<p>Even as experts argue whether Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a boon or bane for humanity, Meta’s president of global affairs Nick Clegg believes that the current set of technology doesn’t have the capacity to do either.</p>

<p>“The hype has somewhat sort of run ahead of the technology,” Nick Clegg, president of global affairs at Facebook and Instagram parent firm Meta, told the BBC on Wednesday (July 19).</p>

<p>“I think a lot of the warnings of existential threats relate to models that don’t currently exist, so-called superintelligent, super powerful AI models. In other words, the vision of AI where AI develops some autonomy and agency and it can think for itself, it can reproduce itself.”</p>

<h2><strong>Meta comes up with own AI chatbot—Llama 2</strong></h2>

<p>The remarks from Clegg, who is also the former UK deputy prime minister, came after Meta announced that it is making its own AI large language model (LLM), Llama 2.</p>

<p>Mark Zuckerberg said that Llama 2 would be open source and available for free to the public.</p>

<p>According to Clegg, Large Language Models is a platform that power chatbots much like ChatGPT.</p>

<h2>Meta introduces generative AI model 'CM3leon' for text, images</h2>

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<p>Llama 2 will use machine learning to answer questions, compose emails or write essays, providing human-like responses.</p>

<p>“It is basically joining dots in enormous datasets of text, and guessing the next word in a sequence,” he said.</p>

<p>With the proposed launch of Llama 2, Meta seeks to heat up the AI bot market, which is currently dominated by Microsoft-backed OpenAI’s ChatGPT.</p>

<h2><strong>Rival to ChatGPT</strong></h2>

<p>ChatGPT created quite a buzz and took the tech world by storm last year and sort of catapulted the demand to integrate AI in the business.</p>

<p>Clegg believes that existential threat warnings issued by some AI experts relate to systems which don't yet exist.</p>

<p>But the tech firm’s decision to provide access to its AI to all has stoked concerns about its potential misuse by cybercriminals.</p>

<p>However, Meta insists that its AI cannot be used to promote violence, build computer viruses, for building weapons or&nbsp;for nuclear technology. It also bars spreading spam, hate speech, or child abuse content.</p>

<p>Nick asserted that Meta’s AI model was “safer” than rivals and had been fined tuned by hundreds of attempts to break it.</p>

<p>When asked about the risks the models posed, Nick said they “cannot build a nuclear bomb”.</p>

<p>“It’s not as if we’re at a T-junction where firms can choose to open source or not. Models are being open-sourced all the time already,” he added.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
<br />
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Even as experts argue whether Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a boon or bane for humanity, Meta’s president of global affairs Nick Clegg believes that the current set of technology doesn’t have the capacity to do either.

Even as experts argue whether Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a boon or bane for humanity, Meta’s president of global affairs Nick Clegg believes that the current set of technology doesn’t have the capacity to do either. “The hype has somewhat sort of run ahead of the technology,” Nick Clegg, president of global affairs at Facebook and Instagram parent firm Meta, told the BBC on Wednesday (July 19). “I think a lot of the warnings of existential threats relate to models that don’t currently exist, so-called superintelligent, super powerful AI models. In other words, the vision of AI where AI develops some autonomy and agency and it can think for itself, it can reproduce itself.” Meta comes up with own AI chatbot—Llama 2 The remarks from Clegg, who is also the former UK deputy prime minister, came after Meta announced that it is making its own AI large language model (LLM), Llama 2. Mark Zuckerberg said that Llama 2 would be open source and available for free to the public. According to Clegg, Large Language Models is a platform that power chatbots much like ChatGPT. Meta introduces generative AI model 'CM3leon' for text, images Llama 2 will use machine learning to answer questions, compose emails or write essays, providing human-like responses. “It is basically joining dots in enormous datasets of text, and guessing the next word in a sequence,” he said. With the proposed launch of Llama 2, Meta seeks to heat up the AI bot market, which is currently dominated by Microsoft-backed OpenAI’s ChatGPT. Rival to ChatGPT ChatGPT created quite a buzz and took the tech world by storm last year and sort of catapulted the demand to integrate AI in the business. Clegg believes that existential threat warnings issued by some AI experts relate to systems which don't yet exist. But the tech firm’s decision to provide access to its AI to all has stoked concerns about its potential misuse by cybercriminals. However, Meta insists that its AI cannot be used to promote violence, build computer viruses, for building weapons or for nuclear technology. It also bars spreading spam, hate speech, or child abuse content. Nick asserted that Meta’s AI model was “safer” than rivals and had been fined tuned by hundreds of attempts to break it. When asked about the risks the models posed, Nick said they “cannot build a nuclear bomb”. “It’s not as if we’re at a T-junction where firms can choose to open source or not. Models are being open-sourced all the time already,” he added. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

