Two years in, Meta’s latest ecommerce effort fails to resonate: Retailers are frustrated by the lack of basic elements, such as the ability to display products in multiple colors.

The number of smart buildings worldwide is projected to climb from 45 million this year to 115 million in 2026, an increase of more than 150%, as demand grows for secure, energy-efficient developments.

High-speed, low voltage charging could be an EV game-changer: VW and BP’s chargers can be installed where higher voltage is not available, making them a viable retrofit option for petrol station

Despite market uncertainty, rapid delivery is becoming a fact of life: Tesco, Albertsons, and Publix are some of the retailers inking deals with delivery platforms to offer quick fulfillment, while quick commerce startup Zepto is raking in cash from investors.

Virtual product placements are about to become big business: Both Amazon and NBCUniversal touted new ad units during the NewFronts.

Economy-building batteries: US EV battery production plans are in full gear to help reduce foreign dependence on clean energy while boosting the economy. However, securing sufficient minerals remains a barrier.

Top mental health apps fall short on privacy: New research shows that mental health apps like BetterHelp and Talkspace put consumers’ privacy at risk. We detail how ultra-transparent data practices will be key to retaining long-term users.

Spotify’s Roblox collab will help make inroads with young users: The music streaming service moved into the metaverse to reach Gen Z and Gen Alpha users.

Roku is taking streamers on in the race for original content: The digital video firm announced new advertising tools and content that immediately gained traction.

Meta’s podcast platform fails to keep up with audio M&A: The company’s podcast business became an afterthought as it focused on Reels and the metaverse.

Amazon workers in Staten Island vote against unionizing: The labor movement isn’t over yet, but the defeat could stall momentum in Big Tech as companies redouble efforts to bust unions.

More trouble in Google’s Brain: The tech giant fired a researcher after he questioned an AI paper. It’s the latest controversial firing that’s helping erode confidence in Big Tech.

On today's episode, we discuss what to make of Google's Q1 and what is behind YouTube's slowing growth. "In Other News," expect to learn about the future of the video streaming bundle and what kind of an impact the newly formed Warner Bros. Discovery can have on the media world. Tune in to the discussion with our analyst Paul Verna.

EU probing Apple Pay: Restricting access to key NFC technologies on iPhones prevents EU banks from providing payment solutions, limiting competition. Mounting scrutiny could alter the duopoly’s payments dominance.

As its market share shrinks, Walmart introduces a rewards program: The retailer is partnering with Ibotta to offer customers cash rebates across its app and website.

Amazon and Flipkart sellers in India face allegations of anti-competitive behaviors: The Indian government is investigating claims that some sellers on the platforms have been given preferential treatment.