ClickZ Consumer Electronics Newsletter - 10.03.2024

PLUS: Microsoft’s Multi-Platform Windows App and Fitbit’s New Arterial Stiffness Detection Feature

Author

Priscilla Soedarpo
October 03, 2024 • Estimated Reading Time: 6 minutes

Specialty Bites 🍪

LG Ad Solutions

LG's smart TVs have decided that your idle moments are prime real estate for ads. Yes, you heard that right. Instead of the usual serene screensaver, you're now greeted with full-screen ads. This delightful feature has started rolling out to models like the new G4 OLED, and it’s not just limited to LG’s own products. Expect to see ads for third-party services that have nothing to do with TV or entertainment. Because who doesn’t want to see an ad for a vacuum cleaner while their TV is idle?

Dave Rudnick, LG Ad Solutions' tech chief, claims these ads are a golden opportunity for brands to be front and center on the biggest screen in your home. Apparently, 93% of us are multitasking while watching TV—texting, shopping, or scrolling through social media. So, why not throw in some ads to keep us company? If you’re not a fan, you can switch off these screensaver ads by diving into the TV settings and toggling off the Screen Saver Promotion. But who has time for that?

LG has a history of being pretty aggressive with ads. Full audio auto-playing ads have been a staple in LG’s app store for over three years. And with plans to expand its webOS platform to more third-party TVs and even non-TV hardware, brace yourself for even more ad bombardment. So, next time you leave your TV idle, don’t be surprised if it starts selling you something.

Apple is rumored to hold an October event to unveil new Macs featuring the M4 chip. Expected releases include updated MacBook Pros, a redesigned Mac mini, and an upgraded iMac. While dates are unconfirmed, anticipation is high for these exciting developments in Apple's computer lineup.

Poll Break 🗳️

Meta is enhancing its ad platform with AI-powered updates, allowing advertisers to customize objectives and measure incrementality. New API integrations with third-party analytics tools like Google Analytics and Northbeam aim to provide a more accurate picture of campaign performance. These changes are part of Meta's long-term optimization strategy.

In light of ad platforms increasingly partnering with third party measurement solutions, which of the following providers have you heard of?

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More Specialty Bites 🍪

Samsung has been named the NFL's official TV partner in the UK and Ireland for the 2024 season. The partnership includes multi-channel promotions, special offers, and experiential activations at NFL London Games. Fans can enjoy enhanced viewing experiences and a free one-week DAZN NFL Game Pass with Samsung TV purchases.

Microsoft has launched a Windows app for macOS, iOS, iPadOS, web browsers, Android devices, and Windows PCs. This app streams Windows from sources like Windows 365 and Azure Virtual Desktop. It supports multi-monitor setups and USB redirection, but is limited to work and school accounts.

Fitbit's new patent reveals a feature to detect arterial stiffness, a precursor to serious heart conditions. Using a PPG sensor during exercise, the technology measures pulse waveforms to predict cardiovascular risks. This innovation could be integrated into future Fitbit wearables, offering users critical health insights without clinical visits.

Performance Platters 🍽️

Brands are leveraging holistic video strategies to engage consumers across multiple platforms, driving full-funnel business outcomes. By utilizing first-party data and diverse video channels, companies like PepsiCo and Lexus achieve significant increases in brand awareness, consideration, and conversions. Amazon Ads exemplifies this approach, offering expansive opportunities for advertisers.

DMEXCO 2024 showcased AI's practical applications, retail media's growth, and the shift to cookieless solutions. Key trends included AI-driven transformation, the rise of retail media, and the importance of first-party data. The event emphasized collaboration, transparency, and the evolving landscape of digital marketing, highlighting innovation and future opportunities.

Brand websites remain crucial for the golden quarter, driving engagement and sales, according to Visualsoft's research. While social media is growing in importance, targeting the right consumers is essential. Newsletters and nostalgic Christmas ads also play significant roles, with nearly half of consumers driven by nostalgia.

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