‘Stupid’ AI can’t threaten humanity, says Meta executive Nick Clegg

A new social media platform is taking the world by a storm. The latest app launched by meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg called threads has been pitched as a friendly rival to Twitter. The app has already garnered over 30 million users but the question being how significant is this new platform and what impact will it have on Twitter.

Twitter vs Threads: Taliban chooses side in Twitter-Meta battle

Were you trying to use Instagram, Facebook or Whatsapp today morning and were not able to do so? Well, you're not alone it seems like in some parts of the world users struggled to use Meta's social media offerings. All three major social media platforms under Meta that is Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp reported outages today early morning. According to reports as many as 14,000 users reported issues with Instagram, around 7,000 faced issues with Facebook and approximately 2,000 users had trouble accessing WhatsApp.

Meta's Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp face outage

<p>The release of Meta's Threads mobile app has set a new milestone in app history, garnering significant attention and admiration.</p>

<p>According to data from Sensor Tower, the app experienced an extraordinary achievement on its launch day, surpassing previous records by amassing approximately 40 million downloads worldwide, as reported by NDTV.</p>

<h2><strong>Impressive downloads and operating system breakdown</strong></h2>

<p>Threads witnessed an overwhelming number of downloads, with Android accounting for 75 per cent&nbsp;of the total downloads compared to iOS. On an international scale, India took the lead with 22 per cent&nbsp;of the downloads, closely followed by Brazil with 16 per cent. The United States contributed around 5.5 million downloads, forming a significant portion of the overall tally.</p>

<h2><strong>Threads' performance in comparison to other apps</strong></h2>

<p>Threads exceeded the launch performances of popular games like Pokemon GO and Call of Duty Mobile, both of which had fewer than 20 million downloads on their respective debut days. It also outshined concurrent social media apps, with its closest competitor, Truth Social, accumulating only 144,000 downloads on its inauguration day. Established social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram continue to dominate in terms of worldwide Monthly Active Users (MAUs), followed by TikTok, Snap Inc., Twitter, and BeReal.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/explained-threat-of-threads-how-metas-version-of-twitter-is-not-new-at-all-612577">Explained: Threat of Threads? How Meta's version of Twitter is not new at all</a></p>

<h2><strong>User base insights and overlaps</strong></h2>

<p>Analysis of Threads' user base revealed intriguing findings. A significant majority, 96 per cent, of Threads users were found to be concurrently active on Instagram.</p>

<p>There were also substantial overlaps with other platforms, including WhatsApp (80 per cent), Facebook (58 per cent), and Twitter (56 per cent). Instagram, in turn, exhibited high concurrent user engagement, with 79 per cent&nbsp;of its users also active on WhatsApp. Twitter demonstrated an 83 per cent&nbsp;overlap with Instagram and a 49 per cent&nbsp;overlap with Facebook.</p>

<p>Threads made a noticeable impact on the app install rates in various countries.</p>

<p>In the United States, Threads accounted for 14 per cent&nbsp;of all app installations on its launch day. The app had an even more significant impact in the United Kingdom and Brazil, contributing to 20 per cent&nbsp;and 26 per cent&nbsp;of the overall installs, respectively.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Gravitas Plus: Threads: Another app to doomscroll?</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Demographics of Threads users</strong></h2>

<p>Insights from Sensor Tower's mobile device panel revealed a male-dominated user base, with approximately 68 per cent&nbsp;identifying as males and 32 per cent as females. Among different age groups, males aged 25 to 35 exhibited the highest engagement at 28 per cent. Users between 18 and 25 accounted for 11 per cent&nbsp;of males and slightly over 5 per cent of females. Users above the age of 45 were in the minority, with males at 3 per cent and females at less than two&nbsp;per cent.</p>

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The release of Meta's Threads mobile app has set a new milestone in app history, garnering significant attention and admiration. According to data from Sensor Tower, the app experienced an extraordinary achievement on its launch day, surpassing previous records by amassing approximately 40 million downloads worldwide, as reported by NDTV.

