Generative AI takes spotlight at VidCon: As new tools debut, attendees express mixed opinions on AI's impact on content creation.

Amazon plans to launch a local delivery network: The retail giant aims to keep its costs in check by leaning on local merchants to bolster its delivery capabilities.

TikTok doggedly pursues ecommerce expansion: The platform inked several deals to help grow its merchant base, but it faces significant obstacles in its path to growth.

Key stat: In the US, 71% of Gen Z adults say they are likely to make a purchase directly via Instagram, according to Jungle Scout. Just 40% of adults overall say the same, with the caveat that older generations are less likely to buy from social networks in general.

Prologis to acquire $3.1 billion warehouse portfolio from Blackstone: The deal will allow the company to meet growing ecommerce demand and get closer to the end consumer.

Ads encourage engagement, but your post-click experience determines who will ultimately be your customers. Here is how your brand can pair creative ads with interactive landing pages to improve engagement and the likelihood of conversions.

Ford secures a $9.2B loan for US battery production and BYD enters the North American market. Meanwhile, newer EV-only firms scored the lowest in a vehicle quality survey.

Kering looks to build a new beauty division: The luxury conglomerate struck a deal to buy Creed, the second-largest brand by sales in the high-end fragrances segment.

Social media under scrutiny: Leaders like Meta, Twitter, and YouTube face criticism over handling political content and questions arise concerning the impact of layoffs on election integrity.

On today's episode, we discuss how this year's Amazon Prime Day will be different, how competitors can maximize the sales holiday's impact, and an uncanny link between Prime Day and the end-of-year holiday season. "In Other News," we talk about the significance of NBCUniversal and Walmart Connect bringing targeted ads to live sports and Amazon's AI initiatives. Tune in to the discussion with our vice president and analyst Andrew Lipsman.

YouTube gaming levels up: Video giant is diversifying with Playables, potentially opening new revenue avenues in a market showing signs of weakness.

Amazon’s $100M generative AI initiative to counter Google threat: Google’s customer reach, depth of integrations, and AI expertise are hard to match. The fierce competition might create a societal-level predicament.

Reported plans to launch Apple Pay and its credit card in the country could support growth plans—if it beats out stiff competition.

Twitter could face $475K daily fine, but Musk’s mind is on cage fights: A Vegas brawl won’t save Twitter from regulatory fines, lawsuits, eviction, or Meta’s Threads launch this summer.

On today’s episode, we discuss the environmental impact of blockchain technology and cryptocurrency mining. In our “Headlines” segment, we discuss the deal Bitdeer, a Bitcoin-mining company in Texas, had with the state when the power grid became distressed during the winter of 2021 and how crypto must overcome its reliance on old technologies that pollute the environment. In “Story by Numbers,” we discuss a 2022 report conducted by climate and economic researchers that estimates Bitcoin mining may be responsible for 65.4 megatons of carbon dioxide per year, comparable to the entire country of Greece. And in “What If,” we examine what would happen to crypto if governments around the world required carbon tax credits in order to operate and restrictions were put in place for the amount of energy crypto and blockchains consume. Join the conversation with host Rob Rubin and our analysts Jenna McNamee and David Morris.

The “Digital India” vision and government backing are accelerating 5G adoption, which is targeted to hit 700 million subscriptions by 2028. The potential for growth is a beacon for investors.

Regulators will consider feedback, and big banks have a lot. Community banks get relief from the updates.