Google’s Reign Faces a Challenge: 45% of Users Now Trust AI Tools Over Traditional Search
45%
According to Yext, search habits are shifting as 45% of customers trust AI tools, 51% turn to social media, and 28% use voice assistants to find brand information. While 64% still start on traditional search engines, younger audiences favor platforms like Instagram and TikTok. Accurate information is critical, with 64% of customers considering alternative brands if they encounter outdated or incorrect details. Brands must adapt to AI-driven search behaviors, ensuring their data is precise and accessible across diverse channels.
$1 T
Holiday retail sales in the U.S. are projected to hit $1 trillion, up 3.7% YOY, with online shopping growing 10.1% to $257 billion and accounting for 26% of sales, per Forrester. Wealthier shoppers are driving this growth, while mixed economic trends leave some consumers struggling, highlighting shifts in holiday spending patterns.
16 M
Bluesky hit a major milestone, gaining 1 million users in a single day and surpassing 16 million users. Meanwhile, Threads is adding custom feeds and testing ads, fueling competition in the microblogging space. Threads boasts over 10 times the users of Bluesky but is drawing significantly more complaints.
65%
According to Pew Research, nearly one in five Americans rely on social media influencers for news, with younger adults leading this trend. While 65% find these sources helpful, the rise in misinformation and algorithmic bias raises concerns about accuracy and polarization.
$349
Microsoft’s Windows 365 Cloud Link is a compact and affordable device that connects corporate users to their cloud desktops. Priced at $349 and launching in April, it offers a streamlined operating system, automatic updates, and strict security features. With 8GB of RAM and 64GB of storage, it provides a lightweight, secure alternative for virtual desktop access. This release follows Microsoft’s $1 billion success with Azure Virtual Desktop and Windows 365 in fiscal 2024.
$2.4B
Ace Hardware’s Q3 revenue hit a record $2.4 billion, up 2.8%, driven by strong sales in grilling, power tools, and digital channels, with mobile app revenue surging 37%. Net income fell 24% to $99 million, aligned with planned investments in supply chain, marketing, and a $1 billion experiential store model launching next year. Despite challenges, Ace opened 30 new stores, bringing the total to 5,973 globally.
$4 B
Qualcomm's expansion into new markets will add $22 billion annually by 2029, with $4 billion from PC chips and $8 billion from automotive. CEO Cristiano Amon aims to reduce reliance on smartphones by diversifying into sectors like XR headsets, industrial chips, and edge AI.