You can now use a Gemini powered assistant in BigQuery data canvas, which can construct and modify canvases to answer analytics questions. This feature is in Preview. The chat assistant can create nodes, run queries, and make visualizations based on user prompts. You can add data and instructions for the assistant to follow. To use it, click Open Data Canvas Assistant, enter prompts, and manage data and settings through the assistant interface.
Meta is moving Threads from threads.net to threads.com this week, adding features to enhance the web experience. Users can now see custom feeds at the top of the page, access liked and saved posts easily, and customize their display with new column options. They can copy Threads posts as images for sharing on other apps and upload follow lists from other platforms to connect with others on Threads, benefiting both creators and casual users.
Google Ads has launched Checkout on Merchant for Demand Gen campaigns in the US, allowing users to transition from product discovery to checkout. This feature is available on YouTube In-stream inventory and Performance Max campaigns. Merchants can enable it by providing a checkout URL template in Google Merchant Center. Advertisers using checkout URLs see an average 11% increase in conversion value. This feature is accessible to all users with product feeds.
Snapchat has launched an Affiliate Program for marketers, publishers, and creators to earn rewards by referring advertisers. Partnering with PartnerStack, the program aims to help small and medium-sized businesses use Snapchat Ads effectively. Affiliates can educate businesses on reaching Gen Z and Millennials, create engaging content showcasing Snapchat's ad formats, share best practices, and connect with a global network of advertising innovators.
Markifact is a no-code marketing automation platform that lets users create AI-driven workflows for automating marketing tasks. Users can trigger workflows, connect apps, and track performance through a visual interface. The platform offers pre-built templates, integrates with various marketing tools, and supports team collaboration.
Google AdSense has updated its Policy center by adding three new issue labels: policy issue, regulatory issue, and advertiser preference, along with new filters. These updates aim to help users understand and resolve issues more effectively. Changes include replacing the "Must fix" label, enhancing filtering options, updating the "Issue details" page, and allowing users to contest incorrect issue labels.
Google updated its Merchant Center documentation by removing the EnergyConsumptionDetails properties and providing an alternative for the certificationIdentification property. The hasEnergyConsumptionDetails remains backwards compatible for existing implementations. The update aims to enhance energy efficiency documentation, as the EnergyConsumptionDetails type is replaced by the more robust Certification type, announced in October 2024.
Meta is expanding ads in Threads to all eligible advertisers globally, enabling them to reach a growing community. Ads will appear in the Threads feed by default for new campaigns, with an option to opt out. A limited test will involve a small group of advertisers featuring image ads that meet Meta's brand safety standards. Users will have controls over the ads they see, and an inventory filter will help manage placements. The rollout will occur in select markets as testing continues.
The European Commission fined Meta €200 million and Apple €500 million for breaching data consent regulations and anti-steering obligations under the Digital Markets Act. Meta's 'Consent or Pay' model did not provide users a compliant choice for less personalized services, and Apple restricted app developers from informing users about alternatives outside its App Store. Both companies must comply within 60 days or face penalties.
Shopify is changing its checkout process, requiring merchants to migrate their Google tags to the Google & YouTube app. Shopify Plus merchants must complete this by August 28, 2025, while non-Plus merchants have until August 26, 2026. Failure to migrate may lead to loss of conversion tracking. The app simplifies measurement setup and enhances ad capabilities. Merchants using legacy configurations must act to avoid data loss.
