OMD FWD w/c Jan 16th
Now that CES is behind us for another year, we look beyond the Vegas Strip at tech news and developments from around the globe. First up, China’s leading messaging app ‘WeChat’ has released ‘mini programs’, embedded apps which require no download or install. By removing this step in the consumer experience, could this be the “app store” as we know it? We’ll just have to wait and see.
In the meantime, Facebook and Instagram’s Stories are increasing their ad usage. Whilst we’re seeing more and more ads, recent research has found the majority of Instagram users find their presence to be a seamless integration into the experience. Instagram demonstrates that branded content can work if done with thought and purpose. And finally, with a turbulent year behind us, check out this visual roundup of 2016 to change your perception. Go on…you might be surprised.
HEADLINES
- WeChat announces “mini programs”, embedded apps which require no download or install. Like ‘chatbots’, this is another tactic for keeping people in-App.
- More, more, more! More ads are to appear on Instagram, including on Instagram Stories, and it is said that Facebook is going to start showing mid-roll ads in video.
- The pressure is on Nintendo after pricing and timing are unveiled for its new console, the Switch.
INSIGHTS
- Amazon’s blockbuster Christmas is further exemplified by another study suggesting that it is overtaking Google as the first place customers go to search for products.
- Flurry reports that time spent in Apps increased by 69% last year – with Messaging and Social growing by a staggering 394%.
- It’s taken Instagram Stories just four months to get to the same number of daily active users – 150 million – that Snapchat reached after four years.
COOL
- BMW have developed an AR ‘Product Visualiser’ – interestingly powered by Google’s Tango technology – that enables customers to get close to and customise selected BMWi models that appear before their eyes.
- Beautifully put together and mightily impressive: Kickstarter’s 2016.
- Uber Movement aims to help cities ‘grow in a way that works for everyone’.
DEEP READS
- A much-needed warning: how AI systems may pick up bias from human creators.
- The ever-excellent Ben Evans on asking the wrong questions about what’s next.
- If you have the brain space for any more predictions then this set of 10 is worth a look. It includes a strong focus on the responsibility on tech’s mega businesses.
As ever, please read, learn and share away, #OMDFWD