The “Wendyverse” shows why brands are interested in virtual spaces: The metaverse offers unlimited space to build unique experiences.
Nearly 2 in 5 augmented reality (AR) users in the US will shop with the technology this year, for a total of 35.0 million retail AR users. That base is up 18.8% from last year and will continue to grow at double-digit rates through 2024 as shoppers make use of virtual try-on and product visualization features.
In-game advertising is ascendant: On the heels of announcing an NBCUniversal partnership, Anzu has raised another $20 million to improve its platform.
The number of digital video viewers in the UK continues to grow. This year, almost three-quarters (74.9%) of the population, totaling 50.6 million, will watch digital video.
Subscriptions are becoming increasingly important to the video game industry: That’s the lesson from Sony’s launch of its new service, which is set to take on Microsoft’s Game Pass.
Nielsen set to go private in $16 billion deal: Equity owners will be tasked to navigate TV measurement leader through fierce competition.
Spotify’s ad sales are going to make up more of its revenue as time passes: The company is making key strategic hires in Europe to bring that vision to life.
Intel earns Nvidia’s vote as potential foundry partner: Future Intel chip fabs could boost capacity for GPUs and other chips, taking away TSMC and Samsung’s dominance and bringing production closer to home.
NFTs come to the fore in China: However, the country’s regulatory scrutiny could add complexities to engaging with them.
YouTube is the leading podcast platform among US adults who listen to 5 hours or more of these shows per week, with 55% tuning in there. Streaming audio platforms Spotify and Apple Podcasts take second and third place, respectively, while Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, and Facebook round out the top five.
The definition of cinema changed this weekend: With a Best Picture win for “CODA,” Apple showed that a streamer can deliver high-quality movie-going experiences—without going to the movies.
Snap’s AR acqui-hire spree continues: Buying companies is easy—getting disparate technologies into a suite of products is hard. Snap can still be first to market with hands-free AR Spectacles.
TV audiences are fragmented, and the Oscars won’t change that: Though the 2022 ad inventory is sold out, a modest bounceback from last year’s disappointing show is probably the best ABC can hope for.
Spotify’s Greenroom rebrand consolidates its live audio products: Greenroom’s confusing branding and separate download hampered its success.
YouTube’s free TV shows will boost its watch time and appease nervous advertisers: Ad-supported TV is an obvious move, but the platform lacks access to today’s biggest hits.
Yuga Labs is betting big on NFTs despite skeptics: Bored Ape Yacht Club parent company raises $450 million and plans to create NFT metaverse.
Disney is hit hard by “Don’t Say Gay” because of its previously stated commitment to inclusion: Employees walk out amid a #DisneyDoBetter campaign.
Sony continues its streak of gaming acquisitions: The publisher’s latest deal is smaller than recent ones that have attracted regulator attention.
The creator economy is podcasting’s next battleground: Apple Podcasts is rolling out features that rival existing ones offered by Spotify.