Mobile

Google encroaches on Apple in wearable-based clinical research: A study in partnership with the University of Oregon hopes to learn how smartphone use impacts wellbeing. We detail how it helps Google make inroads into health studies.

Snap’s investor warning is a worrying sign for social media: The ad-relient industry is feeling the effects of piling changes and weakening economic conditions.

The first American video game union is here: A subsidiary of Activision Blizzard voted to unionize following years of debate about labor in the industry.

US smartphone gamers will spend $18.83 billion on virtual goods this year, a massive sum compared with the $0.78 billion they’ll spend on subscriptions. These intangible assets make up a growing industry in the gaming world, especially as more companies—from Nike to Spotify to Chipotle—enter the metaverse via games like Roblox.

Meta touts commercial possibilities of messaging: New WhatsApp API and business messaging features offer ways to diversify revenue as ad segment comes under pressure.

Chip companies could pivot to cloud and services: Expecting a slowdown in chip sales, companies like Broadcom are leaning on software and cloud computing acquisitions with companies like VMware to diversify their business.

Runway gains first mover advantage with direct-to-consumer travel telehealth: It’s replacing expensive and antiquated travel clinics with online $30 pre-trip consultations and medications, disrupting a $12 billion market.

Canada ramps up 5G security: Huawei and ZTE solutions are banned. Critics say the move comes a little too late as telecoms bear the burden of replacing without disruption by June 2024.

Gaming smartphones could be the next key mobile segment: Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon processors might establish a new breed of gaming-centric devices.

On today's episode, we discuss how much TikTok is making from advertising revenues, the most interesting thing to note about its users, and some of the most interesting ways advertisers are engaging on TikTok. "In Other News," we talk about what the best social commerce experience is and the big takeaway from Instagram letting users share nonfungible tokens (NFTs). Tune in to the discussion with our analysts Jasmine Enberg and Zach Goldner.

Musk says he’d consider turning Twitter into a super app with a strong payments focus and pointed to WeChat as a “good model.”

On today's episode, we discuss how a Netflix tier with ads could affect the company, its users, and advertisers, what price point it may come in at, how many users will switch over, and what advertisers should make of this potential inventory. "In Other News," we talk about how much overlay ads move the needle and Peacock's new In-Scene Ads. Tune in to the discussion with our analysts Paul Verna and Ross Benes.

Lockdowns and crackdowns crimp growth in China: Tencent’s ad revenues decreased dramatically due to Shanghai shutdown as well as dissolution of the after-school tutoring industry.

Apple, Netflix woo $490 billion market: Both companies announce new features in honor of Global Accessibility Awareness Day (May 19).

Southeast Asia emerges as a mobile-first consumer economy: Online food delivery, grocery sales, and digital payments to benefit as internet accessibility expands in the region.

The average number of smartphone apps used in the US will decrease over the next few years, following a pandemic-driven bump in 2020 that did not change the overall trend. This year, users will access an average of 20.4 apps each month, a figure that will drop to 19.7 in 2026.

Chipmakers faced with huge stockpiles: The war in Ukraine and China shutdowns are taking their toll on the PC and smartphone market. Manufacturers might have to pivot to produce chips for other uses.

Consumers want to search visually: A rising number of consumers are using Google to search using its Lens feature.