4. adidas focuses on immersive experiences as it goes live with 2024/25 Manchester United home kit on Roblox
Players of the immersive experience platform Roblox are now able to style their avatars in Manchester United’s 2024/25 home kit by adidas.
Shirts, shorts, and socks for the new strip, released yesterday, will be available to dress up avatars – thanks to a new United shop within the adidas Outfit Creator experience on Roblox.
As well as the new home kit, featuring new front of shirt sponsor Snapdragon and sleeve partner DXC, people can grab a series of other adidas and Manchester United apparel as avatar items on Roblox.
This includes the 2024/25 anthem jacket, which players pull on before standing shoulder to shoulder in the line-up, and the pre-match shirt, which players wear during the warm-up.
Fans can also take United’s mascot Fred the Red and place him on their avatar’s shoulder.
5. Starbucks upgrades Amazon Just Walk Out technology powered NYC stores for improved smartphone experience
Starbucks reports that two of its large New York cafes with Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology have been upgraded to a more intuitive system, making it easier for its Green Apron partners to offer exclusive merchandise and food, and for customers to enjoy a seamless smartphone experience.
Customers can now tap into the lounge area, order with the Starbucks app, and walk out with their snacks and coffee without waiting in line.
In a LinkedIn post, Jessica Mills, Senior Director, Global Growth and Development at Starbucks, said: “For me, this journey began five years ago. On my first day back from maternity leave on 2nd July 2019, I was asked how we could partner with Amazon Go products and Just Walk Out technology.”
“This led to a deeper study on creating effortless experiences, culminating in the opening of two unique stores in New York City in November 2021 and July 2022. These stores serve as incubators and learning centres, with several programmes and insights being scaled across Starbucks.”
She added: “It has been an epic experience, and I am confident that the learnings will continue in this next chapter.”
6. Lenovo launches Trustly Open Banking payment method at online checkout in UK and Europe
Technology giant, Lenovo, is launching a new Open Banking at online checkout service for its customers in the UK and continental Europe.
It says that this will provide customers with an alternative payment method that is less vulnerable to fraud, compared to the likes of credit or debit cards.
Jussi Lindberg, Chief Revenue Officer, Trustly, comments: “We are thrilled Trustly is now available as a payment method for Lenovo’s customers. Our technology provides customers with a simple, fast, and secure way to pay.”
“Using Open Banking means payment speeds are as low as 10 seconds, making the checkout significantly quicker. We’re excited for Lenovo’s customers to use our technology for an enhanced payment experience.”