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☆ Consumer confidence level is still relatively low, says Forrester Research's Sucharita Kodali
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-23 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailConsumer confidence level is still relatively low, says Forrester Research's Sucharita KodaliSucharita Kodali, Forrester Research retail analyst, joins 'Squawk Box' to break down PepsiCo's quarterly earnings results, what it says about the strength of the consumer, and more.

Persons: Forrester Organizations: Forrester Research

☆ 3 reasons companies are investing in AI-powered PCs
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-18 | by ( Sponsor Post | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

Organizations and individuals who delay investing in the latest AI PCs risk falling behind in an increasingly competitive landscape where technological advancements are essential for staying innovative, collaborative, and secure. These AI PCs possess the ability to anticipate and comprehend user requirements, resulting in a highly personalized and responsive interaction. The new Latitude AI PCs can deliver up to 38% less power when running AI-enhanced collaboration features like Zoom.22. Content creators can save time by generating images 1.7 times faster with StabilityAI on their Dell AI PCs or Dell AI workstations with new Intel processors.33. Knowledge workers can optimize their Dell AI PCs by utilizing just 1% of CPU usage, effectively detecting malware with Crowdstrike4.

Persons: cyberattacks, Dell, Read, Forrester Organizations: Forrester, Processing, Dell, Intel, Dell Optimizer, Dell Technologies, Insider Studios, Forrester Consulting, Services Locations: NPU, Argentina, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Hong Kong, Korea, Malaysia, Russia, South Africa, Taiwan, Ukraine, Venezuela, Vietnam, Thailand, Philippines

☆ That security camera and smart doorbell you’re using may have some major security flaws
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-09 | by ( Samantha Murphy Kelly | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +11 min

… I’m completely done with smart devices like that.”24-year-old Heather Hines is among the Wyze users whose personal camera footage was viewed during a recent security breach. Henderson, who owns 10 Wyze cameras, said he is starting to replace them with other brands. It also raises the question about whether the value of smart devices is worth the risks. Amazon and Google have experienced security breaches with Ring and Nest security devices in recent years. People can also reconsider how many smart devices they actually need in the home.

Persons: Heather Hines, Hines, ”, “ I’m, ” Hines, I’m, Eddie Henderson, Henderson, Dave Cosby, Tuck, Paddy Harrington, That’s, Michela, Michela Menting, “, ” Harrington, It’s, you’ve, they’ll, ” Menting Organizations: CNN, Wyze, Consumer, Amazon, Walmart, Sears, Federal Communications Commission, US, Forrester Research, Attackers, Google, ABI Research, Consumer Product Safety, White, FBI Locations: Southern California, Nova Scotia, Canada, China, ” Haddington

☆ Your company knows you’re reading this story at work
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-04 | by ( Samantha Murphy Kelly | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

But experts say that while AI tools might be new, watching, reading and tracking employee conversations is far from novel. A Chevron spokesperson told CNN the company is using Aware to help monitor public comments and interactions on its internal Workplace platform, where employees can post updates and comments. Cybersecurity company Proofpoint uses similar technology to help monitor cyber risks, such as incoming phishing scams or if an employee is downloading and sending sensitive work data to their personal email account. This would prevent employees from not sharing sensitive company data with an AI model, which could resurface in future responses. Even when employees are not on a secure work network, companies are able to monitor activity through browsers.

Persons: ”, David Johnson, “, Johnson, Slack, Reece Hayden, ” Hayden, Hayden Organizations: CNN, Walmart, Starbucks, Chevron, Forrester Research, Microsoft, Warner Brothers Discovery, Fortune, ABI Research, Meta Locations: Delta

☆ The consumer isn't spending with big brands typically associated with retail, says Sucharita Kodali
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-27 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailThe consumer isn't spending with big brands typically associated with retail, says Sucharita KodaliSucharita Kodali, Forrester Research retail analyst, joins 'Squawk Box' to discuss the quarterly earnings results from Lowe's and Macy's, what they say about the U.S. consumer, and more.

Persons: Sucharita Organizations: Forrester Research

☆ Why Hollywood should be terrified of YouTube, not Netflix
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-09 | by ( Lucia Moses | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Its advantage wasn’t lost on Netflix cofounder and former CEO Reed Hastings, who’s namechecked YouTube as a threat to Netflix. YouTube has become a media giant without Hollywood contentMany in media dismiss or overlook YouTube because it doesn’t look like a Hollywood player. Its TV business, YouTube TV, is a bundle of other people’s channels. And YouTube TV is now the fourth-largest pay-TV service in the country, with more than 8 million subscribers. The real threat is that Netflix and YouTube dominate and everyone else fights over a tiny slice of pie.

