How Brands Are Implementing New Tech For CX And Marketing

CEO and Co-Founder of Eulerity, a leading marketing automation platform that automates and optimizes your digital marketing.

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Spatial computing, metaverse and AI are all related concepts but represent different aspects of technology and digital experiences. Recently, we've seen major technology players coming out with their own experiences and products and consistently trying to update their services to be the best. While the race continues, it's important to have a real-life understanding of how brands are implementing new Tech and how it has significantly shifted their marketing efforts.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

I get the feeling you have already been hearing about AI in every corner of conversation. From personalized recommendations to suggested services and content, it's never been easier to create a custom conversation and experience for your customer. AI can automatically analyze past purchase history, browsing behavior and other data. For example, Amazon and Walmart use AI to recommend products to customers based on their previous purchases.

AI chatbots can be used to answer customer questions, provide support and even complete transactions. These chatbots are available 24/7 and can handle large volumes of queries, freeing up human customer service representatives to focus on more complex tasks. For instance, Facebook allows businesses to sync up AI chatbots on Messenger to answer customer questions about the business's products and services.

AI can even detect fraudulent credit card transactions, helping to protect companies. PayPal and other major financial services, such as Stripe, use AI to detect fraudulent transactions.

And I'd be remiss if I didn't mention content creation. You've probably consumed content that was created solely using AI, with brands taking advantage of the tech for the creation of blog posts, articles and social media accounts. This helps businesses save time and produce more content.

Spatial Computing

Spatial computing refers to the use of computer technology to create and interact with virtual or augmented reality environments that are aligned with the physical space around us. It involves blending the digital and physical worlds seamlessly to enhance human-computer interaction. Spatial computing technologies typically utilize sensors, cameras and other input devices to track users' movements and provide immersive experiences. The most prominent example of this is probably Apple's Vison Pro Glasses, which are set to completely transform the way in which users interact with technology, the web, their habits and their surroundings.

Some brands are already using spatial computing today: Ikea uses AR to let customers see how furniture will look in their homes before they buy it; L'Oréal uses AR to let customers try on makeup virtually; Spotify uses spatial audio to create immersive listening experiences; and BMW is using AR to create virtual showrooms for its cars and to help buyers visualize themselves in the car.

Metaverse

One specific way brands are using the metaverse today is by creating virtual worlds, where customers can interact with their products and services in a new and immersive way. This can be a great way for brands to reach customers who are unable to visit a physical store, or for brands to sell products that are not available in stores. We've also seen brands holding events and experiences in the metaverse to connect with customers and build relationships. This includes concerts, product launches and even training sessions.

One brand utilizing the metaverse today with specific deployments is Nike, which created a virtual world called Nikeland on Roblox where customers can play games, interact with other users and buy virtual Nike products. H&M utilizes the metaverse for virtual fashion shows where customers can watch the catwalk from home and see models walk the runway in virtual H&M clothes. And Puma created a virtual world called Puma and the Land of Games on Roblox, where customers can play games, interact with other users and buy virtual branded products.

Conclusion

In summary, we are currently experiencing one of the biggest tech evolutions in history, and there's no sign of it stopping. Spatial computing continues to blend the physical and digital worlds using technologies like VR and AR. The metaverse is a vision of a connected virtual universe where users can interact with each other and their surroundings. The way this has changed the marketing game for brands is significant, creating an entirely new playing ground for how they advertise and automate their marketing efforts and strategies. The capabilities and possibilities only continue to grow. Is your brand ready for it?

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ACN, PDD, INTU: 3 Attractive Tech Stocks Analysts Are Bullish On

The broader batch of tech stocks has stumbled a bit in recent weeks, partly thanks to renewed worries about rising interest rates. As rates on the 10-year Treasury note climb again, even tech stocks that analysts are bullish on — like ACN, PDD, and INTU — could stand to get dinged. Indeed, rising rates are like gravity for stocks.

Though it's hard to tell what will happen in the next few weeks, I think it's wise for investors to be ready to buy dips if the waters get choppier going into year's end. The tech sector is coming off a hot run, and the August and September cooldown could set the stage for an even chillier October. Indeed, good news regarding the economy could be bad news for stocks, as higher interest rates now seem worse for markets than a sagging economy.

Nevertheless, in this piece, we'll use TipRanks' Comparison Tool to check out three tech titans that have Wall Street's confidence to see if they're worth considering.

Accenture stock fell into a major rut last year, tumbling by around 40% from peak to trough. Since bottoming out this March, it's been off to the races for the IT services firm. Despite reporting solid results for Q3 (earnings per share of $3.19, ahead of the $3.02 consensus estimate), Accenture's management team set a pretty low bar for itself, with Fiscal 2023 revenue growth expected to fall to 8-9%, a slight dip from the initial 8-10% forecast.

Given the low bar, a modest valuation, and skin in the generative artificial intelligence (AI) game, I have to stay bullish on the stock.

