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Metaverse News
Digit
4w
436
Image Credit: Digit
Meta faces backlash as technical error bans thousands of Facebook groups
- A technical error by Meta resulted in the banning of thousands of Facebook groups worldwide, causing widespread frustration among users and admins.
- The issue emerged following a recent surge in account suspensions on Facebook and Instagram, triggering concerns about Meta's moderation practices.
- Group admins and users affected by the bans expressed discontent on platforms like Reddit, with groups spanning topics from parenting to gaming being impacted.
- Reports indicate that some banned groups received vague violation notices alleging inappropriate content, including terrorism-related or adult material that admins claim they did not post.
- The bans affected groups of all sizes, with some having only a few thousand members while others boasted hundreds of thousands or even millions.
- Meta spokesperson Andy Stone acknowledged the technical error, stating that the company is working to rectify the situation.
- Speculation arises that Meta's AI-powered moderation system may be erroneously flagging and removing content, raising concerns about the system's accuracy.
- Some admins with Meta's Verified subscription, offering priority support, managed to seek assistance amidst the ban confusion.
- Platforms like Reddit are inundated with posts from bewildered users and admins affected by the bans, while Pinterest and Tumblr have also experienced similar mass ban incidents.
- Pinterest attributed its bans to an internal error and denied AI involvement, whereas Tumblr linked its issues to a test of its content filtering mechanism.
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Dev
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169
Image Credit: Dev
Beyond the Hype: 16 Must-Have Resources for Navigating the XR and Metaverse Frontier
- The article explores the distinctions between XR (Extended Reality) and the Metaverse, defining XR as including VR, AR, and MR, and the Metaverse as a persistent interconnected 3D virtual world network.
- It highlights 16 essential resources for navigating the XR and Metaverse landscape, ranging from game engines like Unity and Unreal Engine to web-based XR tools like Three.js and JanusWeb.
- The inclusion of decentralized platforms like Decentraland and Webaverse, along with blockchain technologies for digital ownership, indicates the importance of user-controlled economies in the Metaverse.
- Resources focusing on digital identity and social interaction, such as Genies and Hologram, emphasize the significance of personal expression and connection within virtual spaces.
- Insights and community hubs like XRAtlas, ISM Resource Center, and TNO's Social XR Research provide valuable information, case studies, and research for anyone interested in XR and the Metaverse.
- By utilizing these resources, developers, creators, and enthusiasts can engage with and contribute to the evolving realms of XR and the Metaverse to shape the future of digital interaction.
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TechCrunch
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142
Image Credit: TechCrunch
Facebook Group admins complain of mass bans; Meta says it’s fixing the problem
- Facebook Groups are experiencing mass bans following recent issues affecting Instagram and Facebook users.
- Reports indicate that the bans have impacted thousands of groups globally across various categories.
- Meta spokesperson confirmed the company is aware of the issue and working to fix it.
- The reason behind the mass bans is not yet clear, with suspicions pointing to AI-based moderation issues.
- Affected Facebook Group admins received vague violation notices, such as for 'terrorism-related' content or nudity, despite innocence.
- Impacted groups cover diverse topics like savings tips, parenting support, gaming, and niche interests.
- Advice to affected admins includes waiting for automatic reversal of the suspension once the bug is resolved, rather than appealing.
- Some impacted groups are sizable, with tens of thousands to millions of users, raising concerns among users and admins.
- Meta's Verified subscription users have received better support in addressing the bans, while others face challenges.
- Similar mass suspension issues have been reported on Pinterest and Tumblr, suggesting AI moderation may be at fault.
- While Pinterest acknowledged an internal error for the bans, Tumblr attributed its problems to tests on a new content filtering system.
- Meta has not publicly disclosed the cause of the bans affecting users and groups, leading to frustration among the affected individuals and businesses.
- Meta users have initiated a petition and some are considering legal action to demand resolution and transparency regarding the bans.
- The situation highlights growing concerns about AI moderation’s impact on social networks, with users seeking accountability and solutions.
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Moneyweb
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35
Xbox gaming division faces job cut blizzard
- Microsoft's Xbox division is set to undergo another round of major layoffs next week as part of a company-wide reorganization.
- Managers within Xbox are anticipating significant cuts across the group, following three major layoffs in the past 18 months and the closure of subsidiaries.
- This upcoming layoff will be the fourth significant one at Xbox, aiming to boost profit margins after Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard Inc.
