Netflix has struck a deal with US internet service provider Comcast to ensure its videos are streamed faster and more smoothly.

A number of FMCG giants including Kraft, Kellogg and Mondelez International are cutting operational costs amid weak consumer spending- putting new investments in digital instead, according to a new report.

Over the weekend, the Institute of Promotional Marketing released new figures showing that retailers are still overly reliant on discounting strategies, with £40.4bn being spent price cut promotions per year (as against £14.4bn on value-added promotions). Gideon Lask, CEO and Founder of Buyapowa, tackles the problem of ‘dumb discounting’.

Samsung has showcased its second attempt at smartwatches, with two new versions of its Gear range, running on its own Tizen operating system rather than Android.

Amazon Prime and Lovefilm are to merge, creating a new Prime Instant Video service that combines movie streaming with the online retail firm’s next day delivery.

Mozilla has shown off a prototype for a $25 (£15) smartphones, aimed at the developing world.

Online advertising spend in New Zealand surpassed $400 million in 2013, according to a report by the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IABNZ) and PwC.

Social media is the most popular activity online for Australians, followed by services such as email and chat, according to new research.

Online advertising has continued its strong growth in Australia, exceeding AUD$1 billion in the September 2013 quarter while recording 25% growth year-on-year and 4.6% on the preceding quarter, according to a report.

2.8 million people accessed a social media site in New Zealand during November 2013, according to new research.