The news: Meta’s AI app is drawing backlash as users unknowingly publish private chats—some serious—under real names due to a confusing share feature, per TechCrunch. Many people thought they were using the chatbot or saving notes in private, only to find that their prompts—which included topics like gender identity, medical concerns, tax evasion, and job interviews—were visible to strangers. Our take: This episode poses significant issues for Meta regarding the metaverse, AI, and advertising.

Meta axes VR jobs as Reality Labs flounders: Over 100 workers, including staff behind the “Supernatural” fitness app, were cut as the firm pivots away from costly metaverse efforts.

Meta plans dedicated chatbot app: The move aims to compete with AI leaders ChatGPT and Gemini, but its success remains uncertain.

With the open-platform Android XR and a more budget-friendly headset, they’re opening the doors to immersive tech for everyone, taking on Apple and Meta’s walled gardens.

Meta’s strong earnings have one dark spot: Slow user growth made investors flinch as competition for consumer attention peaks.

Roblox soars in Q3 despite critical reports: The company saw significant user and revenue growth and restated its commitment to child safety.

Roblox faces renewed child safety concerns: A report from a short-selling firm claims Roblox is exposing children to predators and vastly inflating user metrics.

Walmart’s adaptive retail strategy is heavy on genAI, AR: The retailer is relying on the technologies to deliver personalized experiences, engage Gen Z, and improve customer service.

Meta Connect focuses on AI-driven ad tools: The event will highlight how AI advancements will enhance ad targeting and boost time spent on Meta's platforms through immersive experiences.

Meta rings in two decades of Facebook: The company has undergone major transformations, and 2024 will bring more changes as AI and regulation shape its trajectory.

What is shoppable media and which formats have the most potential?

In part one of this two-part podcast episode, we discuss some predictions for 2024 that are too specific to be 100% certain about but could still come true, including: which subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) platform Apple will likely buy, where metaverse playgrounds will spring up, and what the ruling between Google and the US Department of Justice will be. Tune in to the discussion with our vice presidents of content Suzy Davidkhanian and Paul Verna and analyst Max Willens.

Some stability will finally emerge in Asia-Pacific’s retail sector after several years of disruption from the pandemic. But the market and businesses will be unsettled, beset by a new wave of technological disruption from AI, the metaverse, and more.

Ad spending growth is tapering off, but major changes are coming to the market, including the deprecation of third-party identifiers, a new era in TV ad measurement, and growing use of AI in advertising.

Our first-ever marketing and retail media survey explores the latest trends unfolding in Latin America, how the regional landscape will evolve, and the broader implications for ad buyers’ and retailers’ go-to-market strategies.

Leverage your own data to guide decisions, meet consumers where they are, and find some partnerships outside of your comfort zone—but never forget your brand identity or what made consumers love it in the first place.

Every marketer wants to know: What do Gen Z consumers care about? How do they shop? What motivates them to make a purchase?

The pandemic accelerated investment in CX technology to meet rapidly changing needs. But as consumer priorities shift again amid high inflation, UK retailers need to understand which technologies are hitting the mark and which are not.

There will be 90.0 million monthly users of augmented reality (AR) in the US this year, a figure that, despite decelerating growth, will cross the 100 million mark in 2025, according to our forecast. Virtual reality (VR) will hit 68.9 million users this year, though growth has also tapered off.

As mobile games adjust to privacy rules and consoles pursue new native ad formats, brands finally have more chances to advertise in games.