It's been tough sailing for Accenture over the past year, thanks in part to macro headwinds and the industry's focus on trimming expenses. Still, the future looks bright as the firm looks to AI horizons. The company plans to invest $3 billion in AI over the next three years to help it grow and improve efficiencies.

To add even more AI sweetener to the Accenture story, the firm is also partnering with Nvidia (NASDAQ:NVDA) and ServiceNow (NASDAQ:NOW) — two AI plays that are Strong Buys, according to Wall Street — to work on AI Lighthouse, a program that aims to boost enterprise AI adoption.

All considered, Accenture seems like a magnificent buy at this juncture while it goes for 28.2 times trailing price-to-earnings, just shy of the IT services industry average of over 30 times.

What is the Price Target for ACN Stock?

Accenture is a Moderate Buy on TipRanks, with nine Buys and four Holds assigned by analysts in the past three months. The average ACN stock price target of $343.55 entails 8.67% upside potential.

Shares of Chinese e-tailer PDD (or Pinduoduo) have been extremely volatile in recent years. Its stock skyrocketed almost 500% from March 2020 to its February 2021 peak, only to crash over 83% to its March 2022 trough. More recently, the roller-coaster ride of a stock has been on the mend, with the stock up 59.8% in the past year.

Though Chinese Internet stocks are not for the faint of heart, many analysts believe the volatility is worth braving if you seek a shot at greater gains. I'm in agreement and am staying bullish.

A strong quarter helped power PDD stock's latest gains. The company's second quarter saw earnings per share of $1.43 per American Depository Shares (ADS), way ahead of the consensus estimate of $1.00 per ADS. Revenues also rocketed to RMB52.3 billion ($7.21 billion), up from the RMB37.6 billion posted in the prior quarter. Indeed, PDD seems to have finally turned a corner.

As the Chinese economy looks to get a jolt from some stimulus, PDD may have more fuel to extend its rally going into year's end. Either way, PDD's growth trajectory seems robust, especially as the company leverages the strength of its Temu overseas e-commerce platform in its ongoing global expansion.

Hedgeye (a market research firm) may view PDD stock as a great short. However, I think it's dangerous to bet against the name with all the newfound momentum behind it.

What is the Price Target for PDD Stock?

PDD is a Strong Buy, according to analysts, with 12 Buys and one Hold rating given in the past three months. The average PDD stock price target of $121.62 implies 26.8% upside potential.

Intuit is another tech titan that has recovered nicely this year, now up over 30% year to date but still off around 28% from its all-time high. The firm behind TurboTax and Quickbooks accounting software recently gave underwhelming guidance, calling for adjusted earnings per share to fall in the $1.94-2.00 range, down from the $2.02 consensus estimate. The weaker-than-expected guidance didn't rattle investors for very long, who eventually pushed the stock higher.

Looking ahead, analysts expect more gains to come as the firm looks to place bets on data and even AI. Indeed, innovation is still alive and well at Intuit. And for that reason, I'm staying bullish.

Recently, Intuit launched an intriguing generative AI tool to be added across its broad range of solutions. The company's CEO, Sasan Goodarzi, believes such tools are game changers. I think it's hard to argue with that. Intuit's already impressive suite of software stands to become that much better with AI in the mix. Whether Intuit can attract more AI-upside-hungry investors, though, remains to be seen.

In any case, INTU stock looks reasonably valued at 30.8 times forward price-to-earnings, well below its five-year average forward P/E of 38.7.

What is the Price Target for INTU Stock?

Intuit comes in as a Strong Buy on TipRanks, with 21 Buys and three Hold ratings. The average INTU stock price target of $576.86 implies 13.4% upside potential.

Conclusion

The following software companies look intriguing, even as volatility and rates remain high for the remainder of the year. Of the trio of names highlighted in this piece, analysts expect the most upside (26.8%) from PDD, which has seen solid growth lately.

Disclosure

Verizon Has All The Tech Gear For Fall-time Travel

The start of the fall season does not necessarily mean travel is slowing down. Verizon offers products and services to help community members stay connected and protected through all their fall-time travel.

Verizon Tech Expert Andy Choi emphasizes the importance of having a good camera to capture all of the beauty that the coming season holds. The Google Pixel Fold is one of Choi's favorites for capturing pictures and getting work done on the go.

When it comes to fitness, Verizon has its customers covered with the Fitbit Inspire 3. The smartwatch tracks steps and even recognizes 20 different exercises.

For customers who want it all in one device, the Google Pixel Watch packs all the technology into one small device. The smartwatch can also connect to the Google Pixel Buds Pro for music on the go.

With the purchase of new devices, it is important to make sure they are protected. Verizon also offers many protection needs, like phone cases, screen protectors, and protection plans. With Verizon's protection plan, Verizon Mobile Protect, customers can even ship a replacement to their location if something happens to their product during travel.

To learn more about all of Verizon's offerings, check out their website at this link.

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