Nextiva, the leading unified customer experience management (UCXM) platform, has shared the findings of its recent survey conducted with over 1,000 customer experience (CX) decision-makers across the US, UK, and Canada. The survey provides a comprehensive look at the evolving role of CX, revealing how it has transitioned from a cost center to a critical revenue driver. These insights also offer a roadmap for businesses as they navigate the rapidly changing digital economy and aim to retain and grow revenue in a competitive landscape.

1. CX’s Rise as a Revenue Driver in the C-Suite

   • A staggering 79% of CX leaders report that company leadership now views CX as a key revenue driver.
   • This change in perception is making it easier for CX leaders to secure funding, with 67% reporting an increase in ease compared to five years ago.

2. Tech, Culture, and ROI: The Drivers Behind CX’s Changing Perception

   • Advancements in technology and shifting industry culture are pivotal to the changing perception of CX.
   • Key drivers include the ability to track CX investment impacts, implementing new technologies, and achieving better ROI metrics.

3. Tech-Debt and Tool Overload: Barriers to CX Progress

   • On average, CX teams manage over six tools, making consistent and personalized service a challenge.
   • 81% of CX leaders believe consolidating customer data into a single system would significantly improve CX.

4. AI in CX: Widespread Adoption but Early Stages of Maturity

   • 92% of CX leaders report using AI in their CX efforts, with only 9% describing their adoption as “mature.”
   • AI applications in CX include agent assist tools, self-service, and quality assurance, with revenue generation being the top investment driver.

5. AI Investment: Revenue Growth and Efficiency Gains as Primary Drivers

   • The primary motivation behind AI investment is revenue generation (54%), followed by efficiency improvements (46%) and customer demand (40%).
   • Businesses are exploring various use cases, including generative AI for customer communication and agent assistance tools.

6. AI Challenges Evolve with Maturity

   • As companies mature in their AI adoption, data-related challenges decrease, while complexity in integrating AI and human interactions increases.
   • Early-stage organizations face challenges such as limited resources for experimenting and learning.

7. Human-to-AI Handoffs: A Persistent Barrier

   • 98% of CX leaders agree that a smooth handoff between AI and human agents is essential.
   • However, 90% report struggles with reducing friction in this process, with employee resistance, integration issues, and legacy technology being the primary barriers.

The Nextiva survey highlights the evolving landscape of customer experience and its growing importance as a revenue driver for businesses. As AI adoption accelerates and organizations work to overcome tech-debt and improve human-to-AI interactions, CX leaders must focus on streamlining operations, consolidating tools, and providing seamless, personalized customer experiences. Companies that embrace these trends are well-positioned to meet customer expectations and drive long-term growth.

Aspire.io, a leader in influencer marketing platforms, introduces its first-party integration with YouTube Shorts. This integration enables brands to leverage the rising popularity of short-form content on YouTube, diversify their creator strategies, and track performance effectively.

1. Unlocking Access to YouTube Shorts:

   • Aspire is among the first platforms to support YouTube Shorts.
   • It helps brands scale content production efficiently.
   • Offers robust performance tracking tools.

2. Market Opportunity for Short-Form Content:

   • 88% of brands aim to invest more in short-form videos by 2025 (Aspire's 2025 Industry Report).
   • YouTube Shorts offers a new avenue for creating engaging and dynamic content.

3. Features of the Aspire-YouTube Integration:

   • Effortlessly source YouTube creators at scale.
   • Create high-quality short-form content.
   • Access industry-standard metrics for performance comparison with other short-form video platforms.

4. Commentary from Aspire's Leadership:

   • Anand Kishore, CEO of Aspire, highlighted the importance of YouTube's innovative platform combined with Aspire's robust capabilities.
   • He emphasized how brands can use short-form videos to drive sales and capture attention.

5. Empowering Brands with New Possibilities:

   • Leverage the rising popularity of YouTube Shorts.
   • Collaborate with trusted creators and explore fresh talent.
   • Utilize YouTube’s native shopping features to boost sales.
   • Diversify marketing budgets while reducing risks.

Aspire's first-party integration with YouTube Shorts positions brands to capitalize on the immense growth potential of short-form content. With powerful tools to engage creators, track performance, and drive sales, this collaboration redefines influencer marketing strategies in 2025 and beyond.

A recent study by leading digital communication experts uncovers transformative shifts in the digital public relations (PR) landscape. The research provides actionable insights into how businesses are adapting to emerging technologies and evolving communication strategies to stay competitive.

