TWICE SmartBrief
Back-to-school spending forecast to reach record highs | Lower gasoline prices restrain US retail sales, underlying momentum remains | Washington Watchdogs Take Notice As AI Becomes Retail's Front Door
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July 20, 2026
 
 
TWICE SmartBrief
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2026 Value Electronics TV Shootout: Samsung Snaps Sony TV Streak
2026 Value Electronics TV Shootout: Samsung Snaps Sony TV Streak
Samsung ended Sony's seven-year reign as "King of TVs" at the 2026 Value Electronics TV Shootout, capturing top honors in the OLED competition ahead of OLEDs from Sony and LG.
Sony did capture first place in the event's inaugural RGB-backlit LCD category. In the OLED competition, Samsung's 65-inch QN65S95H OLED totaled a combined average score of 9.3 in SDR and HDR testing, edging Sony's 65-inch Bravia 8 Mark II OLED with 8 combined average points, and LG's 65-inch G6 OLED finished third with 7.0 points.
Full Story: TWICE (7/20)
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Retail
 
Back-to-school spending forecast to reach record highs
 
Children at school
(Catherine Delahaye/Getty Images)
Shoppers are forecast to spend a record $43.3 billion on K-12 students this year, up from $39.4 billion in 2025. Meanwhile, back-to-school shopping for college students is expected to reach $103.5 billion, exceeding $100 billion for the first time.
Full Story: Retail Dive (7/17)
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Lower gasoline prices restrain US retail sales, underlying momentum remains
Reuters (7/16)
 
 
Washington Watchdogs Take Notice As AI Becomes Retail's Front Door
Forbes (7/19)
 
Voice Your Opinion: AI's Retail Evolution
Join us and share your thoughts on AI's influence in retail! Take our 5-minute survey to steer industry change. You'll also enter to win a $250 gift card. Your insights matter! Get started »
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Awards
 
Enter To Win The Best Of Show Awards At CEDIA Expo 2026
Enter To Win The Best Of Show Awards At CEDIA Expo 2026
It's back for 2026 -- the Best of Show awards program that celebrates the best custom installation and home entertainment technology launches at CEDIA Expo! Residential Systems, TWICE, and What Hi-Fi? will once again have judges on-site to examine each entry and bestow honors on the most deserving.
There are a whole host of benefits for entering the Best of Show Awards at CEDIA 2026.

Below are just a few that you will receive, both as a nominee and as a winner:
 
  • All entries will receive a fully licensed nominee badge to use in both digital and print promotions.
  • Dedicated editorial coverage across participating brands. As a winning entry, you will receive promotional coverage across social media, websites, newsletters, and magazines from the official award brands – Residential Systems, TWICE, and What Hi-Fi?
  • Winner marketing assets to further promote your success. You will receive an official award winner’s badge, fully licensed for use with your winning product both domestically and overseas at no additional cost, in addition to a winner’s social assets.
  • Crystal glass trophies to display your win. Individual trophies will be sent directly to winners after CEDIA, so you can continue celebrating your success after the show!
Full Story: TWICE (7/7)
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Audio News
 
Focal Launches The Scala Utopia Evo M Hi-Fi Speaker
 
Focal Launches The Scala Utopia Evo M Hi-Fi Speaker
Focal is expanding its Utopia range with the Scala Utopia Evo M, an evolution of its Scala Utopia Model. This hi-fi speaker integrates technologies from Focal's most recent developments in order to enhance its audio reproduction abilities.
Full Story: TWICE (7/20)
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5.1 vs 7.2 surround sound: which is better?
What Hi-Fi? (7/1)
 
 
This $35 DIY Kit Lets You Build Your Own Bluetooth Speaker
Billboard (7/16)
 
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