McDonald’s pulls controversial video ad about child bereavement
McDonald’s has withdrawn a controversial video ad after a huge social media backlash, with one charity accusing it of exploiting child bereavement.
News
“Open the pod bay doors, Siri”: The evolution of the intelligent assistant
Things didn’t run smoothly when the astronauts in 2001: A Space Odyssey toyed with artificial intelligence. When asking to be let back inside the spaceship, supercomputer HAL eerily responded, “I’m sorry Dave, I’m afraid I can’t do that.” Thankfully, the personal assistants we use today are a little friendlier. Here, Roxanne Abercrombie of business automation … [Read more…]
Online retail trends: Click and collect starts to pay off
More than three quarters (78 per cent) of UK adults would likely switch to an alternative retailer when next shopping for products online if they have a poor ordering experience, according to the third annual JDA/Centiro Customer Pulse 2017 Report conducted by YouGov.
Biggest cyber attack yet: 150 countries hit with NHS in chaos
A new email-based ransomware virus has locked up hundreds of thousands of computers in more than 150 countries hitting factories, hospitals, shops and schools worldwide over the weekend.
Playing politics with big data: What can marketers learn from Trump and Brexit?
What happens when you mix big data and politics? An explosive article in last weekend’s Guardian investigated the links between Brexit, Trump and a data mining firm called Cambridge Analytica. But did it uncover a shady political coup or the logical (and legal) next step in campaigning?
Japan’s Softbank invests $500m in Improbable to create “VR cities”
London-based virtual reality firm Improbable has raised $500m (£388m) in one of the biggest investments in an early stage European technology business. Japan’s Softbank is backing Improbable in a funding round that values the business at more than $1bn. The deal gives SoftBank a “non-controlling” stake in the company, valuing it over the $1bn magical … [Read more…]
Measuring digital success: Agencies and brands clash over KPI standards
Although a majority of European brands and agencies say setting KPIs is collaborative, many continue to use conflicting metrics, according to new research.
UK online consumer spending falls for the first time since 2013
Consumer spending online has dipped year-on-year for the first time in four years as shoppers fret against a backdrop of slowing wage growth and rising inflation.
Guest comment: Lending a hand – the benefits of a better customer experience
Jon Roughley at Experian explores customer experience in comparison sites, and how marketing plays a part in the customer journey.
Most Brits “unaware that their ads are filtered online”
Most consumers (88%) are unaware that their online experience is limited by social media and search preference algorithms, with most wanting to see more “relevant but unexpected ads” while online, according to new research.