Happy reading
Yours, Verena
💪 Perplexitiy: AI takes over the sale of products for the first time
Perplexity introduces "Buy with Pro," allowing US Pro subscribers ($20/month) to purchase products directly through its AI search engine with saved payment info and free shipping. All users get AI shopping features like product cards with reviews and images. A new "Snap to Shop" tool lets Pro users search products via photos. The company is also launching a merchant program. >>> The Verge
🤗 New and exciting for advertisers: AI image generation in Google Docs
Google Workspace introduces Gemini-powered AI image generation in Google Docs, allowing users to create custom visuals through text prompts. Available to paid Workspace accounts with specific add-ons, users can select art styles and aspect ratios. The tool, exciting for advertisers, uses Google's Imagen 3 generator for improved quality and is rolling out gradually to eligible users. The rollout will begin shortly and should be completed by mid-December. >>> The Verge
😮💨 Netflix: Next live event, next marketing disaster?
Netflix plans the next big live streaming event despite major annoyance: The platform had faced streaming challenges after technical issues plagued the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson fight, despite drawing 60 million viewers. Looking ahead, Netflix announced Beyoncé will headline the NFL Texans vs. Ravens halftime show on December 25, featuring songs from "Cowboy Carter." This is part of Netflix's Christmas Day NFL broadcast plans, extending through 2026. If the next live event doesn't work either, all that will remain of the live plans is a marketing disaster that could drive Netflix away more customers than it attracts. >>> Gizmodo
👓 Samsung is developing Gemini AI-powered XR glasses
Competition for the smart glasses from Meta and RayBan as well as for the cheaper smart glasses from Apple that willl be expected for 2026: Samsung Electronics plans to release AI smart glasses in Q3 2025, developed in partnership with Google and Qualcomm. Initial production is set at 500,000 units. The glasses will feature Qualcomm's AR1 chip, a 12MP Sony camera, QR payment capabilities, and weigh 50g. They'll run on Google's Gemini LLM and could be unveiled at Samsung's Galaxy Unpacked event in January 2025. >>> Business Korea
🤯 How Elon Musk is said to have influenced the US election via X with algorithms
A study by Australian researchers suggests X's algorithms were adjusted to favor Elon Musk and Republican accounts during the US election. After Musk publicly supported Trump, his posts' visibility increased by 138.7%. Analyzing 56,184 posts between January and October 2024, researchers found a platform-wide pro-Republican bias, though not necessarily through direct algorithm manipulation. The study concludes: It is possible that the increase in Musk's personal account has led to an increased reach of Republican accounts. >>> Queensland and Melbourne University
🥲 German advertising market weakens: only mini-growth at the end of the year
The German advertising market shows signs of stagnation after a year of growth. October 2023 saw only a 0.7% increase in gross advertising investments, marking a low point. Despite this slowdown, total spending reached €3.6 billion in October - the strongest month of 2023. Year-to-date spending is up 7.1% at €28.2 billion. However, TV advertising saw its first decline (-0.3%), and print media struggles, particularly magazines (-11.1%), while newspapers show modest growth (+3.2%). >>> Horizont
🚀 TikTok launches AI video tool for german advertisers
TikTok launches Symphony Creative Studio, an AI-based video production tool that creates content within minutes. Features include video generation from product URLs, digital avatars for narration, and translation/dubbing capabilities in multiple languages. The free tool helps advertisers create TikTok content efficiently, with all AI-generated content being clearly labeled. Early users report significant ROI improvements. Symphony Creative Studio is now available free of charge to all registered TikTok for Business users. >>> TikTok
🆕 Analysis: How german SMEs can use marketing in a new way
Germany's SME, the backbone of its economy, faces rising energy costs, bureaucracy, supply chain issues, digital transformation, and a skilled labor shortage. To tackle these, companies should leverage, advises Stefanie Kuhnhen, Chief Strategic Officer and Partner at Serviceplan. These are the To-Dos. 1. Authenticity: Emphasize regional roots for trust and brand identity, as seen with Leica’s "Made in Wetzlar." 2: Sustainability: Adopt eco-friendly practices to build trust and competitiveness. 3. Digitalization: Use AI, online marketing, and social media for customer engagement. 4. Employer Branding: Highlight workplace benefits to attract talent. >>> Absatzwirtschaft
🤑 Facebook faces massive payment demands after data leak
Bad for Meta, massive payments to customers are imminent: German Stiftung Warentest offers customers a sample letter to claim compensation for the Facebook data leak of 2021, which affected 533 million users, including 6 million in Germany. The stolen data includes names, phone numbers and emails. Claims based on Article 82 GDPR expire at the end of the year. Those affected should act quickly and seek legal advice if their claim is rejected. Up to 100 euros per claimant are apparently possible. >>> Warentest
🤖 Heidelberg flagship AI startup Aleph Alpha: Deutsche Bank joins in
Deutsche Bank acquires stakes in Aleph Alpha, Germany's largest AI startup. The bank purchases shares from two early venture capital investors. Aleph Alpha's CEO Jonas Andrulis calls Deutsche Bank the "perfect partner" for their AI innovation strategy. The investment involves around two percent of the company's shares, maintaining a valuation similar to last year's significant funding round. Other investors such as the Neckarsulm-based Schwarz Group, the investment company Early Bird and Burda also increased their shares in Aleph Alpha. >>> Manager Magazin (€)
