Tag: Predictions

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

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

As Vine prepares to shut down, its users respond to the loss of their beloved platform. Thousands of fans including digital influencers, industry leaders and media members spent last Thursday mourning the platform. However, some Viners are choosing to look at the bright side. Despite increasing their social footprint on other growing and more lucrative platforms, Vine has allowed them to set up a format. Thomas Sanders, who won best Viner of the year at the 2016 Steamys, says “I continue to make content on other platforms. But Vine is a wonderful place for me to start with my social media and branch outward from there”. The news can perhaps serve as a reminder to us all that a single channel approach could be a risky strategy for brands and influencers.

HEADLINES

• As Vine prepares to shut down, its users respond to the loss of their beloved platform
• Facebook is getting all Snapchatty with an in-app camera and lens style Halloween masks
• The bots are (still) coming and they can now take payment

 INSIGHTS

• A look at refining the unclear world of industry definitions
• Predictions imply that the mobile web will more than dominate next year
• Video is now worth 30% of all display advertising

COOL STUFF

• Netflix ensures you don’t miss a second of TV tonight because of those pesky trick or treaters
• HTC Vive gives the newsstand 360 and 3D interactivity with VivePaper
• Meet Albert – the media planner/buyer of the future

DEEP READS

• Is Giphy the next big one to watch?
• How Quartz  caters for its dedicated global audience
• Debranding? Thoughts on what it is and what it means for brands and digital content