VeraViews – Alkimi Join Forces to Revolutionize Digital Advertising
VeraViews and Alkimi Exchanges, two industry leaders in the blockchain-based advertising space, have announced a new collaborative effort. VeraViews is an open ledger platform that uses the patented “Proof of View” (PoV) fraud identification technology. Furthermore, it is an extension of the Verasity system. Alkimi Exchange, however, is a decentralized ad exchange marketplace. The two assert that their partnership has the power to reinvent what is possible in digital advertising, especially in the fight against inefficiencies and a lack of transparency in the supply chain network. The partnership will bring fresh audiences and publications to Alkimi Exchange marketers as well as improve the revenue potential for publishers on the VeraViews platform.
We are thrilled to announce our latest partnership with @verasitytech!
"Publishers using the VeraViews adstack can now access demand and monetise through Alkimi Exchange, and Alkimi Exchange’s advertising partners can access new publishers and audiences through VeraViews."… https://t.co/tMEe06oxDi
— Alkimi Exchange (@AlkimiExchange) August 22, 2023
First-of-its-kind integration
Ad exchanges are computerized marketplaces where marketers may place real-time bids and buy publisher’s ad impressions, facilitating more effective and tailored digital advertising transactions. Ad exchanges make it possible for a vibrant and competitive market to buy and sell online advertising inventory, which is necessary for VeraViews’ publishing partners to successfully monetize their websites. For years, participants in the digital advertising industry have demanded more open procedures. Despite tracking capabilities and sophisticated ad networks, advertisers rarely know where their ads are placed. This raises questions about ROI and brand safety.
The collaboration between the two blockchain-based advertising giants plans to address these long-standing problems. It will be done through the integration of VeraView’s “Proof of View” (PoV) technology into Alkimi Exchange’s advertising platform. By utilizing VeraView’s ad stack, Alkimi publishers can reach new certified audiences across the VeraView network. Additionally, VeraViews has access to fresh demand monetization via the network of advertising partners of Alkimi Exchange. Alkimi Exchange will be able to learn where Proof of View is being used throughout its supply chain to block bots and illegitimate traffic.
Broader Impact on Blockchain-based Advertising
The agreement might represent a first step in clearing up some of the most vexing supply chain issues facing the advertising sector. In reality, a survey by the Guardian said that a projected 25 percent of all online ad views were generated by bots; however, other estimates put the overall proportion of fraudulent traffic significantly higher. VeraViews has long advocated for technological solutions that address fraudulent advertising and other concerns. Moreover, it has been a pioneer in using technology to combat enduring problems in digital advertising. The company’s software stack is already used by a number of significant view hosting and publishing platforms.
If the VeraViews and Alkimio Exchange incorporation succeeds in reducing fraud and increasing transparency, it may serve as a template for more widespread use in the booming blockchain industry. This might subsequently transform a sector of the economy that is anticipated to surpass $1 trillion annually in the near future.
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Here’s what they said
Ben Putley, CEO & Co-Founder of Alkimi, stated:
We at Alkimi Exchange and VeraViews are excited to announce our partnership, bridging the gap between advertising technology and cryptocurrency. By uniting our strengths, we’re pioneering an innovative synergy that will offer unparalleled efficiency, transparency, and security in the ad tech industry. Our collaboration symbolises not just a mutual understanding of our industry’s future, but also a shared commitment to drive sustainable growth, forge new pathways, and redefine the boundaries of what’s possible. Together, we are charting a course towards a more integrated, responsive, and intelligent digital advertising landscape.
David Murray, Demand Director at VeraViews, said:
The decentralized advertising ecosystem is still nascent, and we’re delighted that VeraViews and Alkimi Exchange have found ways to leverage our innovative technology solutions in synergy, working together to achieve our common goal of bringing trust and transparency to the programmatic advertising supply chain.
About VeraViews
VeraViews is a patented Proof of View (PoV) fraud detection technology-based open ledger advertising platform. It is the most effective and auditable solution for avoiding ad fraud since it offers clear invalid traffic (IVT) tracking for publishers and auditable campaign data for brands. VeraViews ensures that real people see the ads. It helps increase campaign ROI for marketers and shortens the time taken for publishers to get payment.
About Alkimi Exchange
Alkimi Exchange is a decentralized alternative to the antiquated, ineffective traditional programmatic ad exchanges. Its goal is to re-establish value between advertisers, publishers, and users. They offer the fastest, infinitely scalable solution with zero fraud, low transaction costs, and total end-to-end transparency. It is possible thanks to Alkimi exchange, a bespoke layer 2-scaling system on the Ethereum network designed exclusively for advertising.