The release of Meta's Threads mobile app has set a new milestone in app history, garnering significant attention and admiration. According to data from Sensor Tower, the app experienced an extraordinary achievement on its launch day, surpassing previous records by amassing approximately 40 million downloads worldwide, as reported by NDTV. Impressive downloads and operating system breakdown Threads witnessed an overwhelming number of downloads, with Android accounting for 75 per cent of the total downloads compared to iOS. On an international scale, India took the lead with 22 per cent of the downloads, closely followed by Brazil with 16 per cent. The United States contributed around 5.5 million downloads, forming a significant portion of the overall tally. Threads' performance in comparison to other apps Threads exceeded the launch performances of popular games like Pokemon GO and Call of Duty Mobile, both of which had fewer than 20 million downloads on their respective debut days. It also outshined concurrent social media apps, with its closest competitor, Truth Social, accumulating only 144,000 downloads on its inauguration day. Established social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram continue to dominate in terms of worldwide Monthly Active Users (MAUs), followed by TikTok, Snap Inc., Twitter, and BeReal. Also read | Explained: Threat of Threads? How Meta's version of Twitter is not new at all User base insights and overlaps Analysis of Threads' user base revealed intriguing findings. A significant majority, 96 per cent, of Threads users were found to be concurrently active on Instagram. There were also substantial overlaps with other platforms, including WhatsApp (80 per cent), Facebook (58 per cent), and Twitter (56 per cent). Instagram, in turn, exhibited high concurrent user engagement, with 79 per cent of its users also active on WhatsApp. Twitter demonstrated an 83 per cent overlap with Instagram and a 49 per cent overlap with Facebook. Threads made a noticeable impact on the app install rates in various countries. In the United States, Threads accounted for 14 per cent of all app installations on its launch day. The app had an even more significant impact in the United Kingdom and Brazil, contributing to 20 per cent and 26 per cent of the overall installs, respectively. Also watch | Gravitas Plus: Threads: Another app to doomscroll? Demographics of Threads users Insights from Sensor Tower's mobile device panel revealed a male-dominated user base, with approximately 68 per cent identifying as males and 32 per cent as females. Among different age groups, males aged 25 to 35 exhibited the highest engagement at 28 per cent. Users between 18 and 25 accounted for 11 per cent of males and slightly over 5 per cent of females. Users above the age of 45 were in the minority, with males at 3 per cent and females at less than two per cent. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

India takes the lead as Threads registers over 40 million downloads on launch day worldwide

Meta's rival for Twitter is here; it's called Threads. Within 24 hours of its launch, the social media app attracted 30 million users. Should Elon Musk be worried? What does it mean for us? Did we really need another social media platform?

Gravitas Plus: Threads: Another app to doomscroll?

Meta's rival for Twitter, threads, is officially here. In the first four hours of the launch, it logged five million sign-ups. In the next three hours, the user count doubled to ten million. So what is threads all about? Who all are there on threads? Should Elon Musk be worried? Molly Gambhir tells you more.

Gravitas:  Threads: Meta's rival for Twitter is here

Here, we bring you the news that is trending across WION's social media platforms- Instagram Threads has made quite the splash on its opening day, and some users are theorizing that the app’s logo may be connected to the Malayalam or Tamil alphabet.

Instagram Thread users think logo has a connection to Malayalam alphabet

<p>Twitter issued a legal threat to Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook, over its recently launched Threads platform, unravelling the battle between the rivals for social media supremacy, say media reports.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meta's Threads platform has already garnered over 30 million sign-ups since its launch. The app seeks to rival Elon Musk's Twitter by leveraging Instagram's vast user base.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a letter addressed to Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, Twitter's lawyer Alex Spiro warned that the company intends to sue Meta if it does not cease using Twitter's trade secrets and confidential information, reports Reuters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-man-found-guilty-of-raping-impregnating-9-year-old-girl-gets-life-sentence-612846">US: Man found guilty of raping, impregnating 9-year-old girl gets life sentence</a></p>

<p>The letter alleged that Meta has hired former Twitter employees who possess confidential information about the microblogging site.&nbsp;"Twitter intends to strictly enforce its intellectual property rights, and demands that Meta take immediate steps to stop using any Twitter trade secrets or other highly confidential information," Spiro wrote in the letter.</p>

