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Guardian
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Meta sacrifices a heap of money at the altar of AI
- Meta, formerly Facebook, announced a $15bn investment in AI with a team focusing on 'superintelligence.'
- The investment includes hiring the founder of Scale AI, causing concerns among some major AI clients like Google.
- Meta's push for superintelligence is seen as an attempt to regain AI leadership after setbacks in the Metaverse.
- Wikipedia faced backlash for testing an AI-powered article summarizer, halting the trial due to negative feedback.
- Contrast to Reddit, Wikipedia prioritizes human input, reverting AI features in response to community concerns.
- Apple's WWDC announcement of iOS redesign received mixed reactions, with critics noting lack of groundbreaking AI features.
- While Google and Samsung rapidly integrate AI, Apple's updates are seen as incremental and uninspiring compared to competitors.
- Critics argue that Apple needs to offer more innovative and compelling features to retain user interest in the iPhone ecosystem.
- As tech giants invest heavily in AI and innovation, the landscape of AI development and user expectations continues to evolve.
- The discussions around AI development and smartphone technology highlight the need for ongoing innovation and user-centric design.
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Massivelyop
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World of Warcraft’s anniversary realms are bringing Phase 5 to the servers on July 10
- World of Warcraft's anniversary servers are bringing Phase 5 to the servers on July 10.
- Players will be able to gather resources to progress toward unlocking the gates of Ahn'qiraj.
- The anniversary event will involve gathering resources and assembling a scepter, similar to previous events.
- Participants will work together in a server-wide event to open the gates.
- New class-specific sets will be unlockable in raids after completing the event.
- The event will feature a refresher for those who haven't participated in previous iterations.
- The anniversary event is set to launch next month on July 10.
- Participants should prepare for activities like gathering Runecloth and other resources.
- The gates of Ahn'qiraj will once again be a focal point of the event.
- Players are encouraged to review the official announcement for details on the event.
- The event will offer a mix of familiar and new content for players to enjoy.
- The anniversary servers will bring back memories of past in-game events.
- Players can expect a server-wide effort to unfold during the anniversary event.
- The upcoming event will provide an opportunity for players to experience classic WoW content.
- The official site will provide further information ahead of the event's launch.
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TechJuice
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Like Reddit, Meta Trials Spoiler Hiding Feature on Threads
- Meta has launched a global test of its new Threads spoiler-hiding feature to prevent unexpected plot reveals or sensitive content.
- Users can blur specific text or images in their posts by marking them as spoilers, which remain hidden until revealed by tapping or clicking.
- The feature varies visually across platforms, with mobile users seeing floating dots and desktop users experiencing a darkened blur overlay.
- Mark Zuckerberg stated that the feature aims to enhance pop-culture discussions by reducing accidental spoilers on Threads.
- The feature test is initially rolling out to a limited set of global users, with a broader release planned based on early feedback.
- Inspired by Reddit's spoiler tags, Threads integrates spoiler controls within the composer for easy application without the need for hashtags or markdowns.
- Meta highlighted the app's engagement with popular shows like 'The Last of Us' and 'The White Lotus' among entertainment and pop culture enthusiasts on Threads.
- In addition to the spoiler feature, Meta is experimenting with a direct-messages inbox within Threads in selected regions, aiming for a fully standalone app.
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Silicon
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Meta Brings Ads To WhatsApp After Long Delay
- Meta Platforms will start displaying ads on WhatsApp after 11 years of purchasing the app, initially without ads.
- Ads on WhatsApp will include status messages that users can click on to initiate a chat, resembling features from Facebook and Instagram.
- Advertisements will be presented under the Updates tab, distinct from private conversations.
- The ads will appear within the Status feature for sharing pictures, videos, and text that disappear after 24 hours, akin to Instagram Stories.
- Meta assured that users focused on messaging won't see the ads, and message content remains encrypted and is not utilized to personalize ad content.
- Personalized ads will be based on basic information like location, device, language, channels followed, and ad interaction, with more personalization for users linking WhatsApp to Facebook or Instagram.