Read More: How disruptive Blockchain is for the Digital Advertising Industry?
Microsoft Submits Revised Activision Blizzard Proposal to UK’s CMA
Microsoft has proposed a fresh revised deal for the Activision Blizzard acquisition, giving a number of concessions. The resubmission comes after the initial deal was rejected. Early last year, Microsoft, the company that owns Xbox, made a pitch for Activision Blizzard. After China’s Tencent and Sony of Japan, it sought to become the third-largest gaming company in the world by revenue. The US tech titan first proposed a $69 billion acquisition. However, it faced extensive legislative scrutiny in the US, Europe, and the UK. The original contract was halted, the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority stated. It further claimed that a new, restructured arrangement had been reached between Microsoft and Activision. The CMA will analyze the acquisition agreement and will come to a conclusion by October 18.
Microsoft’s Revised Agreement to the UK
Microsoft is seeking to alter its arrangement to acquire a more limited set of rights in order to allay concerns voiced by the UK CMA regarding the proposed acquisition’s potential impact on cloud game streaming. Microsoft will not be able to exclusively release Activision Blizzard titles on its proprietary cloud streaming service, Xbox Cloud Gaming, under the terms of the revised agreement. Additionally, it will have to give up exclusive control over Activision Blizzard game license agreements to competing providers. Additionally, it will not purchase cloud rights for current Activision PC and console games for new Activision games developed over the course of the following 15 years.
Instead, French video game producer Ubisoft Entertainment will receive permanent rights. A distinct third-party content provider is anticipated to be made available through the new agreement and cloud rights divestiture to Ubisoft. Microsoft will then be allowed to provide Activision’s game content to all other online gaming service providers as well as to itself. Activision content will be available for licensing through a variety of revenue models, including subscription services, for Ubisoft. As part of the agreement, Microsoft would also have to offer game versions for other operating systems besides its own Windows.
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Ubisoft Benefits Amidst the Scrutiny
The arrangement gives Ubisoft an unparalleled chance to make money off cloud streaming of video games. It will provide Ubisoft with the opportunity to develop and support various business models. These cover the licensing and cost of the games available on international cloud streaming systems. Microsoft will get a one-time payment from Ubisoft in exchange for cloud streaming rights to Activision Blizzard’s titles. It will additionally depend on the wholesale pricing structure of the market, with the ability to accommodate usage-based pricing. Additionally, Ubisoft will have the chance to make Activision Blizzard games available through cloud gaming services that use non-Windows operating systems.
Sarah Cardell, CEO of the CMA said in the announcement,
As part of this new deal, Activision’s cloud streaming rights outside of the EEA (European Economic Area) will be sold to a rival, Ubisoft, who will be able to license Activision’s content to any cloud gaming provider. This will allow gamers to access Activision’s games in different ways, including through cloud-based multigame subscription services. This is not a green light. We will carefully and objectively assess the details of the restructured deal and its impact on competition, including in light of third-party comments.
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Microsoft and Regulatory Backlash
The U.K.’s Commission and Market Authority have been the takeover’s harshest skeptics. It has brought up worries that the agreement might reduce competition in the just-starting cloud gaming business. Cloud gaming is believed to be the future of business. People will be free to stream games using subscription services just like they can with movies and television shows. Additionally, since cloud games are compatible with PCs, smartphones, and TVs, it would be unnecessary to purchase pricey consoles. Although the market for cloud streaming games is tiny, the CMA contends that the acquisition of a major developer of mega games by a top cloud gaming service provider would impede the emergence of healthy competition.
The CMA first announced its block to the acquisition in April. It stated that it could lead to reduced innovation and fewer choices for UK gamers in the years to come. Regulators previously also argued that Microsoft could take key Activision games like Call of Duty, World of Warcraft, etc, and make them Xbox and other Microsoft platforms exclusive.
Microsoft – Activision Blizzard Whirlwind
EU regulators were the first authority that originally approved the agreement in May. To cross that boundary, Microsoft made major concessions. They included royalty-free licensing to cloud gaming platforms for the streaming of Activision titles. However, the CMA rejected such proposals at the time. It believed they would give Microsoft the power to dictate the rules and regulations in this field for the following ten years. Although the EU has given the merger the go-ahead, British and American regulators have been more cautious out of worry that doing so might give Microsoft an excessive amount of control over cloud gaming.