Persons: It’s, wasn’t, Reed Hastings, who’s, Nielsen, Z, it’s, Gen Z, Forrester, Dan Salmon, Martin Scorsese, Brian Albert, Google's, Neal Mohan, he’s, ’, YouTube’s, isn’t, can’t, else’s, Piper Sandler’s Organizations: Service, Netflix, Disney, Business, YouTube, Nielsen YouTube, Hollywood, Street Research, Amazon Prime, Google, Hulu Locations: Hollywood

☆ Still love your landline? Phone service providers are getting closer to phasing it out
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-05 | by ( Samantha Murphy Kelly | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

CNN —More people who are still using telephone landlines will soon need to decide if they want to finally hang up on their service. That’s part of a sweeping move by phone service providers to replace older copper wire-based telephone systems lines, also known as Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS), with faster and more advanced technology that doesn’t work with landlines. In the United States, the shift away from copper landlines will most likely impact people over age 65 and small business owners. “Traditional landline telephone service is the most dependable communications tool currently available in rural communities and is vital to reliably accessing 9-1-1,” he said. Because phone service workers will need to be deployed during the removal process, this could extend the completion time.

Persons: CNN —, “ We’ve, “, ”, Lisa Pierce, Patrick Blacklock, ” Pierce, Will McKeon, White, ” McKeon Organizations: CNN, Verizon, Old Telephone Service, landlines, UK, Consumers, California Public Utilities Commission, Gartner, California, Federal Communications Commission, Forrester Research Locations: California, France, California ”, United States, Pennsylvania, Rural County

☆ 3 big challenges facing Netflix as the streaming wars enter a brutal new phase
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-22 | by ( Lucia Moses | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

Hollywood stakeholders and analysts alike have declared Netflix the winner of the streaming wars — but the celebration may be short-lived as streaming enters a new phase. Analysts can't say for sure how much more subscriber growth Netflix can add through its cheaper ad tier and password-sharing crackdown, though. Plus, Netflix is about to face big competition for ad dollars from Amazon, which will launch ads on Prime Video starting January 29. Also, Big Tech's ability to fund their streaming services indefinitely could keep subscription prices depressed for Netflix, along with everyone else, Bernstein noted. But now that the strikes are over, some analysts predict Netflix will face a bigger content bill going forward.

Persons: Scott Stuber, Forrester, Mike Proulx, Brian Wieser, Evercore, Peacock, Oscar, Ted Sarandos, Netflix isn't, Gen, Bernstein, Jason Bazinet Organizations: Netflix, Business, Disney, Macquarie Research, Paramount, Citigroup Locations: Canada, North America

☆ Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg makes biggest pledge to AI yet
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-18 | by ( Samantha Murphy Kelly | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced on Thursday that Meta plans to build its own artificial general intelligence, known as AGI, which is artificial intelligence that meets or surpasses human intelligence in almost all areas. Zuckerberg’s latest announcement is one of its biggest pledges to double down on artificial intelligence. Big Tech companies including Microsoft, Google and Amazon continue to share new AI tools and visions amid a heightened and renewed AI arms race. Earlier this year, Zuckerberg said Meta is creating a new “top-level product group” to “turbocharge” the company’s work on AI tools. “That trope around ‘every company is now a technology company’ has evolved to be every company is now an AI company,” he said.

Persons: Mark Zuckerberg, Zuckerberg, “, ”, Meta, GenAI, Ray Ban Meta, Ray, turbocharge, Dipanjan Chatterjee Organizations: CNN, Meta, FAIR, AIs, Big Tech, Microsoft, Google, Forrester Research, Facebook

☆ From transparent TVs to ChatGPT-powered pet companions, here’s some of the buzziest tech of CES 2024
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-11 | by ( Samantha Murphy Kelly | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +10 min

Here’s a look at some of the buzziest products announced this week:Loona companion robot is the world's first consumer robot equipped with ChatGPT AI technology. From Beijing KEYi Technology Co. Ltd.AI companionsAI companions are one of the biggest trends to emerge from the show this year. Samsung’s buzzy Ballie robot, which was first shown off at CES in 2020, received a refresh. BaracodaAI task robotsBeyond companions, AI has made its way into nearly every appliance and gadget you could think of this year. LG was one of the first leaders in transparent TVs; one of its earlier prototypes impressed the show floor back in 2020.

