What’s coming in Android 16 (Beta insights)

Google’s next big Android update, Android 16, is already generating buzz among developers and tech enthusiasts.

    While the official release is expected later this year, early beta versions and leaks hint at exciting new features. Here’s what we know so far.

  • Enhanced AI Integration
  • Android 16 is expected to deepen its AI capabilities, building on Gemini AI (Google’s advanced AI model). Features may include: Smarter voice assistant with more contextual responses. AI-powered battery optimization for longer device life.

  • Improved Privacy & Security
  • Google continues to prioritize security with: Advanced app permission controls (more granular settings). Real-time phishing detection in messages and emails. Stronger encryption for sensitive data.

  • Revamped UI & Customization
  • More dynamic theming options (wallpaper-based UI adjustments). New lock screen widgets for quick access. Smoother animations for a premium feel.

  • Performance & Battery Upgrades
  • Project Mainline” enhancements for seamless system updates. Adaptive refresh rate for better battery efficiency. Faster app launches with optimized memory management.

  • Developer-Friendly Features
  • New APIs for foldable & wearable devices. Better cross-device syncing (Android, ChromeOS, Wear OS). Enhanced machine learning tools for app developers.

  • When Can We Expect Android 16?
  • The first beta is likely to drop around mid-2024, with a stable release in Q3/Q4 2024. Pixel devices will get it first, followed by other OEMs.

    Final Thoughts

Android 16 seems to focus on AI, privacy, and smoother UX, making it a significant upgrade. Developers should start preparing for new APIs, while users can look forward to smarter, faster, and more secure experiences.

What feature are you most excited about? Let us know in the comments!

The Future of Third-Party Cookie Tracking

Third-party cookies have been the backbone of digital advertising, allowing businesses to track users across websites for targeted ads. However, growing privacy concerns and regulatory changes (like GDPR and CCPA) are pushing tech giants to phase them out.

  • Google Chrome, which dominates ~65% of the browser market, plans to eliminate third-party cookies by late 2024.
  • Apple’s Safari and Mozilla Firefox already block third-party cookies by default.
  • Regulations like GDPR require explicit user consent for tracking, making cookie-based targeting harder.
  • Why the Shift? Privacy Takes Center Stage Consumers are more aware of data privacy than ever: 72% of users feel that almost all of their online activity is tracked (Pew Research). 86% are concerned about data privacy (Cisco 2023). Tech companies are responding by prioritizing user-first privacy policies, pushing advertisers to find new ways to reach audiences.

    What’s Replacing Third-Party Cookies?

  • First-Party Data –Brands will rely more on direct customer data (emails, purchases, website behavior) with user consent.
  • Google’s Privacy Sandbox –A new set of APIs (like Topics API) that allow interest-based advertising without individual tracking.
  • Contextual Advertising –Ads placed based on webpage content rather than user behavior (e.g., showing sports gear on a fitness blog). AI & Predictive Modeling – Machine learning helps predict user interests without invasive tracking.
  • What Does This Mean for Marketers?- Less reliance on cross-site tracking, more focus on building trust. First-party data collection (newsletters, loyalty programs) will be crucial. Contextual and cohort-based ads will gain traction over hyper-targeted ads.
  • Final Thoughts

Businesses that adapt by leveraging first-party data and ethical tracking methods will thrive, while those stuck in old practices may struggle.
Privacy is the future—prepare now by shifting strategies toward transparency.

Meta (Facebook & Instagram) Ads vs. Google Ads in 2025

The importance of understanding the details and characteristics of different advertising platforms cannot be overstated, especially as ROI in digital marketing is constantly evolving. As of 2025, Meta (Facebook & Instagram) Ads alongside Google Ads remain two of the most powerful tools in a marketer’s arsenal — but how do they compare?

    Meta (Facebook & Instagram) Ads: precision in audience targeting

    The platforms within Meta excel at micro-level demographic, interest-based, and behavioral audience targeting. With billions of users active per month, Facebook and Instagram allow brands to target customers at a granular level with region-based segmentation where users can be filtered by age, location, interests, and their online behavior. This makes Meta Ads useful for brand recognition, community development, and exploiting niche markets.

    Major benefits in 2025:

  • Enhanced Ad Relevance:AI-based advertising algorithms improve the relevance of advertisements.
  • Targeted Engagement:Allows direct interaction with the brand’s audience.
  • CPC Efficiency:Campaigns focused on creating awareness for the brand tend to have lower CPC.
  • Google Ads:to reach intent driven audiences
  • Google Ads encompasses Search, Display, Video, and Shopping campaigns which allows tapping into user intention when they are actively searching or browsing the products and services offered. Looking ahead to 2025, with the rise of voice search and AI-driven inquiries, it remains undisputed that Google connects brands to audiences with high intent to engage like no other.

