Cox Enterprises
Cox Connects the Las Vegas Strip
Cox Communications is taking over sin city, or at least a portion of it. The cable & media giant has deployed a private wireless network covering eight blocks around Fremont Street.
Pro Features
Apple Launches into Local Events
Apple’s local commerce efforts continue to expand. Beyond ongoing Apple Maps improvements, its latest play is local event discovery. It’s bringing festival and concert content to two fitting places: Apple Music and Apple Maps.
Amazon
Amazon’s TikTok-Like ‘Inspire’ Launches
Amazon’s new TikTok-like shopping feed has rolled out to all U.S. users. Known as Inspire, it was previously available in closed beta, containing short-form videos and photos that feature products for sale on Amazon.
Benchmark Bytes
How Satisfied are SMBs with SaaS?
Benchmark Bytes is a series that examines Localogy’s original data on SMB tech deployment. Based on its recent Small Business Trends report, each installment drills down on a data excerpt and draws out meaning for Localogy Insider readers.
Generative AI
3 Takeaways from Google I/O
Google’s I/O annual developer conference had the standard slate of rapid-fire announcements from across the Googleverse. We we break down our three biggest takeaways to cap the week.
AI
Can AI Accelerate ‘T-Commerce’?
Now that AI has inflected in underlying capabilities and applicability, could this accelerate the promise of shoppable television? We examine the latest market evidence and outcomes from IAB NewFronts.
Amazon
Amazon Brings Custom Stores to Third-Party Apps
Amazon continues to find new places to sell you things. The latest is its “Amazon Anywhere” service that brings eCommerce to third-party apps and games, including customized and branded stores.
Benchmark Bytes
What Are the Biggest Reasons SMB Don’t Adopt SaaS?
Benchmark Bytes is a series that examines Localogy’s original data on SMB tech deployment. Based on its recent Small Business Trends report, each installment drills down on a data excerpt and draws out meaning for Localogy Insider readers.
Augmented reality
Frontdoor Launches Remote Home Services App
Frontdoor has announced a new app to streamline service calls to Homeowners. Utilizing “see what I see,” remote guidance, it empowers homeowners to diagnose – and even fix – issues with the live help of experts and an upheld smartphone.
Generative AI
Nextdoor Jumps on the AI Wagon
We can now add another local media and commerce player to the list of AI integrations: NextDoor. Specifically, the company has launched a feature that helps its users automate post creation.
Pro Features
IKEA Makes a Play for SMB Loyalty
The latest player has joined the mix of retailers catering to SMBs: IKEA. The company launched the IKEA Business Network Loyalty Program to offer SMBs perks such as 5 percent discounts store-wide.
Benchmark Bytes
What Are the Biggest Reasons for SMB SaaS Adoption?
Benchmark Bytes is a series that examines Localogy’s original data on SMB tech deployment. Based on its recent Small Business Trends report, each installment drills down on a data excerpt and draws out meaning for Localogy Insider readers.
Pro Features
TikTok SMB Showdown: Slathered-Up Pork & Fishing Lures
We’re back now with the latest TikTok SMB Showdow. In the spirit of “showing rather than telling,” this series previews our favorite TikToks from worldwide SMBs, and what makes them successful.
Pro Features
Snapchat+ Sets the Bar
The latest Snapchat+ milestone is that it has reached 3 million paid users. That’s up from 2 million in February and 1 million in August – indicating not only healthy user growth but accelerated adoption. We examine drives & dynamics.
eCommerce
Shopify Expands Further into Fintech
Shopify continues to expand its functionality for one-stop-shop appeal, and to broaden its addressable market of SMBs. The latest move in this effort comes Shopify Bill Pay, helping SMBs manage vendor payments.
Pro Features
Yelp Jumps on the AI Train For a Smarter UX
You can now add Yelp to the growing list of companies integrating AI to boost its user experience. And like much of the AI advancement and excitement over the past few months, this involves conversational AI and large language models.
artificial intelligence
AI Chatbots Gain Traction Beyond the Buzz
Conversational AI is all the buzz in tech & media circles. But unlike hype cycles without substance (we’re looking at you metaverse), AI is finding real traction. We examine the evidence.
creator economy
Instagram Advances Its Creator-Economy Play
The creator economy continues to emerge as a subset of the SMB universe. Instagram has recently advanced this segment with its creator marketplace API that lets creators and brands find each other.
Benchmark Bytes
What Business Functions Drive the Greatest SMB SaaS Demand?
Benchmark Bytes is a series that examines Localogy’s original data on SMB tech deployment. Based on its recent Small Business Trends report, each installment drills down on a data excerpt and draws out meaning for Localogy Insider readers.
Apple
PayPal Adds Apple Pay for SMBs
Paypal has announced that it’s adding Apple Pay to its payment options for eCommerce-enabled SMBs. We dive into the details and strategic implications.