Is exclusivity or access more important for streamers? HBO is testing the long-held theory by releasing the premiere of a hit show on YouTube for free.
This year, both the number of smartphone QR scanners and the number of augmented reality (AR) users will grow in the US, reaching 94.1 million and 97.1 million, respectively, according to our “Mobile Trends to Watch for 2023” report. Growth is expected to continue through 2025.
TikTok steps up its PR in the US capital: It’s hard for a Chinese company to make friends on the Hill, but it won’t be for lack of trying.
Nielsen’s digital era begins: The longtime measurement giant announced the launch date for part of its Nielsen ONE platform just as its competitors are heating up.
Network configuration error downs Microsoft’s services: A network update took out Microsoft’s services globally, once more exposing the vulnerability of relying on monolithic cloud services.
Retailers continue to invest in the metaverse, despite limited consumer interest: Startups Emperia and Digital Village each bagged millions in funding for their virtual store tech.
Ticketmaster’s dominance of ticket sales draws concern of US senators: Company grilled over Taylor Swift incident, its pricing, and fees.
Disney wants to see how big pickleball can get: The sport got a popularity boost over the last two years, prompting ESPN to make a low-risk bet on its streaming future.
PC slump slams peripheral and accessory market: The ripple effects of reduced consumer spending are creeping beyond PCs. Webcams, which were backordered during the pandemic, saw a 50% decline in sales in Q4.
TikTok bans in colleges go viral: The fallout from students and teachers could be indicative of wider pushback against banning the app.
Disney to bring Hulu ad targeting to its streaming properties: Move should bring efficiencies as Netflix looks to bulk up its ad tier.
Spotify’s layoffs put profit over growth: 6% of its global workforce is being let go as a result of macroeconomic challenges and slower increases in listeners.
Second “Avatar” hits a milestone, but theaters aren’t celebrating: Cinemas are shuttering, unable to compete effectively with streaming.
The workers building the metaverse don’t believe in its potential: Nearly half of game developers think the immersive space won’t pan out, and advertiser interest could slow.
The kids’ ad dollars are all right: While some sectors have seen slower ad growth, that’s not the case when it comes to childrens’ programming.
India regulators challenge Google business models: Accused of abusing its dominant position to push pre-installed software, Google failed to allow users to uninstall apps or choose preferred search engines.
YouTube TV looks to become more user friendly: Content library, live tabs are revamped to include personalized programming suggestions.
TikTok broadens effort to call out state-controlled media: US, China among countries added to labeling program in bid for greater transparency.
Microsoft is the latest to resort to layoffs: The company is reducing its headcount by 5% as it pivots to plug AI into its key products, subscriptions, and cloud services. But AI still has a lot of hurdles to jump.
Possible jail time for tech execs over content moderation: The UK’s Online Safety Bill raises the stakes for tech companies that don’t take child safety precautions. Expect long-term contention.