PQ Media estimates global out of home media spending dropped a record-breaking 13.3% in 2020 to total $51.6 billion, including a 21.1% drop in the US to $8.73 billion. However, PQ estimates 7.3% growth this year in the US with a return to pre-pandemic levels around 2022 for digital OOH and 2023 for all of OOH media.

Kroger's investments in technology and an expansion of its own brand and fresh options are paying off and helping the grocer continue to build sales amid the ongoing pandemic and growing inflation issues. In the second quarter, Kroger has rolled out more than 140 new private label products, revamped its brand icon and expanded its pickup and delivery operations, with CEO Rodney McMullen saying, "Kroger's seamless ecosystem is working."

A federal judge has issued a ruling in Epic Games' antitrust lawsuit against Apple's App Store, stating that Apple cannot bar developers from using app-based "metadata buttons, external links, or other calls to action that direct customers to purchasing mechanisms, in addition to In-App Purchasing," or "communicating with customers through points of contact obtained voluntarily." However, the ruling also requires Epic Games to pay at least $4 million to Apple for breach of contract after collecting Fortnite payments outside of Apple's in-app system; Epic has already submitted a notice of appeal.

College football fans at Miami's Hard Rock Stadium saved a cat falling from the stadium's upper deck by catching it in an outstretched American flag. The moment was captured and shared in a Twitter video, which has attracted more than 9.9 million views.

The growing popularity of augmented reality gives brands an opportunity to add an exciting, personalized layer to physical experiences and events through scannable media and codes, writes Max Askwith, global digital and innovation director at Dentsu's iProspect agency. Use the technology to "move away from passive storytelling -- people want to be a part of (and in control of) a personalized story or adventure, especially at physical events," Askwith writes.

SXM Media launched a programmatic ad sales targeting and brand safety control tool at the IAB Podcast Upfront. Brands can use the tool as an access point for SiriusXM, Pandora and Stitcher audio properties, along with podcasts that are exclusive on the SXM Media network.

Volograms publicly launched its Volu app, which allows users to create 3D virtual and augmented reality content from their mobile phones. Volograms CEO Rafael Pages calls the launch the first step in advancing augmented and virtual reality creation and mass adoption.

Results from a Harris Poll and R&CPMK revealed that 47% of Americans are interested in nonfungible tokens from brands, 30% would like to receive one as a gift with a purchase and 38% of those that are aware of NFTs prefer them rather then a physical item to commemorate an event. The Harris Poll and R&CPMK say the findings point to the potential value in using NFTs to steer consumers through the sales funnel, boost revenue, create differentiation and enhance the value of products.

Microsoft has purchased TakeLessons, which connects tutors and students for both online and in-person lessons in subjects that include crafts, music, academic courses and computer skills, for undisclosed financial terms. Online instruction platforms are reportedly getting increased investment worldwide.

Brands embarking on a customer feedback strategy should first determine areas of consumer experience they'd like to improve, writes ParamInfo Computer Services' Senior Digital Marketing Manager Chanakya Kyatham. Kyatham also suggests settling on one primary method of gathering customer insight before advancing into the more technical aspects of analytics.