1. Technological Integration:

• Increased Digital Channel Utilization: 68% of businesses report higher reliance on digital communication platforms.
• AI as a Strategic Tool: Artificial Intelligence is becoming a cornerstone in shaping content strategies.
• Advanced Analytics: Businesses are leveraging data to achieve precise audience targeting.

2. Communication Trends:

• Authentic Storytelling: Brands are transitioning to data-driven and relatable storytelling.
• Multimedia Content: Integration of visuals and interactive media is on the rise.
• Measurable Outcomes: Companies are prioritizing quantifiable communication success metrics.

The study implemented a robust research approach to derive its findings:

• Analysis of communication strategies from 250+ businesses across various sectors.
• 75 in-depth interviews with communication professionals.
• Use of advanced data analysis tools to uncover trends.

Expert Insights:

Dr. Emily Richardson, the study's lead researcher, noted, "Digital PR is witnessing a paradigm shift. Businesses are evolving from traditional PR practices to embrace technology-driven, adaptive strategies for communication."

Implications for the Industry:

1. Technology Adaptation:

• Increased investments in digital communication technologies.
• Growing demand for upskilling teams in AI and machine learning tools.

2. Strategic Communication:

• Greater focus on transparent and authentic messaging.
• Data-driven audience engagement strategies.
• Adoption of multidimensional communication approaches.

Future Outlook:

The research predicts ongoing advancements in digital PR with a focus on:

• Enhanced personalization and real-time engagement.
• Broader adoption of technological tools.
• Sophisticated audience segmentation and targeting.

Practical Recommendations:

To leverage the evolving landscape, businesses should:

1. Invest in cutting-edge communication technologies.
2. Build flexible, adaptive strategies to address industry changes.
3. Use data analytics to guide communication decisions.
4. Embrace multimedia storytelling to captivate audiences.

Coolmuster, a trusted provider of data management solutions for over a decade, has announced an exciting update to its Coolmuster iOS Assistant for Mac. The latest version (V5.0) brings enhanced functionality by aligning key features with the Windows version, ensuring smoother data management, transfer, and backup for iOS users on Mac.

What’s New in Coolmuster iOS Assistant for Mac V5.0?

1. Optimized Data Handling:

• Faster loading of SMS, memos, thumbnails, and voice memos for quicker transfers.

2. Improved Media Management:

• Refined iCloud thumbnail loading.
• Image export now includes creation time for better organization.

3. Data Integrity Fixes:

• Resolved issues that caused potential data loss when loading photo albums.

4. E-book Transfer Enhancements:

• Fixed issues with transferring e-books to iOS devices.

5. Compatibility with iOS 18:

• Enhanced recognition of memos and voice memos for improved functionality.

6. Performance Boost:

• Fixed crash issues and optimized performance for reliable usage.

Statement from Coolmuster:

“Our goal with the latest update was to enhance the user experience and ensure that managing iOS data on Mac is as seamless as possible,” said the Co-founder of Coolmuster. “We listened to our users' feedback, and these improvements reflect our commitment to providing reliable and efficient tools for their digital lives.”

Other Coolmuster Solutions:

Coolmuster offers a range of tools for data management and recovery, including:

• Coolmuster Android Assistant: Efficient phone management for Android devices.
• Coolmuster Mobile Transfer: Simplifies data transfer between devices.
• Coolmuster iPhone Data Recovery: Helps recover lost data on iPhones.
• Coolmuster Lab.Fone for Android: Enables Android data recovery.

Compatibility and Pricing:

Supported Systems:

• Windows OS: Windows 7 or newer
• Mac OS: Mac OS X 10.9 or later
• iOS: iOS 5.0 and above (including iOS 18)

Pricing Plans:

• 1-Year License: Starting at $25.95 for 1 PC
• Lifetime License: Starting at $35.95 for 1 PC
• Business License: Starting at $35.95 for 2-5 PCs

Celebratory Offers:

To celebrate the update, Coolmuster is hosting giveaways with exciting offers:

• Free software giveaways.
• 20% discounts on selected products.

Optable, a leading identity management and collaboration platform tailored to the advertising ecosystem, has successfully closed its Series A Acceleration Round. Led by TELUS Global Ventures, with reinvestment from notable backers such as Hearst Ventures, Brightspark Ventures, Desjardins Capital, Deloitte Ventures, and AsterX, this funding marks a significant milestone in the company's journey toward empowering publishers with privacy-first, data monetization solutions.