In an effort to stop Microsoft from acquiring Activision, the Federal Trade Commission in the US engaged in an arbitration dispute with the software giant. A judge halted the FTC’s attempts to do so in July. This made it possible for Microsoft to proceed with the deal in the US. As soon as US regulators learned that the EU had authorized the idea, they quickly did the same. Later, the CMA stated that it was also prepared to take into account any suggestions from Microsoft for reorganizing the agreement and easing regulators’ worries.
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Microsoft’s commitment to regulation compliance
With complete adherence to and dedication to the EU, Microsoft commits to approve cloud streaming rights in the EEA. With the Ubisoft agreement, Microsoft will continue to obtain the rights necessary to fulfill its commitments to the EC. It will also extend the current legal obligations to other cloud gaming streaming services, like NVIDIA, Boosteroid, Ubitus, and Nware. Microsoft and the European Commission are working closely to assist each other’s assessments of the agreement. Further, it ensures to make sure that the obligations are upheld. It is presently attempting to enter into legally binding agreements to launch Call of Duty on competing consoles. Additionally, it will be accessible through cloud streaming platforms for Activision Blizzard titles. Thus, the transaction is now in a position to move forward in 40+ countries.
Brad Smith, Vice President of Microsoft stated in the blog post
We believe that this development is positive for players, the progression of the cloud game streaming market, and the growth of our industry. And, as we continue to navigate the review process with the CMA, we remain as committed as ever to bringing the incredible benefits of the acquisition to players, developers, and the industry
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YouTube & Music Industry Forge AI Alliance for Artist Protection
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is advancing more quickly than ever. Along the process, it is fostering innovation, igniting fresh perspectives, and even changing entire sectors. It is clear that YouTube aggressively accepts this technology with a persistent commitment to accountability at this pivotal juncture. Over 1.7 billion people have watched YouTube videos about generative AI so far in 2023. Neal Mohan, the CEO of YouTube, has underlined the necessity of carefully utilizing its potential. He also discussed the platform’s AI music guiding principles and his expectations for how the system will support artistic expression while safeguarding platform artists.
P1# Ethical Adoption with Strategic Collaborations
With its ability to bring together fans from all over the world, produce famous videos, and introduce new artists, YouTube has long been associated with music. Its collaboration with the music business resulted in the development of YouTube Music and YouTube Premium subscription services, novel international live-streaming abilities, and vigilant copyright protection for artists. Although it has long been connected to music and copyright protection, advances in generative AI have made content regulation more challenging than ever. By listening to an artificially-created cover of a well-known song, one may see how technology is developed. One can wonder if the original artist, the creator of the AI, or the data used to train the model should receive credit.
Millions of individuals are incorporating AI into their daily lives as a result of the rapid breakthroughs in the field. AI. As revolutionary new forms of creativity are unlocked by generative AI, YT, and its collaborators in the music business concur to expand on our long history of working together, appropriately embracing the quickly developing field. YouTube’s goal is to collaborate with the music business in order to foster creativity in a way that advances their shared goal of ethical innovation. Recently, YouTube developed a framework to innovate and protect artists’ work in collaboration with peers in the music industry like Universal Music Group. It unveiled Music AI Incubator, a platform designed to make use of this innovative field.
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P2# Safeguarding and Amplifying Music Partner Opportunities
Working with the industry leader and tremendous talent roster of Universal Music Group, they are launching the program. YouTube will put together well-known artists from around the world to gain an understanding of generative AI trials and research. OneRepublic’s Ryan Tedder, a three-time Grammy Award winner for songwriting and production, Yo Gotti, a renowned rapper and philanthropist, and the estate of American musical legend Frank Sinatra are just a few examples of these luminaries. YT will be able to learn from these bright individuals as it conducts tests and research on generative AI.
The goal is to strike a balance between originality and protecting copyright ensuring artists are compensated for their labor. As AI encourages a new era of artistic expression, YT continues to uphold its tradition of protecting the creators’ work. Investment in content management tools like Content ID has helped the industry generate income, AI offers a chance to rethink these safeguards. Over the years, they have made large investments in the infrastructure. It aids in balancing the needs of copyright owners with those within the YouTube creative community.
P3# Elevating Trust in AI Advancements and Safety Measures
Years of policy development and trust building have put YT in a position to expand its protections to AI-generated material. They have established content policies and a reliable and secure organization that lead the industry. These are also being used as safeguards for AI. Current issues including misuse of trademarks and copyrights, false information, spam, and more could be made worse by generative AI systems. The use of Content ID policies, detection and enforcement systems, and other tools keep their platforms secure on the backend. They will be able to better safeguard their community of viewers, producers, artists, and songwriters.