- The company is expected to cut thousands of jobs next week, particularly in sales, as reported by Bloomberg News.
- Major organizational changes are common for Microsoft close to the end of its fiscal year, which ends on June 30.
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Massivelyop
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316
Massively OP Podcast Episode 523: Course-correcting into the future
- Bree and Justin discuss various topics on Massively OP Podcast Episode 523.
- Topics include World of Warcraft's upcoming patch, Bitcraft Online's EA launch, the sale of EVE Online's CCP, server updates for LOTRO and DDO, Palia's roadmap, Dune Awakening's PvE course correction, and Chrono Odyssey's beta.
- The podcast covers updates on WoW, LOTRO, Palia, and Steam Deck in the Adventures in MMOs segment.
- World of Warcraft previews Update 11.2: Ghosts of K’aresh.
- Bitcraft Online launches into early access.
- CCP and EVE Online are announced to be up for sale.
- Updates on server closures and openings for LOTRO and DDO are discussed.
- Palia's future roadmap is explored.
- Dune Awakening works on course correction for its PvE endgame.
- Chrono Odyssey is in beta phase.
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19 Likes
Pymnts
4w
245
Image Credit: Pymnts
AI Models Are Maturing with Customization as the Next Focus
- The AI model landscape is maturing with companies like OpenAI, Google, Meta, Anthropic, Amazon, and Mistral introducing advanced and customized versions of existing models tailored for specific industries.
- OpenAI released o3‑pro, a premium version of its reasoning model optimized for science, education, programming, business, and writing assistance, emphasizing reliability over speed.
- Google unveiled Gemini 2.5 Pro, excelling in coding, math, science, and reasoning, with improved creativity in responses. Gemini is Google's first multimodal model able to handle text, images, code, and video.
- Anthropic introduced Claude Gov, a custom version of Claude LLMs for U.S. national security and intelligence applications, offering improved intelligence document understanding and cybersecurity analysis.
- Meta presented V‑JEPA 2, a world model trained on video to understand physics for better real world simulations, aiding zero-shot robot planning and object interactions.
- Mistral launched Magistral, a reasoning model available in Small (open source) and Medium (proprietary) versions, catering to various enterprise use cases and offering auditability for regulated industries.
- These advancements mark a shift towards custom-built intelligence for specialized needs in industries like science, security, and enterprise, showcasing the evolution and application of AI models.
- The AI models are focused on improving reliability, creativity, understanding of complex domains, and simulating real-world environments for enhanced decision-making capabilities.
- Companies are bridging the gap between general chatbots and industry-specific intelligence, paving the way for more tailored AI solutions.
- Innovation in AI models is evolving to address the specific needs of critical domains such as national security, operational support, intelligence analysis, and decision-making in regulated sectors.
- The development of these customized AI models signifies a strategic shift towards specialized AI applications in diverse fields like healthcare, legal, finance, and government sectors.
- Overall, the trend in AI model evolution is towards customization and refinement to meet the increasing demand for tailored and industry-specific intelligent solutions.
- As AI models continue to advance and cater to specialized requirements, the landscape of artificial intelligence applications is poised for significant growth and innovation.
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Pymnts
4w
111
Image Credit: Pymnts
Meta Approached Multiple AI Startups for Potential Acquisition
- Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg is reportedly approaching multiple high-profile AI startups for potential acquisitions.
- Startups approached include Perplexity AI, Runway, Thinking Machines, Safe Superintelligence (SSI), Scale AI, and VC fund NFDG.
- Zuckerberg tried to hire OpenAI's employees with signing bonuses up to $100 million, countered by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman.
- Meta successfully acquired Scale AI for $14.3 billion and hired Scale AI's CEO, Alexandr Wang, to lead superintelligence efforts.
- NFDG will be partially acquired by Meta, with the founders joining and working under Wang.
- The recruitment spree aims to enhance Meta's AI capabilities, particularly with its flagship large language model, Llama.
- Meta has AI experts like Yann LeCun and Fundamental AI Research (FAIR) but seeks to accelerate advancements by acquiring talent.
- Wang, a 28-year-old MIT dropout, co-founded Scale AI and will collaborate with Meta's existing AI team.
- Competition for AI talent has intensified, with companies like OpenAI, Google DeepMind, Microsoft, and Anthropic vying for skilled professionals.
- Meta aims to integrate advanced AI into its products, powering features in Instagram, WhatsApp, and exploring AI agents for improved customer service and commerce.