<p>The report said that these hired employees "had and continue to have access to Twitter's trade secrets and other highly confidential information."&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Threads to challenge Twitter dominance</strong></h2>

<p>Meta aims to compete directly with Twitter and capitalise on Instagram's billions of users. Threads platform poses a significant challenge to Twitter's market position. Users who used Threads noticed that there are many similarities between the two rival platforms, however, Threads lacks a few key features.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-police-arrest-four-men-for-allegedly-aiding-overseas-activists-612850">Hong Kong police arrest four men for allegedly aiding overseas activists</a></p>

<p>Although Threads shares a striking resemblance to Twitter's microblogging platform, it does not support keyword searches or direct messages.</p>

<p>While the user interface may be reminiscent of Twitter, the absence of these essential features sets Threads apart from its competitor.</p>

<p>At present, neither Meta nor Twitter provided an official response to the reported legal dispute, Reuters reported.</p>

<h2><strong>What is Threads?&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Threads app is designed for sharing text updates and engaging in public discussions. With Threads, users can conveniently log in using their Instagram accounts and craft posts that can stretch up to 500 characters. The app supports various media formats, allowing users to include links, photos, and videos up to 5 minutes in length.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Russian expert claims the US is working on weaponising asteroids against their enemies</strong></p>

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<p>As part of its vision for the future of the internet, Instagram is actively working on expanding Threads' compatibility with open and interoperable social networks. This move aims to foster a more connected and inclusive online experience, where users can seamlessly interact across different platforms.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On 6 July, Meta rolled out Threads in more than 100 countries for iOS and Android, and people in those countries can download the app from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.&nbsp;</p>

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Twitter issued a legal threat to Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook, over its recently launched Threads platform, unravelling the battle between the rivals for social media supremacy, say media reports.

Twitter issued a legal threat to Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook, over its recently launched Threads platform, unravelling the battle between the rivals for social media supremacy, say media reports. Meta's Threads platform has already garnered over 30 million sign-ups since its launch. The app seeks to rival Elon Musk's Twitter by leveraging Instagram's vast user base. In a letter addressed to Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, Twitter's lawyer Alex Spiro warned that the company intends to sue Meta if it does not cease using Twitter's trade secrets and confidential information, reports Reuters. Also Read | US: Man found guilty of raping, impregnating 9-year-old girl gets life sentence The letter alleged that Meta has hired former Twitter employees who possess confidential information about the microblogging site. "Twitter intends to strictly enforce its intellectual property rights, and demands that Meta take immediate steps to stop using any Twitter trade secrets or other highly confidential information," Spiro wrote in the letter. The report said that these hired employees "had and continue to have access to Twitter's trade secrets and other highly confidential information." Threads to challenge Twitter dominance Meta aims to compete directly with Twitter and capitalise on Instagram's billions of users. Threads platform poses a significant challenge to Twitter's market position. Users who used Threads noticed that there are many similarities between the two rival platforms, however, Threads lacks a few key features. Also Read | Hong Kong police arrest four men for allegedly aiding overseas activists Although Threads shares a striking resemblance to Twitter's microblogging platform, it does not support keyword searches or direct messages. While the user interface may be reminiscent of Twitter, the absence of these essential features sets Threads apart from its competitor. At present, neither Meta nor Twitter provided an official response to the reported legal dispute, Reuters reported. What is Threads? Threads app is designed for sharing text updates and engaging in public discussions. With Threads, users can conveniently log in using their Instagram accounts and craft posts that can stretch up to 500 characters. The app supports various media formats, allowing users to include links, photos, and videos up to 5 minutes in length. Watch | Russian expert claims the US is working on weaponising asteroids against their enemies × As part of its vision for the future of the internet, Instagram is actively working on expanding Threads' compatibility with open and interoperable social networks. This move aims to foster a more connected and inclusive online experience, where users can seamlessly interact across different platforms. On 6 July, Meta rolled out Threads in more than 100 countries for iOS and Android, and people in those countries can download the app from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Twitter threatens legal action against Meta's Threads, unraveling battle for social media supremacy

<p>Meta's new Threads app, aimed at competing with Twitter, will not be launched in the European Union (EU) for now, media reports said. AFP news agency, while citing a source close to the company, said that the app will not be launched in the EU due to regulatory concerns. However, the source added Meta has decided to hold back the release in the EU's 27 countries as it seeks clarity on the bloc's Digital Markets Act (DMA), which will be fully implemented next year.</p>

