November sure was a whirlwind of exciting updates, product launches, and events that have made a lasting impact on the eCommerce industry! Let’s take a moment to reflect on these highlights, and groundbreaking updates that made waves during the past month.
In this edition, we bring you some of the biggest developments that are transforming the way we do business online. Let’s dive in!
Platform Updates
1. Unlocking New Business Capabilities With Adobe Commerce B2B 1.5.0
Adobe Commerce recently released version 1.5.0 of its B2B commerce extension for Adobe Commerce. This update is aimed at enhancing its B2B capabilities as part of its November 2024 updates. The update will provide users with new features such as-
- Enhanced company account management
- Improved quote workflow
- Performance optimization
- Advanced payment workflows
- Custom catalogs
Furthermore, the new version has been rolled out with bug fixes for previous issues that have been identified. It is also important to note that this version comes with backward-incompatible changes which means some of the older configurations and customizations may no longer work as expected.
This release supports the 2.4.7-p3+ version and the 2.4.6-p8+ security patches. It is also compatible with 2.4.8-beta1, 2.4.7 to 2.4.7-p2, 2.4.6 to 2.4.6-p2 versions.
2. Adobe Launches Prime and Ultimate Packages To Power Scalable Content Management
Adobe recently announced Experience Manager Assets Prime and Ultimate. These new packages were designed to enhance digital asset management (DAM) capabilities. These offerings cater to businesses looking for efficient and scalable digital asset management solutions for their requirements.
The two packages PRIME and ULTIMATE come bulked with several key features. Prime is a streamlined DAM solution for quick deployment and certain use cases. It is ideal for teams looking for a ready-to-use setup with flexibility for future scaling.
On the other hand, Ultimate is an enterprise-grade DAM offering all of Prime’s features with advanced capabilities such as-
- comprehensive API access for custom integrations
- AI-powered features like automated metadata tagging
- Visual search and content variations
- Dynamic media tools
- Large storage capabilities and better security and governance tools.
Both packages are aimed towards enhancing creative content production and asset management for users.
3. Shopify Managed Markets Introduces Smart Address Correction For Global Commerce.
Shopify Managed Markets now has an address correction service. This service is designed to increase address accuracy and decrease the return package rates for merchants. The service is part of a comprehensive suite that simplifies global commerce, including automated handling of duties, taxes, and customs pre-clearance. Managed markets further offer localized payment options, guaranteed currency exchange rates, and fraud protection, all while working under Shopify’s Merchant of Record Model to streamline international sales.
4. Shopify Issues Detailed Information On Fulfillment Hold Transparency
Shopify has introduced more detailed information about fulfillment holds in its web and mobile apps. Merchants can now view the context of a hold, including the app that placed it, (or if it was placed manually), the reason for the placed hold and any related notes. This update aims to provide merchants with clarity on how to manage fulfillment holds effectively.
5. Shopify’s Checkout Blocks: Official Support Now Available
Shopify has released official support documents for checkout blocks in the Shopify Help Center. These documents are especially useful for Shopify Plus merchants using the Checkout Block app, which allows for customized checkout experiences without the need for code. The app allows merchants to add custom fields, adjust payments and delivery methods, and set up discounts through a drag and drop interface. This document provides merchants with a step-by-step guide to help them implement and manage these features with ease.
INDUSTRY UPDATES
1. Meta Rolls Out AI-powered backgrounds, Noise Suppression and More For Messenger Calling
Meta recently introduced several new features for its Messenger calling app including noise suppression, AI-powered background effects, HD video calls and more. These new features enhance the video and audio quality of the app while in use. It provides users a distraction free, customizable environment while they make a call. These improvements aim to create a more immersive calling experience, making Messenger calls more versatile for both personal and work communications.
2. Meta Adopts “Views” As Key Metrics For Facebook
Following Instagram’s lead, Meta has now transitioned to “Views” as the primary content performance for Facebook. This update replaces older metrics like “Impressions” and “Plays” and counts each time the content appears on the user screen, including multiple views from the same user. In addition, Meta has also updated video performance metrics to show “Minutes Viewed” and “Average Minutes Viewed” for better understanding and clarity. This shift focuses on Meta’s intent on promoting video content while making performance tracking consistent across its platforms.
3. Meta Enhances Teen Safety With AI-driven Age Detection
An AI system is in the works at Meta to determine the right age of teens. It is called the “Adult Classifier” and it was developed to improve age verification on Instagram. This system uses AI to analyze user behavior and profile data to determine if someone is underage. If the tool detects the user may be lying about their age, their accounts will be converted to teen accounts with stricter privacy controls, such as limited messaging and content restrictions. For users flagged as under 18, additional identity verification steps may be required. This comes as part of Meta’s efforts to address social media impacts on teen mental health.
3. AI-Powered Creativity: Instagram’s Latest Feature Tests
Instagram is currently testing new AI-powered features to enhance user experience and creativity. These features include AI-generated profile pictures and custom stickers. These AI backed profile pictures eliminate the need for third-party editing tools. Similar to existing features on TikTok and Snapchat, it simplifies the process of creating personalized, artistic avatars. Similarly, users can input a text prompt to generate custom stickers that can be used in chats and stories. These tools are part of Instagram’s broader strategy to integrate AI more seamlessly into the platform.
4. Sales Navigator Gets Smarter With LinkedIn’s Latest AI-Powered Features
LinkedIn recently integrated AI powered tools: Lead IQ and an upgraded Account IQ into its Sales Navigator Platform. Lead IQ provides platform users with an instant summary of potential leads with key details like experience, achievements, and mutual interests for LinkedIn profiles. This helps streamline outreach and improve preparation for meetings. The enhanced Account IQ aims to deliver deeper insights into how specific products or services could meet the needs of target organizations, aiding in strategic account planning and sales pitch.
UPCOMING EVENTS
1. Ecommerce Summit
The Nashville eCommerce Summit is a one-day event designed for eCommerce professionals, including executives, marketers, and decision-makers, focusing on the latest trends and innovations shaping the industry.
Date: 10th December, 2024
Location: The Westin Nashville
Register: https://retailsummits.com/events/nashville-ecommerce-summit/?ref=online.marketing
2. Global Digital Transformation and Customer Experience Summit
This event, organized by Conferenzia World, focuses on the importance of enhancing client and customer experience strategies for business leaders and professionals. The event is aimed to bring together top executives to discuss proactive customer service, data protection etc.
Date: 5th-6th December, 2024
Location: Berlin, Germany
Register: https://conferenziaworld.com/client-experience-conference/
3. Omnichannel Retail Conference
The Omnichannel Retail Conference held in Greece, is designed to focus on omnichannel retail strategies, exploring challenges and trends through presentations, case studies, and panel discussions. The event will discuss topics such as customer experience, AI, etc.
Date:5 th December, 2024
Location: Wyndham Grand, Athens
Register: https://omnichannel-retail.boussiasevents.gr
4. B2B Online Europe
B2B Online Europe is a leading conference for manufacturers and distributors focusing on eCommerce and digital marketing in the B2B sector. Attendees will get to explore strategies on how to modernize digital customer journeys, improve personalization, and so on.
Date: 4th-5th December, 2024
Location: Hilton Dusseldorf, Germany
Register: https://b2bonlineeu.wbresearch.com/
