This week’s been particularly good for ad tech movements, with both IBM and Google showing us some impressive new products and figures. As with every week, here are four stories – plus our most read gem – for you to chill and read on a Friday afternoon.
1. IBM launches AI-powered Watson ads
Machine learning’s now at marketers’ very fingertips as IMB launches Waton Ads this week – an “industry first”.
Liz Morell goes into depth in her piece on the announcement.
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2. Google’s record brand value
When you say ‘Google’ and ‘value’ in the same sentence, you know it’s not going to be a small figure. The giant topped BrandZ’ top 100 most valuable brand list with its almost $300bn value.
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3. Signal raises $30m to fuel people-based marketing growth
Media monitoring mogul Signal has raised $30m in Series E funding to help it further expand its people-based marketing platform and meet ‘global demand’.
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4. 90% of publishers have higher CTRs on Google AMP ads
Google makes another appearance as it reports on its accelerated mobile page ads, which are yielding some good returns for publishers and advertisers.
No surprise really, but still good to know.
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5. Our top read story this week
It is… *Drumroll*… Facebook’s Slideshow ad product taking off in emerging markets.
This is the story of how the ad offering, which works on low grade internet with easy-to-create ads, is flourishing in Brazil, Thailand and Mexico.
Spot any other interesting stories? Drop us a comment!