<h2><strong>What is Digital Markets Act?&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The Digital Markets Act (DMA) is a significant regulatory framework introduced in Europe to address the dominance of large digital platforms and ensure fair competition in the digital market. It aims to regulate the behaviour of "gatekeeper" platforms, which have substantial market power, by imposing specific obligations and restrictions on them.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/philadelphia-gunman-identified-as-gun-loving-blm-supporter-kimbrady-carriker-reports-612409">Philadelphia gunman identified as gun-loving BLM supporter Kimbrady Carriker: Reports</a></p>

<p>The DMA establishes stringent regulations for major internet companies operating in Europe. One of these regulations prohibits platforms from sharing data across different services and restricts companies from directing platform users solely to their own products.</p>

<p>Meta's decision to postpone the Threads app release in the EU is likely influenced by the need to ensure compliance with these new regulations, media reports said.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Data privacy concerns and EU rules</strong></h2>

<p>The description of Threads on app stores in the United States reveals that personal data, including contact and geolocation information, will be collected and used for advertising purposes. Meta has previously faced scrutiny from European regulators for attempting to leverage data from WhatsApp to strengthen Instagram and Facebook, which was prohibited by EU rules.</p>

<p>As a result, it appears that Meta's decision to delay the Threads app launch in Europe aligns with its commitment to avoid further conflicts with EU regulations.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/one-killed-two-injured-after-explosions-rock-ukrainian-court-612402">One killed, two injured after multiple explosions rock Ukrainian court</a></p>

<p>The Data Protection Commission in Ireland, where Meta's EU headquarters are located and which oversees the company's activities in Europe, stated that Meta has confirmed it will not be releasing the app in Europe "at this point."&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the app's description on the app store, Threads provides a space for communities to come together and engage in discussions covering various topics.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | British children are shorter than their European peers , says experts</strong></p>

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<p>Users have the option to follow and connect with their favourite creators and like-minded individuals who share similar interests. Additionally, users can establish their own following and express their thought with a broader audience.</p>

<h2><strong>Meta's compliance with new EU rules</strong></h2>

<p>Meta, along with other major companies, such as Amazon and Apple, informed the EU that they meet the threshold to be subject to the new rules when they are enforced next year. This indicates that Meta recognises the significance of complying with the DMA and is actively engaging with the regulatory framework to ensure its future operations align with EU requirements.</p>

<p>When contacted by AFP, Meta did not provide an immediate comment on the matter. However, it remains to be seen how Meta will navigate the regulatory landscape and address the concerns raised by the EU.&nbsp;</p>

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Meta's new Threads app, aimed at competing with Twitter, will not be launched in the European Union (EU) for now, media reports said. AFP news agency, while citing a source close to the company, said that the app will not be launched in the EU due to regulatory concerns.

Meta's new Threads app, aimed at competing with Twitter, will not be launched in the European Union (EU) for now, media reports said. AFP news agency, while citing a source close to the company, said that the app will not be launched in the EU due to regulatory concerns. However, the source added Meta has decided to hold back the release in the EU's 27 countries as it seeks clarity on the bloc's Digital Markets Act (DMA), which will be fully implemented next year. What is Digital Markets Act? The Digital Markets Act (DMA) is a significant regulatory framework introduced in Europe to address the dominance of large digital platforms and ensure fair competition in the digital market. It aims to regulate the behaviour of "gatekeeper" platforms, which have substantial market power, by imposing specific obligations and restrictions on them. Also Read | Philadelphia gunman identified as gun-loving BLM supporter Kimbrady Carriker: Reports The DMA establishes stringent regulations for major internet companies operating in Europe. One of these regulations prohibits platforms from sharing data across different services and restricts companies from directing platform users solely to their own products. Meta's decision to postpone the Threads app release in the EU is likely influenced by the need to ensure compliance with these new regulations, media reports said. Data privacy concerns and EU rules The description of Threads on app stores in the United States reveals that personal data, including contact and geolocation information, will be collected and used for advertising purposes. Meta has previously faced scrutiny from European regulators for attempting to leverage data from WhatsApp to strengthen Instagram and Facebook, which was prohibited by EU rules. As a result, it appears that Meta's decision to delay the Threads app launch in Europe aligns with its commitment to avoid further conflicts with EU regulations. Also Read | One killed, two injured after multiple explosions rock Ukrainian court The Data Protection Commission in Ireland, where Meta's EU headquarters are located and which oversees the company's activities in Europe, stated that Meta has confirmed it will not be releasing the app in Europe "at this point." According to the app's description on the app store, Threads provides a space for communities to come together and engage in discussions covering various topics. Watch | British children are shorter than their European peers , says experts × Users have the option to follow and connect with their favourite creators and like-minded individuals who share similar interests. Additionally, users can establish their own following and express their thought with a broader audience. Meta's compliance with new EU rules Meta, along with other major companies, such as Amazon and Apple, informed the EU that they meet the threshold to be subject to the new rules when they are enforced next year. This indicates that Meta recognises the significance of complying with the DMA and is actively engaging with the regulatory framework to ensure its future operations align with EU requirements. When contacted by AFP, Meta did not provide an immediate comment on the matter. However, it remains to be seen how Meta will navigate the regulatory landscape and address the concerns raised by the EU. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Twitter rival, Meta's Threads app, will not launch in EU. Here's why