- The Updates tab was introduced in June 2023 along with channels for mass messaging to followers, and administrators can pay for enhanced channel visibility.
- Channel operators can charge for exclusive content, with Meta taking a 10 percent fee.
- Meta, facing antitrust issues, disclosed over 3 billion monthly WhatsApp users and is challenged for the acquisition of WhatsApp and Instagram as anti-competitive.
- WhatsApp co-founders opposed ads and left Meta due to disagreements, with one co-founder backing the ad-free Signal app.
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TechJuice
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WhatsApp Unveils first major Ad Features
- WhatsApp is introducing its largest advertising features targeting the 'Updates' tab.
- The ads will focus on 'Channels' and 'Status' features used by 1.5 billion daily users.
- This move signifies WhatsApp's significant monetization shift compared to Facebook and Instagram.
- New offerings include ads in Status updates, Promoted Channels, and Paid Channel Subscriptions.
- Personal conversations will remain encrypted and unaffected by the ads.
- User data for ads will be minimal, focusing on location, device language, tab activity, etc.
- WhatsApp users can disable the Updates tab if preferred.
- Industry experts praise the non-intrusive ad integration while cautioning on user trust.
- The phased rollout of ad features will take place over the coming months.
- Meta aims to leverage WhatsApp's vast user base for monetization, respecting user privacy.
- WhatsApp's co-founders were historically against ad-based revenue models.
- Meta is careful in transitioning WhatsApp to a revenue-generating platform.
- The ads aim to be non-intrusive, fitting naturally within the app interface.
- Meta emphasizes slow deployment of ads to ensure a smooth transition.
- The introduction of ads signifies WhatsApp's evolution into a monetized platform.
- Mixed industry reactions exist on the impact of ads on user trust and experience.
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TechJuice
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Instagram Users Hit by Mass Bans, AI Blamed
- Instagram users are experiencing a surge in account suspensions and bans, leading to frustration and outcry.
- Many affected users claim they have been locked out without violating any guidelines.
- Despite appeals to Meta, there has been no official clarification or response from the company.
- Speculation points to AI moderation as the likely cause of the mass bans, although Meta has not issued a public statement.
- Business owners and entrepreneurs are reporting direct impacts on their income due to the bans.
- Personal accounts, businesses, and livelihoods have been significantly affected.
- Users are expressing dissatisfaction with Meta's lack of communication and support.
- Appeal submissions have gone unanswered, leaving many feeling abandoned.
- Concerns about the lack of customer service options for regular users.
- Some affected users are considering legal action, including potential class action lawsuits.
- Allegations of users being banned for involvement in serious issues like child sexual exploitation raise the stakes.
- There is growing distrust and discontent due to the absence of a public response from Meta.
- Users are demanding transparency, fairness, and acknowledgment from Meta.
- A Change.org petition demanding answers has gathered over 4,000 signatures.
- The situation remains unresolved as affected users seek clarity and resolution.
- The impact of the bans extends beyond personal accounts to businesses and livelihoods.
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Cultofmac
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Meta starts monetizing WhatsApp with Status ads
- Meta will introduce ads on WhatsApp in the form of promoted channels and status ads.
- WhatsApp will support creators by introducing channel subscriptions.
- The ads on WhatsApp will be limited to the Status feature and will not appear in chat inboxes.
- Meta emphasizes that it will not sell user data, including personal messages and phone numbers, to advertisers.
- Meta will use factors like country, city, language, and followed channels to display relevant ads to users.
- Users can subscribe to favorite channels for exclusive updates by paying a monthly fee.
- WhatsApp, with over 1.5 billion users, may face challenges in the U.S. market due to the introduction of ads.
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Medium
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WhatsApp Finally Surrenders: Meta Breaks the Last Ad-Free Frontier
- Meta announced that businesses can now run status ads on WhatsApp, integrating advertising into the messaging platform.
- Ads, subscriptions, and promotions will appear on the Updates tab, separate from personal chats, to monetize the app's 3 billion users.
- WhatsApp co-founders who resisted ads left, and Meta is now executing its monetization plans.
