Tech and platform developments: Page 2

Marketers sound off on voice's opportunities and challenges: 'When it goes wrong, it's painful'

The tech is about more than just search, and can build a deeper emotional connection with consumers — or just a headache, according to executives at Advertising Week. 

By Peter Adams • Oct. 05, 2018

How Nike curbs the challenges of Instagram's popular Stories feature

At Advertising Week, the brand's global head of business and media detailed how the shoemaker transforms the format's difficulties into strengths.

By Chris Kelly • Oct. 04, 2018

Starbucks login conversion rate nearly doubles with new Google Assistant feature

H&M Home, Fitbit and Food Network are among the first to add new video, picture and text features to the voice-powered platform as it adds more engagement tools for brands.

By Robert Williams • Oct. 04, 2018

Apple's high-priced iPhone XS and XS Max boost revenue 7%, study finds

Apple released its most expensive phones earlier than it did last year, lifting sales and market share.

By Robert Williams • Oct. 04, 2018

Google boosts AI customer service offerings with acquisition of startup Onward

Onward's services, which can be used with Salesforce, Shopify and Hubspot, include an AI-powered chatbot that provides tailored answers and product recommendations.

By Erica Sweeney • Oct. 03, 2018

Samsung Ads connects OTT, linear ad inventory for brands

The electronics giant can reach as many as 200 million devices with linear and OTT ad insertions while allowing marketers to adjust campaigns on the fly.

By Robert Williams • Oct. 03, 2018

Uber Eats harnesses AI for $6B in annual bookings

The tech helps the company comb through data on restaurant order volume, food preparation time, pickups and deliveries.

By Robert Williams • Oct. 03, 2018

Smart checkouts will process $45B in transactions by 2023, study says

But it could take until 2021 before at least 2,000 stores have smart checkout technology implemented, according to Juniper Research.

By Dan O'Shea • Oct. 02, 2018

Study: Commuters spend more time shopping, ordering food on phones

The results underscore how apps — especially for social media, video and music — have transformed the daily trek to work. 

By Robert Williams • Oct. 02, 2018

Chipotle tests customer loyalty program

The rewards program is powered by a personalized CRM platform that lets the chain use targeted communication to drive trial, menu exploration and brand affinity.

By Robert Williams • Oct. 02, 2018

Facebook veteran Adam Mosseri to lead Instagram

His appointment to head the image-sharing app comes after the sudden resignation of co-founders Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger last week.

By Robert Williams • Oct. 02, 2018

Nearly a quarter of households now have smart speakers

About four in 10 of those homes have two such devices, according to a recent Nielsen survey.

By Dan O'Shea • Oct. 01, 2018

YouTube makes video ads more actionable, driving 3.5% CTR for Vodafone

New lower-funnel call-to-action features make it easier for customers to find a movie showtime, download an app, book a trip or watch another brand video.

By Robert Williams • Oct. 01, 2018

Facebook adds personas to Messenger chatbots

In response to requests, the company also integrated Messenger chatbot support for WordPress.

By Robert Williams • Oct. 01, 2018

Goldman: Apple will charge Google $12B to be default search engine in 2019

The bank estimates that the tech giant makes more money from traffic fees than from its Apple Music and iCloud.

By Robert Williams • Oct. 01, 2018

Facebook's new in-stream video ad solutions target most engaged viewers

Facebook is also introducing ThruPlay, which gives advertisers the ability to optimize and pay only for ads watched to completion or for at least 15 seconds.

By Erica Sweeney • Sept. 28, 2018

Study: Social media ranks No. 1 for holiday ad spending

Facebook will be the most popular platform for ad buying by smaller businesses.

By Robert Williams • Sept. 28, 2018

Snapchat expands 3 e-commerce, ad targeting features to all marketers

After the initial test in June, eBay, Guess and Wish boosted engagement rates with their shoppable Collection Ads.

By Robert Williams • Sept. 28, 2018

Study: Consumers favor 'mobile-first' experience from businesses

More than half surveyed said they would choose to use one company over another based on interactions on their devices.

By Robert Williams • Sept. 27, 2018

Facebook opens Stories ads to all advertisers

KFC, iHeartRadio and Kettle Chips reported seeing brand lift from campaigns that used the format.

By Chris Kelly • Sept. 26, 2018

Subway boosts foot traffic 31% by targeting ads based on weather patterns

The sandwich chain used IBM's artificial intelligence technology to create dynamic ads for a sandwich promotion.

By Robert Williams • Sept. 26, 2018

Domino's mobile app rings in new virtual dinner bell

Customers can use the feature to notify friends and family that pizza has arrived.

By Robert Williams • Sept. 26, 2018

Amazon opens up more in-app sales for Alexa skills

Sony Pictures plans to debut a skill for its "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?" trivia game that lets players buy lifelines if they get stuck on a question.

By Robert Williams • Sept. 26, 2018

Opinion

How Facebook's brand can get its humanity back after losing Instagram's 'heart and soul'

Urban Airship's Mike Herrick discusses how Facebook should shift its focus to WhatsApp and make it the digital giant's first subscription-based platform.

By Mike Herrick