ClickZ Consumer Electronics Newsletter - 09.26.2024

PLUS: Join TikTok, Seraphine and Sweaty Betty for Fospha's BFCM live discussion on October 3rd

Author

Priscilla Soedarpo
September 26, 2024 • Estimated Reading Time: 6 minutes

Editor’s Pick 🌟

Peak season is the single best opportunity for D2C brands.

To help you capture it, Fospha has assembled a panel of industry experts. Join them for a live discussion featuring leaders at Sweaty Betty, Seraphine, and the Head of Measurement at TikTok.

📅 Date: Thursday, 3 October 2024

🕒 Time: 11 AM EST / 4 PM BST

P.S. You'll have the chance to ask the experts questions about peak season strategies in real-time!

Gain exclusive insight into:

  1. Proven tactics to maximize peak period opportunities, shared live by experts

  2. Strategies for capturing customers efficiently through a full-funnel approach

  3. Insights on growing your customer base profitably with effective measurement

  4. Methods for identifying and capitalizing on growth headroom for efficient scaling across channels

Specialty Bites 🍪

Sony

Sony is diving headfirst into nostalgia with its PlayStation 30th Anniversary celebration, rolling out limited-edition products this November. Remember the original grey PlayStation? Sony's bringing that retro vibe to modern devices, including the PS5. The PS5 Digital Edition 30th Anniversary Bundle features a grey console, a separate disc drive cover, a vertical stand, and a DualSense controller in those classic colors.

The PS5 Pro bundle also gets the grey treatment, complete with a DualSense Edge controller that screams 90s. Accessories like the PlayStation Portal and a regular DualSense are also getting the retro makeover. Sony's keeping mum on the pricing, but preorders kick off on September 26, with shipping starting November 21. Only 12,300 units of the PS5 Pro 30th Anniversary console will be available.

Sony's no stranger to retro love. Remember the PlayStation Classic? It was a mini PS1 with twenty original games. Now, with the PS5's customizable covers, you can easily give your console a retro facelift. And if you're a purist, Sony's latest offerings let you relive the 90s with a modern twist.

Meta Connect 2024, set for September 25-26, will unveil new AR/VR headsets, including the rumored Orion smart glasses and Meta Quest 3S. Expect AI enhancements and potential third-party headsets. Meta's focus on hardware and AI aims to expand its ecosystem, contrasting Apple's closed approach.

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 like Belgian Boys and Olipop are shifting their focus to reach U.S. shoppers in smaller cities. They are investing in retail media networks and hyper-localized marketing to connect with busy parents and larger households. Platforms like Hummingbirds help brands create targeted campaigns, driving sales in specific regions.

Perplexity, backed by Nvidia and Jeff Bezos, is in talks with brands like Nike and Marriott to revolutionize AI-powered search advertising. They aim to replace Google's auction-based system with sponsored questions featuring AI-generated answers. This shift promises unbiased answers while enhancing user experience and advertising effectiveness.

VTEX's survey reveals that 45% of U.S. consumers have engaged in live shopping, with men leading in participation. Social video commerce is also popular, especially among Gen Z and millennials. Brands should leverage these trends, focusing on consistent, engaging experiences to boost consumer engagement and sales.

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