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Harmonizing AI and artistry
In a separate article, Sir Lucian Grainge, Chairman and CEO of Universal Music Group, also discussed his views on AI in the music industry. Digital modification, which some people formerly viewed with skepticism, has given rise to unrestricted creativity. If the market finds the appropriate balance, Grainge believes that generative AI will have an even greater impact. AI is not devoid of its dangers. Additionally, the technology could misappropriate and impute an artist’s distinctive qualities. To guarantee the independence and recompense of artists, Grainge underlined the necessity for infrastructure, creative alliances, scalable distribution, and safeguards.
He stated in the blog:
Today, our partnership is building on that foundation with a shared commitment to lead responsibly, as outlined in YouTube’s AI principles, where Artificial Intelligence is built to empower human creativity, and not the other way around. AI will never replace human creativity because it will always lack the essential spark that drives the most talented artists to do their best work, which is intention. From Mozart to The Beatles to Taylor Swift, genius is never random.
This demonstrates how firmly YT believes in AI to revolutionize and reinvigorate creativity. The three guiding principles of YT’s CEO create a strong basis on which the entire industry may flourish and push the limits of what is artistically possible. As it continues to progress, content producers and marketers may now produce content of a better caliber while still upholding the integrity and authenticity of the original content creators. They’ve unlocked Pandora’s box AI to boost innovation globally. Furthermore, they are aware that the success of YT and its assurance of artificial intelligence depends on the success of its partners.
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SRMG Ventures Pours $5 Million in MENA’s Anghami Platform
A third investment was disclosed by SRMG Ventures, the venture capital division of the Saudi Research and Media Group (SRMG). The integrated media group has announced plans to invest $5 million in Anghami, a music and entertainment streaming service with offices in the UAE and founded in Lebanon. SRMG is dedicated to fostering the media and entertainment ecosystem in the MENA area. It plans to do so by spotting market possibilities, satisfying consumer wants, and developing new revenue sources. The venture represents a major advancement for the region’s music and audio sector, which is expected to grow at an 11% CAGR. The consistent rise is also credited to local talent, rising Arab stars, and the tactical presence of foreign record firms. This is solidifying MENA’s role as a key participant in the global music industry.
The SRMG-Anghami Strategic Venture
The group’s investment approach, which focuses on creative developers, and virtual and interactive entertainment is aligned with SRMG Ventures’ investment in Anghami. The focus will also be on the digital media platforms and drivers that are at the pinnacle of technical innovation. SRMG Ventures’ broad media reach, content library, and portfolio of top audio/podcast assets will accelerate Anghami’s growth trajectory. Additionally, they will receive a bigger slice of the quickly expanding market, anticipated to reach $700 million in 2026.
Anghami has a sizable subscriber base (120 million, up from 75 million in 2021) and a library of more than 100 million songs. It is the premier source for Arabic and international music, podcasts, and entertainment. Anghami has expanded its offerings across music streaming since its 2012 inception. At the moment, it offers live events, concerts, branded music, and video content. Additionally, it offers renowned music streaming services, podcasts, a music lounge with live entertainment, record labels for Arab musicians, and exclusive and original Arabic material.
Anghami will employ SRMG’s large media networks to speed up growth by offering users fresh experiences. Additionally, it will increase legitimate listening to music audio content in the MENA region and empower artists. Billboard Arabia, the newest addition to SRMG’s media portfolio will introduceseveralf charts employing information from the top digital streaming platforms. It will work with Anghami to help promote the musicians and songs that are shaping the local and international music scene. Additionally, all of SRMG’s content creation channels that are presently accessible through the Anghami portal will pave the way for future partnerships between the two.
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Here’s what they said
Jomana R. Al-Rashid, CEO of SRMG, said:
Audio consumption is growing fast in the MENA region. In 2022 alone, the market size for audio increased by 35%. This demand coupled with the commercial opportunity it presents makes digital audio and media one of the investment priorities for SRMG Ventures. These opportunities are also demonstrative of our strategy and commitment to support and develop the media ecosystem, act as a catalyst for further growth and enhancement of SRMG’s offerings and services. Today, Anghami has been able to secure one of the largest user bases in audio streaming in the region, and has developed an impressive platform with extensive technological capabilities – a testament to the leadership of founders Elie Habib and Eddy Maroun. We’re looking forward to working closely with the Anghami team to realize our shared vision of elevating the region’s media and entertainment industry.
