• Access Adtech
  • Posts
  • Issue #25: Top stories from Open AI, Spotify and Microsoft

Issue #25: Top stories from Open AI, Spotify and Microsoft

The fastest way for digital marketing pros to look smart in the weekly stand-up

July 14, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 4 minutes

☕ Morning, media maestros

Pour your favourite brew and catch up on last week’s must read headlines.

🗞️ Top Stories

  1. OpenAI and Perplexity ready to launch AI browsers to rival Google Chrome

    OpenAI will debut a web browser with built-in ChatGPT agent and Perplexity rolled out Comet, their own AI browser product. Reuters

  2. WPP appointments Microsoft’s Cindy Rose as new CEO

    Microsoft’s current COO and a WPP non-exec since 2019 will succeed Mark Read on 1 September to steer the group through “fundamental industry change.” WPP

  3. Spotify opens premium podcast inventory to DSP buyers

    Advertisers in eight markets can now book Spotify Originals and Audience Network shows in Ads Manager, The Trade Desk and DV360. Podcasting Today

  4. Incubeta makes six senior UK hires to accelerate growth

    The digital performance agency has added client and channel leadership as part of a wider investment in strategic services. Decision Marketing

  5. LUMA’s Q2 2025 Market Report points to resurgence of adtech deals

    Strategic buyers drove 9 of 11 adtech acquisitions as M&A rose 25% YoY, with the LUMA index jumping 22%, out-pacing the Nasdaq. LUMA Partners

  6. Linda Yaccarino to exit X after 13 month tenure
    The former NBC Universal ad chief will step down as X CEO by August, following advertiser pull-outs and product clashes with owner Elon Musk. The Guardian

  7. Microsoft says AI already saved $500m but jobs continue to be cut

    Bloomberg figures shared by Reuters show AI tools shaved half a billion dollars of costs whilst the company is simultaneously laying off c.4% of staff. Reuters

  8. Perplexity AI courts brands with “sponsored follow-up questions”

    The conversational-search start-up is pitching CPM-based ads that appear beneath answers; early buyers include Whole Foods and Indeed as the company weighs additional commerce and travel formats. Business Insider

Got feedback, suggestions or interested in partnerships? Hit reply and let us know.

See you next time,

Access Adtech