Despite the platforms’ efforts to distance themselves from news and political content, social media remains a major source of information about politics and current events. It’s also a focal point for discussions on hot-button topics like the election, and an important political marketing channel.
OpenAI slams NYT while Google invests in AI news: Tech companies need news outlets, but questions over fair compensation and journalistic integrity loom large.
But Google isn’t the only company with a misbehaving AI: Microsoft and OpenAI chatbots have been generating problematic output too, but the burden is on Google to show its winning tech.
Although regulators believe big banks will stay safe, they expect some other lenders will shut down.
Wendy’s defends its dynamic pricing plan against criticism: The QSR says it won’t raise prices when demand is higher. But the damage may already be done.
On today's podcast episode, we discuss the unofficial list of the most interesting retailers for the month of February. Each month, our analysts Arielle Feger, Becky Schilling, and Sara Lebow (aka The Committee) put together a very unofficial list of the top eight retailers they're watching based on which are making the most interesting moves: Who's launching new initiatives? Which partnerships are moving the needle? Which standout marketing campaigns are being created? In this month's episode, Committee members Arielle Feger and Sara Lebow will defend their list against analysts Sky Canaves and Blake Droesch, who will dispute the power rankings by attempting to move retailers up, down, on, or off the list.
More retailers are turning to self-checkout: While the technology reduces labor costs, it also creates a host of other problems.
A Google versus OpenAI search engine showdown is taking shape: A race to develop AI search engines raises questions about whether the tech can shake up the market.
EU politicians join TikTok for campaigning, despite past security concerns: Attracting younger votes supersedes debates over user safety.
Gen Z embraces Do Not Disturb mode to combat notification anxiety: The trend indicates a societal shift towards mental health and digital well-being.
2024 is shaping up to be the year of the AI-powered shopping assistant. Just two months in, retailers from Walmart and Amazon to Ikea and Chevron have released a flurry of AI-based updates, hoping to make the shopping experience easier and more relevant.
Lowe’s expects comparable sales to fall 2% to 3% this year: The high interest rate environment is tough for the retailer as fewer people are moving or embarking on home projects.
Macy’s unveils new turnaround plan as sales continue to slide: The company will close 150 stores while expanding its luxury and beauty presence.
Ikea operator Ingka Group bets big on malls: The company is scooping up properties around the world and adding on experiential elements (and an Ikea store) to drive traffic.
Google brings a transparency overhaul to search advertising: Move responds to uproar after report that ads were placed on problematic sites.
Another encouraging sign of ad industry health: US ad spending rose 4.3% last month, marking 10 consecutive months of growth and the best January on record.
The gaming giant is cutting 900 jobs from its PlayStation division, reducing headcount in various studios as it reassesses the industry’s changing landscape.
Jolla targets Android users with its personal AI cloud server: It’s designing a small device that will protect AI users’ digital privacy. Convenience, reliability, and price are key adoption factors.
Americans are coming around to weight loss drugs: Pharma has done a good job abating stigmas around the drugs with ads. Now, more companies want a piece of the GLP-1 pie.