Eddy Maroun, Co-founder & CEO of Anghami, said:
This investment from SRMG Ventures marks a significant milestone for Anghami. We have continually evolved to meet our audience’s changing demands and support the region’s rising entertainment and music industry. Working together with SRMG, a leader and innovator in regional media, Anghami will be able to unlock further opportunities to champion the music ecosystem. This partnership will propel regional artists to greater heights, expand their global reach, and create new touchpoints for our users and artists alike.
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Meta To Roll Out Web Version Of Threads, Granting User Requests
Social media behemoth Meta stated that the web version of its microblogging app Threads will launch the following week as it prepares to battle rival X. Since the short-form content app’s release, the web version feature has annoyingly been absent. One of the numerous features that people have requested from Threads is the availability of a desktop version. Threads currently post on the web, but access is restricted. This is attributed to the app’s design to work on mobile devices.
Threads’ Web Presence
The web version launch plans for Thread are still tentative and remain susceptible to change at any time. One of the reasons people left Threads, at least in comparison to X, is because of this functionality. One of the service’s main flaws, especially for business customers, is that there isn’t a functional web version of it. This is because not everyone chooses to use apps on their cell phones.
Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, announced that the business was working on integrating the feature along with improved search. On the platform, users can only look for usernames as of now. The upgrades are scheduled to roll out in a few weeks. The web version of Threads is currently undergoing internal testing, according to Threads and Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri. To combat misinformation and propaganda, Threads has begun to display labels for state-controlled media organizations. In a Threads post, he stated,
We’re working on it! We’ve been using an early version internally for a week or two. Still needs some work before we can open it up to everyone though… It’s a little bit buggy right now, you don’t want it just yet. As soon as it is ready, we will share it with everybody else.
A web-based version of Threads would be a big advantage for Meta in its ongoing competition with X, according to Sam Saliba, a former global brand marketing head at Instagram who still keeps in touch with individuals at Meta. It would increase the company’s capacity for gathering information, expand its market reach, and add fresh attributes.
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Threads’ momentum faces a slippery slope
The debut of Threads was an attempt to compete with social media site X. It came in time to win over some of the users upset with the modifications made by Elon Musk. The social media app was well accepted by users, surpassing 100 million monthly active users in just one week. However, it lacks key elements that would keep it alive. According to Similar Web data obtained by the Wall Street Journal, the number of threads with active users has decreased to about 10 million. The survey also revealed that, compared to its peak usage right after the introduction, Threads users now only spend 2.4 minutes a day using the app. In contrast, X gets about 363.7 million MAUs. There has been criticism that the app only offers basic content produced by brand executives and celebrities. The informal discussions and real-time responses to events at its peak made Twitter or X, feel dynamic and interesting.
The decision is timely because the site is having trouble keeping users. During an internal company town hall the month prior, Mark Zuckerberg informed his staff that user retention was better than anticipated but not ideal. According to him, the decrease in users was expected, and retention would increase as new features, like the desktop version, are implemented. Other recent updates from Meta include the option to customize post alerts for individual users and read posts in a kind of chronological feed. Additionally, they have also given users the option to utilize their Mastodon profile to confirm a link and a following tab.
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NYC Bans TikTok On City-Issued Devices Amid Security Concerns
TikTok, a well-known application for short-form videos, has drawn attention from around the world. The most recent entity to impose app usage restrictions is New York City. It has instructed its staff to remove TikTok from phones acquired from the city. By doing this, they join the federal government and more than half of the states in prohibiting the use of the Chinese-owned social media app on government-provided electronic devices. A 30-day deadline has been set by the New York City Cyber Command, a part of the City’s Office of Technology and Innovation, for city employees to quit using TikTok. The division has found that the app puts the city’s technical networks at risk of security. In the previous year, Congress had moved to outlaw TikTok on federal devices, and several states have followed suit.
TikTok-U.S. Hot Waters
In December 2022, the US House of Representatives approved a bill that prohibited the use of TikTok on official equipment. Additionally, the Biden Administration intensified its lobbying campaigns against the app earlier this year to get TikTok to renounce its Chinese heritage and break ties with its parent business ByteDance. This has distinguished the app from other American social media behemoths. Shou Zi Chew, TikTok’s CEO, gave testimony before Congress as well. He put up with five hours of intense grilling from senators who were worried that China was using the app’s user data to jeopardize national security.
