Supermarkets ramp up price wars with record promotional spending
UK supermarkets are spending hundreds of millions on special offers as competition intensifies amid the cost of living crisis. Nearly 30% of sales were on promotions in April, with Tesco and Sainsbury’s seeing loyalty-linked discounts in most baskets. Asda slashed prices on 1,500 items but remains the only major grocer with falling sales year-on-year.
Despite promotions, grocery inflation hit 3.8%—the highest in over a year. Easter spending rose 11%, with surging chocolate and barbecue sales. Tesco leads the market with 27.8% share, while Ocado saw the fastest growth, though its market share remains just 1.9%.
AI fuels growth in UC&C and CPaaS markets amid shifting tech priorities
The global Unified Communications & Collaboration (UC&C) market hit $69.2B in 2024, up 7.8% YoY, with a projected CAGR of 3.9% through 2029 (IDC). AI is driving innovation, especially in emerging integrated UC-Customer Engagement solutions, forecasted to grow 33% annually.
However, legacy tech like IP phones and PBX systems continues to decline. Microsoft leads UC&C with a 45.6% market share, while Zoom and Cisco saw modest growth and decline, respectively. CPaaS reached $16.7B in 2024, led by Twilio (24% share). IDC forecasts 9.3% CAGR in CPaaS to $25.9B by 2029, driven by API and AI demand.
Children’s commissioner calls for immediate ban on AI nudification apps
The Children’s Commissioner for England is demanding a ban on AI-powered nudification apps that generate deepfake sexual images of children. Dame Rachel de Souza warns that these tools, though illegal in output, remain accessible and instil fear in teenage girls. Her report urges government action, including an AI bill to hold developers accountable and treat deepfake sexual abuse as gender-based violence.
The report highlights growing legal cases involving teens misusing such apps, exposing gaps in awareness and law. Experts stress urgent regulation as the technology outpaces the legal system, placing vulnerable youth at significant psychological and legal risk.