Advertising & Marketing

The iPhone 16 could be ‘the ultimate virtual assistant’: The latest buzz on Apple is that it plans to integrate a generative AI model into Siri, competing on the voice assistant and on-device AI fronts.

Humane’s Ai Pin will be ready to order this week: The generative AI-focused wearable is creating a buzz, but its value proposition for average consumers is uncertain.

Holiday ads embrace shoppable media: From AI ads to QR codes, major brands like Walmart and Home Depot pair with streamers for a seamless purchase experience.

Its Gauss AI is coming to upcoming Galaxy smartphones—a first for the industry. It could be the beginning of wider AI integration.

Amazon’s Olympus AI could transform ecommerce, Alexa, and the cloud: Amazon is working on improving its generative AI standing. Its online presence and Anthropic partnership could help it stand out.

ChatGPT suffers ‘major outage’ affecting millions globally: A 90-minute outage Wednesday morning raises questions about the reliability of generative AI platforms amid growing enterprise demand.

Gaming giants surpass expectations with robust earnings and increased user engagement by releasing new games and expanding into other forms of entertainment.

On today's podcast episode, we discuss how much audiobooks can move the needle for Spotify, how engaging its app is versus Netflix and TikTok, and how much of its podcast success is tied to Joe Rogan. "In Other News," we talk about how badly AI can hurt your company's customer service and why Google has called for a ban on personalized ads for minors. Tune in to the discussion with our analyst Daniel Konstantinovic.

Data on troops sold cheaply to marketers: Potential for illicit use of personal vulnerabilities by advertisers

A look at Big Tech’s defense of AI copyright issues: A call for comments on rules reveals the leading AI firms’ strategies to deal with mounting legal challenges.

Record employment for the US ad industry: A labor report shows the industry reached all-time highs, but fears about AI taking jobs loom large.

Walmart will offer sensory-friendly hours at all its stores: The retail giant’s decision to make its stores more inclusive offers a simple template that other merchants can follow.

Google AI-training controversy triggers unionization: More contractors joined the Alphabet Workers Union ranks this week. AI-ethics issues could spur more organizing activity in the US and abroad.

Luminance’s AI proves that it's a bot’s world: Two generative AI models negotiated a contract without human help. It indicates a shift toward automation that could eclipse human contributions.

Retailers invest in shoppable TV ads after seeing early results: Walmart, Amazon, and Home Depot are banking on the format’s interactivity and ability to grab viewers’ attention to drive holiday sales.

On today's podcast episode, we discuss how Snapchat+ is getting on, how much of a focus AR will be for the company going forward, and why user growth is doing just fine ... but revenue growth is not. "In Other News," we talk about the differences between the terms "influencer" and "creator" and what to make of LinkedIn's significant 1-billionth-member milestone. Tune in to the discussion with our analyst Jasmine Enberg.

Over half (55%) of US adults think that businesses should take a public stance on climate change, per May 2023 data from Bentley University and Gallup. Nearly as many (52%) think companies should take a stand on mental health.

YouTube’s anti-ad blocking campaign sparks a user outcry: The company is raising ad-free pricing in multiple markets shortly after banning ad blockers.

Bed Bath & Beyond looks to shed its past: The company, previously known as Overstock, changed its name to Beyond Inc. and parted ways with longtime executive Jonathan Johnson.

Musk’s X.ai startup launches ‘sarcastic’ bot Grok: It’s in the testing phase and will be available to Premium users. Expect controversy, content moderation issues, and questions about value.