Report: Google buys camera company Lytro

The pioneer in immersive photography could support the search giant's efforts in VR and with smartphone hardware.

By Robert Williams • March 22, 2018

Glenlivet partners with Shazam on AR tasting experience

Tasters will be scored on how well they detect The Glenlivet Code's ingredients, and can see how they measure up against peers on social media.

By Robert Williams • March 22, 2018

Explore the Trendline➔

Influencer Marketing

Amid a surge in confidence and new platform approaches, brands continue to turn to influencers for fresh content that can reach online consumers.

By Marketing Dive staff

Digital ad spend will reach 50% of total ad sales in 2018, forecast says

The U.S. ad market is projected to grow 5.5% this year — a higher rate than previously expected — to reach an all-time high.

By Erica Sweeney • March 22, 2018

Facebook puts data privacy burden on developers, but Mozilla still pulls ads

Mark Zuckerberg yesterday outlined steps the social media giant will take to better safeguard users' data. Mozilla wasn't impressed.  

By Chantal Tode , Erica Sweeney • March 22, 2018

More marketing, IT dollars pouring into mobile

Retail marketers will increase their mobile budget by an average of 25%, pointing to the continued importance of the platform for shoppers.

By Dan O'Shea • March 22, 2018

H&M and Crocs dance into spring with star-studded campaigns

The retailer released an empowering short where Elizabeth Olsen and Winona Ryder meet on the dance floor, while the shoe brand brought back Drew Barrymore for a musical number.

By Erica Sweeney • March 22, 2018

NBA signs content deal with meditation app Headspace

The two will share jointly-produced content on the NBA's social media platforms, which the league reports have more than 1.4 billion likes and followers globally.

By Robert Williams • March 22, 2018

Kia drives 21% conversion rate with chatbot 'Kian'

Results delivered by the Facebook Messenger bot are 3x what the carmaker sees on its main website, Kia.com. 

By Robert Williams • March 22, 2018

Google's ARCore growth spurs more than 60 app releases

EBay, Ikea, Lowe's and Pottery Barn are among the brands flaunting new immersive mobile features built with the platform.

By Robert Williams • March 21, 2018

Ikea's app helps housemates agree on furniture in YouTube show

People can also play the "Matchers Keepers" game at home in the Place app with a partner.

By Robert Williams • March 21, 2018

Instagram expands shoppable posts in 8 countries

Brands in the U.K., France, Italy, Germany, Australia, Brazil, Canada and Spain can now add e-commerce links within their Instagram posts.

By Robert Williams • March 21, 2018

Warner Bros. readies 'Rampage' debut with AR game

"Rampage: AR Unleashed" lets fans see their surroundings torn apart by giant, feral animals.

By Robert Williams • March 21, 2018

Chipotle taps former Taco Bell exec as CMO

At the Yum Brands chain, Chris Brandt oversaw the type of digital initiatives — including the Taco Bell mobile app — that Chipotle wants to focus more on.  

By Erica Sweeney • March 21, 2018

Report: Facebook faces FTC probe over handling of user data

The social giant's rough week continues, as CEO Mark Zuckerberg and COO Sheryl Sandberg were also reportedly absent for an internal briefing about its role in the Cambridge Analytica scandal.

By Erica Sweeney • March 21, 2018

Google commits $300M to new initiative supporting publishers, quality journalism

The effort includes programs to fight the spread of misinformation online and also bolster news outlets' revenue streams via a subscription tool.

By Erica Sweeney • March 21, 2018

3 ways to build flexibility into brand standards

Companies with strict brand standards will find their approach is too narrow for the demands of today's omnichannel marketplace, writes LRA's Senior Manager Zachary Conen. 

By Zachary Conen • March 20, 2018

Why Lowe's is doubling down on AR for mobile

The company partnered with Google Tuesday to launch an augmented reality-enabled feature showcasing the spring collection on its mobile app.

By Corinne Ruff • March 20, 2018

Shopify brings Google Pay to its mobile checkout

The commerce platform aims to ramp up its mobile experience after finding that more than 70% of its traffic comes from smartphones or tablets.

By Robert Williams • March 20, 2018

Google readies cross-platform 'Shopping Actions' to take on Amazon

Target, an early partner, said shoppers will soon be able to link their Target.com and Google accounts for a more personalized and intuitive experience.

By Robert Williams • March 20, 2018

Diageo serves up mixology skills on Amazon Alexa

The voice-enabled app offers bar recommendations and cocktail recipe suggestions, including hip-hop celebrity Snoop Dogg's drink of choice.

By Robert Williams • March 20, 2018

Paramount unveils AR beauty experience for 'Sherlock Gnomes'

The movie studio partnered with Perfect to add movie-themed features to the YouCam apps.

By Robert Williams • March 20, 2018

EMarketer: Facebook, Google duopoly under pressure as ad sales jump for Amazon, Snapchat

The current leaders' share of new digital ad revenue is declining and forecast to hit 48% this year, down from 73% in 2016. 

By Erica Sweeney • March 20, 2018

Study: Men less likely to embrace shopping disruptors like mobile, Amazon

Women shop more with the new technologies and commerce platforms brands are excited about, including connected smart speakers. 

By Erica Sweeney • March 20, 2018

Facebook pilots Patreon-like program to support creator community

One of two new monetization tools lets fans pay their favorite creators on a monthly basis to earn access to exclusive content and badges. 

By Erica Sweeney • March 20, 2018

Uber pauses all AV testing following fatal collision

The self-driving car reportedly struck a woman late Sunday night in Tempe, AZ. She later died of her injuries.

By Kristin Musulin • March 19, 2018