In response to worries that TikTok’s parent business, ByteDance, was sharing user data with the Chinese government and spying on Americans, the federal government ordered the staff to uninstall the app from government-issued cell phones earlier this year. Similar prohibitions were established in more than 25 states.
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NYC bans Tiktok
Due to its connections to China and how it manages user data, TikTok has come under fire from American politicians. As a result of the political response, Montana passed a bill that essentially outlawed the app beginning in 2024. The Montana statute was challenged by TikTok, who claimed that it violated the First Amendment. The platform asserted that claims that the Chinese government had access to user data on TikTok were unfounded.
Since 2020, TikTok use on state-owned phones has been forbidden in New York, with a few exceptions for advertising channels. Officials from TikTok have stated that there is no basis for concern about cybersecurity risks associated with the app’s use. A few New York Public Relations platforms were nevertheless permitted under the policy to use the app for marketing. The software is now prohibited on state-owned devices in 30 states.
Three years after New York State discreetly imposed a comparable restriction on government devices in 2020, New York City has decided to limit TikTok to city-owned devices. The city cited federal laws imposed to outlaw the app, as well as U.S. Office of Management and Budget recommendations limiting its usage on government-owned devices. New York City’s actions are now consistent with those of the federal government. Although TikTok had previously outlined its plans to guarantee the security of U.S. user data, little has been done to quench the fears of the lawmakers.
Here’s what they said
Jonah Allon, a spokesperson for Mayor Eric Adams said in a statement,
While social media is great at connecting New Yorkers and the city, we have to ensure we are always securely using these platforms. NYC Cyber Command regularly explores and advances proactive measures to keep New Yorkers’ data safe.
Scott Reif, a spokesperson for the state Office of Information and Technology stated,
We seek to meet people where they are and remain vigilant in protecting critical state assets, and urge New Yorkers to use caution when using TikTok and all social media platforms to protect their privacy and security.
Three years ago, TikTok and 49 other Chinese apps were first blocked in India, one of the pioneering nations to do so. Following suit, earlier this year New Zealand and Canada implemented preventative measures to block TikTok from some government-owned devices. They explained it away to app users’ privacy and data worries. Social networking applications are feeling the heat of public outrage as privacy and user information issues persist. The user policies of apps like Zoom, Google, and others had to be updated to comply with the constantly evolving legal framework governing technology. We’ll have to wait and see what happens with TikTok in the US and the business.
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StarzPlay Unveils Free Fantasy Football Game for Fans in MENA
StarzPlay Sports has announced the release of StarzPlay Fantasy Sports, an unprecedented free-to-play Web3 sports game in the MENA region. The SERIE A 2023/24 season will mark the first time the football prediction game is played. It will debut in 19 nations in the Middle East and North Africa region and will only be accessible through StarzPlay Sports.
By integrating Web 3.0 and blockchain technologies, StarzPlay Fantasy Sports represents a crucial turning point in the fantasy sports industry. As the SVOD platform continues to set the standard for providing its audience with distinctive and interesting content, StarzPlay Sports is establishing itself as a versatile entertainment hotspot. Thousands of hours of high-quality video, including the best Western, Arabic, and Turkish shows, anime, and live sports are currently available on the site.
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Blockchain technology-powered game
Watching live games on StarzPlay Sports has an entirely novel experience thanks to the game. StarzPlay Fantasy Sports enables viewers to fully experience the excitement of live football matches by allowing them to anticipate scores in real-time for SERIE A matches and other regional leagues. The goal will be to increase user interaction with the matches. This would involve predicting results like scores and possession percentages and identifying the player who might score the opening goal inside the interactive arenas using intuitive in-game tools. Players will require their strategic acumen and draw from their football understanding for a chance to earn prizes, compete against friends, and move up weekly, monthly, and all-time leaderboards,
Players who make accurate predictions can win a variety of rewards. The in-game money STARZ$ is one of them. Despite being free to play, players can buy, sell, and exhibit NFTs in a real-time interactive marketplace using money. This will give them the tools they need to build a customized team and improve their predicted performance. Additionally, the currency may be exchanged for tickets to SERIE A games, football merchandise, platform subscription vouchers, and, the cherry on top, meet-and-greet events with football legends beginning with the upcoming 2024 Supercoppa Italiana finals in Riyadh. Players will also receive prizes from third-party sponsors. In essence, it will open up a new channel for businesses and advertisers to interact with site visitors.