- Meta is introducing channel subscriptions for creators to charge fees for exclusive content, with Meta taking a 10% cut.
- The revenue potential from WhatsApp Business interactions is significant, offering new touchpoints for businesses.
- Meta aims to balance monetization with user experience, creating channels for revenue while respecting user privacy.
- WhatsApp is transitioning into a media environment, maintaining privacy in messages but introducing commercial elements.
- The move tests user tolerance for ads in WhatsApp, with uncertainties about user reactions and long-term viability.
- Meta's execution of ads on WhatsApp shifts the platform from utility to destination, potentially altering user perceptions.
- The future implications of WhatsApp's monetization and user response remain uncertain.
- Meta's approach to WhatsApp monetization raises questions about evolving digital infrastructure and user trust.
- The article provides insights into Meta's strategic shift with WhatsApp and the potential impact on user experience and revenue generation.
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Macrumors
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Meta to Announce Oakley-Branded Smart Glasses
- Oakley is partnering with Meta, the parent company of Facebook, to release a new product - likely Oakley-branded smart glasses.
- Meta's current smart glasses with Ray-Ban feature built-in cameras, AI capabilities, speakers, and the ability to make phone calls.
- The rumored Meta Oakleys are expected to be targeted at athletes like cyclists who already use Oakley sunglasses.
- There are speculations that the new product could be based on Oakley Sphaera glasses with the camera positioned in the frame's center.
- A teaser with Meta and Oakley logos has been released, and more details will be revealed on June 20.
- Apple is also rumored to be working on camera-equipped smart glasses to compete with Meta.
- Both Meta and Apple are developing augmented reality glasses, with Meta potentially launching theirs by 2027.
- The collaboration between Oakley and Meta signifies a move towards more tech-integrated eyewear in the market.
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Massivelyop
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Overwatch 2 talks balance tweaks including nerfs to Freja and a slightly ensmallened Bastion
- Overwatch 2 is making balance tweaks including nerfs to Freja and a smaller Bastion character model.
- Blizzard is putting effort into improving balancing in the game, using data from pick/ban feature to make adjustments.
- Freja has undergone buffs and subsequent nerfs based on ban rates to find an optimal balance.
- Blizzard plans to continue using data to inform character balance changes; Sombra is mentioned as the next target.
- Balancing efforts are not quick fixes, with Blizzard aiming for informed changes.
- A unique change for Bastion in Season 17 will reduce his character model by 10% to improve gameplay experience.
- Blizzard acknowledges Bastion's high damage but states that his large model hinders playability.
- Additional adjustments in Season 17 include tweaks to Junker Queen's Commanding Shout and quality-of-life changes to character perks in Stadium.
- Further details on these adjustments are expected in the future as the game continues to evolve.
- The post highlights the ongoing nature of change in gaming as Blizzard works on maintaining balance in Overwatch 2.
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Insider
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Image Credit: Insider
Meta's AI app was full of accidental public posts that were really personal. It's now trying to fix that.
- Mark Zuckerberg's company, Meta, has added a new warning message in the AI app to prevent accidental public sharing of personal information on the public 'Discover' feed.
- Business Insider reported that the Meta AI app's public feed contained personal posts that seemed unintentionally shared.
- Some users may have mistakenly shared personal chats on the public feed, prompting Meta to introduce a new warning message.
- After media coverage of the accidental oversharing, Meta implemented a pop-up warning for users before posting on the 'Discover' feed.
- The warning message advises users to avoid sharing personal or sensitive information publicly.
- The 'Post to feed' button is disabled until users confirm their intention to share the content to the public feed.
- The Meta AI's 'Discover' feed previously displayed personal messages and sensitive information that users may not have intended to share.
- The new warning message aims to prevent accidental public posts and promote responsible sharing on the platform.
- Users were unknowingly sharing personal issues like medical problems and legal concerns on the public feed.
- The Discover feed now primarily consists of images, possibly as a result of the recent changes in posting warnings.
- Meta has not clarified if the shift towards more images in the feed was intentional or a consequence of the updated sharing process.
