MM Tech, Media & Publishing Roundup #12

Streaming:

1. Report: 80% UK fans prefer sports streaming

According to the 2022 UK Sports Video Trends report from cloud video platform, Grabyo, sports fans are either canceling their TV subscriptions or paying for streaming access to sports events, often on companion apps provided by broadcasters, rather than a full pay-TV package.

Pay-TV subscriptions have been high among sports fans in the UK, with pay-TV providers having exclusive access to premium sporting competitions on these platforms.
Via Advanced Television

2. Comcast and Charter streaming joint venture will be branded Xumo

The joint streaming venture between Comcast and Charter has announced it will be branded Xumo, with its first branded devices coming to the market in late 2023. 

The companies have said the move will evolve the brand from a FAST service to an “entire entertainment ecosystem," including streaming devices, content and streaming service. “The new Xumo will bring industry-leading streaming and aggregation technology nationwide through its expanding content, product line up and retailer relationships.”
Via V-Net

3. Roku simplifies live sports streaming access and streamlines fragmented sports viewing with aggregated user experie

Roku has announced several new changes to its new Sports Hub, including expanded access to third-party live sports channels on the Roku platform, with a centralized location for browsing sports content and seeing where it’s available to watch.

New changes will also be rolling out in the Roku app, aiming to simplify the process for viewers with a centralized aggregated sports-focused experience. The new sports experience helps users find and watch where their favorite league, sports and teams are playing – without the need to browse through multiple apps.
Via Media Play News and Fierce Video

4. New Netflix ads tier comes with an unpredictable price

Netflix rolled out its newest tier in November 2022, despite receiving consumer pushback from raising its subscription price. ‘Basic with Ads’, Netflix’s newest tier, includes around 4-5 minutes of ads per hour and is priced at $6.99 per month - almost 55% less than ‘Standard’, though there are a few hidden price tags. 
Via Search Engine Journal

Social Media:

5. TikTok has launched an in-app e-commerce feature

TikTok has launched its new in-app e-commerce feature, TikTok Shop, where users can make purchases directly through the app. This feature is available in the UK, seven countries in Southeast Asia, and now in the US. TikTok is inviting select U.S. businesses to participate.
Via Search Engine Land

6. YouTube has launched a global Target frequency feature

YouTube has launched a global Target frequency goal option for video campaigns that’s positioned to benefit advertisers. The new goal allows advertisers to select a frequency goal (up to four per week), which YouTube will optimize over the timeframe.
Via Search Engine Land

Technology:

7. How BMW created a mixed-reality brand experience where drivers get behind the wheel – with a VR headset

BMW has unveiled a way to drive a BMW M2 in real life behind the wheel of a moving car while wearing a virtual reality headset to appear as if you’re driving through a futuristic city. This experience is not designed for real roads; instead, the company's test track; however, the software can adapt and recreate the virtual course for car-less locations worldwide. 
Via Mean Techs

8. Google rolls out Ads Editor v2.2 with optimized targeting, 11 other features

Google’s newest features on Ads Editor v2.2 includes added support for enhanced leveraging of images in asset libraries and adding, removing and renaming images. Other features include assigning images to folders and integrating asset library features into the image picker, for example, filtering by folder and searching by asset name. 
Via Search Engine Land

9. Forbes launches metaverse meeting place and event in the Sandbox

The American business and lifestyle publisher, Forbes, has launched its inaugural event in Sandbox, one of the metaverse’s most popular platforms. In partnership with Sandbox, Forbes members each receive a wearable NFT as their ticket to enter the Metaverse.
Via Whats New In Publishing