The HTML5 game will be run via the Skale Network and organized in Amazon AWS in a serverless environment. This will make it possible to serve customers during busy periods and offer a consistent, excellent experience during matches.
Here’s what they said
Alessandro Masaro, Chief Strategy Officer at StarzPlay said,
StarzPlay Fantasy Sports is the first-of-its-kind blockchain service in the region which will give customers a new dimension to engage with sports while competing to win incredible prizes. Our goal is to make StarzPlay a hub for sports entertainment and provide users and rights holders with more opportunities to interact and build stronger and more valuable relationships. We believe this is the first step of a larger plan which will see StarzPlay Fantasy Sports expand into other leagues and sports in the near future.
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InMobi Bolsters Privacy Control with Quantcast Choice Acquisition
Quantcast Choice, a consent management platform (CMP) created to help marketers comply with evolving international privacy rules, has been integrated and acquired by InMobi for unspecified financial terms. InMobi is a market pioneer in marketing and content monetization tools supporting company expansion. The strategic acquisition highlights InMobi’s dedication to strengthening its privacy management system for websites and mobile app developers. Additionally, it will equip them to negotiate the complex, ever-changing privacy landscape.
A quick look at CMP
App and website publishers can control user consent for data collection and advertising activities following data privacy laws thanks to a CMP (consent management platform). For gathering and managing user consent preferences, it offers a user-friendly interface. Additionally, it promotes user trust and assures compliance. A CMP is a crucial weapon that publishers in the EEA and the US ought to be privy to.
InMobi – Quantcast Acquisition
CMPs are now necessary for advertisers to assure compliance and sustain ad revenue as privacy laws such as the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the European Economic Area (EEA) continue to change. Many of the top-demand partners mandate the use of a CMP that supports the recent privacy standards upheld by the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB). Hence, in the absence of a tested CMP, publishers might lose out on opportunities.
This premise of the acquisition is simple to understand. The publisher (or mobile developer) side of InMobi’s ad tech business must be strengthened. The theory is that these controls could result in advertising that is even more precisely targeted and possibly even higher CPMs for advertisers. Publishers may be more willing to spend money on advertisements supported by compliance and transparent data. The CMP will be incorporated into InMobi’s comprehensive publisher’s software development kit (SDK). It will provide enhanced privacy control, simple content management, and increased data governance. With the inclusion of a trustworthy, flexible, and adaptable CMP, InMobi will be able to provide complete publisher monetization solutions.
For publishers’ needs, Quantcast Choice offers over 500 Google-certified and 800-IAB-approved and non-approved certified providers. This open-minded strategy aids publishers increase revenue, fill rates, and occasionally records a 35 percent rise in eCPMs in specific locations. As part of the acquisition, InMobi will keep the platform’s free use for current users and continue to work hard to fulfill this commitment to both existing and fresh users. The changeover for Quantcast clients and the launch of new publisher offers will happen later this year.
Here’s what they said
Kunal Nagpal, Chief Business Officer, of InMobi Advertising stated,
“InMobi has always been at the forefront of building solutions that help brands and publishers alike navigate the complex global privacy landscape. This acquisition allows us to bring the power of a proven world-class CMP into the in-app ecosystem where the challenges remain enormous and unresolved. Quantcast Choice is a gold standard for thousands of Web publishers; we are excited to build and extend its benefits to the 40,000 mobile apps that currently work with InMobi.”
Peter Day, Chief Technology Officer of Quantcast said,
“Quantcast Choice was born of our commitment to protecting consumer privacy and we’re proud of helping so many businesses meet the needs of an evolving regulatory landscape. InMobi understands the needs of publishers and we’re delighted that this market-leading CMP will continue to be available as a free solution. We remain committed to our customers and have formed a close relationship with InMobi to ensure a seamless transition.”
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WPP and Optimizely Team Up for Data-Driven Digital Experiences
WPP and Optimizely, one of the market leaders in digital experience platforms (DXPs), have formed a strategic worldwide relationship. The alliance will aim at assisting clients in offering customers enhanced digital experiences. This groundbreaking collaboration will serve as WPP’s principal digital experimentation focus and Optimizely’s first global strategic undertaking.
Informed digital experience-focused deal
WPP and Optimizely have collaborated for 17 years through businesses like ACCO businesses, Aegon, Oister, etc. These days, customer standards are higher than ever. With this partnership, Optimizely will enable digital innovation and potential for WPP’s enterprise clients. As a platinum partner of Optimizely, WPP is privy to the latter’s DXP toolkit. These tools include experimentation, commerce, content management, and marketing. By utilizing these technologies, businesses will be able to leverage data to continually improve their digital experiences to increase engagement, conversions, and ROI.
