This week’s digital roundup includes a response from Gillette over their controversial new campaign, investment from Facebook to quash accusations of fake news, and the extraordinary rise of Netflix. If you’re feeling the lingering effects of Blue Monday, just remember – it’s all a cynical marketing ploy.
HEADLINES
- Gillette responds to the furor surrounding their recent campaign.
- Facebook is planning to invest $300m in local news to help combat fake news, and despite a number of data scandals, it’s revealed users remain largely unaware of how much Facebook knows about them.
- It’s been talked about for a while, and it’s finally here – users on YouTube can now swipe through videos.
- A study in the US reveals Instagram has replaced TV as the most important way to reach young people.
INSIGHTS
- Smart speaker penetration grows to 10% in the US and UK.
- Programmatic ad spending continues to look strong beyond 2020.
- Netflix goes from strength to strength as it claims Fortnite is greater competition than HBO.
COOL
- Nike has released impressive wearable tech, in the form of self-tying trainers which use data to adjust to your movement.
- Video chatting app Houseparty has integrated the TV game Heads Up! into its platform.
- The Pringles’ Super Bowl ad teaser personifies the smart speaker.
- Skateboarders could soon capture their stunts with an A.I.-powered camera, which follows their movement to create the ultimate selfie video.
DEEP READS
- Facebook’s 10 year challenge – a funny meme or a way for Facebook to harvest data to improve facial recognition algorithms?
- The curator of TED Talks gives his rundown of the best of 2018.
- Twitter’s director of product management discusses the new beta app, in a bid to remain ‘valuable and relevant’.
- If you have an old router hanging around your sitting room, you may want to dispose of it.
