On today's podcast episode, we discuss what Fortnite developer Epic Games' win over Google means, whether McDonald's new restaurant brand will be a success, why women's sports worldwide are exploding right now, if video streaming bundles are inevitable, how AI rules can keep pace with AI development, who's planning to live underwater in a few years, and more. Tune in to the discussion with our analysts Ross Benes, Bill Fisher, and Carina Perkins.
A new era of transparency for Netflix: A report motivated by Hollywood strikes chronicles detailed viewership data for the streamer’s most popular shows.
Microsoft’s in-game ad effort shows signs of life: The company’s gaming CFO said cloud streaming is an opportunity to deliver ads.
EU expansion and new interoperability with Mastodon, Tumblr, and Flipboard can position Threads for continued growth. Meanwhile, X faces an exodus of advertisers and declining revenue.
Games industry marketing event E3 shuts down: Several contenders are vying to replace the decades-long staple.
The FCC denied Starlink’s $866 million subsidy due to doubts about its technology’s capability. Broadband access for hundreds of thousands of underserved users will be delayed.
Led by Apple’s urgency to reduce reliance on China, manufacturers are pouring billions into factories in India that could expand beyond consumer electronics.
OpenAI only reported $44K in revenue last year: Despite huge revenue projections overall, its nonprofit arm reported minimal earnings, raising questions about its dual structure.
Lego and Fortnite are a match made in heaven: The two brands are melting pots of pop culture iconography, and a partnership is taking them to new heights.
Launch of Paramount+ with Showtime marks a new streaming era: The rebrand signifies the industry's move toward content diversity and market expansion strategies.
After three years, Epic Games wins its case against Google’s Play Store monopoly. App stores might need to alter practices to accept alternative payment options on online marketplaces.
Three generative AI startups get fresh funding: Mistral AI, Aleph Alpha, and Essential AI draw significant VC investments and signal a shift toward a more diverse sector.
Microsoft and AFL-CIO launch workforce alliance: It could promote worker-focused tech development and pro-worker policies amid concerns over mass tech job losses.
In part one of this two-part podcast episode, we discuss some predictions for 2024 that are too specific to be 100% certain about but could still come true, including: which subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) platform Apple will likely buy, where metaverse playgrounds will spring up, and what the ruling between Google and the US Department of Justice will be. Tune in to the discussion with our vice presidents of content Suzy Davidkhanian and Paul Verna and analyst Max Willens.
The unstoppable retail media: Spending in this channel is going up as advertisers keen on first-party data shift more marketing funds to retailers
Regulators examine its $13 billion deal with Microsoft and potential control issues. Focus on billion-dollar AI deals will likely intensify.
EU finalizes world’s first comprehensive AI regulations: Rules for AI companies pave the way for future regulatory frameworks around the world but are met with mixed reception.
Disney hasn’t bought Hulu yet, but a deal is close: Disney+ how has an in-app Hulu hub, but the company may have to pay more than it would like.
CTV competition is good news for advertisers: The rising number of ad-supported streaming options is causing CPMs to decrease significantly.
Spending on TV ads overall will resume growing in 2024. After a dip in 2023 caused by traditional TV’s long decline and a relatively weak period for CTV, combined spending on TV and CTV will grow every year through 2027 and close in on $100 billion. Except for 2020 and 2023, this combined market will have grown every year since we started tracking CTV in 2018.