- The app's new pop-up warning system seeks to educate users about the public nature of their posts on the Meta AI platform.
- Meta AI users now have to confirm their desire to share posts on the Discover feed to prevent accidental oversharing.
- Meta's response to accidental public sharing includes implementing additional measures to safeguard user privacy.
- The AI app's new warning system is designed to enhance user awareness and prevent inadvertent disclosure of personal information.
- The AI app users will now need to be more cautious about sharing content on the public feed to ensure privacy protection.
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TechCrunch
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Image Credit: TechCrunch
Instagram tests a reposts feature
- Instagram is testing a repost feature allowing users to share posts on their accounts, including their own and others'.
- The feature was under development in 2022 and has been spotted on some users' accounts.
- If officially launched, the repost feature may face mixed reactions due to adding another content format to an already crowded platform.
- Some users may appreciate the feature for sharing interesting content while others might find it overwhelming.
- Currently, users can share posts on their Stories, but the new functionality will enable resharing on Instagram's Feed.
- The repost feature could assist creators in expanding their audience and ensuring proper credit for their content.
- Repost functionalities on other platforms like Threads and TikTok indicate a growing trend adopted from Twitter's 'Retweet' feature introduced in 2009.
- The timing of a full rollout of the repost feature on Instagram to all users remains uncertain as it is currently in the testing phase.
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TechCrunch
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Image Credit: TechCrunch
Instagram users complain of mass bans, pointing finger at AI
- Instagram users have been facing an increase in mistaken bans or suspensions, with suspicions pointing towards AI automation.
- Meta, the parent company of Instagram, has not given an official response to these complaints.
- Users claim their accounts were banned without violating terms, appeals went unanswered, and support channels were unresponsive.
- The Instagram community on Reddit and other platforms is actively discussing the ban wave, seeking solutions and acknowledgement from Instagram.
- Some affected users are considering filing a class action lawsuit against Meta over these bans.
- While false positives are not uncommon in automated moderation, the current scale of bans raises suspicions of AI errors.
- Comparisons are drawn to Pinterest's past mass bans, which were later attributed to an 'internal error.'
- Businesses on Instagram are also impacted, with users expressing concerns about the bans affecting their livelihoods.
- Meta's lack of public acknowledgment adds to user frustration and uncertainty regarding the situation.
- Some users reported false bans for serious offenses like child sexual exploitation, leading to career and reputation-threatening accusations.
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The Verge
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Image Credit: The Verge
Threads will let you hide spoilers in your posts
- Threads is testing a feature to hide spoilers in posts by allowing users to blur images or text.
- Users can mark spoilers by tapping an image or highlighting text and selecting the 'mark spoiler' option.
- Other users can reveal the hidden content by tapping or clicking the spoiler.
- Meta's test is a global one, but the number of users with access is unspecified.
- Spoilers are presented differently on desktop (gray block) and mobile (floating dots).
- Meta is aiming to enhance the spoiler experience for desktop users as well.
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Ars Technica
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Ads are “rolling out gradually” to WhatsApp
- WhatsApp will now display advertisements for the first time since its 2009 launch.
- The ads, introduced gradually, will initially appear in the Updates tab for updating status and accessing interest-based channels and groups.
- These ads are specifically placed to avoid interrupting personal chats.
- Meta announced that the ads will aim to help channel admins, businesses, and organizations grow.
- WhatsApp users will encounter three types of ads: in the Status section, Promoted Channels, and for exclusive updates.
- Ad selection will be based on user information like age, location, and usage patterns, while being end-to-end encrypted.
- WhatsApp’s ad placement and preferences can be managed through the Accounts Center feature.
- Despite the shift towards ad revenue, WhatsApp emphasizes privacy and offers transparency to users about ad targeting.
- The move to advertising on WhatsApp follows Meta’s revenue growth focus and aligns with industry trends.
- As social media platforms increasingly rely on ads for revenue, WhatsApp's introduction of ads reflects Meta's strategy to monetize WhatsApp.
- WhatsApp's ad integration is positioned to be subtle for regular messaging users, although Meta's ad-driven approach may lead to further ad expansion.
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