<p>The dawn of Instagram-linked Threads is being seen as threatening the social media heft created, moderated and expanded by the blue bird of Twitter that for years, has tweeted its way into 'global town square' of news, events, moments and opinions consisting of hundreds of millions worldwide.&nbsp;</p>

<p><meta charset="utf-8" /></p>

<p dir="ltr">Mark Zuckerberg-owned Meta Platforms Inc. launched Threads app on smartphone application stores on July 5. Threads is available to download for both Android and iOS users, and already, millions across the globe have tried it out on their smartphones.</p>

<p>Threads has been described as a platform "where communities come together to discuss everything from the topics you care about today to what'll be trending tomorrow."</p>

<h2><strong>Threads App launch: Initial reception</strong></h2>

<p>Threads was the top global trend on Twitter on July 6. On Threads &nbsp;— well &nbsp;— there appears to be no way to configure real-time global trends either on iOS or Android versions of the application. Many loyal Twitter users accused Mark Zuckerberg of copying Twitter’s micro-blogging features while others wondered if their migration to the Threads was a casual check-in or a permanent social media refuge.</p>

<h2><strong>Threads App: What makes it Twitter like?</strong></h2>

<p>At its core, Threads — like Twitter — is a microblogging social media platform. One section of the thread can have as many as 500 characters against Twitter's 280 (for unverified users). Apart from sharing links and photos, one can share videos of up to 5 minutes in length (against Twitter's 2:20 minutes for unverified users).&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/zuckerberg-launches-twitter-copycat-threads-app-to-outfox-elon-musk-at-microblogging-game-612460">Zuckerberg launches Twitter copycat Threads app to outfox Elon Musk at microblogging game</a></strong></p>

<p>You can like, repost or quote threads or send them to your Threads followers — most of whom could be your Instagram followers if you choose to sign in through Instagram. While a thread can be made on Twitter as well, on Threads — as the name suggests — opining or sending out information, memes or anything Insta-worthy/tweet-worthy in the form of threads remains the central pitch of the platform towards its potential users.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Threads: All about Meta's new app</strong></p>

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<p>Like Twitter, a user on the Threads app has the option to keep their Threads private or public.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Twitter owner Elon Musk even seconded a tweet that posted an image that described copy-paste attributes of a keyboard to suggest that 'the new Meta app' has been entirely copied and pasted.</p>

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<p>To put it simply, Threads is Instagram morphed as Twitter with micro-blogging attributes.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Threads app: Advantages for Meta</h2>

<p>Instagram has more than 2 billion monthly active users. Since users can log in to Threads using their Instagram credentials and follow the same accounts they follow on Instagram, it makes an easy addition to the existing social media habits for Instagram's couple of billion monthly active users.</p>

<p>This means that Meta just needs one-fourth of its Instagram users to join Threads to rival Twitter's user base.</p>

<p>Responding to a question on whether Threads can become bigger than Twitter, Zuckerberg said, "It will take some time, but I think there should be a public conversations app with 1 billion+ people on it. Twitter has had the opportunity to do this but hasn't nailed it. Hopefully, we will."</p>

