Black Friday's Digital Makeover - Spotlight #517

Straight Talk in a Tech World: Always Free, Always Private

Nov 25, 2024

Good Monday Morning!

It’s November 25th. Thank you for being a Spotlight subscriber. And although the online sales frenzy has started, State Farm has you covered with smart strategies to keep your wallet and data safe this season.

Today’s Spotlight is 1,079 words, about 4 minutes to read.

3 Headlines to Know

Google & Meta Threats Intensify

The DOJ wants Google to sell Chrome, used by 2/3 of internet users worldwide. Officials warn that if monopolistic behavior persists, remedies could include selling Android or even alerting Google Search users to competitor options.

Meanwhile, a federal judge cleared the FTC’s monopoly case against Meta to proceed to trial.

Pokémon Go Privacy Backlash

Pokémon Go maker Niantic is building an AI model mapping the world using player movements—permitted under its user agreement. The 8-year-old game, with 600M+ downloads, captures real-world settings through location tracking, sparking privacy concerns.

Amazon’s $8B AI Bet on Anthropic

Amazon upped its stake in Claude AI maker Anthropic with a new $4B deal, bringing its total investment to $8B—over half of the $14B Anthropic has raised. The partnership echoes Microsoft’s backing of ChatGPT’s OpenAI. Microsoft is leveraging its AI stake by announcing even more AI connections in Office apps.

By The Numbers: 57% of Shoppers Go Fantasy Shopping

George’s Data Take

57% of carts are wishlists. Shoppers aren’t abandoning carts—they’re bookmarking. They’re leaving a trail of intent, not a dead end.

Abandoned cart emails and retargeting ads help retailers stay in touch, but even shoppers with no intention of buying leave a treasure trove of data for your analysts. Use that data to optimize follow-ups—like price drop alerts or low inventory warnings—and improve overall efficiency. At worst, they are your free mystery shoppers with no incremental personnel or retail investment required.

Carts aren’t failures; they’re opportunities. Smart brands see the difference.

Running Your Business: Missing Password, Major Problem

Researchers discovered that a missing password exposed sensitive data—including medical records—of 4% of Mexico’s population. This breach highlights ongoing cybersecurity challenges, especially with United Health's Change subsidiary confirming this week their recovery from a 9-month ransomware shutdown.

Cybersecurity isn’t optional; it’s foundational. Without it, the cost isn’t just financial—it’s trust.

SPOTLIGHT: Your Holiday 2024 Shopping Guide

Black Friday isn’t just a shopping day anymore—it’s a tech-driven month of deals and new ways to shop. AI tools, social media partnerships, and evolving consumer habits are redefining how we shop. Here’s how tech is transforming shopping—and what it means for you.

AI Tools That Change the Game

AI is making shopping smarter and faster. Perplexity AI now lets users purchase directly through its search engine, saving time and offering free shipping.

Amazon’s Rufus, a chatbot integrated into its shopping platform, acts as a personal shopping assistant. It helps users compare products, find deals, and manage orders—all while keeping them on Amazon’s platform.

With Amazon doubling down on AI investments like its $8 billion partnership with Anthropic, Rufus highlights how AI is reshaping the retail experience. But like any AI, Rufus isn’t perfect—double-check the details before hitting “buy.”

Big Retailers Go Bigger

Amazon continues to dominate e-commerce but isn’t resting on its laurels. Facing competition from Temu, the retailer launched Amazon Haul, a low-cost section with items under $20. At the same time, it brought TikTok into its e-commerce bubble, striking a deal to let users shop Amazon products directly in-app.

By chasing tech innovators like Temu and TikTok, Amazon proves its ability to adapt—and ensures it stays at the center of your shopping experience.

Consumer Skepticism and Data Overload

Consumers remain wary of Big Tech’s growing influence. A recent Attest study found 83% believe Black Friday prices haven’t dropped compared to last year. And while 28% call it the best day for deals, many are turned off by the overwhelming number of ads.

Consumers’ Checkbook revealed that nearly half of Amazon’s top search results are paid placements, often hiding lower-priced options. Sponsored placement, a model as old as the Yellow Pages, can frustrate shoppers expecting unbiased results. It’s a reminder to dig deeper when searching for the best deal.

Rethinking Gifting

Gifting has evolved with our increasingly online lives. Gipht, a new service, lets users send thoughtful presents with just an email address. As work and hobbies shift online, Gipht bridges the gap when face-to-face gifting isn’t an option.

What It All Means

Black Friday 2024 shows how AI, retail, and shopping habits are evolving. Smarter tools and streamlined options are making shopping easier than ever—but staying savvy is key in a world increasingly shaped by algorithms and ads.

Practical AI: Misinfo Legal Expert Misinforms

Critics are slamming Stanford researcher Jeff Hancock after his filing in a Minnesota court battle over political deepfakes cited two documents that don’t seem to exist. Some even suggest Hancock used AI to create his declaration.

Debunking Junk: Immigration Data Was False

A viral claim that 425,000 criminals, including 13,099 murderers, entered the U.S. during the Biden administration is false. Experts confirm the ICE data spans 40+ years and includes individuals from prior administrations. Further, most are already in custody—not roaming freely.

Protip: 500 Keyboard Shortcuts

TextExpander, one of my favorite programs, compiled 500 keyboard shortcuts for major apps on Mac, Windows 10/11, Chrome, and Safari. Think about learning one, integrating it into your habits, and then learning the next.

Big News: Spotlight’s New Home

We’re moving to a new provider in December but sticking with you through the holidays. Coming soon: big search updates (recipes without the life stories!) and tips to avoid holiday scams.

Share this with your friends so they can join the ride!

Science Fiction World: Drilling Ice for Answers

In 6 years, NASA’s Europa Clipper will reach Jupiter’s icy moon to explore oceans hidden beneath miles of ice. Future missions will send radiation-shielded robots to drill through the ice and unlock the secrets below.

Tech For Good: Hollywood Meets Neuroscience

MIT researchers scanned the brain waves of people watching movies like Inception and Home Alone to create the most detailed map yet of the cerebral cortex. They identified 24 networks that handle everything from recognizing faces to planning movements and processing sound.

Why it matters: Movies revealed how brain networks interact in real-world conditions, which is a new perspective for the neuroscientists.

The brain isn’t just thinking—it’s directing.

Coffee Break: Black Friday’s New Look

NBC News’ Black Friday feature looks at how the one time sale day turned into Black November and keeps growing bigger.

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