Tech and platform developments: Page 2

TGI Fridays picks up Uber tab for guests in new pilot

The deal is part of the chain's partnership with Uber Vouchers, a program launched in April, and is designed to drive more foot traffic to stores. 

By Alicia Kelso • June 17, 2019

Samsung, 3M test Spotify's podcast audience targeting

As podcast listenership surges 250%, the streaming service touts its ability to reach specific audiences.

By Robert Williams • June 17, 2019

Pinterest expands social commerce partner program

To draw in brands and users, the platform selected companies to provide businesses with advertising, content marketing, measurement, creative and shopping services.

By Robert Williams • June 17, 2019

Facebook unveils plans, mobile wallet for new cryptocurrency

Calibra will let users send and receive funds from a standalone app or within WhatsApp and Messenger integrations.

By Peter Adams • UPDATED: June 18, 2019 at 10:14 a.m.

Brand-safety incidents on mobile apps jump 194%, study says

A global jump in brand-safety incidents and 120% increase in fraudulent apps for connected TV and mobile means stakes are high for mobile advertisers, DoubleVerify said.

By Robert Williams • June 14, 2019

Netflix plans 'Stranger Things' AR mobile game

Similar to "Pokémon Go," the location-based game is coming to iOS and Android devices next year.

By Robert Williams • June 14, 2019

Amazon Restaurants is dead, but the e-tailer is still hungry for food delivery

Now that the company has yielded its humble slice of the market to DoorDash, Uber Eats and Grubhub, analysts expect Amazon to buy its way back into the game.

By Julie Littman • June 14, 2019

Digital restaurant orders growing at a double-digit clip

Mobile apps represent 60% of digital orders, according to an NPD Group report.

By Alicia Kelso • June 13, 2019

'Fortnite' maker Epic Games acquires Houseparty app

User accounts will be separate, and user data won't be shared between the platforms.

By Robert Williams • June 13, 2019

Pandora debuts in-house audio consultancy as marketers tune up sound strategies

Ashley HomeStore is among the first clients working with Studio Resonate, which focuses on the development of sonic logos, creative, media and more.

By Robert Williams • June 13, 2019

Study: 89% of marketers boost sales with location data

However, only 24% of survey respondents said they used location tracking to measure offline conversions. 

By Robert Williams • June 13, 2019

Publix to launch mobile payment feature

While the retailer hasn't confirmed a timeline for rollout, customers can pay for groceries through the app, which could speed up the checkout process.

By Krishna Thakker • June 13, 2019

What marketers need to know from Mary Meeker's 2019 Internet Trends report

The closely watched annual presentation shows how growth is slowing or getting harder — and more costly — to attain in key digital areas, and why "Fortnite" could signal a new era of social networks.

By Peter Adams • June 12, 2019

'Toy Story 4' gets mobile trivia game from National CineMedia

The web app challenges players to test their knowledge about their favorite Pixar films.

By Robert Williams • June 12, 2019

App Annie: Gaming makes up 74% of app store spending

Mobile gaming is 20% bigger than all other forms of video games combined, creating a broader audience for advertisers to reach through in-game ads.

By Robert Williams • June 12, 2019

New Facebook app will pay adults to monitor their mobile usage

The latest attempt to gather data about people's smartphone habits follows a similar effort around teens that triggered a protest firestorm.

By Robert Williams • June 12, 2019

Poshmark expands social commerce platform into home goods

This marks the online and mobile site's first venture into products outside of fashion and beauty.

By Caroline Jansen • June 11, 2019

Mobile internet usage rises to 800 hours a year, study shows

Despite the growth of mobile, TV will remain the dominant way to consume media among global viewers, Zenith forecasts.

By Robert Williams • June 11, 2019

Mountain Hardwear launches AR app to bring outdoor gear to life

The decision to roll out the technology mirrors that of furniture retailers by letting shoppers see products in their surroundings before buying.

By Lisa Rowan • June 10, 2019

Uber CMO Messina steps down amid restructuring

CEO Dara Khosrowshahi chose to combine the ride-hailing giant's marketing, communications and policy teams.

By Robert Williams • June 10, 2019

Zynga debuts 'Tiny Royale' on Snapchat's new gaming platform

Snap plans to monetize its gaming content with non-skippable six-second commercials, but no in-app purchases.

By Robert Williams • June 10, 2019

Report: Snapchat debuts in-app stores for some influencers

Meanwhile, Levi's is using the social app to sell Pride-themed pins and patches that users can access by scanning Snapcodes.

By Robert Williams • June 07, 2019

Amazon's new 'StyleSnap' app tool could be a game changer — if it works

After launch, users will be able upload a photo of a desired look and get similar product recommendations from Amazon's assortment.

By Daphne Howland • June 06, 2019

Digiday: Katzenberg's Quibi will be 'mobile-only'

The video-streaming startup reportedly dropped plans for connected TV apps.

By Robert Williams • June 06, 2019

HBO debuts branded Pandora quiz for 'Big Little Lies'

A quiz matches streaming music listeners with characters from the show to create a custom playlist.

By Robert Williams • June 06, 2019