IoT devices like connected cars, wearables, and smart home speakers generate behavioral data and create moments where marketing messages can reach engaged audiences.

AI was everywhere at CES 2026, from robots to toilets and toys. The race to define the next computing interface is on, agentic ad tech is emerging, and health wearables are pushing further into physiological data. Best in show: Lego’s Smart Brick.

AI is upending every aspect of marketing, from neuro-contextual ads that read emotions to autonomous shopping agents that make purchasing decisions. As tech giants consolidate control of the sector, six pivotal trends are reshaping advertising, search, and commerce.

A trade war between two of the world’s largest consumer markets would cause significant disruption for consumers, retailers, and brands in Europe.

Among subscription video streaming services, Amazon Prime Video has the highest share of ad-supported viewers, while Netflix has the lowest.

Hyundai’s in-vehicle payments system can add more hands-free utility, attract more potential buyers, and bring in payments revenues

The partnership will help them capture more of the growing in-car commerce market, which could reach $600 billion by 2030

Apple leads businesses leaning on China: The brewing tech cold war notwithstanding, companies like Apple need to rely on established supply chains. Continued foreign partnerships are essential to China’s recovery.

The Wall Street lender’s pilot shows the space is maturing and could prompt other banks to launch their own biometric products.

Connected vehicles are changing the nature of transportation and mobility. Players in the traditional automotive ecosystem—including retailers and marketers—are using the massive amounts of data connected cars produce to enhance brand loyalty, create new revenue streams, and drive business growth.

Automotive digital ad spend is increasing, but growth is decelerating due to larger forces at play.