FRIDAY PRESS REVIEW - July 31 2026
Here are some of the most interesting articles of the last weeks selected by The Consultancy Group:
SOCIABLE: WILL META’S MASSIVE AI BET PAY OFF?
TECH - Meta has committed hundreds of billions of dollars to artificial intelligence, positioning AI as its next defining frontier after quietly moving away from its ambitious metaverse vision. However, the article argues that the company's history suggests a pattern of succeeding through acquisitions and imitation rather than breakthrough innovation, pointing to Instagram, WhatsApp, Reels and Oculus as key examples. At a time when businesses are still struggling to generate meaningful returns from AI, the scale of Meta's investment raises an important question: can Zuckerberg transform AI into a business capable of justifying its enormous cost, or is the company embarking on another expensive technological gamble?...More HERE
ADDED TIME: THE WORLD CUP 2026 TRENDS WE DIDN’T SEE COMING
MARKETING - Beyond the action on the pitch, the 2026 FIFA World Cup demonstrated how unexpected moments can create significant marketing value. Cape Verde’s fairytale run sparked a 5,000% surge in U.S. searches for holidays to the island nation, transforming sporting success into a tourism boost. On the commercial side, Rexona maximised visibility through the clever placement of its logo on the fourth official’s substitution board, while FIFA’s new Ref Cam delivered immersive, social-first content that increased fan engagement and created new opportunities for digital storytelling...More HERE
F1 SUMMER REPORT CARD: FROM TOP OF THE CLASS TO THE TEAM THAT MUST DO BETTER
SPORT - As Formula 1 reaches its summer break, Mercedes has firmly established itself as the team to beat, while 19-year-old Kimi Antonelli continues to emerge as the sport's standout talent. Lewis Hamilton has rediscovered his form at Ferrari, whereas Aston Martin faces a challenging reality despite significant investment. The second half of the season promises to be a defining test of ambition, execution and resilience… More HERE