Persons: it’s, Loona, Rosie, Samsung’s, Dipanjan Chatterjee, ”, Volkwagen, Mercedes Benz, Chatterjee, ” Honda, VinFast, “ There’s, Jon Erensen, EssilorLuxottica, Francesco Milleri, Evie, Steve Jobs, Cook, Christoph Dernbach, “, Jitesh Ubrani, ” Ubrani, CNN’s Peter Valdes, Dapena Organizations: CNN — Tech, Consumer Electronics, Beijing KEYi Technology, ., LG, CES, Forrester Research, Walmart, Nvidia, AMD, Honda, VinFast, Fiat, Samsung, Gartner, Media, Apple Vision, Steve, Apple, IDC, Sony, Qualcomm Locations: Las Vegas, Beijing, USA, Cupertino, Cupertino ., Apple's, United States

☆ It's shaping up to be a 'pretty soft' holiday season, says Forrester Research's Sucharita Kodali
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-24 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailIt's shaping up to be a 'pretty soft' holiday season, says Forrester Research's Sucharita KodaliSucharita Kodali, Forrester Research retail analyst, joins 'Squawk Box' to discuss the state of the retail sector on Black Friday, strength of consumer spending, and more.

Persons: Forrester Organizations: Forrester Research

☆ Apple will make a big change to iPhone messages next year
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-16 | by ( Samantha Murphy Kelly | Samantha Kelly | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

The change – first reported by tech site 9to5Mac – will add features, such as read receipt, typing indicators, better support for group chats and higher quality media sharing of images and videos, across platforms. Apple told CNN in a statement it will add support for the standard, called RCS (Rich Communication Services), later next year. Meanwhile, Google, which already has support for RCS within its messaging app, has been vocal about wanting Apple to adopt the standard. The move, however, doesn’t necessarily mean the green bubbles (Android or other users) and blue bubbles (Apple users) that are displayed when messaging someone on the other platform will go away anytime soon. “Instead, RCS support will enable a smoother and better customer experience of iPhone users communicating across platforms.

Persons: iMessage, Apple, Steve Jobs, Tim Cook, Cook, ”, Dipanjan Chatterjee, Michael Inouye, ” Inouye, Chatterjee, ” Chatterjee, that’s Organizations: CNN, Apple, Communication Services, Universal, Google, Commission, European Union, “, Forrester Research, ABI Research, GSM Association Locations: Europe

Those summaries appear on the top of the Google search homepage, with links to “dig deeper,” according to Google’s overview of SGE. Most significantly, publishers want to be compensated for the content on which Google and other AI companies train their AI tools – a major sticking point around AI. In late September Google announced a new tool, called Google-Extended, that gives publishers the option to block their content from being used by Google to train its AI models. Publishers want clicks to secure advertisers, and showing up in Google search is key to their business. When given the option, websites are blocking their content from being used for AI if doing so doesn’t impact search, according to exclusive data from AI content detector Originality.ai.

Persons: Annegret, Jon Fosse ”, –, Japan –, ”, Danielle Coffey, Forrester, Nikhil Lai, “, Helen Coster, Kenneth Li, Claudia Parsons Organizations: Google, Arena, REUTERS, NPR, The New York Times, Reuters, News Media Alliance, Washington Post, Thomson Locations: Berlin, Germany, United States, India, Japan, Paris, SGE

☆ Cofounders of a grassroots tequila company share how storytelling earned them loyal and engaged customers
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-03 | by ( Erica Sweeney | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

This article is part of "Marketing for Small Business," a series exploring the basics of marketing strategy for SBOs to earn new customers and grow their business. Storytelling is ingrained in Nosotros Tequila & Mezcal. Michael Arbanas, a cofounder of Nosotros Tequila & Mezcal. Today, Nosotros products are available in 42 states. Helping consumers understand the motivation behind the company creates an emotional connection, builds loyalty, and distinguishes a small business, Johnson said.

Persons: SBOs, —, Carlos Soto, Michael Arbanas, " Soto, who's, Nosotros, Arbanas, Soto, Matt Johnson, Prince Ghuman Forrester, What's, Johnson Organizations: Small, Service, Los Locations: Costa Rica, Los Angeles, Mexico

☆ For Amazon’s Andy Jassy, a Cleanup Job Just Got a Lot Bigger
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-26 | by ( Karen Weise | More About Karen Weise | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

In the two years since Andy Jassy replaced Jeff Bezos as Amazon’s chief executive, he has been cleaning up after his company’s aggressive pandemic expansion and after Mr. Bezos. Mr. Jassy has reined in Amazon’s voracious warehouse growth, culled from the company’s sprawl of products and laid off thousands of employees on several of Mr. Bezos’ pet projects. The suit focused on parts of the business that took off before Mr. Jassy gained control over the retail division. The redacted complaint mentions Mr. Bezos 16 times, and Mr. Jassy only twice. Mr. Jassy joins other big tech chief executives who have taken control of enormous businesses from idiosyncratic founders at difficult moments.

