Tech and platform developments: Page 2

Home Depot's loyalty update gets mobile-first treatment

New gamified features urge repeat store visits and purchases as members track their advancement to the next reward level.

By Robert Williams • Oct. 01, 2020

Gannett sells SweetIQ to Uberall and outsources support for 'near me' advertising

As location data companies consolidate, Gannett and its digital marketing unit ReachLocal hired Uberall as a provider of location marketing services.

By Robert Williams • Sept. 30, 2020

Facebook names new CMO as it looks to meld trust-building with tech focus

Hiring from within will do little to quell concerns that Facebook is growing resistant to outside influence at a time when public opinion of its brand is low.

By Peter Adams • Sept. 30, 2020

Disney sells TrueX to Gimbal, which wants bigger role in advanced TV

TrueX plans to form a network with addressable ad inventory on premium connected TV outlets and pair it with Gimbal's location data.

By Robert Williams • Sept. 29, 2020

Pinterest expands ad inventory among shopping features

To help marketers prepare for the holidays, the social media platform unveiled features such as ad placements in more locations on its website and app.

By Robert Williams • Sept. 29, 2020

Apple halts 30% commission on paid Facebook events in win for small businesses

However, a Facebook spokesperson said Apple is not doing enough to support businesses that have had to shift operations online due to the pandemic.

By Robert Williams • Sept. 28, 2020

Wyndham upgrades app for midscale, economy hotel brands to seize on pandemic travel trends

The Super 8 owner's move suggests that mobile, typically a focus for upscale hotels, is growing essential for all hospitality brands amid the pandemic.

By Robert Williams • Sept. 28, 2020

TikTok avoids US ban on new downloads in last-minute ruling

A federal judge temporarily blocked the Trump administration's order on new downloads, a reprieve that could help TikTok sustain growth at a key moment. 

By Robert Williams • Sept. 28, 2020

Airship acquires ReplyBuy to support conversational commerce

With DTC commerce on the rise, the deal comes with technology used by entertainment venues and sports teams to sell tickets via mobile chats.

By Robert Williams • Sept. 25, 2020

Spotify, 'Fortnite' developer form group to demand App Store changes

App developers take their complaints about the business practices of app store operators like Apple to the next level with the formation of an advocacy group.

By Robert Williams • Sept. 25, 2020

Nike drives digital revenue with 150% jump in demand on mobile app

Mobile has become a vital part of the company's marketing strategy, providing a direct sales channel and a way to maintain one-to-one relationships with its most loyal customers.

By Robert Williams • Sept. 24, 2020

Wine brand trials new web-based AR tech designed for bottles and cans

With 8th Wall's "curved image targets" tech, CPG brands can transform their packaging into immersive experiences that entertain and inform customers.

By Robert Williams • Sept. 23, 2020

Gillette, Campbell's, Oakley join 'Madden NFL' roster as esports sponsors

Nearly twice as many sponsors have lined up for the gaming tournament, including several official NFL marketing partners, in a year when the football season looks different.

By Robert Williams • Sept. 23, 2020

Mucinex drives trial with omnichannel experience built around QR codes

Circumventing limitations on shipping some medications, Mucinex mailed a related sample to people's homes while using mobile to support its brand and retail partner.

By Shane Schick • Sept. 23, 2020

TikTok still faces uncertain future in US amid conflicting claims about deal

After being granted a one-week reprieve from a ban that was set to go into effect on Sunday, questions about the company's future ownership remain.

By Robert Williams • Sept. 22, 2020

Oracle, Walmart deal for TikTok tentatively approved, paving way for digital shakeup

The proposed U.S. TikTok company will leverage Walmart's e-commerce, fulfillment and payments services while igniting a showdown with major digital platforms.

By Robert Williams • Sept. 21, 2020

Deep Dive

How TikTok's uncertain future and COVID-19 are transforming influencer marketing

As the TikTok shakeup continues, competitors are wooing influencers and becoming more accessible with new video tools while content evolves to be more frank. 

By Natalie Koltun • Sept. 21, 2020

TikTok downloads banned as of Sunday, setting off new scramble in video app saga

The app won't shut down until Nov. 12 under a new order, and could avoid any service disruption if a deal for its U.S. operations is approved this weekend.

By Peter Adams • Sept. 18, 2020

Google's new search features let shoppers see curbside, in-store pickup offerings

The tech giant has made changes to accommodate changed shopping behavior as it saw spikes in searches for "safe shopping" and pickup services.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Sept. 18, 2020

TikTok reportedly talks to Instagram co-founder about CEO role amid app's uncertain future

The embattled social video app's executive shuffle also includes hiring former YouTube executive Cheryl Gresham as head of media partnerships.

By Robert Williams • Sept. 18, 2020

Mobile game engagement struggles in pandemic despite low install costs, study finds

Until consumers see a stronger recovery in their discretionary incomes, in-app spending could remain lower than in years past.

By Robert Williams • Sept. 18, 2020

Opinion

Realities of a cookieless and IDFA-free future

Walled gardens may have a tight grip on the market due to the first-party data they've accumulated, but challenges they face may reshape the next era of digital marketing, writes MobileFuse CEO Ken Harlan.

By Ken Harlan • Sept. 17, 2020

Torrid triples click-through rate with emails linked to personalized maps

Tailoring the retailer's emails to each recipient's location could drive foot traffic to stores imperiled by the pandemic.

By Robert Williams • Sept. 17, 2020

Kargo partners with AMP Project to expand mobile ad inventory

Bauer Media Group and Leaf Group are among the first media companies to offer Kargo's custom ad formats on their AMP pages.

By Robert Williams • Sept. 17, 2020

Facebook plans to sell AR-equipped smart glasses from Ray-Ban

Along with moves that could make AR more commonplace, the tech giant introduced a lower-cost model of its gaming-centric VR headset.

By Robert Williams • Sept. 17, 2020