📈Google AI Gets Ad-Heavy, Netflix AI Placements & More

Google's new AI Mode in Search is rolling out to all U.S. users, offering a chat-like experience powered by Gemini. Alongside this, Google is expanding ads within AI Overviews and AI Mode, integrating sponsored product recommendations directly into AI-generated summaries. As of now, Google has not announced a specific launch date for "AI Mode" in Search for the UK and Europe. However, considering Google's previous rollout patterns, it's reasonable to anticipate that "AI Mode" could become available in the UK and Europe in the coming months.

Why it matters: This is the clearest sign yet that search is turning into an AI content stream - and Google’s not leaving ad dollars behind. Marketers will need to rethink how to rank, not just on pages, but inside AI answers. SEO isn't dead, it's just mutating. 📰 The Verge

Starting in 2026, Netflix will use AI to insert product placements directly into shows and movies - during playback or when you hit pause. That moody cafe scene in your Scandi thriller? Well, that might just feature a Coke can now. Here's hoping it's nothing like the infamous Cerveza Cristal' product placements in the early 00's!

Why it matters: But in all seriousness....This truly changes everything about how ads are seen - literally embedded in the content itself. Great for brand visibility, dangerous for viewer trust. Marketers will have to balance exposure with not totally killing the vibe.📰TechRadar

OpenAI just acquired “LoveFrom IO,” Jony Ive’s mysterious AI hardware startup, for $6.5B. The design genius behind the iPhone will now help OpenAI build its own physical products. Expect something sleek, white, and smarter than you.

Why it matters: OpenAI is serious about going beyond software. This could be the start of AI-native devices - hardware designed for AI, not just with AI inside. The marketer’s dream? New interfaces = new surfaces for content and commerce. 📰 New York Magazine

Adtech firm InMobi is betting big on AI: $200M is going into Glance AI and a generative ad tech stack. This comes as it gears up for a potential IPO and looks to solidify itself as a serious player in AI-led commerce.

Why it matters: Money talks. And in this case, it says “get ready for AI-first ad platforms.” If you’re still writing ad copy by hand, InMobi’s about to make you look like a dinosaur. This is programmatic 3.0.📰 Economic Times

Amazon has begun testing AI-generated audio summaries on select product pages, allowing users to listen to brief overviews of product details, customer reviews, and online content. This feature is accessible via the "Hear the highlights" button in the Amazon shopping app. The initiative is part of Amazon’s broader effort to integrate artificial intelligence into its services, including enhancements to Alexa+ and the introduction of Rufus, an AI-driven shopping assistant.

Why it matters: This move reflects a growing trend among tech giants to deploy AI tools that enhance user experiences. For marketers, it underscores the importance of optimising product listings not just for visual appeal but also for auditory presentation, potentially opening new avenues for customer engagement and accessibility. 📰 Reuters

A recent article from Business Insider highlights how a wave of AI-native ad platforms is quietly emerging, with startups like NexAd leading the charge. Here’s why this could be a big shift for marketers:

Our Takeaway:
As AI chat platforms grow, so does the opportunity to reach users in radically different ways. NexAd’s approach shows where digital ads may be heading - inside the conversation itself. Marketers who adapt to these subtle, context-aware formats early will be best placed to capitalise. 📖 Read the full article on Business Insider

In this insightful video, the concept of AI agents is demystified, offering a clear explanation of how these autonomous systems operate. The discussion delves into the mechanics of AI agents, their applications across various industries, and the potential they hold for transforming business operations. For marketers and professionals keen on understanding the evolving landscape of AI, this video serves as an essential primer on the subject. Watch on YouTube:

Here's a spicy take on Google’s AI Overviews rollout - including what it means for SEO, paid search, and trust in AI answers. If you’re in marketing, it’s a must-listen for understanding how the search game is changing in real time. Bonus: a wild experiment with Claude and the Golden Gate Bridge.

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