Ad spend increased 5.7 percent in Q1 of 20014, thanks to the Sochi Winter Olympics, which Kantar Media estimates gave a $600m "windfall." Six of the top ten big ad spenders had significant "buys" around the games -- mostly in television, Kantar Media points out. Internet display spending increased by 13 percent, tv by 6.2 percent and outdoor by 2.8 percent.

WPP's Mindshare has won Hertz's pan-European media planning and buying account from IPG's Initiative. The brief includes all above-the-line activity for Hertz, Dollar, Thrifty and Firefly in the UK, Belgium, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Spain. Omnicom's OMD is believed to have also been involved in the pitch process.

Adidas claims its content-focussed World Cup marketing campaign is set to hit its target of GBP1.6bn sales (2bn Euros). It has sold eight million shirts of the nine national sides it has a kit sponsorship deal with, up from 6.5m during the 2010 World Cup. Chief Executive Herbert Hainer said, "our marketing campaign in social media worldwide is clear proof that Adidas is and will remain the leading football brand." Nike is expected to reveal sales figures tomorrow.

Google Glass has arrived. Beginning today, Google UK Explorer edition can be ordered online for GBP1000 for shipping within one to two business days. The technology will allow British consumers to use voice commands to take photos, view maps, and check emails. Advertising is not allowed with the display, but Google claims there are opportunities to brand apps. Marketers will be interested to see how well the technology is received. Glass has been barred in some U.S. venues over privacy concerns.

Apple suppliers are due to begin mass production of two larger-screen iPhones in China next month, according to Bloomberg. The two new models will expand the 4-inch screen of the iPhone 5 to 4.7 and 5.5 inches. The 4.7-inch screen model is believed to be slated for a September launch with the larger-screen version possibly launching at the same time. The models are believed to be slimmer and more rounded than previous models. Samsung and HTC already have larger-screen smartphones available.

Google is countering rumours that is has given up on Google+ following the resignation of the services boss, Vic Gundotra, two months ago. David Besbris, a Google engineering VP who took over from Gundotra, told the "San Jose Mercury News" that it has hundreds of millions of users. "We're committed to building a product that people absolutely love. So no, Google isn't giving up on Google+," he said. TechCrunch believes the service will carry on as it is now, but in the hands of the Android team.

A report in "The Times" suggests that Matomy Media is reconsidering a London float. The Israeli company, which offers tools to measure online advertising effectiveness, pulled out of a GBP300m float two months ago at the last moment. Working with different advisers, it is currently testing sentiment in the City to a more modest float valuing the company at around GBP175m to GBP205m.

British newspapers were going out of their way to court the advertising industry at this year's Cannes, according to "The Independent." The paper claims the two leading UK online titles, "The Guardian" and "MailOnline," would not normally have made such a fuss at the big annual bash of an industry that proprietors keep at arm's length. However, growing confidence and figures that suggest the UK will overtake Germany by 2016 in ad spend led to yachts and floors of hotels being booked for schmoozing.

Bono called on adland to use its "big brains" to combat "compassion fatigue" during his speech to accept a Cannes LionHeart for his work co-founding Red, the organisation that fights AIDS. He jokingly referred to himself as the CMO of U2 and implored the industry, "the creative engine of capitalism," to tackle the issue of AIDS. He pointed out that although the charity makes $250 from Red products and events, the big issue is the $96bn worth of government grants that marketers should have their eye on.

WPP has won holding company of the year for the fourth time in a row at Cannes. Sir Martin Sorrell hailed "brilliant work for clients" which included Ogilvy & Mather winning network of the year for the third year in a row. Ogilvy One also picked up Media and Cyber Lions awards for its Magic of Flying campaign for BA.