1. Coca-Cola Enters Marijuana Market?
Coca-Cola, the world’s largest beverage company, is reportedly considering its entry into the cannabis market. The company has been monitoring the industry because of their interest in a CBD-infused drink. CBD is a non-psychoactive ingredient in marijuana that is THC free, so consumers will not feel high or test positive for marijuana. CBD has gained mainstream popularity for its reported health benefits, such as easing pain, inflammation, and anxiety. Soda consumption has been on the decline, which may be a lead motivator behind Coca-Cola collaborating with Canadian marijuana company, Aurora Cannabis Inc., to create a new CBD-infused beverage. Last month, Corona beer brewer Constellation Brands Inc. invested $3.8B dollars in Canopy Growth. Talk about changing latitudes.
(Source: AdAge)
2. Netflix and HBO Sweep the Emmys
Netflix and HBO cleaned up at the Emmys. Both networks walked away with 23 awards each. HBO has secured the title of most Emmy awards for 16 straight years, but this year, Netflix has joined them at the top. As awards were announced, it became clear that premium cable and streaming services are becoming more influential and knocking out their network TV competitors. HBO’s Game of Thrones was named Outstanding Drama Series and Amazon’s The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel won Outstanding Comedy Series. Awards weren’t the only thing being served at the Emmys. Black-ish star, Jenifer Lewis, wore a Nike sweatshirt as a silent show of solidarity for Colin Kaepernick and his movement to protest racism and police brutality. Click here to see all the highlights.
(Source: AdAge)
3. Developers Make Alexa Gadgets
After delivering the $20 Echo Button last year, Amazon is finally back with the release of the Alexa Gadgets Toolkit beta. The toolkits will allow developers to create their own Echo-connected accessories. developers to create their own Echo-connected accessories. A few examples of gadgets developers can make include a cuckoo clock popping its head out when users say “Alexa,” an outdoor gong, and a singing fish who can dance along to any song from Amazon Music. According to Amazon, this initiative will be released later this year.
(Source: The Verge)