Despite higher prices, more people subscribed to the streaming service's paid offering in the first quarter of 2024. The number of premium users rose by 14 percent year-on-year to 239 million, as the company announced in Stockholm on Tuesday. Spotify had a total of 615 million monthly active users, almost a fifth more than at the end of March 2023.

For the current second quarter, CEO Daniel Ek is confident that he will be able to win more customers for Spotify. The manager is also aiming to generate an operating profit of around 250 million euros between April and the end of June. That would be a good 40 percent more than what industry experts have on their lists.

The reduction of around 1,500 jobs announced last year and reduced marketing budgets had a positive impact on the balance sheet. In the first quarter, the company made an operating profit of 168 million euros. In the previous year, the company had reported an operating loss of 156 million euros. The bottom line for shareholders was a profit of 197 million euros, compared to a loss of 225 million euros a year earlier. Spotify was also still in the red in the final quarter of 2023. (SDA/swi)

The 40-year-old mail order company Angela Bruderer places a strong focus on the e-commerce sector. The collaboration with Dreifive includes the performance channels Google and Microsoft Ads for all of the online retailer's brands and, above all, the strategic approach to the defined objectives.

Dreifive impressed with a detailed data strategy based on feed-based performance marketing for SEA and Performance Max. A key aspect for the agency was the strategic shift from the traditional ROAS approach to an innovative POAS optimization. The Dreifive resources from all three DACH locations are used for this.

Continuous ongoing account optimization and the improvement of efficiency and results is the common goal, and a joint Always-On Test & Learn approach is established and practiced.

Responsible for Angela Bruderer: Regina Ellmann (Head of E-Commerce), Ulrich Dreher (CEO), Thomas Gull (Team Leader eCommerce Technology), Sabir Youssuf (Performance Marketing Manager). Responsible for Dreifive: Rafael Müller (Senior Digital Advertising Consultant), Michael Weber (Digital Advertising Consultant), Philip Heinrichsmeier (Junior Digital Advertising Consultant), Pascal Schumacher (Head of Digital Advertising | Partner), Jolanda Kessler (Head of Digital Advertising | Partner), Daniel Waibel (Lead Analytics & Data Consulting), Joscha Mittmann (Junior Analytics & Data Consultant).

Time is passing far too quickly for the respondents. According to the survey, the last few years have flown by for almost four out of five respondents (79%). In addition, 58% have the feeling that time is running out. For the majority (69%), the reason for the feeling of being in a constant rush is the fast pace of today's world.

It is not surprising that there is a desire for more comfort. Stress levels in Switzerland are high: almost one in three people (31%) feel stressed once or several times a day. The survey results show that women suffer from daily stress more often than men (women: 36%; men: 27%). Men, on the other hand, find it easier to relax (men: 56%; women: 42%).

Swiss punctuality

Swiss punctuality is deeply rooted in the population. It is not a cliché, but an integral part of Swiss identity. This is because 63% of the German-speaking and French-speaking Swiss population consider punctuality to be very important, while a further 34% consider it to be somewhat important. Only 3% believe that this characteristic is irrelevant.

"Punctuality is likely to be a strategy for many people to deal with time pressure and plan their day," says Jacqueline Rütter from Marketagent Switzerland, explaining the results of the study. However, the younger the respondents, the less importance they place on punctuality. While punctuality is very important for 73% of baby boomers, this figure is only 52% for Generation Z.

Desire for more time for travel and hobbies

On average, around 15 hours a week are spent on household chores. Full-time employees invest even more time in their household: 17 hours on average. No wonder that many people would like to reduce this. 38 % of the German and French-speaking Swiss resident population would like to spend less time on housework. A good half of all working people (51%) would like to devote less time to work. On the other hand, there is a strong desire for more space in the diary for travel and hobbies.

