Connected Economy

Connected Economy
Baracoda Says AI-Powered Smart Mirrors Aren’t Just for Trying on Clothes
March 01, 2024

The connected economy now has a mirror. A “smart” mirror of course, powered by artificial intelligence (AI). After winning the “smart home” category for eight years running at the Consumer Electronics Show, including the 2024 edition in early January, Baracoda is on the cusp of...

Connected Economy
Smart Office Tech Redefines Connected Workplace Dynamics
February 27, 2024

Gone are the days of static office cubicles and inflexible organizational structures. Today, traditional notions of space and operations are giving way to dynamic, interconnected hubs promising enhanced communication and seamless interactions for remote and hybrid workers. This transformation, powered by the integration of technology...

Connected Economy
CE 100 Index Loses 0.4% Despite Block and Nvidia’s Post-Earnings Rallies
February 26, 2024

Significant stock rallies in the wake of earnings from companies including Block (Square’s parent company) and Nvidia were not enough to boost the CE 100 Index’s fortunes. The Index sank 0.4% for the week. Shares of Block were up 20.2%, driving the Pay and Be...

Connected Economy
Gaming and Entertainment Options Forge New Roads for Connected Cars
February 21, 2024

In today’s dynamic digital landscape, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and developers are constantly exploring fresh ways to leverage advanced technologies to enhance the in-car experience for drivers.  For gaming enthusiasts, this entails immersive in-car gaming experiences that seamlessly integrate with the vehicle’s systems, offering entertainment...

Connected Economy
CE 100 Index Slips 0.5% as Porch’s 33% Rally Is Offset by Fastly’s Slide
February 19, 2024

The end of earning season is in sight — the last slew of reports will appear through the next few weeks. And headed into the long President’s Day weekend, the CE 100 Index’s fortunes were dictated by dramatic swings in individual names, in most cases...

Connected Economy
Mastercard Says Click to Pay Is Primed for Growth as Merchants Focus on Conversion
February 16, 2024

Nearly five years after Click to Pay was introduced (initially as Secure Remote Commerce), Jennifer Marriner, EVP, Global Acceptance Solutions at Mastercard, told Karen Webster, “The actual use cases are much broader than we ever might have envisioned,” spanning consumer facing and B2B transactions. Online...

Connected Economy
CE 100 Gains 1.9% as XPO and Adyen Surge on Earnings but Snap Plunges
February 12, 2024

Earnings season winds on, and earnings season dictates — at least for now — how the stocks move. The CE 100 Index gained 1.9%, buoyed by gains in the Move sector, which added 5.2%. XPO surged 26%, leading the Move sector higher. The company said...

Connected Economy
How Digital Tools and BNPL Are Paving New Roads to Affordable Car Repairs
February 07, 2024

Most people can relate: Your car breaks down unexpectedly, and the repair bill throws your budget off track.  However, thanks to digital advancements, the car repair experience is getting simpler and more affordable. Not only are digital tools and platforms streamlining the process, but they’re...

Connected Economy
Connected Economy’s Evolution Is Hindered by ‘Balkanization’ of Payment Providers, Says Thredd’s McCarthy
February 07, 2024

There’s been no shortage of ideas and attempts by businesses to make payments a part of their strategic roadmap, Jim McCarthy, CEO of Thredd, told PYMNTS’ Karen Webster. But when it comes to improving engagement across business-to-consumer (B2C) or business-to-business (B2B) use cases, execution often falls short...