    Notable benefits in 2025:

  • Intent Based Audience Targeting –Connecting with users who want to solve a problem they currently have.
  • High Value Conversion Potential –Particularly through Search and Shopping ads.
  • Widespread Availability –Via the Display Network and YouTube.
  • Optimises based on Data –Uses AI technology for real time bidding and placements
  • Selecting the Right Platform in 2025

  • Although both platforms hold much strength, the most effective strategy tends to be a combination of the two:
  • Leverage Meta Ads for community management, brand storytelling, and engaging with and nurturing deeper relationships with current audiences.
  • Leverage Google Ads

    In Closing

In 2025, while the two platforms offer Meta and Google Ads, the distinction lies with the campaign objectives, audience profile, and budget allocated. Comprehensive and multi-metric focused strategies incorporating the promise of both platforms tend to yield better outcomes. As a digital agency, what remains essential is monitoring advancements on the platforms, adapting, and optimising the strategies constantly to retain relevance within the industry.

Looking for professional help? One of our focuses is developing sophisticated ad strategies on Meta and Google customised for your business needs for 2025 and the years that follow.

Web3 & NFTs: Are They Still Relevant for Marketing?

The hype around Web3 and NFTs (non-fungible tokens) exploded in 2021–2022, with brands jumping on the bandwagon. But after the crypto market downturn, many marketers wonder: Are NFTs and Web3 still useful for digital marketing?

    The Current State of Web3 & NFTs
    While the speculative NFT bubble has burst, the underlying technology still holds value for brands willing to use it strategically:

  • NFTs for Loyalty & Community Building

  • Brands like Starbucks (Odyssey) and Nike (.SWOOSH) use NFTs as digital collectibles to reward loyal customers.
    NFTs can act as exclusive membership passes, unlocking VIP content, discounts, or real-world experiences.

  • Token-Gated Marketing
  • Web3 allows token-gated access to content, events, or products—meaning only NFT holders can participate.
    Example:

    Aussie artists selling limited-edition NFTs with backstage concert access.

  • Authenticity & Digital Ownership
  • NFTs verify authenticity for luxury brands, tickets, or digital art, reducing fraud.
    Example:

    Event ticketing via NFTs to prevent scalping.

  • Should Your Brand Still Consider Web3 Marketing?

✅ Yes, if:
You have an engaged, tech-savvy audience.You want innovative loyalty programs.
Your brand thrives on exclusivity & community.

❌ No, if:
Your audience isn’t familiar with crypto.
You expect quick ROI (NFTs are a long-term play).

Final Verdict
NFTs and Web3 aren’t dead—they’re evolving beyond speculation. Brands using them for utility (not hype) will stay ahead.

Want to explore Web3 marketing? Let’s chat! 🚀

10 Must-Have Skills Your Web Development Team needs

Whether you’re building a corporate site, a web application, or an e-commerce platform, having the right team behind the scenes is crucial. But what exactly should you look for when assembling your web development dream team?

    Here are the 10 must-have skills your web development team needs to deliver modern, functional, and scalable web solutions:

  • HTML provides the structure of your site
  • While CSS is responsible for its visual presentation. Mastery of these is non-negotiable — your team should know how to create clean, semantic code and responsive layouts.

  • JavaScript (and Frameworks)
  • A skilled JavaScript developer can take your site from static to stunning.

  • Front-End Frameworks
  • Beyond vanilla JavaScript, front-end frameworks like Bootstrap, Tailwind CSS, or Foundation help developers build visually appealing, mobile-first designs faster. Knowledge of these frameworks enhances productivity and consistency across your site.

  • Back-End Development
  • Skills in server-side programming languages such as Node.js, PHP, Python, Ruby, or Java are essential for handling databases, authentication, APIs, and business logic.

  • Database Management
  • Every dynamic website needs a place to store and retrieve data. Your team should be proficient with SQL databases (like MySQL or PostgreSQL) and NoSQL databases (like MongoDB).

  • Version Control (Git)
  • Whether your team uses GitHub, GitLab, or Bitbucket, version control is the backbone of modern development workflows.

  • API Integration & Development
  • Knowing how to consume and build RESTful (or GraphQL) APIs is a must. APIs help your website communicate seamlessly with other applications and services.

  • Responsive Design Principles
  • With mobile devices generating the majority of web traffic, your team must be experts in responsive design. This involves using flexible grids, media queries, and scalable images to ensure the site looks great on every screen size.

  • Web Security Best Practices
  • Your team should understand how to prevent SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), cross-site request forgery (CSRF), and other common vulnerabilities — and implement HTTPS, secure authentication, and data encryption.

  • Problem-Solving & Collaboration
  • Agile development, sprint planning, and code reviews require strong teamwork.

    Conclusion

    By assembling a team that combines these 10 skills, you’ll be well-positioned to build a fast, secure, and user-friendly web presence that stands out in today’s competitive landscape.