Generation Z: Between work-life balance and stress

Generation Z - people born after 1994 - frequently express a desire for more time for the various areas of life, indicating a change in life priorities compared to the older generations in Switzerland, particularly Generation X and the Baby Boomers. 59% of young people from Generation Z would like to work less. Although the average workload in the household is the lowest for this generation (11 hours per week on average), the desire for less household work is high at 46%.

"The extended desire for more time for travel (78%), partnership (71%), sport (68%), social activities (66%) and hobbies and leisure activities (66%) shows that this generation places a strong focus on a lifestyle that leaves plenty of room for personal interests and social ties," explains Jacqueline Rütter. Generation Z is not simply lazy or unambitious, as the results indicate that Generation Z often suffers from stress (daily stress: 45%). Only two out of five representatives of this generation find it easy to relax, 65% wished the day had 48 hours. Worryingly, more than a quarter of this young generation (26%) say that they would like to have been born in a different time.

For the Marketagent Switzerland survey, online interviews were conducted from April 2 to April 14, 2024 with 1,047 people between the ages of 14 and 74

With the new function, the online retailer aims to improve the shopping experience for customers, as detailed in a press release. The feature is an immersive carousel view of looks based on the customer's shopping history and includes interactive hotspots that display similar items and outfit inspiration. Customers can view a collection of outfits from new and pre-owned clothing and luxury items that match their style preferences.

Personalization through "Shop the Look" is intended to further develop the shopping experience with customers. With the data and customer insights that Ebay has collected over the past decades, the AI technology can be continuously developed and the personalized experiences for customers can be further developed. The company also emphasizes that the function was developed "with the principles of responsible AI development" in mind.

The "Shop the Look" function has been available for iOS users in the US and UK since the beginning of April and is set to be introduced for Android devices in the course of 2024. There are also plans to further improve the function over the next year and possibly extend it to other categories.

Researchers from Switzerland have submitted over 400 images for the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) competition. The jury selected 18 entries in four categories, as announced by the SNSF on Tuesday.

Martin Stollenwerk, research associate at the Swiss Institute of Art Research, won first prize in the "Research Object" category. This was for a photomontage that reveals overpainted murals, as announced by the SNSF. In the "Video" category, a contribution by Christopher Hahne, postdoctoral researcher in medical imaging at the University of Bern, which simulates the vascular network in the brain, won first prize.

Tanguy Racine, a post-doctoral student in hydrogeology at the University of Neuchâtel, took first prize in the category "Framing, composition and lighting in perfection". He photographed a geologist mapping an underground cave. Jonas Müller, a doctoral student in geophysics at ETH Zurich, was awarded first prize in the "Places and Tools" category for a photograph of a complex experimental set-up for acoustic cloning.

The eighteen works will be exhibited at the Biel/Bienne Photo Days from May 3 to 26, 2024. (SDA/swi)

The campaign aims to position Zuger Kantonalbank in the Zug economic region as an attractive and trustworthy partner for investments in digital assets - especially among the security-conscious and wealthy target group.

"The multi-level, multi-channel approach, which is based on a simple typo solution and eye-catching designs and places the strategic focus on the topics of convenience and security, convinced us," says Tobias Fries, Head of Communications at Zuger Kantonalbank. "With the ambiguous statement 'Crypto? But secure' is a tongue-in-cheek reference to the advantages of the new offer. Easily adaptable visuals and a simple campaign mechanic helped us to start communicating quickly and efficiently."

In the first campaign phase, Zuger Kantonalbank deliberately limited itself and initially focused on PR measures, owned channels, online ads and animated motifs in the DOOH area in the Zug economic region.

The second wave of the campaign was launched last week, just in time for this year's Bitcoin Halving. The focus is on a commercial with the punchline "Crypto? But safe." in a humorous way and accompanied by a futuristic look and low-fi house beat. The video is used on the bank's digital channels and with online ads. At the same time, several static motifs are played out via social media, in the branches and in OOH.

