Today in the Connected Economy: Peloton’s Parade of Partnerships Continues

Today in the connected economy, Peloton teams with Hilton to put its bikes in 5,400 of the hotel chain’s locations, marking the company’s third partnership in two weeks. Plus, Walmart unveils the digital collectibles platform AutoT with the help of the National Entertainment Collectibles Association, while digital asset infrastructure firms Stablecorp and Shift Markets join forces to create a cross-border payment and foreign exchange (FX) rail.

Peloton Targets Exercise-Hungry Travelers With Hilton Partnership

Peloton has embarked on a collaboration with hotel chain Hilton, the third time in the last two weeks the connected fitness firm has teamed with another company to reach new audiences. The partnership will see Hilton feature at least one Peloton Bike in almost all the chain’s 5,400 locations by year’s end. It makes Hilton the first hospitality brand to feature Peloton’s products throughout its entire United States portfolio.

Walmart, NECA Launch Digital Collectible Platform AutoT

Walmart has joined forces with NECA (National Entertainment Collectibles Association) to launch AutoT, which the mammoth retailer said is a first-of-its-kind digital collectible platform. Rolling out this month on Walmart.com and in stores, “AutoT collectibles will break new ground in the digital collector space by offering exclusive figures and collectibles featuring rare chase variants signed by stars and creators,” Walmart said in a news release.

Stablecorp, Shift Markets Build Canada-US Cross-Border Payments Rail

Global digital asset infrastructure firms Stablecorp and Shift Markets are working together to create a cross-border payment and FX rail using Algorand blockchain to move assets between Canada and the U.S. The rail will settle cross-border transactions between the two countries almost instantaneously while reducing fees and spreads by up to 95%.

Eco, Zero Hash Team to Offer USDC Financial Services

Consumer finance app Eco is working with Zero Hash — a Crypto-as-a-Service infrastructure company — to offer consumers stablecoin-powered financial services. When a user deposits U.S. dollars into the Eco app, Eco relies on Zero Hash to exchange those dollars for stablecoin USDC on a one-to-one basis. Eco customers can also use their Eco debit card to spend their USDC at stores, pay bills and buy merchant gift cards.

Study Shows Digital Engagement of US Consumers Linked to Employment Status

A strong labor market is a sign of a healthy economy. Consumers who are employed have more freedom to spend, driving commerce and boosting gross domestic product (GDP). But could employment also be a factor in reshaping how consumers relate to the internet? Research by PYMNTS shows that employment is one of the strongest drivers of digital engagement in the U.S., with consumers with steady jobs using digital technology in their daily lives 80% more than unemployed consumers.