More than 40% of AI and machine learning (ML) decision-makers worldwide highlighted improvements to their product or service quality as their primary driver for developing AI and ML applications, per a survey by S&P Global Market Intelligence. The same group of decision-makers also agree that cost savings in both IT and operational efficiencies (39%) and increasing innovation (39%) are primary drivers.

The offerings integrate Experian’s tool that uses bill payments to build a credit file

The company hopes giving limited access to exclusive perks and deals will convert new users

It’s not easy being green: While consumers say they want sustainability, demand is often weak if more environmentally friendly products come at a cost.

Microsoft is picking up ad spend by improving search, social, and video features, as well as improving ad targeting and measurement. The company is also inserting itself into the rapidly growing retail media market. In the last few weeks, Microsoft has announced a slew of updates that will help it expand its business.

As brands seek to diversify the number of places they sell their goods, retailers should consider building out a marketplace model that can help brands reach more customers while also cutting down on retailer costs and creating new revenue streams. You don’t need to be Amazon to launch a third-party marketplace—Macy’s, Michaels, and H&M have all gotten marketplaces off the ground in the last year or so.

Martech spending will be more conservative compared with previous years. Though economic forecasts are improving, B2B firms are still laying off staff and tightening their belts. Firms are reevaluating and consolidating their tech setups to maximize ROI. Many are “disinvesting” from technologies that fail to provide the desired outcomes.

Anthropic attracts billions from Amazon and Google for AI. Potential conflict arises with attached conditions. AI investment boom may lead to Big Tech power play.

Kroger courts Hispanic consumers with new private label, store concept: The grocer hopes its emphasis on authenticity and meeting local needs will win it goodwill from the fast-growing demographic.

As streaming prices ascend, focus shifts to ad-supported tiers: All eyes on maximizing ARPU versus user growth.

Advertisers say it’s time for a federal data privacy law: The Association of National Advertisers announced plans to push for federal rules, citing patchwork state-level laws.

A Warner Bros. and DirecTV spat could hasten the shift from linear TV: The satellite service warned that CNN’s streaming offerings could violate their contract.

Amazon’s Project Nessie in the limelight: An alleged price manipulation algorithm adds to the FTC’s antitrust battle. It could also have implications for how companies use AI.

Meta lays off staff from metaverse division: The cuts point to the social media giant’s faltering chip development goals. More cuts mean more morale problems.

Restaurants look for ways to incentivize dining out: As customers cut spending, DoorDash and Blackbird Labs are offering credit and other perks to encourage more frequent visits.

On today's podcast episode, in our "Retail Me This, Retail Me That" segment, we discuss what makes people need to go into a store, what makes them want to go into a store, and the leading in-store pain points. Then for "Pop-Up Rankings," we rank the top four must-visit store experiences. Join our analyst Sara Lebow as she hosts analysts Sky Canaves and Zak Stambor.

Google's Pixel 8 and Watch intertwine AI prowess and cloud computing to entice adoption. Rising market share goes hand in hand with a price increase.

On today's podcast episode, we discuss the significance of the Amazon-Anthropic deal and what's possible now that ChatGPT can talk to you and see things. "In Other News," we talk about whether Bard AI integrations can help Google catch up to the competition and why one company is producing 10,000 humanoid robots. Tune in to the discussion with our analysts Jacob Bourne and Gadjo Sevilla.

On today’s podcast episode, we discuss how banks are adjusting their ad spending in a world with high rates, economic turmoil, and a shift to digital advertising. • In our “Headlines” segment, we dig deep on a recently published Insider Intelligence report covering our forecasts for ad spending by US banks and credit unions. • In “Story by Numbers,” we discuss how fewer mortgages are affecting banks' net interest income and what that means for their marketing budgets. We also examine Ally Bank’s increased ad spending. • In “For Argument’s Sake,” we talk about how large banks are doubling down on digital ad spending while smaller institutions are cutting their spending, which could lead to the eventual demise of smaller traditional banks. Tune in to the discussion with host Rob Rubin and our director of forecasting Oscar Orozco.