Consumers are worried about the surge of ads in gaming: Xbox and Sony both have in-game ad programs in the works, and consumers aren’t thrilled.

The metaverse is expected to be a major disruptor across industries, but it's still early days for the emerging realm. In this report, we look at how different markets are embarking on their own metaverse business models.

Ad industry sees gaming as a growth opportunity amidst industry turmoil: Inaugural PlayFronts event focuses on how brands can gain new customers and revenue.

In part two, our analysts Paul Verna and Andrew Lipsman discuss how well-positioned Silicon Valley giants Meta and Google and their Seattle counterparts Amazon and Microsoft are for top-gaining segments of digital advertising—gaming, digital audio, and in-store digital media. They also explore other companies positioning themselves for the post-cookie era of digital ads, and ultimately answer the question: Is Seattle—not Silicon Valley—the future of digital advertising?

Join our analysts Paul Verna and Andrew Lipsman as they discuss the top-gaining segments of digital advertising, like connected TV and retail media, and explore whether the future of digital advertising belongs to Silicon Valley giants Meta and Google or their Seattle counterparts Amazon and Microsoft.

Subscriptions are becoming increasingly important to the video game industry: That’s the lesson from Sony’s launch of its new service, which is set to take on Microsoft’s Game Pass.

CIBC adapts to talent wars by upskilling tech workers: To appeal to highly sought-after developers, banks can stress development opportunities and innovative projects, and publicly celebrate workers who contribute to patents.

Identity resolution is in a state of flux in the US advertising industry, with third-party browser cookies and mobile IDs being ushered out in the name of consumer privacy.

On the back of its Azure Health Data Services launch, we unpack how Microsoft is on its way to leading the healthcare cloud market.

Thinner and lighter devices are a repairability problem: Tech companies like to talk about how far ahead they are in sustainability, but their products undermine their net-zero aspirations.

Verizon banks on private 5G for business: The carrier’s service in BlackRock’s offices will showcase an opportunity for 5G to shine while challenging Wi-Fi’s dominance in office, enterprise, and government use.

New Samsung devices haven’t changed much from old Samsung devices: The key difference is deeper integration with popular services such as Google Duo, Microsoft OneDrive, and Snap add more value for users.

FTC looking into Microsoft’s Activision Blizzard buyout: The gaming acquisition frenzy could be cooled off by regulators on alert for anticompetitive advantages

In its recent updates, ranging from a patent milestone to a hiring push, TD signals to would-be employees that they’ll get a chance to do innovative work for it.

Big Tech and government regulators set to clash over new merger guidelines: Industry lobbying and legal delays could outlast current crop of antitrust crusaders.

Xbox makes nearly $70 billion bet on Activision Blizzard: Microsoft moves in just as the maker of Candy Crush and Overwatch saw slumping sales due to misconduct allegations.

Microsoft acquires Activision Blizzard, publisher of Call of Duty and World of Warcraft: The $68.7 billion deal will create a gaming behemoth but could face regulatory roadblocks.

We break down the metaverse and how it can define the future of computing, gaming, finance, social media, and business: AR and VR technologies, expanding virtual platforms and ecosystems, as well as an appetite for more immersive experiences are pushing the boundaries of reality into the virtual world.

Google buys UK offices for $1B: As the rest of the world works remotely, Big Tech continues buying up real estate in preparation for growth and expansion.