Persons: Andy Jassy, Jeff Bezos, Bezos, Jassy, ”, Sucharita Kodali Organizations: Federal Trade Commission, Amazon, Street, Forrester Research Locations: Washington

☆ Amazon Alexa gets more human-like with generative AI
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-20 | by ( Samantha Murphy Kelly | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

CNN —Amazon’s Alexa is about to bring generative AI inside the house, as the company introduces sweeping changes to how its ubiquitous voice assistant both sounds and functions. The company announced a generative AI update for Alexa and, subsequently, of all Echo products dating back to 2014, at a press event Wednesday at its new campus in Arlington, Virginia. Generative AI refers to a type of artificial intelligence that can create new content, such as text and images, in response to user prompts. ‘Alexa, let’s chat’When Limp said “Alexa, let’s chat,” it launched a special mode that allowed for a back-and-forth exchange on various topics. Rowan Curran, an analyst at Forrester Research, said the news marks a major step forward in bringing generative AI to the home and allowing it to accomplish everyday tasks.

Persons: Alexa, Dave Limp, Limp, Rowan Curran, Apple’s Siri, Microsoft’s Cortana, ChatGPT, “ We’re, ” Organizations: CNN, Alexa, Amazon, BMW, Forrester Research, Big Tech Locations: Arlington , Virginia

☆ Here’s why Apple’s charger switch is such a big deal
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-13 | by ( Samantha Murphy Kelly | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

CNN —Apple retired its Lightning charger on Tuesday exactly 11 years to the day it was first announced. The EU’s decision is part of a greater effort to tackle e-waste overall, but could it generate more in the short term as people phase out their Lightning cables. But knockoffs abound, and some USB-C chargers are much safer than others. Among CNN Underscored’s top recommendations for USB-C chargers are from big brands, including Anker, Belkin, Apple, Amazon and Google. Retiring the Lightning cable could even generate, in the short term, a surge of e-waste as iPhone users toss their useless Lightning cables in a drawer.

Persons: CNN —, pare, ”, Ben Wood, Apple’s, Greg Joswiak, ” Joswiak, David McQueen, ” McQueen, Thomas Husson, Anker, Belkin, ” Wood, Apple Organizations: CNN, CNN — Apple, Apple, European Union, CCS Insight, ABI Research, Forrester Research, Google Locations: EU

An iPhone 14 Pro is seen with a Lightning cable (left) and a USB-C cable (right) on September 10 in Berlin, Germany. Christoph Dernbach/picture-alliance/dpa/APThe iPhone 15 is heavily rumored to ditch Apple’s proprietary Lightning charger in favor of USB-C charging, marking a milestone for the company by adopting universal charging. The change could ultimately streamline the charging process across various devices — and brands. It’s currently unclear if the shift to USB-C will happen for all new iPhone 15 models or only for Pro devices. Apple could also bypass wired charging altogether to make way for wireless charging but not anytime soon because “wireless charging is currently so much slower than wired,” according to David McQueen, a director at ABI Research.

Persons: Christoph Dernbach, Thomas Husson, ” Wood, David McQueen, “, ” Organizations: It’s, Forrester Research, Apple, ABI Research Locations: Berlin, Germany

☆ Norges Bank: Norway's $1.4 trillion investment fund is shutting its China office
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-08 | by ( Laura He | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

The firm, which manages Norway’s $1.4 trillion government pension fund, is the world’s biggest single investor in the stock market. The decision to close its Shanghai office was driven by “operational considerations” and doesn’t affect the fund’s investments or its investment strategy in China, NBIM said in a statement on Thursday. There are currently eight people in the Shanghai office, the firm said. Norges Bank is the central bank of Norway. Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan, one of the world’s largest pension funds, closed its Hong Kong-based China equity investment team earlier this year.

