The new world of VR… and other digital stories

Ready to delve into the latest news from the marketing sphere? Grab a brew, and let’s uncover the latest digital trends, social news and groundbreaking tech discoveries together… 

Apple take VR up a notch!

Apple’s new Vision Pro headset is on course to become a virtual and augmented reality powerhouse. Priced at $3,499, this cutting-edge device boasts dual 4K displays, top-of-the-line laptop chips, and advanced eye- and hand-tracking technologies. 

But what truly sets it apart is something money can’t buy, Apple’s vast developer ecosystem. This advantage allows iPhone and iPad developers to integrate their apps into the headset’s operating system using familiar tools and frameworks.

While competitors like Meta, Valve, PlayStation, and HTC heavily rely on Unity or OpenXR for their app offerings, Apple takes a different approach. On day one, the Vision Pro promises hundreds of thousands of apps, thanks to the automatic conversion of iPad and iPhone apps into a single scalable 2D window. 

Developers only need to make changes if desired, making it hassle-free. Additionally, Apple provides a smooth transition for those familiar with its ecosystem to create new apps on visionOS, its innovative mixed reality operating system.

While the Vision Pro demonstrates impressive technological capabilities, its success ultimately relies on its app library. Fortunately for Apple, leveraging an already established foundation proves advantageous compared to building one from scratch. 

With the potential to revolutionise the VR landscape, Vision Pro aims to redefine the immersive experience with its robust app offerings and developer-friendly ecosystem. Aiming to take your virtual reality to the next level!

LinkedIn introduces DMs for company pages!

LinkedIn is making it easier for professionals and businesses to connect more directly. As social media conversations increasingly migrate to private messaging, LinkedIn recognises the importance of expanding its messaging tools.

To facilitate this, the platform has now introduced a new feature that allows Company Pages to send and receive direct messages (DMs). Previously limited to member-to-member interactions, this update enables members to connect with brands on a more personal level, discussing products, services, and business opportunities. 

LinkedIn has even considered features that make managing comms effortless; after all, no one likes a messy inbox! 

The platform helps you streamline messages, including topic settings and focused inbox categories that organise DMs based on priority. Additionally, brands have the option to disable the messaging feature if desired. 

After conducting tests with selected users, LinkedIn has officially launched this exciting capability, which may have already caught your attention in the app. Get ready to forge professional connections like never before!

B2B marketers expect budgets to soar in the next year!

Last week we reported that global marketing teams are increasing investment in content creation, management, and distribution. And now it looks like B2B marketers are also feeling optimistic about the future, thanks to the prospect of larger budgets!

In a survey of nearly 2,000 marketing and finance leaders worldwide, two-thirds of B2B marketing leaders expressed expectations of budget increases in the next 12 months. 

While marketing budgets have faced pressure due to rising costs and inflation, it seems that most B2B marketers have the backing of their CFOs. The report highlights that 60% of surveyed CFOs are optimistic about their marketing teams’ ability to drive revenue. This endorsement reflects the improving financial fluency of marketers.

Financial fluency underlines the importance of demonstrating the value of marketing to business outcomes, with 80% of B2B CMOs stating they have learned the “language of finance” to secure more budget. The report also reveals a shift in focus toward brand-building and away from lead generation, as 64% of respondents consider it more meaningful. 

This increasing emphasis on a brand in B2B marketing presents a significant opportunity for marketers, particularly during these challenging times. Peppercontent advises marketers to remember that they ultimately target humans, not just businesses. 

Furthermore, the use of generative AI tools is on the rise, with 75% of respondents planning to leverage AI for creating content more efficiently (Statistics via MarketingWeek). So, it will be interesting to see how businesses leverage this budget to form deeper connections with audiences into 2024 and beyond. 

Is neurodiversity marketing’s hidden superpower?

A few months ago, we saw the worldwide initiative – #NeurodiversityCelebrationWeek – spark debate about neurodiversity in the workplace, with many people commenting on stereotypes and misconceptions. Entrepreneur and educator, Onyinye Udokporo, said, “Being neurodivergent is often seen as a weakness… but [you can] tap into the incredible strengths that neurodivergent people can bring to your organisations”.

This week, the Drum published an interesting podcast that shines light on the topic once more, titled ‘Is neurodiversity marketing’s hidden superpower?‘

The podcast discusses how neurodivergent people offer a  fresh approach to problem-solving, and unconventional ideas can breathe new life into campaigns, capturing attention and stirring emotions. Luke Hodgson, founder of the Nerds Collective and a guest on the podcast said, “By embracing neurodiversity, marketers tap into an abundance of creativity and outside-the-box thinking”.

On why we should celebrate neurodiversity’s hidden superpower, Jess Markwood, COO at the Fifth, goes on to say, “[nuerodiversity] challenges the status quo, breaks down barriers, and fosters inclusivity. It reminds us that diversity of thought is valuable and necessary for driving innovation and pushing boundaries”.

Engaging in these vital conversations is crucial for fostering innovative approaches to collaboration. 

At ThinkEQ, we embrace and encourage unique perspectives and celebrate the growing recognition of unconventional thinking in the workplace environment.

Let’s continue to evolve and embrace the power of diverse perspectives in our ever-changing world!

Get emotional… 

We’re all about positive vibes, so when something good happens, we want to shout about it. 

Here’s what’s got us feeling a little emosh this week… 

Placement successes!

Over the last year at ThinkEQ, we’ve welcomed two bright and ambitious placement students, Aemena and Avarni, who’ve embarked on a remarkable journey. 

Aemena created a health and well-being app focusing on helping individuals improve their fitness and mental health. Avarni also developed an app which was designed to help first-time home buyers find and buy affordable house furnishings at the most competitive prices.

Their relentless, hard-working attitudes helped them catch the attention of two big brands who recognised their potential, and they accepted degree apprenticeship placements at Fujitsu and CDL.

Their success is a testament to their hard work, resilience, and the transformative power of hands-on experience. 

As they embark on this next chapter, we celebrate their achievements and eagerly await their impact on the marketing world.

Well done, Aemena and Avarni; we’re proud of you!

When music gets toxic (and we ain’t talking Britney Spears!) 

Ah, the power of music in the workplace hey – a harmony of productivity and ambience or a discordant melody that breeds toxicity? 

A US court has taken a stance on this lyrical conundrum, ruling that playing tunes with raunchy, derogatory, or obscene lyrics can transform an office into a hostile workplace, potentially violating laws against discrimination. 

But wait, can fruity music also sow seeds of discontent among coworkers? Whether it’s simply lousy music choices or tunes that some may find distasteful, the question arises: can it contribute to a toxic environment? 

So at ThinkEQ, we got thinking, who are the worst offenders in the office for poor music taste? Well, Oliver and Rupa love getting into the office early to get their daily dose of Kisstory before it inevitably gets turned over. 

Andy and Rich like to make their presence known with their power rock tunes, while Paddy enjoys a bit of Shania Twain and B*Witched (whatever you’re into buddy!).

Lisa is just happy to sing all kinds of music loudly at random intervals during the day while our CEO Drshna, religiously sings nothing but the WeBuyAnyCar advert 😅

So to create some calm chaos, we created our ThinkEQ playlist, 40+ hours of electric tunes. Feel free to take a listen if you fancy it! ThinkEQ Playlist