Update adds visual intelligence features, app integrations, and automatic opt-in for Apple Intelligence features—which could boost adoption, or annoy users.

In December 2024, Google.com dominated generated AI (genAI) search with 16.5 billion visitors, while runner-up ChatGPT had just 517 million, according to Similarweb.

Meta brings ads to Threads: The move marks a strategic push to monetize the app and offer an alternative to TikTok and X.

The expanded partnership boosts merchant acceptance for both Fastlane and Pay with Venmo

Affordable AI is a game-changer for marketers, but DeepSeek’s data privacy practices may scare off companies wary of Chinese server storage and security gaps.

Retailers get burned on DEI: Companies risk backlash whether they stand firm or capitulate to anti-DEI pressure.

Grocery is the second-largest ecommerce category we track, garnering $220.48 billion in 2025, according to our “US Digital Grocery Forecast 2025” report. Walmart is the top digital grocery retailer, capturing 31.6% of US grocery ecommerce sales in 2025, followed by Amazon (22.6%) and Kroger (8.6%).

Starbucks’ turnaround takes shape: While US comp sales fell for the fourth-straight quarter, CEO Brian Niccol is confident that investments in the store and worker experience will bear fruit.

​​Hims blames drugmakers for high GLP-1 prices in Super Bowl TV spot: It’s a bold—and expensive—move for Hims, especially considering the uncertain future of compounded weight loss drugs and doctors’ growing apprehension of how these treatments are marketed and sold.

Consumers’ vaccine skepticism persists: Their growing distrust coupled with the spectre of RFK Jr. leading the HHS could portend bad news for Big Pharma

Neko Health secures $260M in Series B funding: The medical scanning startup is now valued at $1.8 billion, which feels overblown when you take consumers’ appetite for the service and ability to afford it into account.

Spotify and UMG expand their partnership: Companies offer new subscription tiers, premium content bundles, and artist-first royalty reforms.

DeepSeek’s affordable AI is a game-changer for marketers, but DeepSeek’s data privacy practices may scare off companies wary of Chinese server storage and security gaps

LVMH beat analysts’ middling expectations in Q4: But the company’s 1% growth suggests the luxury sector may take some time to bounce back.