Instagram’s consolidation is one more example of the ascendant “super app” concept: Boomerang, Hyperlapse, and IGTV are all going away, as platforms realize they don’t want users toggling between experiences.
Capchase lands more capital and customers: The fintech can use its $80M in funding to capitalize on surging investor demand in the revenue-based financing space.
Google and Meta head toward another major showdown with Europe’s regulators: A new investigation alleges the two companies made a deal to block competition against Google’s ad system.
Jamaica adds cash incentives for CBDC usage: The government’s offer of JMD$2,500 ($16.35) to the first 100,000 people who set up digital wallets after April 1, 2022 could drive adoption—but won’t ensure retention.
Data from the FDIC, NCUA, and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) on outcomes of initiatives targeting the underserved would also have value for banks.
Stilt offers credit solutions to neobanks: The US fintech’s banking as a service (BaaS) arm could take off due to neobanks’ need to diversify revenue.
Off-price retailers have an opportunity to attract customers: US consumers’ confidence slipped in February, driving shoppers to focus on value.
Ties to Russian heritage are no longer an advantage: Stoli vodka is rebranding to educate consumers that it is actually Latvian.
Computers don’t need brake pedals, feds say: AVs are changing the vehicle regulation landscape, but driverless cars still lack the necessary training wheels.
Meta uses fitness data to tap into Apple’s ecosystem: Bringing the metaverse’s fitness stats into Apple Health via Oculus headsets helps Apple users close their activity rings and gives Meta synergy with a larger user ecosystem.
Amwell partnered with LG Electronics to codevelop smart hospital solutions. We unpack how this foreshadows Amwell’s move into the hospital-at-home space.
Despite a supply chain crunch, Apple maintained its dominance in wearables shipments during Q4’21. We detail how Samsung and Fitbit could close the market gap.
Telemedicine is not the way most US adults prefer to access care. For only two healthcare needs—flu or cold treatment, and prescription refills—live video visits held an edge over in-office visits in 2021, and this margin was slim. US adults were more inclined to travel to their providers for mental health services, annual checkups, and physical therapy.
Hear how Pinterest is doing and whether they're close to being acquired. For "In Other News," we discuss an interesting stat about Target and Amazon's new app that lets you DJ your own radio show. Tune in to the discussion with our analyst Andrew Lipsman.
Ecommerce platforms try to avoid liability for counterfeit products: A proposed bill would make companies like Amazon and eBay responsible for policing fake products on their platform.
Rihanna’s inclusive underwear company continues to transform the lingerie industry: The entrepreneur is reported exploring an IPO for Savage X Fenty, which could be worth at least $3 billion.
ISPs juice their plans for those who’ll pay: Multi-gigabit internet speeds help digitally transformed households keep pace with smart devices, but they also deepen connectivity inequities. We detail the problem below..
The Ukrainian diaspora talent represents an opportunity for Western brands: Companies are actively looking to hire displaced Ukrainians with high in-demand tech skills.
Twitter expands social commerce offerings to catch up with competitors: The social media platform won’t be a shopping destination anytime soon, but that won’t stop it from experimenting.