Weekly Digital Breakdown – 12.20.19
Weekly Digital Breakdown
Dec 20 2019
Homes Are Getting Smarter
As we enter 2020, it’s evident consumers are turning to new ways to make their homes work more efficiently and effectively for their lifestyles. With the help of smart devices ranging from smart speakers, video doorbells, light bulbs that can be adjusted in intensity and color, smart thermostats, and grills you can control from your mobile device, consumers are leaning on technology for convenience. One of the main consumer concerns with these items is their lack of integration other smart appliances already in the home. With some gadgets only compatible with Amazon’s Alexa, Apple’s Siri, or Google’s Assistant, customers are hesitant to fully embrace options.
While usually divided, Amazon, Apple, and Google are collaborating with Zigbee Alliance to develop a way connected devices can communicate, despite the brand or operating system, over IP through means that are reliable and secure. They are working together on a Connected Home Over IP project that would create a compatible connectivity standard for use across smart products.
The companies view compatibility as a way to collectively expand the market for smart-home devices and services. With smart homes devices projected to continue steady growth, forecasted to exceed 1.39 billion globally by 2023, the tech giants believe consumers would have higher adoption if they were confident smart-home products would work seamlessly together.
Some of the companies that have shown interest in progressing the idea are Ikea, Samsung SmartThings, and Silicon Labs. Project Connected Home Over IP is still in its infancy, but has extended the invitation to participate to other device manufacturers and other developers across the smart home industry.
Brands Make a Splash with Creative
Marketers use stock photos for a variety of purposes. They can be found in ad imagery, within content or blog posts, or used in social creative. Unsplash, one of the largest stock image providers in the world where photographers can share high resolution images for free commercial use, has announced an additional way for brands to leverage their services with the launch of its digital advertising function. Through Unsplash for Brands, companies can link sponsored images to relevant search terms across Unsplash’s website or over 1,500 popular platforms. This will expose brands to a broad range of users and creators.
In an effort to help brands connect in a more authentic way, the new offering would show products to users at scale and would be less intrusive, boosting product awareness and engagement. The free creative service is already relied upon for many businesses, particularly those with limited resources for content creation.The added value brands would receive could help them find more relevant targeting topics by being presented in a native format in articles, presentations, posts, and other media and reviewing the performance metrics.
While a new concept, Unsplash has already signed big brands such as Google, Harley Davidson, Boxed Water, Square, and The Honest Company as they continue testing. The opportunity is currently invitation only but those who are interested can get on the waitlist at Unsplash for Brands.
McDonald’s is Lovin’ Mobile Payments
It seems cash may no longer be king. As customers are increasingly utilizing cashless payments, Adyen payment platform has secured a deal with McDonald’s Corp. to process their mobile app payments. Starting in 2020, the partnership will begin rollout in the U.K. and has long-term plans to spread globally. The app payment will be used in all mobile orders for the world’s biggest fast food restaurant chain. McDonald’s also plans to expand its services to food delivery, which they anticipare will account for approximately $4 billion in sales by the end of 2020, all being processed through Adyen. Once the system is widely used, Adyen hopes to expand the partnership to also include point-of-sale payments
As ecommerce businesses continue to embrace cashless payments options, providers like Adyen are eager to scoop up more of the market. The benefit of the partnership is it allows McDonald’s the ability to implement a consistent order and pay experience efficiently. Customers around the globe will have uniform access, improving the user experience. The convenience and ease of use are likely to keep McDonald’s customers coming back for more.
