Competition coming for the Switch: More powerful devices that can leverage 5G connectivity and vast libraries of popular PC and mobile games will be the foundation for next-generation handheld gaming.

Global eSIM adoption is inevitable: 3.4B devices will be eSIM compatible by 2025. We can expect to see an increase in 5G connectivity in smartphones, laptops, tablets, and wearables.

5G gains momentum through new applications: Consumer 5G adoption may have slowed down, but new markets for private 5G, additional functionality, and new applications are helping spread the bandwidth across industries.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion is seen as a marketing imperative: Verizon announced the results from its initiative to drive DEI change.

Brands and retailers increasingly focus on DEI initiatives: Target’s $25 million in paid media to diverse-owned/founded firms is the latest in a number of corporate commitments.

Increasing digitization among the 32 million US small businesses is changing the competitive landscape and forcing banks, acquirers, and fintechs to invest in next-generation features. These features range from payments and value-added services to outreach.

Twitter expands social commerce offerings to catch up with competitors: The social media platform won’t be a shopping destination anytime soon, but that won’t stop it from experimenting.

Verizon’s new streaming subscription hub resembles cable bundles of old: Streaming services are fighting tooth and nail to get ahead in a congested field.

US airlines plan to cancel flights if AT&T and Verizon’s 5G expansion isn’t halted: Disruptions have wider consequences like stranded passengers and supply chain delays.

AT&T and Verizon hope crowds returning to stadiums and music venues will provide attractive 5G use cases. But most consumers remain unaware of 5G—and new virus variants threaten to upend telecoms’ plans.

Co-brand card issuers and brand partners have an opportunity to reimagine their offerings in the pandemic’s wake. Leaning on newfound digitization and shifting spending habits can help providers tailor their offerings in ways that widen their net, grow volume, and appeal to the maximum number of customers.

The US’ Big 3 carriers set to combat robocalls: Carriers met the deadline for implementing the STIR/SHAKEN caller ID technology designed to show callers’ true phone numbers.

On today's episode, we discuss Amazon's Q1 advertising performance, where its ad dollars are coming from, the retail media competitors to watch out for, and whether a fourth digital ad giant will emerge. We then talk about why TV networks aren’t prioritizing programmatic as they move into the world of streaming, Verizon's new digital out-of-home ads, and why Netflix might be preparing to venture into the video game universe. Tune in to the discussion with eMarketer senior forecasting analyst at Insider Intelligence Eric Haggstrom.

US advertisers increased their investments on digital media by almost 15% last year despite a pandemic and recession, looking for flexibility and accountability.