- The acquisition strategy aligns with Meta's goal of expanding AI capabilities and integrating advanced technology into its platforms.
- The renewed focus on AI talent underscores Meta's commitment to accelerate product rollouts and enhance user experiences.
- Meta's efforts come amid a competitive landscape with other tech giants also investing heavily in AI research and acquisition endeavors.
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Massivelyop
4w
31
Adorable VR MMORPG Eldramoor launched a $25,000 Kickstarter that’s already funded
- Eldramoor, a VR MMORPG, launched a Kickstarter campaign with a funding goal of $25,000, which has already been surpassed.
- The game aims to combine the sense of community from classic MMOs with modern VR gameplay and features.
- Players in Eldramoor can explore diverse environments, uncover the land's history, and combat various foes.
- The Kickstarter campaign raised $44,000 within two hours, with over 220 backers and 29 days remaining.
- Different pledge tiers offer rewards like game copies, beta access, skins, and even the opportunity to name the game's main island.
- Accessibility options are emphasized in the Kickstarter, catering to players with motion sickness, colorblindness, and dyslexia.
- The game is set to launch in December 2026 on PCVR and Meta Quest 3 platforms.
- Eldramoor: Haven in the Mist promises a narrative-driven world, crafting opportunities, and social activities like tavern games and fishing.
- Players can expect a world-saving adventure with hidden treasures and challenges.
- The Kickstarter FAQ highlights inclusive features such as a 'limited movement class' for seated players.
- The higher Kickstarter tiers offer cosmetic items and exclusive in-game content like player houses and island naming rights.
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Digit
4w
401
Image Credit: Digit
Perplexity is the new OpenAI? Why both Meta and Apple want to buy it
- Perplexity AI, a startup based in San Francisco, has garnered interest from tech giants Meta and Apple for a potential acquisition.
- Perplexity, founded in 2022, is dubbed as the OpenAI of search with its conversational search engine providing clear, sourced answers in real-time.
- The platform manages over 780 million queries monthly with a growth rate of 20%, and has launched Comet, an AI-powered browser assistant for various tasks.
- Apple's interest in Perplexity stems from its absence of AI focus during WWDC 2025 and the need to bolster its stance in the AI domain especially with Google Search default controversy.
- Acquiring Perplexity may enable Apple to develop its AI-first search engine integrated into Safari or Siri, signaling a potential significant acquisition.
- Meta is also eyeing Perplexity to enhance its AI capabilities across its platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, following a major investment in Scale AI.
- Meta's previous investment in Scale AI and the ongoing internal restructuring suggest a possible strategic move towards acquiring Perplexity.
- The interest of major tech companies in AI platforms indicates a potential upcoming trend in the tech industry post-social media era.
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24 Likes
Kotaku
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155
Image Credit: Kotaku
Report: Xbox Bracing For Another Mass Layoff
- Microsoft's gaming division is reportedly bracing for another mass layoff as Xbox shifts focus from console hardware to Windows gaming and PlayStation 5 exclusives.
- Another round of layoffs, the fourth in 18 months, is expected by the end of the fiscal quarter, impacting various Xbox teams and studios.
- The recent cuts started in January 2024 with layoffs across Bethesda, Xbox, and Activision Blizzard, leading to studio closures and impact on developers.
- The ongoing layoffs follow Microsoft's acquisition spree, including buying Activision Blizzard for $70 billion, making Xbox the largest gaming content publisher.
- Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer has defended the cuts as necessary for a profitable business to continue investing in Xbox and the gaming community.
- Trade-offs have included bringing Xbox games to PS5, raising game prices such as The Outer Worlds 2 at $80, and potential future increases in Xbox Game Pass Ultimate pricing.
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Pcgamesn
4w
17
Image Credit: Pcgamesn
A black Meta Quest 3S Xbox edition just dropped, and it has a proper strap too
- Meta has launched a new Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition VR headset bundle in black, offering gamers an alternative to the standard white version.
- The bundle includes wireless Xbox and Touch Plus controllers in matching colors, a proper strap, and three months of Meta Horizon+ and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate access.
- Although the bundle comes at a high price, its features and inclusions justify the cost.
- This collaboration marks the first Meta Quest brand partnership and showcases one of the latest VR headsets available.
- The Meta Quest 3S is recognized for being a budget-friendly headset and is featured in the best VR headset buying guides.
