*We’re going to do a Usain Bolt this week and sprint through the latest edition of our Digital Digest. So on your marks, get set, GO! Here’s a selection of stories that have caught our eye this week…*
**And the traffic light said to the car…**
We hear that as soon as next year, some models of cars will be able to ‘talk’ to smart traffic lights. The hope is that by showing a countdown to lights turning red or green on a car’s dashboard, drivers will be less tempted to speed dangerously across junctions. Audi has announced that this new system will feature in their new Q7 and A4 models.
**Google Trends launches an Olympic hub**
In order to provide users with unique insights into this summer’s biggest sporting event, Google Trends has created an (link: https://www.google.com/trends/story/olympics text: Olympic hub), allowing users to see which athletes, events and moments are captivating audiences—and searches—worldwide.
Google Trends has also released (link: http://searchengineland.com/google-trends-refresh-includes-geographic-comparisons-export-excel-feature-256519 text: new functionality) allowing users to export data and compare by geographies.
**All praise the scroller**
A (link: http://www.iab.com/news/seeking-better-mobile-ad-experiences-scroller-ad-concept/ text: report by IAB) is claiming that emerging mobile ad concept the scroller is becoming the most popular, thanks to its ability to deliver as encrypted with ad-choices supported when content is published. Plus, as an in-feed unit, the ad doesn’t block any underlying content, giving the user full control and making for non-invasive experience. The study found scroller to work very well in boosting brand awareness, with ad recall and purchase intent outperforming the standard expandable banner in nearly every category.
**Pinterest shakes up ad offering**
Visual bookmarking tool Pinterest has taken aim at Google’s auction-based pricing debuting a system that allows advertisers to bid on CPM campaigns. This week Pinterest has also revealed a ‘Promoted Video’ product for brands.
**Instagram launch Events channel plus trio of business tools**
Taking inspiration from Snapchat’s Live Stories, Instagram has introduced an Events channel. This will show users highlights of content from concerts and sporting events.
Of wider interest, Instagram have launched 3 new business tools to support their 200,000+ advertisers. Businesses will now be able to mark themselves as such by becoming ‘Business Profiles’. Businesses will then also be able to add a ‘connect’ button to their info, making it easier for people to get in touch with them directly from the plaform, via either phone, text or email. Businesses will also be able to access ‘Insights’, a new analytics tool. Lastly, with the new ‘Promote’ feature businesses will be able to promote a well-performing post or ad, similar to how they can on Facebook.
That’s it for now! You got here in under 10 seconds right?! ’til next week…