In the digital world, there is not a single day without something worth exploring and debating about. From thrift-shopping on Facebook, new planned AI features, to a bag made of thin air, the latest digest of news from marketing and business is here for your reading pleasure.
News
1.
Gmail is 20 years old. Yes. Congratulations to all of us who remember its start! The question now is, where is it heading? Victoria Song from The Verge looks at the beginnings and trajectory of the world’s most groundbreaking email who revolutionised the way we receive and write digital letters.
2.
Facebook is not exactly where Gen Z hangs out. Or is it? Numbers suggest that they might still be around - to save money. Here is why.
3.
Google is considering charging for new premium services based on generative AI. According to Reuters , it would be the first time Google would ask users to pay for one of its core services. If implemented, traditional Google search would remain free and the paid premium AI based search would still display advertisements. This might become a big step for the company, shaking up the way we use its services.
4.
We’ve heard a lot in the past years about the dangers of fast-fashion brands and their impact on the environment, exploitation of the labour force of third world economies and grey area practices. Despite this, numbers show that some of the biggest players in this industry reach record breaking sales. To add to the debate, check this article reporting on a prediction that the secondhand clothing industry might reach 10 % of global sales this year.
5.
Sarah Scier from Nieman lab has wonderfully summarisedthe success behind the Guardian’s new newsletter. It’s called Reclaim Your Brain and it is the fastest growing newsletter of this influential UK daily newspaper ever. It reveals fascinating data about our daily usage of phones and how they influence our body, psyche, decisions and the way we live our lives. Interested? Then head on the article that started it all.
Eye Candy: Mini Golf by Craig & Karl
How much I wish I could step into a world where mini golf meets art. That is exactly what is currently happening at Beijing Times Art Museum. In it, artistic duo Craig & Karl reimagined the thrill of sinking a putt amidst vibrant, eye-popping art installations. All that as part of their immersive exhibition called Inside Out. No matter if you're young or just young at heart, this would be such a fun experience. Let’s at least admire it through the pictures here. Oh, by the way, those of you who plan to go to London soon, check out Canary Wharf. They have on display another colourful and fun piece by this duo. There is nothing better than an artful adventure!
Number Of The Month: 900 millions
Recently it has been revealed that messaging app Telegram has 900 million users and is approaching profitability. Its founder and owner Pavel Durov stated that the company earns hundreds of millions of dollars from advertising and is considering entering the stock market.
The firm, with just 50 full-time employees, has seen a surge in popularity in recent years, becoming an important communication tool for governments and officials around the world and a lifeline for people in conflict zones, mainly in Russia and Ukraine.
Trend Of The Month: The Air Swipe bag
This is not exactly about a trend, but rather about a trending topic that recently took the fashion world by storm - the innovative Air Swipe bag. What is so special about it? Well, as the name suggests, it’s made of air. Seriously.
A Parisian ready-to-wear and accessories brand Coperni teamed up with prof. Ioannis Michaloudis, and unveiled on their Instagram this special piece ahead of their Fall/Winter ‘24 show. The bag is made of NASA’s nanomaterial silica aerogel, the lightest solid on planet Earth. It is currently the biggest ever object made of this space technology nanomaterial. The Air Swipe bag is made of 99% pure nothing and 1% glass, the glass of the future. And now get this: it is not fragile at all! It can withstand extreme heat (1200 °C) and a pressure of 4000 times its weight. Isn’t that amazing?
Out Of The Box: Leap years
February 29. What a strange day, right? But the real question is: What would happen if we didn't have leap years? CNN answers it in a comprehensive and playful way.
Thanks for reading and I hope that the snow has melted not only in your gardens but also elsewhere, you know, metaphorically. Enjoy the sun and let’s reconnect soon again!
Peace, puppets and techno,
Juraj
