US-EU trade spat has consequences for tech: The EU might retaliate or file a complaint over the US’ green subsidy law. The governments’ failure to agree could exacerbate geopolitical tensions.
After a shaky 2022, CTV advertising is ramping up: A study shows consumers are more likely to engage with unique CTV ad formats that offer advertisers personalization.
Penske hopes its event-focused model can keep Vox alive: The media giant recently invested $100 million into Vox, which has seen repeated layoffs.
ES: EU, UK, and US antitrust approaches are aligning: Microsoft’s $70 billion acquisition of Activision could face tougher pushback now that various regulators are on the same page.
Despite a tightening ad market, the Super Bowl powers on: Fox has sold out spots for Sunday’s game, with prices stabilizing after last year’s jump.
Pressure to drop TikTok from app stores intensifies: Following the removal of TikTok from various government and educational institutions, US senators are urging app stores to drop the controversial app.
Meta’s vow of efficiency marks renewed optimism: Meta shares rally after analysts upgrade stock due to Meta’s new, leaner direction. Meanwhile, the company continues to spend billions on an unrealized metaverse pivot.
Spanish Twitch streams are seeing explosive growth: Usage is high, and the underdeveloped ad market supporting the platform has room to mature.
Netflix is making progress on serving ads and clamping down on account sharing: On both fronts, the streamer needs to tread carefully to ensure customer experience remains paramount.
Apple’s 10-year bet on the MLS has begun: The company is asking advertisers to help build a following for sport with no viewership promises.
Spotify’s $20 billion podcasting dream is a long way off: Despite a strong quarter for revenue and user growth, investments will take longer than expected to pay dividends.
RIP Showtime—as a standalone brand, that is: Paramount+ and the premium cable TV network are merging, the first of many expected streaming mergers.
Warner Bros. Discovery’s balance sheet is forcing it to play the licensing game: It’s a win for Roku and Tubi. For HBO Max subscribers, not so much.
US, allies put pressure on China’s chipmaking efforts: Key producers of equipment critical for advanced chip design won’t be exported to China, which could lead to reprisal or wider geopolitical retaliation.
UK streaming subscribers picked up at end of 2022: Prime Video was a main beneficiary, but data suggests economy still pressuring consumers.
Meta pulls plug on contracts with gamers: Austerity measure could lead Facebook Gaming streamers to defect.
Doctors use entertainment as education: Video games keep physicians’ skills sharp long past medical school.
Google bows to regulatory pressure: The European Commission demanded Google’s services provide more transparency for consumers. The move is a win for regulators pushing back on Big Tech.
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.