Extended reality (XR) technologies—including virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR)—are still in the early phases of adoption, but they are evolving quickly. While most use cases for VR and AR are still related to gaming, entertainment, and social media, the variety of applications is expanding as more consumers and businesses test out immersive experiences.

eMarketer forecasting analyst Eric Haggstrom and vice president of content studio Paul Verna discuss Disney's new streaming service and whether its success will last. They then talk about NBCUniversal's Peacock video platform details, an augmented reality contact lens and why esports is coming to Imax.

On today's episode, we discuss what the world will look like in 2030. How many households will still have pay TV, who will be the top three SVOD players, how big can esports get, and more. Tune in to the discussion with eMarketer vice president of forecasting Monica Peart, senior director of forecasting Shelleen Shum, and directors of forecasting at Insider Intelligence Cindy Liu and Oscar Orozco.

eMarketer sales executive Michael Bruckenthal, principal analyst Mark Dolliver and junior analyst Blake Droesch discuss how traditional sports are taking lessons from esports to create a more engaging viewing experience. Then Mark and Blake talk about Apple allowing push notification ads, the details of the KIDS Act bill, how Facebook is changing its digital currency ambitions and how the popularity of streaming services influence its ads.

What this means: It’s possible that Twitch hasn’t yet seen the need for licensing agreements, as it’s been able to keep its spot as the top video game livestreaming platform without them. But as streamer discontent with the platform grows, competitors like Facebook Gaming threaten to poach Twitch’s talent.

On today's episode, we discuss how much Americans shop on their smartphones, what's encouraging them to shop more, and what's holding them back. We then talk about what to make of Apple's battle with Epic Games, where 5G has gone, and how advertisers are handling looming third-party cookie changes. Tune in to the discussion with eMarketer principal analyst at Insider Intelligence Yory Wurmser.

The average US adult spent 25 additional minutes per day on mobile apps in 2020 than the year prior, according to eMarketer. And we expect these gains across most mobile activities will become permanent this year. In fact, we anticipate US adults will add 6 minutes to their average time spent with apps. As data suggests, it is clear that marketers need to revisit their mobile strategy for the year ahead. Curated by eMarketer, this collection of articles, insights, and interviews will help you understand the mobile landscape today across key areas such as in-app advertising, video, SMS, gaming, and more.

And those alternatives will most likely be nearby (or online). The results of a June 2020 survey by local social networking platform Nextdoor found that 72% of its members expected to visit local businesses more often post-pandemic.

Extended reality (XR) technologies are still mostly related to gaming, entertainment, and social media, but their applications are evolving quickly as more consumers and businesses test out immersive experiences.

In the days after the Buffalo shooting, both New York and New Jersey launched investigations into Twitch and social gaming app Discord. Ulvade conspiracy theories: This week’s mass shooting at an elementary school in Ulvade, coming just days after the Buffalo incident, reignited concerns about social media’s role in the aftermath of violent events after misinformation about the shooter spread online.

Samsung unveiled the Samsung Gaming Hub, allowing users to stream games on their smart TVs—no gaming console necessary. Powerfoyle and Mayht teamed up to create Bluetooth speakers that recharge using any light source—no charging cables needed. Kohler announced a PerfectFill smart bath controller and a ceiling-mounted faucet.