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.

Snap is having trouble monetizing because Snapchat is primarily a chat platform, and “messaging apps are notoriously difficult to monetize,” according to our analyst Jasmine Enberg. The company could lean into its software as a service retail offerings, but consumers also aren’t sold on AR for shopping. Just 12.4% of US adults use AR for shopping, according to our forecast.

Gaming became a popular online activity during the pandemic. Growth may be slowing, but it’s not shrinking, meaning that the majority of those who picked up the hobby during the pandemic have become long-term users.

Malls are struggling to stay profitable as consumer behaviors change and shopping moves even more online. While foot traffic and occupancy rates are down, there are some opportunities for growth. By changing up their retail mix and mastering the omnichannel experience, malls can regain relevance among shoppers.

While retail as a whole is looking for ways to deploy generative AI to support operations and enhance customer experience, fashion ecommerce is likely to see some of the biggest impacts.

On today's episode, we discuss the effect TikTok has had on social media, what time spent on the platform looks like, and the impact of its new screen time limit for children and teens. "In Other News," we talk about whether social apps are taking up a bigger or smaller share of Americans' time spent online and what Meta's AR and VR hardware road map looks like. Tune in to the discussion with our analyst Debra Aho Williamson.

Beauty is proving resilient to the cost-of-living crisis as shoppers splurge on premium products to boost their mood and skin health. But it won’t escape unscathed, with consumers already streamlining their beauty regimes and searching for bargains online.

On today's episode, we discuss Snapchat's new AI chatbot, Meta's generative AI plans, and what's new about GPT-4. "In Other News," we talk about whether VR influencers can save the metaverse and how drone delivery company Wing is looking to make last-mile delivery more efficient. Tune in to the discussion with our analysts Jacob Bourne and Jasmine Enberg.

This year’s Mobile World Congress in Barcelona showcased the latest in mobile technologies. Although new smartphones starred, some of the biggest innovations were in other devices and AI.

More than a quarter of the US population wears a connected device, including a growing number of older consumers who are interested in health and fitness tracking.

On today's episode, we discuss why some folks think digital ads are getting worse, whether things are looking up for Uber, TikTok’s parent company ByteDance challenging Meta on VR, why Warner Bros. Discovery will continue Discovery+, the Grammys rebounding from the pandemic's effect on viewership, the surprising most littered plastic item in the US, and more. Tune in to the discussion with our vice president of Briefings Stephanie Taglianetti and analysts Suzy Davidkhanian and Max Willens.

Another Consumer Electronics Show (CES) has come and gone, introducing the world to everything from a self-driving stroller to an accessible PlayStation 5 controller. It would be impossible to give a rundown of everything announced at the Las Vegas event, but here are a few things we think retailers should keep an eye on.

This year will be marked by a little bit of the old and a little bit of the new. While consumers give in-store shopping another go, augmented reality (AR) will help bridge the gap between the physical and digital worlds. Our analysts have already covered the biggest trends of 2023, but here are four more predictions for what's to come next year.

Meta trapped in the middle of its past and future: One year after its bold pivot to the metaverse, Meta is wrestling with poor VR user adoption while desperately trying to resuscitate legacy apps in a flagging ad-revenue reality.

AI sensation ChatGPT isn’t just a leap forward in generative AI technology. It’s part of a trend that at least one marketing technology (martech) expert thinks will shape marketing in 2023.

Meta’s data center cancellation could hint at AI pivot: The sudden surge of interest in generative AI and its applications could be the outlet Meta needs to generate profit while it mulls its metaverse opportunities.

Microsoft’s attempt to acquire Activision Blizzard in what could essentially create a video game monopoly has many, including the Federal Trade Commission, keeping a close eye on the gaming industry. The $68.7 billion acquisition would give Microsoft a leadership position with franchises like Call of Duty, Candy Crush Saga, World of Warcraft, Diablo, and Overwatch.

Our outlook for social ad spending in 2022 has deteriorated significantly since March. This report breaks down what went wrong in the past nine months, and what’s ahead in the next two years.