Kodi vs VIZIO

Kodi 22 "Piers" Beta 2 Released

Announcing the second Beta release of Kodi 22 "Piers"! A lot of polish has come together for the features added in Beta 1. HDR support is drastically improved, including HDR screenshots. International language support is also improved, especially for JSON-RPC consumers.

Kodi to Close at Least 19 Stores, Future of Others Uncertain

German non-food discounter Kodi is shrinking its store network as part of its ongoing restructuring. From 144 current stores, 19 are definitely closing, all in North Rhine-Westphalia. Negotiations are ongoing for 56 other locations, while 69 stores are confirmed to remain open. The company filed for self-administered insolvency in July, and wages are secured until September. Store closures are expected to begin after the formal insolvency opening in October. This is the second major downsizing for Kodi, which previously went through a protective shield procedure in 2024. The parent company also acquired the insolvent discounter Mäc Geiz in February, which itself filed for insolvency in May.

• Kodi will close at least 19 stores, all in North Rhine-Westphalia.
• Negotiations continue for 56 stores; 69 stores are to be retained.
• Kodi filed for self-administered insolvency in July 2026.

Walmart's TV Ambitions, Amazon's Data Transparency, Disinfo Retreat

This AdExchanger daily roundup covers several distinct news items. Walmart is expanding into TV advertising through its acquisitions of Vizio and Vibe.co, with Walmart Connect GM Ryan Mayward stating that commerce insights will drive stronger outcomes for brands. Amazon is beta testing an 'About You' page that lets users see the assumptions it makes about them based on collected data, including physical attributes, raising privacy concerns. Additionally, multiple countries have withdrawn sponsorship from the #Disinfo2026 conference amid US political pressure, reflecting a broader aversion among advertisers and governments to anti-disinformation efforts.

• Walmart acquired Vizio for $2.3 billion and Vibe.co for $1.4 billion to enter the TV advertising market.
• Amazon has been beta testing an 'About You' page since May, allowing users to see assumptions Amazon makes about them.
• Multiple countries, including Lithuania and Canada, withdrew sponsorship from the #Disinfo2026 conference due to pressure from the Trump administration.

Walmart outlines plan to dominate TV advertising

Walmart is aggressively expanding its retail media ambitions into TV advertising. The retailer, which acquired Vizio for $2.3 billion two years ago, is now building a streaming ecosystem that includes the recent acquisition of adtech firm Vibe.co for $1.4 billion. Walmart Connect, the retailer's ad business, is pitching itself to non-endemic advertisers, leveraging Vizio's smart TV OS and Vibe.co's performance-focused streaming platform. New partnerships with Skydance and Spotify aim to extend reach, and the Yahoo DSP integration is moving to alpha. Walmart's U.S. ad business grew 38% YoY in Q2, and the company is positioning its first-party commerce data as the key differentiator for TV ad targeting and measurement, even for brands that don't sell at Walmart.

• Walmart acquired Vizio for $2.3 billion two years ago to build a streaming ecosystem.
• In August, Walmart acquired adtech firm Vibe.co for a reported $1.4 billion.
• Walmart Connect is pitching non-endemic advertisers, with new partnerships with Skydance and Spotify.

Walmart's Vizio Bets on MrBeast, Holiday Films for Streaming

Walmart-owned Vizio is significantly investing in its free ad-supported streaming service, WatchFree+, to boost advertising opportunities for brands. The company announced new content partnerships with major studios including MGM, NBCUniversal, Disney, A&E, and A24, and will add creator-led channels from digital personalities such as MrBeast, Hot Ones, and others. Vizio is also producing its first original feature-length holiday film, 'Jingle Bells Wedding Bells,' starring Rachel Bilson and Scott Foley, with GEICO as presenting sponsor. These moves aim to attract high-income viewers and Walmart's suppliers and marketplace sellers to advertise on the platform. WatchFree+ has grown to reach 27 million devices, a 25% year-over-year increase, with viewing hours up 58% year-over-year.

• Walmart-owned Vizio is expanding WatchFree+ with new content partnerships from MGM, NBCUniversal, Disney, A&E, and A24.
• WatchFree+ will add free, ad-supported channels from 40 digital creators, including MrBeast and others.
• Vizio will produce its first original feature-length holiday film, 'Jingle Bells Wedding Bells', airing during the holiday season.