1. The Funding Milestone:

• Led by TELUS Global Ventures, accompanied by reinvestments from prominent partners.
• Reinforces Optable's position as a leader in privacy-first advertising technology.

2. Optable's Impact in 2024:

• Supported top-tier clients like Raptive, Hearst, and The Globe & Mail.
• Delivered comprehensive identity management and clean room solutions.
• Enabled publishers and media companies to securely harness, enrich, and activate audience data.

3. A Shift Toward Privacy-First Solutions:

• Addressed publishers' need to adapt to stringent privacy regulations.
• Focused on creating transparent, secure solutions to build trust and drive revenue growth.

Statements from Leadership:

Yves Poiré, Co-founder and CEO of Optable:
"2024 was a defining year for Optable. Publishers are navigating unprecedented shifts, and privacy-first technology has become essential to their success. This funding allows us to build the tools our partners need to connect, collaborate, and thrive in a world where trust and transparency are everything."

Terry Doyle, Managing Partner at TELUS Global Ventures:
"The Optable team has demonstrated a remarkable ability to address publishers' challenges while preparing them for future complexities. We are proud to lead this investment round, supporting Optable's mission to empower the advertising ecosystem with cutting-edge, privacy-first technology."

Future Outlook:

As Optable enters 2025, the company is expanding its focus to:

• Collaborate with innovative publishers, media companies, and platforms.
• Help partners make their audience data actionable and impactful.
• Advance its interoperable platform to remain a trusted solution in the market.

Why Optable Matters:

Optable’s platform addresses critical needs for publishers:

1. Identity Management: Helps publishers securely manage audience identity.
2. Data Monetization: Enables effective, privacy-compliant data activation.
3. Collaboration Tools: Builds trust and transparency within the advertising ecosystem.

Smartsheet, the AI-powered enterprise-grade work management platform, has released its 2025 Pulse of Marketing Report. Drawing insights from over 1,200 marketing and creative professionals across the U.S., the report highlights the growing need for marketers to prove measurable business impact and the pivotal role of technology in achieving this goal.

Key Insights from the Report:

1. Rising Pressure to Demonstrate Business Impact

• Increased Pressure: Over 80% of respondents feel heightened pressure to prove the business impact of their work, with 60% reporting this pressure has grown over the past year.
• Visibility Gap: While 51% believe marketing teams are viewed as strategic partners, the need for better reporting and visibility remains evident.
• Comparative Struggles: 78% of professionals feel they must demonstrate their value more than peers in other departments.

2. Challenges in Demonstrating Individual Impact

• Lack of Data: Nearly all (94%) professionals face difficulties demonstrating the business impact of their work.
• Information Gaps: 95% struggle with decision-making due to insufficient data, while 53% lack visibility into essential information.
• Correlation with Success: Teams with reliable access to data (57%) are more likely to be viewed as strategic partners.

3. The Demand for Better Tools

• Technology Enhancements: 87% of respondents believe advanced tools would improve efficiency and their ability to demonstrate impact.
• Lost Time: Switching between tools leads to an average loss of 7.3 hours per week.
• AI Efficiency: AI boosts productivity, with 84% saving over five hours weekly, and 30% saving more than 10 hours.

Expert Perspectives:

John Newall, SVP, Marketing, Smartsheet:
"Today’s marketing and creative teams often struggle to provide tangible evidence of their strategic value. Leveraging AI and collaborative platforms like Smartsheet enables teams to stay aligned, regardless of complexity, and showcase their influence on business outcomes."

Courtney Finger, Principal, Product Marketing Operations, Conga:
"Smartsheet has been a game-changer for our marketing team. Its work management tools empower us to demonstrate ROI with real-time data and analytics, streamlining project processes and enhancing collaboration."

Harnessing Challenges with Technology:

The report provides actionable strategies for marketers and creatives:

1. Streamlining Workflows: Use AI and project management tools to enhance efficiency and demonstrate strategic value.
2. Improving Processes: Standardize workflows to increase visibility and improve decision-making.
3. Enhancing Collaboration: Leverage tools that offer real-time data and analytics to measure ROI effectively.

The 2025 Pulse of Marketing Report emphasizes the importance of adopting advanced tools and processes to stay competitive. Marketers and creatives must prioritize:

• AI Adoption: Save time and optimize efficiency.
• Data Accessibility: Ensure teams have access to the right information to make informed decisions.
• Standardization: Create consistent processes to demonstrate measurable outcomes and improve strategic alignment.