Responsible at Zuger Kantonalbank: Tobias Fries (Head of Communications), Christian Panzuto (Communications Consultant), Timo Baumann (Project Manager Cryptocurrencies). Responsible at Siegfried & Roi: Milan Pavic (creative direction), Moritz Solleder (strategy, consulting), Nastasia Pavic (art direction, motion design), Paula di Battista (design, DTP); responsible production partners: UKO (sound design, mix), Simon Pittet (DOP).

The integrated campaign is part of the comprehensive redesign of the Knutwiler brand by MRB and shows several subjects with refreshingly honest advertising messages on posters, e-panels, advertisements and online. It is played out far beyond the borders of Central Switzerland.

Responsible at Mineralquelle Bad Knutwil: Stefan Suter (CEO), Linda Schwenk (Head of Marketing), Marion Walther (Brand Manager). Responsible at MRB: Silvan Metzger (CEO), Roman Steinacher (consulting), Frederick Rossmann, Fabian Zahner (creation), Bruno Breitenmoser, Giacomo Wyss (realization and production), Artbox (image production).

With a polished approach to user experience and a fresh concept, the the website was restructured to take visitors on a visual and intuitive journey through the world of engineering. The Graubünden agency's team focused on a user-friendly architecture, designed a clear and modern website UI and produced SEO-optimized content that appeals to both search engines and human visitors.

The challenge was to translate the complexity of Roffler's engineering services into a visual format that creates clarity and trust. The result is a website with a strong visual identity and clean lines. The UI elements reflect Roffler's precision, while the content emphasizes expertise and ensures optimal SEO performance.

Responsible at Yes: Shirin Luchsinger (Concept, UX and Development), Richi Brändli (UI), Erina Dvorak (Text).

FIFA did not comment on this when asked. However, it is unclear whether the agreement with Apple also includes free-to-air rights. If not, only Apple TV+ subscribers would be able to watch the 63 matches of the new tournament and seven matches for the finalists from June 15 to July 13 in the USA.

Twelve of the 32 teams from Europe are taking part in the new format. No Swiss clubs are taking part. In addition to FC Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund, the Champions League winners from 2021 to 2023, Chelsea FC, Real Madrid and Manchester City, as well as Paris Saint-Germain, Inter Milan, FC Porto and Benfica Lisbon are already taking part. The winner of the current season in the top flight will also receive a ticket. A maximum of two clubs per country are allowed to take part. (SDA)

The company is particularly concerned about a task and reward program. This allows users to collect points when they complete certain tasks in the app version TikTok Lite - such as watching videos or positively rating ("liking") content. This can be addictive and is particularly worrying for children, as it is not clear that the age of users is effectively checked.

With an endless stream of short and fast-paced videos, TikTok offers fun and a sense of connection for children, but it also harbors risks, said the responsible EU Commissioner Thierry Breton. These include addiction, anxiety, depression, eating disorders and poor attention spans.

The Commission criticizes the fact that the company released the version of the app in France and Spain without first assessing the associated risks in a report. Such a report was supposed to be submitted by April 18 - according to the Brussels authority, TikTok failed to do so.

Threat of high fines

The online platform is now being asked to submit a risk assessment of the new reward features within 24 hours, otherwise it could face daily fines. According to the Commission, TikTok could, for example, face fines of up to 1 percent of its total annual revenue or global turnover and regular fines of 5 percent of its daily turnover.

According to reports, TikTok has an annual turnover of several billion euros. The company itself does not publish any figures. The Commission is also giving TikTok 48 hours to prove that it has complied with EU rules and that no serious harm has been caused. After that, the authority could order the platform to suspend the new functions for the time being.

Proceedings already in February

The Commission had already opened proceedings against TikTok in mid-February. According to the Commission, the aim was to examine whether the online giant was taking sufficient action against the distribution of illegal content and whether it was violating EU rules on the protection of minors and advertising transparency, for example.