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VentureBeat
4w
245
Image Credit: VentureBeat
Meta announces Xbox-branded Quest 3S that supports cloud gaming
- Meta announces a limited edition Xbox-branded Quest 3S headset in collaboration with Xbox, featuring Xbox colors of Carbon Black and Velocity Green.
- The Xbox Edition bundle includes a Quest 3S headset, an Elite Strap, Touch Plus controllers, and an Xbox Wireless Controller.
- The collaboration showcases Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and Cloud Gaming available on the platform.
- Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition is priced at $399.99 and offers 3 months of Game Pass Ultimate and 3 months of Meta Horizon+.
- This marks the first limited edition of a Quest headset by Meta, which has a longstanding collaboration with Xbox.
- The Xbox app was launched on Quest in 2023, providing access to Cloud Gaming beta through Game Pass Ultimate.
- Over 100 cloud-supported titles are available, including South of Midnight, Avowed, and The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered.
- Players can use Touch Plus controllers or Xbox controllers; the headset comes pre-paired with the Xbox controller in the bundle.
- Lori Wright, Xbox's corporate VP, expressed excitement for the collaboration and the possibilities with the Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition.
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Cgmagonline
4w
218
Image Credit: Cgmagonline
The Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition Is here For A Limited Time
- Meta and Xbox have launched the Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition for a limited time, aimed at Xbox players, featuring the VR headset, Xbox Wireless Controller, and more.
- The Meta Quest 3S VR headset, released in October 2024, features Qualcomm’s Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chip, 8GB RAM, 1832×1920 pixels per eye, and options for 128GB and 256GB storage.
- The limited edition Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition bundle includes the Meta Quest 3S in Xbox Carbon Black with Velocity Green accents, Touch Plus Controllers, an Xbox Wireless controller, an Elite Strap, three months of Meta Horizon+, and three months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.
- Players can enjoy games like The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered and Tetris Effect: Connected with Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition.
- With three months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, players can stream games like Avowed and South of Midnight on a 26-foot vertical display.
- Users will also get three months of Meta Horizon+ enabling them to access 30+ titles like Asgard’s Wrath 2 and Dungeon of Eternity.
- The Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition is priced at $399.99 USD/£379.99 and available on Meta's website, Best Buy (USA), and Argos (UK).
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Xbox
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111
Unveiling the Limited Edition Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition
- Meta and Xbox have collaborated to unveil the limited edition Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition to celebrate the expansion of Xbox Cloud Gaming on Meta Quest headsets.
- The Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition bundle is available for $399.99 USD, featuring a custom 128GB Meta Quest 3S in Xbox Carbon Black and Velocity Green, Touch Plus controllers, and a limited-edition Xbox Wireless Controller.
- The limited-edition Xbox Wireless Controller comes pre-paired with the headset and matches the design of the other accessories with carbon black and green accents.
- Players can access hundreds of games through Xbox Cloud Gaming, including titles like South of Midnight, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered, and Avowed with a Game Pass Ultimate membership.
- The Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition offers a seamless gaming experience with cross-play and cross-progression support, allowing players to continue their games on different devices.
- The headset is available at meta.com, Best Buy (USA), Argos (UK), and EE (UK), but quantities are limited.
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Insider
4w
2k
Image Credit: Insider
A SoftBank-backed founder says startups and public companies need 'fundamentally different people'
- Johannes Reck, CEO of GetYourGuide, states startups and public companies require different types of individuals.
- Reck mentions that those successful at big tech firms like Meta or Google may not excel in a startup setting.
- Different skill sets are needed for different company stages, such as Series A to C versus pre-IPO or billion-dollar revenue public firms.
- Reck founded GetYourGuide in 2009, offering curated travel experiences in 12,000 cities.
- GetYourGuide has secured over $1 billion in funding from investors like KKR and Softbank.
- The Berlin-based company has 500+ employees and focuses on core product-market fit.
- Startups require more agile, opinionated, and entrepreneurial individuals, while mature firms need structured managers.
- Early-stage startups emphasize shipping and quick iterations, while established companies concentrate on managing teams and creating roadmaps.
- Reck and Aravind Srinivas highlight the importance of hiring the right talent for specific growth phases.
- Srinivas warns against hiring overqualified individuals from major companies for startup roles.
- Startups demand high motivation and adaptability, traits that might dwindle in individuals who have already achieved significant success in their careers.
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