOS in-app purchases will be reduced from 7% to 2.5% globally, and all other content types (including music, movies, books, paid iOS apps and TV) will remain at the current 7%.

This is more than a “clarification”. The original announcement made it clear that paid apps were being cut too:

Starting on May 1st 2017, commissions for all app and in-app content will be reduced from 7% to 2.5% globally. All other content types (music, movies, books, and TV) will remain at the current 7% commission rate in all markets.

This policy change is good news though.

Amazon Unveils Touchscreen Echo Show ★

Intriguing functionally — there are some things that are better seen than heard (and vice versa). But it’s a rather ungainly piece of hardware, particularly the “white” model, which looks black from the front. The audio-only Echo can be placed discreetly in a kitchen, living room, or bedroom. The Echo Show is a conspicuous device — by design, surely, given that it has a display. But at best I’d describe it as inelegant, and I’d actually say it’s ~~homely~~ ugly.

Update: In British English, homely means “simple but cozy and comfortable, as in one’s own home”; in North American English, it means “unattractive in appearance”. Sorry for any confusion.