As product catalogs grow, content multiplies, and shopping journeys splinter across platforms, AI recommendation engines are becoming the connective tissue between desire and decision. In 2026, retail leaders expect the technology to move from responding to queries to proactively anticipating what consumers want and guiding them through increasingly complex choice environments.
This FAQ examines what's verifiable about ad blocking today and what marketers should watch in 2026.
Agentic AI is becoming agencies' operating layer. CES 2026 showed holding companies reframing AI as the system that unifies workflows, accelerates execution, and boosts accountability.
Europe, Middle East, Africa rise in consumer tech: Brands must pivot as regional trade-up demand and connected living drive growth beyond North America.
Pharma branding agencies are using AI platforms to craft standout drug names while avoiding risk and streamlining time to market.
Semafor’s rise shows publishers are supplementing inconsistent ad revenues with events and sponsorships.
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Roku’s $2.99 ad-free service challenges ad-heavy models, eyeing a forgotten tier between FAST and pricey subs.
Simpler sponsorship tools and wider access help brands tap into engaged, purchase-ready listeners.
47% of marketers worldwide say better attribution and measurement is the top benefit of integrating martech and adtech systems, according to an August survey from EMARKETER and Zeta Global.
Alphabet’s $3.88 trillion valuation signals a new race—where scale, systems, and control beat shiny devices.
45% of US adults say pleasant and happy visuals in pharma ads are misleading, according to November 2025 data from SiriusXM Media.
Despite its scale, ChatGPT isn’t making money—ads are now a must, but integration without disruption is key.
As AI platforms become the first stop, not showing up in answers means not being seen—at all
Agentic AI is expanding across ad platforms; CES reveals acceleration in autonomous planning and optimization, even as many marketers hesitate to trust full automation.
48% of worldwide B2B marketers say interactive experiences, live/virtual events, and video content make thought leadership more impactful, according to July 2025 data from Ascend2 and TopRank Marketing.
Starbucks is sponsoring the second season of Amazon Prime’s reality competition “Beast Games: Strong vs. Smart” to try to reignite brand buzz.
Wall-sized TVs, smart rings, and humanoid robots make once-futuristic ideas ready for your living room.