It had previously conducted a preliminary investigation. Brussels had already initiated similar proceedings against X (formerly Twitter). Online platforms are obliged by a new EU law on digital services (DSA) to take strict action against illegal content such as hate speech and incitement to hatred online. (SDA/swi)

In Balzers in the Principality of Liechtenstein, Kuno Frick Senior and his sons founded a bank within four months 25 years ago. They started pragmatically in a garage without heating. Instead of marble, thick executive chairs and banking airs and graces, they persevered in their commitment to doing things differently.

This gave rise early on to the awareness that we were not a normal bank - but an ideas factory with a banking license. Bank Frick now has branches in Balzers and London and employs over 250 people.

"We took our 25th anniversary primarily as an opportunity to realign ourselves for the future," explains Edi Wögerer, CEO of Bank Frick. "Together with all our employees, we redefined our purpose last year. And developed the new brand identity based on this".

Re-design of Farner Branding

The new brand design is far more than just cosmetics. With the new claim "Reliably pushing forward", Farner Branding expresses the brand duality in a pointed way. "On the one hand, our determination to constantly drive the banking world forward with innovations. And at the same time to be a reliable, stable partner," explains Esther Goldener, Head of Marketing at Bank Frick. With this in mind, the logo, image and word mark were further developed, sharpened and optimized for digital channels. In addition, the digital Frontify brand guidelines and color scheme were created for the new website.

Communication from Vitamin 2, Picky Martin and Boutiq

The focus of the new communication is the film series "We do things differently". It is being launched with a trailer, an image film that tells the dramatic and inspiring story of the company and family. The unusual path of the Frick family and how the very special Bank Frick mindset came about is presented in a gripping way. In the coming weeks, the next episodes on the ideas factory, the somewhat different involvement in the LieMudRun and more will follow on the bank's own YouTube channel.

The film series developed by Picky Martin and Boutiq impressively focuses on the key to success: the mindset of rethinking things. And people who are bursting with ideas. "We owe our success to this passion and the courage to constantly try new things and sometimes fail," Edi Wögerer is convinced.

The new website is rounded off with the digital annual report created by Vitamin 2.

Responsible at Bank Frick: Esther Goldener (Head of Marketing), Marie Mosimann (Content Manager), Tonja Kohler (Marketing Manager). Responsible at Farner Branding: Fabian Bertschinger (Executive Creative Director), Jan Jenny (Branding Consultant), Martin Fawer (Consulting Director), Lukas Schnider (Design), Manuel Griestock (Design), Fabina Sigg ( Design), Roger Krage (Text). Responsible for vitamin 2: Jan Hasler (consulting), Ramon Lenherr (creative direction), Milica Moravac (project management). Responsible at Picky Martin: Martin Fuchs (Strategy, Creative Direction & Script). Responsible for Boutiq: Mike Huber (script & director), Chantal Gugger (producer), Ralph Baetschmann (DOP). Camera Making-Of: Oliver Ospelt.

Based on the Swiss Trademark Protection Act, the application demands that Somedia's ownership claim to the Radio Grischa trademark be revoked. Until 2015, the radio station of the Somedia Group from Chur broadcast under the name Radio Grischa. The station was then renamed Radio Südostschweiz.

Schawinski is now invoking a passage in the law according to which the ownership claim to a trademark lapses if it is not used commercially for five years. He confirmed this to the Keystone-SDA news agency.

He is currently on the verge of signing a contract for his own studio in Chur, Schawinski continued. Around 20 people will work there for the new radio station in future.

Concession received at the beginning of the year

At the beginning of the year, Graubünden-based broadcaster Radio Südostschweiz lost its license for 2025 when the Federal Office of Communications (Bakom) awarded radio licenses. The contract was awarded to media entrepreneur Schawinski, who submitted an application under the name Radio Alpin.

He wants to break up Somedia's monopoly position and guarantee a greater diversity of opinion, the media entrepreneur told Keystone-SDA at the time. (SDA/swi)