Mobile

Roblox could be the metaverse blockbuster: With 66 million active users, Roblox is set to launch on Meta's Quest VR headset. This could boost engagement in the metaverse, appealing to Meta's targeted young user demographic.

On today's episode, we discuss what to make of Meta's new Threads app, whether the internet is becoming more like TikTok, the argument against "click to cancel," ad-supported versus ad-free video streaming, how shipping works, and more. Tune in to the discussion with our forecasting writer Ethan Cramer-Flood and analysts Zach Goldner, and Evelyn Mitchell-Wolf.

100 million users in five days represents unprecedented adoption for Meta’s Twitter rival, but future growth could be stifled by privacy concerns and lack of feature parity.

The company is relocating to Europe—will its subscribers come along? Data sovereignty concerns could lead to a loss of customers.

Despite being invite-only, Bluesky surpasses 1 million downloads: Rather than ads, its initial monetization plans involve selling custom domains to privacy-conscious users.

Will Threads run into the same problems as Twitter? Even before Musk, Twitter was struggling. But Meta has advantages that make Threads more stable.

On today's episode, we discuss how time spent on smartphones is changing, what people do on different devices, and what digital time spent in your car might look like. "In Other News," we talk about the significance of Amazon's Sidewalk network and what to make of two new pieces of potential AI legislation. Tune in to the discussion with our analyst Yory Wurmser.

US adults will spend an average of 230.3 minutes per day on mobile in 2023, according to our forecast. While they will spend less time with connected TV (CTV), at 114.9 minutes per day, the gap between CTV and mobile is shrinking.

The “Digital India” vision and government backing are accelerating 5G adoption, which is targeted to hit 700 million subscriptions by 2028. The potential for growth is a beacon for investors.

Reported plans to launch Apple Pay and its credit card in the country could support growth plans—if it beats out stiff competition.

Marketing mobile health apps to doctors: We examine why pitching health apps to physicians is a smart marketing strategy.

US adults will spend 10.6% of their mobile time playing games this year, per our forecast. But we expect just 3.9% of US mobile ad spend will go to the category in 2023.

An overwhelming vote in favor of user-replaceable batteries in electronics aims to improve e-waste management. It could lead to major design changes and longer device lifespans.

Take a selfie, get a doctor’s appointment: A new AI-powered mobile app reads patients’ vital signs, schedules appointments, and suggests lab tests. Will consumers trust it?

Ripping and replacing more than half of its 4G and 5G infrastructure will cost billions of euros. It also runs the risk of alienating its biggest trade partner.

Vodafone and CK Hutchison plan to merge their UK carriers, creating the country’s largest wireless network. Consolidation could result in higher pricing and poor service.

Understanding context and ensuring privacy will be a challenge for AI as it helps Gmail users draft and refine emails.

On today's episode, we discuss password sharing and live sports on Netflix, what the definition of "convenience" is, if awards shows have turned things around, where we spend time with connected devices, sweetgreen's plan to automate all stores in five years, who invented the card game Uno, and more. Tune in to the discussion with our director of forecasting Oscar Orozco, vice president of Briefings Stephanie Taglianetti, and analyst Max Willens.

London-based iPhone challenger Nothing Phone is coming to the US: It’s up against a smartphone sales slump and Apple’s market-defying performance. Pricing for younger consumers is the key factor.

Apple’s record share surge hints at tech sector recovery, aided by bullish AI outlook and potential growth avenues. However, AI democratization may pose regulatory challenges.