In today’s digitalized retail landscape, technology has evolved from being a simple tool for data collection and inventory management to a comprehensive solution that enhances customer experience and boosts operational efficiency. Mobile computers and handheld devices, now equipped with customizable features, are becoming indispensable personal assistants for retailers. DENSO WAVE, part of the Toyota Group, has been at the forefront of this revolution, offering cutting-edge technology tailored for retail applications.

Transforming Retail with Advanced Technology:

Expanding Functions Beyond Stock Management

Initially limited to inventory tracking and goods receipt, mobile handheld devices have undergone significant transformation. With modern operating systems like Android, these devices can now:

• Install custom apps for retailer-specific tasks.
• Control in-store ambience, such as lighting and music, via Wi-Fi for a centralized and seamless customer experience.

This evolution enables retailers to not only enhance operational efficiency but also deliver an unmatched in-store shopping atmosphere with minimal effort.

Enhancing Customer Service with Real-Time Assistance:

Mobile computers empower sales staff to provide superior customer service by:

1. Instant Product Information: Quickly access product details, availability, and variants in real time.
2. Personalized Recommendations: Leverage customer purchase histories to offer tailored advice and recommendations, strengthening loyalty.
3. Cross-Selling Opportunities: Create individual shopping lists or suggest complementary items, boosting sales.

By integrating these tools, retailers can reduce waiting times, increase customer satisfaction, and foster long-term relationships.

DENSO WAVE’s Robust BHT-M Series:

DENSO WAVE’s BHT-M series handheld devices, including the BHT-M60, BHT-M70, and BHT-M80, deliver unmatched reliability and functionality:

• Powerful Android 13 Operating System: For seamless operation and app integration.
• Flexibility in Use: Options for touch display or keyboard input with ergonomic designs for one-hand use.
• Superior Durability: With drop resistance up to 2.5 meters, these devices can withstand demanding retail environments.

These features ensure retailers can customize their devices while maintaining consistent performance.

Revolutionizing Retail Operations with DENSO WAVE:

As industry leaders, DENSO WAVE’s innovative handheld solutions redefine how retailers approach customer service, data management, and operational efficiency. Their products not only cater to modern retail needs but also enable brick-and-mortar stores to stay competitive in an increasingly digital world.

Mobly, Inc., a rising star in event marketing technology, has successfully closed its $4.3 million seed funding round. Co-led by Jump Capital and Eniac Ventures, with participation from Peterson Ventures and notable existing investors, the oversubscribed round positions Mobly to lead the next wave of innovation in event marketing.

Funding Highlights:

• Seed Round Amount: $4.3 Million
• Co-leads: Jump Capital and Eniac Ventures
• Other Participants: Peterson Ventures, Tenzing.VC, Peak Ventures, and angel investors Jeron Paul and Francis Santora
• Purpose: To accelerate Mobly’s mission of transforming event marketing through smarter lead capture, data-driven engagement, and streamlined workflows.

Key Achievements in 2024:

• Revenue Growth: 5x increase
• User Growth: 4x increase
• Platform Impact: Reduced "Speed to Lead" from 11 days to a few minutes, transforming lead capture efficiency.

Mobly’s Game-Changing Technology:

Founded in 2023 by Zach Barney and Kris Jenkins, Mobly’s platform empowers marketing and sales teams to:

• Enhance Lead Capture: Smarter tools for real-time lead engagement.
• Automate CRM Enrichment: Deliver higher lead quality and better conversion rates.
• Analyze Event Campaigns: Scalable, data-driven solutions for measurable ROI.

Executive Perspectives:

Zach Barney, Co-Founder & CEO, Mobly:

"With robust support from investors, we’re accelerating efforts to redefine event marketing. Our platform is already driving significant results for brands, reducing lead times, and delivering higher-quality data. This is only the beginning."

Saaya Nath Pal, Partner at Jump Capital:

"Event marketing has been underserved by digital transformation. Mobly's innovative, scalable solutions uniquely position them to lead this space, and we’re excited to support their journey."

Kristin McDonald, Principal at Eniac Ventures:

"Zach and Kris are not just building another tool – they’re creating a modern revenue engine for event marketing. Mobly brings AI-powered automation and innovative solutions to a space that has lagged in technological adoption."

The Future of Event Marketing:

With the backing of its seed funding, Mobly aims to:

1. Scale its platform capabilities for real-time lead capture and conversion.
2. Expand its customer base and market presence.
3. Pioneer AI and automation-driven solutions for event marketing.

Mobly’s momentum reflects the growing demand for event marketing solutions that deliver measurable results, enhance workflows, and provide real-time insights.