As Google launches Google Optimize, its web and analytics product later this year, the strategic collaboration will also extend to enable partners to seamlessly connect Optimizely’s Web Experimentation and Google Analytics (GA4). WPP and Optimizely have agreed to work together to ensure a smooth transition to a new experimental network that will help brands deliver pertinent features and content.
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Here’s what they said
Stephan Pretorius, chief technology officer at WPP stated in the announcement,
“Powerful creativity and effective media strategy can be wasted if brands do not also prioritise conversion. Optimizely’s platform provides data that allows brands to maximise the chance of driving customers through the ideal journey across channels, and we’re excited to develop a joint offering to take to our shared clients.”
Alex Atzberger, CEO of Optimizely remarked,
“The world’s leading companies must have world-leading digital experiences, which can only be achieved through a test and learn approach. Together, WPP and Optimizely will ensure customers get the most out of their experimentation programmes so they can turn insights into increased conversions. We are thrilled to kick off this partnership.”
About Optimizely
The goal of Optimizely is to assist people in realizing their full digital potential. They achieve this by reimagining the way that product and marketing teams collaborate to design and enhance digital experiences across multi-channels. They assist businesses all over the world in orchestrating their whole content lifecycle, monetizing each digital experience, and conducting experiments across every customer interaction with the aid of their industry-leading digital experience platforms (DXP). In its 21 international offices, Optimizely employs nearly 1500 people and has more than 700 partners. More than 10,000 companies, including H&M, PayPal, Zoom, Toyota, and Vodafone, benefit from their assistance to improve client lifetime value, boost sales, and develop their brands.
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Saudi Arabia-UAE Join Global NVIDIA Chip Race Amid AI Scramble
Large IT businesses and nations are vying for NVIDIA to dominate the semiconductor chips market as a result of the development of generative AI. Most recently, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have expressed interest in purchasing NVIDIA processors to support their AI aspirations. They have joined an ever-expanding line of tech purchasers in the hunt to acquire these chips alongside Elon Musk and China.
With their purchases of thousands of NVIDIA graphic processing units (GPUs), Saudi Arabia and the UAE have both demonstrated their desire to become significant players in the AI industry. These components are crucial to the generative AI revolution that has recently swept the market.
The GPU chips
In the contest to stock NVIDIA chips, the two Middle Eastern nations will face competitors from throughout the world. They will go off against rivals like China and Elon Musk. At least 3,000 NVIDIA H100 chips costing $40,000 each were bought by Saudi Arabia. Additionally, it has ordered new semiconductors to power the nation’s large language models (LLMs).
Earlier this month, it was reported that Alibaba and ByteDance, the parent of TikTok, had purchased $5 billion worth of GPUs as concerns grow about the Biden administration limiting their access. The Chinese tech giants are scrambling to get their hands on these chips with the US government’s restrictions on investing in Chinese technologies. They include semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing. The aim was to reduce China’s military access to American technology and price. The four core Chinese tech titans- Baidu, Tencent, Alibaba, and ByteDance ordered $1 billion worth of chips to be delivered in 2023. Additionally, another $4 billion worth will be delivered in 2024. Elon Musk, the owner of Tesla and an acclaimed entrepreneur, has also expressed a strong interest in purchasing thousands of chips for his generative AI project called xAI.
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Craving NVIDIA chips fear a shortage
Since ChatGPT started the AI craze, NVIDIA’s profit performance has increased. The company’s valuation has now reached over $1 trillion. NVIDIA holds 95% market share in the specialist GPU industry, which has grown significantly as a result of AI. These chips are extremely expensive attributing to their innovation, training, and implementation. This gives a huge advantage to big tech companies over small businesses and startups. However, the company’s supply of semiconductor chips may soon be depleted due to the rise in demand for its GPUs. Top executives have issued a warning that supply may soon fall short of demand. The supply of the H100s is facing several limitations. Some analysts predict that the corporation will run out of chips by the end of next year.
The Gulf states’ interests only confirm that NVIDIA may not be able to keep up with GPU demand. They already cost a fortune and are in short supply. Because of this, venture capitalists have begun directly purchasing them for their company portfolios. The price of NVIDIA’s stock has approximately tripled this year as investors bet that its highly coveted processors would be a critical component of the AI revolution. In 2023, the graphics chip specialist led the S&P 500 with gains of more than 200%.
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