Persons: NBIM, Odin Jaeger Organizations: Hong Kong CNN — Norges Bank Investment Management, Norges Bank, Bloomberg, Getty, Ontario, CNN, Forrester Research, Consulting Locations: China, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Asia, Singapore, Oslo, Norway, Norwegian

☆ Apple's new iPhone 15 may swap out the Lightning cable for the USB-C charging standard
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-08 | by ( Samantha Murphy Kelly | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

CNN —Apple is set to unveil the iPhone 15 in just a few days, and it’s widely expected to come with a significant change. The iPhone 15 is heavily rumored to ditch Apple’s proprietary Lightning charger in favor of USB-C charging, marking a milestone for the company by adopting universal charging. That’s because Apple (AAPL) has previously switched its iPads and MacBooks to USB-C charging. It’s currently unclear if the shift to USB-C will happen for all new iPhone 15 models or only for Pro devices. The iPhone 15 devices are expected to ship with a new cable in the box, but considering many mobile devices already use USB-C, including Apple’s own iPads and MacBooks, access to charging wires shouldn’t be too hard or costly.

Persons: pare, ”, Ben Wood, Apple’s, Greg Joswiak, ” Joswiak, David McQueen, ” McQueen, Thomas Husson, ” Wood, McQueen, “ Organizations: CNN, Apple, European Union, CCS, ABI Research, Forrester Research Locations: EU

☆ Walmart shares dip despite second-quarter earnings beats. Here's how the pros are reacting
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-17 | by ( Christina Falso | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailWalmart shares dip despite second-quarter earnings beats. Here's how the pros are reactingJim Cramer, Sucharita Kodali of Forrester Research, Michael Lasser of UBS, and Rupesh Parikh of Oppenheimer discussed Walmart after the company reported second-quarter earnings that beat on the top and bottom lines.

Persons: Jim Cramer, Sucharita, Michael Lasser, Oppenheimer Organizations: Walmart, Forrester Research, UBS

☆ Forrester Research's Sucharita Kodali on Walmart: Top line may suggest consumer is flatlining
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-17 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailForrester Research's Sucharita Kodali on Walmart: Top line may suggest consumer is flatliningSucharita Kodali, Forrester Research retail analyst, joins 'Squawk Box' to discuss Walmart's quarterly earnings results, which lifted its outlook for the full fiscal year after beating Wall Street’s expectations for sales and earnings, and more.

Persons: Forrester, Wall Organizations: Walmart, Forrester Research

☆ 4 things making it harder for Janet Yellen to repair the US-China relationship
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-06 | by ( Laura He | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

The global economy stands to gain if Washington and Beijing can mend fences, but analysts say this appears unlikely. Here are four things likely to make it harder for Yellen to repair US-China ties, and one thing keeping the relationship going. Sequoia’s executives said in a statement that it has become “increasingly complex” to run a decentralized global investment business. On Wednesday, US pharmaceutical firm Moderna (MRNA)signed a deal to make its first major investment in China. “Both sides are ramping up commercial restrictions in the name of national security and national interests,” she said.

Persons: Janet Yellen, China, ” Wei Jianguo, ”, Anna Ashton, Biden, Beijing’s, Wei, Capvision, Xi Jinping’s, “, Li Qiang, Xi, Alex Capri, ” Ashton, —, Jennifer Hansler, Wayne Chang, Bryan Mena Organizations: Hong Kong CNN, Eurasia Group, Micron Technology, China Daily, Analysts, China, Capvision, Bain & Company, Group, Forrester Research, Ontario, Republicans, Hawks, Shanghai Cooperation Organization, Xinhua, US Commerce Department, “, National University of Singapore Business School, Moderna Locations: Hong Kong, Beijing, United States, China, Chinese, Washington, Japan, Europe, Shanghai, New York, decouple, Moscow, Ukraine, Russia, Taiwan, Tianjin

☆ Retail sector to have a tougher 2023 than 2022, says Forrester Research’s Sucharita Kodali
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-05 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailRetail sector to have a tougher 2023 than 2022, says Forrester Research’s Sucharita KodaliSucharita Kodali, Forrester Research retail analyst, joins 'Squawk Box' to discuss Amazon's Prime Day, the state of the retail sector, and more.

Persons: Forrester Organizations: Forrester Research, Amazon's

☆ China's economy is growing again. So why are investors dumping stocks?
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-19 | by ( Laura He | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

Investors trimmed their exposure to China amid economic uncertainty in the country, rising geopolitical tensions and Beijing’s crackdown on international consulting firms. The Nasdaq Golden Dragon China Index has lost more than 5% since April 18. Another concern for global investors is the country’s “fundamental investability,” he said, referring to geopolitical and Chinese policy risks. Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan, one of the world’s largest pension funds, has closed its Hong Kong-based China equity investment team. “The more cracks appear in Western economies,” the more global investors will need to put money into Chinese assets, he added.

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