Here are the editors' top picks from S&P Global Market Intelligence's technology, media and telecommunications news and Kagan research during the week ended April 22.
Consumer Insights
Sweden survey report: More video viewing on more devices
Results from a recent Kagan survey show that the television is still the screen of choice for watching TV and video content in Sweden, but TV viewing time is declining in favor of more time viewing on PCs and mobile devices.
Internet & OTT
Netflix changes tack on ads, password sharing after historic membership loss
Year-to-date as of market close April 20, Netflix shares were down 62.5%, equating to a loss of about $166 billion in market capital in less than four months. Much of that drop occurred in the span of 24 hours, with Netflix's unexpected first-quarter results pushing the stock down 35% in the April 20 trading day.
Media buyers would welcome client opportunities with an ad-supported Netflix
While agency executives look forward to having another option within the overall video market, they expressed concerns about the consumer reaction to such a transition by Netflix while advising the streaming service to maintain low inventory loads.
Profile: Apple TV+
Propelled by hits such as "Ted Lasso" and "CODA," Apple's Apple TV+ has carved out a small but growing slice of the subscription video pie.
Mobile
Fixed wireless battle heats up between T-Mobile, Verizon ahead of earnings
Upcoming wireless earnings calls may provide investors some resolutions to uncertainties surrounding recent major service and deal announcements.
Multichannel
US cable financials and subscribers, Q4'21 presentation
Annual revenue for U.S. multichannel operators grew a healthy 6.7% to $133.03 billion in 2021, with broadband and mobile showing continued strength.
Transition to streaming matures in Latin American sports rights market
High fragmentation and competition from piracy still pose challenges, while uptake of streaming alternatives exceeds expectations.
Regulatory
FCC fines Truphone over foreign ownership, tackles spectrum receiver performance
As part of an investigation into Russian ownership of American media and communications services, U.S. regulators plan to fine global mobile network operator Truphone.
Technology
Microsoft's cloud business set to fuel continued growth
Microsoft's cloud services drove much of the company's better-than-expected earnings and revenue results for the past four quarters, and analysts expect an encore in the company's upcoming fiscal third-quarter report.
Smartwatch shipments surge as vendors tap into health and wellness features
Expanding health and wellness features amid the pandemic propelled 2021 smartwatch shipments to 30% year-over-year growth.
