From kitchens to Kubernetes: Bringing tech to the consumer at Williams-Sonoma

CTO Yasir Anwar has led successful pilots of Kubernetes and AI and ML-based tools at the company. Even more innovation is on his 2019 agenda.

By Alex Hickey • Dec. 17, 2018

Esurance unrolls 'Surprisingly Painless Gifting' with Dennis Quaid wrapping paper

A limited-edition line of gift wrap, cards, boxes and tags featuring snarky messages and the actor's mug aims to ease stress around the holidays.

By Erica Sweeney • Dec. 14, 2018

Popular gamer Ninja calls NFL game in co-stream on Twitch

The worlds of sports and esports are colliding on Twitch, where gamers with millions of followers provide play-by-play commentary on live football games.

By Robert Williams • Dec. 14, 2018

Facebook Watch expands ad sales to 40 countries

As the social network maxes out ad inventory on its core News Feed, Facebook is seeking fresh ways to grow sales after missing analyst expectations for Q3.

By Robert Williams • Dec. 14, 2018

Connected TV ad requests jump 1,640% in 2018, analysis finds

Roku accounted for more than 87% of ad requests on CTV, with Amazon's Fire TV ranking No. 2 for requests, up from fourth place.

By Erica Sweeney • Dec. 14, 2018

Digital represents 14% of movie ad budgets but drives 46% of revenue, study finds

TV accounted for 82% of marketing budgets and drove just 42% of media-driven box office revenue, while every dollar spent on Facebook brought a nearly $8 return on ad spend.

By Erica Sweeney • Dec. 13, 2018

Adidas pairs with Snapchat for AR sneaker try-on

The shoemaker's latest collaboration with the messaging platform removes friction in the shopping process before the shoes' Dec. 15 release.

By Robert Williams • Dec. 13, 2018

Canada Mountain Holidays kicks off 360-degree ads for winter adventure travel

Users can get a more immersive look at mountain views, helicopter rides and skiing by rotating their phone or dragging their desktop cursor.

By Robert Williams • Dec. 13, 2018

Cheddar launches AR news app for Magic Leap headset

While the tech may not reach a huge audience just yet, the feature positions Cheddar as a pioneer in integrating content with budding immersive platforms.

By Robert Williams • Dec. 12, 2018

Comic Dive: Stroke of Midnight at the Influencers Ball

Payless fooled influencers with the fake luxury of its Palessi stunt, but not all the buzz was positive.​

By John Hazard and Lisa Burdige • Dec. 11, 2018

W Hotels boosts website traffic with St. Vincent YouTube videos

The hotel chain's website saw 39% of social referral traffic from YouTube, twice the industry average.

By Robert Williams • Dec. 11, 2018

Tech the halls: Mall of America debuts holiday AR scavenger hunt

Shoppers can follow a themed story through their smartphone as they explore the mall this season.

By Robert Williams • Dec. 11, 2018

Target decks the halls with mobile AR for Christmas trees

The retail app's "See It in Your Space" feature overlays a digital image of a life-sized tree against a real background through a smartphone camera.

By Robert Williams • Dec. 10, 2018

Google launches Ariana Grande series with mobile-activated billboards

Fans of the pop singer can unlock exclusive "Dangerous Woman Diaries" content by scanning billboards with a smartphone.

By Robert Williams • Dec. 10, 2018

How 'brick-and-mobile' is transforming in-store shopping

As retailers explore adding life to their brands through mobile experiences, will stores become overly tech-ridden and lose their human touch?

By Natalie Black (Koltun) • Dec. 10, 2018

Gillette Venus links with YouTube influencer on razor exclusive to new subscription service

Venus x Remi will be sold through Venus Direct, a DTC offering that lets users choose from products personalized to skin type and shaving routines.

By Erica Sweeney • Dec. 10, 2018

Spotify, 'Ellen' ink long-term, cross-promotional content partnership

Spotify is creating a content hub curated by DeGeneres — a first for the company — while its brand will get regular on-air TV integrations. 

By Erica Sweeney • Dec. 10, 2018

Facebook Live tests video shopping feature for merchants

Merchants can demonstrate and describe products for viewers to buy instantly through the platform.

By Robert Williams • Dec. 7, 2018

Marriott teams with Pepsi's Lifewtr for in-room AR art displays

Scanning a code on a Lifewtr bottle activates AR features in Facebook's in-app camera.

By Robert Williams • Dec. 7, 2018

YouTube viewers pick Gatorade's Leo Messi short, Bonobos' definition-defying ad as favorites

The platform's list of most-liked ads across several categories also includes entries from Nintendo, McDonald's, Nectar and Groupon.

By Erica Sweeney • Dec. 7, 2018

Zippo celebrates lighter's iconic click with Buzzfeed ASMR video

The brand has also announced a sound trademark for the iconic "click" of its windproof lighter.

By Erica Sweeney • Dec. 7, 2018

Variety: Hulu, AT&T will run ads when streaming viewers pause

"Pause ads" next year aim to provide a "natural break in the storytelling experience" and help streaming services monetize beyond subscription fees.

By Erica Sweeney • Dec. 6, 2018

Lexus' AI-fueled campaign for multicultural users drives 1.55% engagement

"Moment marketing" helped the luxury carmaker reach mobile audiences during specific times, like a coffee break or late night at work.

By Robert Williams • Dec. 6, 2018

Formula 1 revs up VR viewing for racing fans

Starting this month, fans can immerse themselves in race highlights via a smartphone, smart TV or VR headset.

By Robert Williams • Dec. 6, 2018

Sony lets fans create personalized music using biometrics at new pop-up

Visitors to the "Lost in Music" installation can record a unique, downloadable track using their own movements, heartbeat, vocals and other elements.

By Erica Sweeney • Dec. 5, 2018