Callback scheduling is just one way that call centers use automation.  This Replicant report shows that 48% have an automation project in place or in process, and 72% expect automation to reduce expenses by 25% or more.  Exactly half plan to use a mix of self-build and purchased solutions; 27% will only use purchased software and 13% will build everything themselves.

You may not want another item about retail media but look on the bright side, Dear Reader: it’s not about social commerce.  Anyway, this overview by eMarketer is pretty good, including the headline estimates that retail media ad revenue will grow 31.4% this year, total $40.8 billion and account for 16.4% of U.S. digital ad spending.  But don’t get too frisky: Amazon accounts for 77% of the total.

There’s no shortage of lawsuits by publishers against genAI platforms for copyright infringement; now major studios are getting with the program. Walt Disney and Comcast’s Universal are accusing Midjourney of using some of their best known characters (think Darth Vader and the Minions) in its AI image generator — a “bottomless pit of plagiarism,” they say. No response yet from Midjourney.