<p>Analysts have predicted a kickoff buzz among the advertisers to cash in on the initial momentum of growing Threads users.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Investors can't help but be a little excited about the prospect that Meta really has a 'Twitter-Killer' poised to launch on the app store," Danni Hewson, head of financial analysis at investment platform firm AJ Bell, was quoted as saying by Reuters.</p>

<h2><strong>Threads App: Disadvantages for Meta</strong></h2>

<p>Mark Zuckerberg’s Threads pitch of pushing it as a platform that has “the best parts of Instagram” towards “a new experience” makes it an uneasy appeal for Twitter’s loyal user base.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The missing line in the ruling of Meta's Threads page is that a person conventionally does not follow the same set of people on Twitter as they do&nbsp;on Instagram. So while Meta's strategy of giving its user an option to follow its Instagram followers on Threads while signing up for it can quickly expand its user base, keeping those many users consistently active would be a challenge for Threads if it is to outfox Twitter in the microblogging game.</p>

<p>Minus the minority of brands, influencers and celebrities — for a vast majority of users — the social media space on Twitter represents a culture of consumption of news and information related to precise trends and world events in real-time.&nbsp;</p>

<p>To keep track of that, users follow journalists, news platforms, celebrities, leaders, icons and brands to get a sense of what's happening in the world against what is happening in the lives of people they know in day-to-day life. While Instagram is a more visual platform, Twitter remains a nearly homogenous news-oriented platform.&nbsp;</p>

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The dawn of Instagram-linked Threads is being seen as threatening the social media heft created, moderated and expanded by the blue bird of Twitter that for years, has tweeted its way into 'global town square' of news, events, moments and opinions consisting of hundreds of millions worldwide.

The dawn of Instagram-linked Threads is being seen as threatening the social media heft created, moderated and expanded by the blue bird of Twitter that for years, has tweeted its way into 'global town square' of news, events, moments and opinions consisting of hundreds of millions worldwide. Mark Zuckerberg-owned Meta Platforms Inc. launched Threads app on smartphone application stores on July 5. Threads is available to download for both Android and iOS users, and already, millions across the globe have tried it out on their smartphones. Threads has been described as a platform "where communities come together to discuss everything from the topics you care about today to what'll be trending tomorrow." Threads App launch: Initial reception Threads was the top global trend on Twitter on July 6. On Threads — well — there appears to be no way to configure real-time global trends either on iOS or Android versions of the application. Many loyal Twitter users accused Mark Zuckerberg of copying Twitter’s micro-blogging features while others wondered if their migration to the Threads was a casual check-in or a permanent social media refuge. Threads App: What makes it Twitter like? At its core, Threads — like Twitter — is a microblogging social media platform. One section of the thread can have as many as 500 characters against Twitter's 280 (for unverified users). Apart from sharing links and photos, one can share videos of up to 5 minutes in length (against Twitter's 2:20 minutes for unverified users). Also read | Zuckerberg launches Twitter copycat Threads app to outfox Elon Musk at microblogging game You can like, repost or quote threads or send them to your Threads followers — most of whom could be your Instagram followers if you choose to sign in through Instagram. While a thread can be made on Twitter as well, on Threads — as the name suggests — opining or sending out information, memes or anything Insta-worthy/tweet-worthy in the form of threads remains the central pitch of the platform towards its potential users. Also watch | Gravitas: Threads: All about Meta's new app × Like Twitter, a user on the Threads app has the option to keep their Threads private or public. Meanwhile, Twitter owner Elon Musk even seconded a tweet that posted an image that described copy-paste attributes of a keyboard to suggest that 'the new Meta app' has been entirely copied and pasted. 😂 — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 6, 2023 × To put it simply, Threads is Instagram morphed as Twitter with micro-blogging attributes. Threads app: Advantages for Meta Instagram has more than 2 billion monthly active users. Since users can log in to Threads using their Instagram credentials and follow the same accounts they follow on Instagram, it makes an easy addition to the existing social media habits for Instagram's couple of billion monthly active users. This means that Meta just needs one-fourth of its Instagram users to join Threads to rival Twitter's user base. Responding to a question on whether Threads can become bigger than Twitter, Zuckerberg said, "It will take some time, but I think there should be a public conversations app with 1 billion+ people on it. Twitter has had the opportunity to do this but hasn't nailed it. Hopefully, we will." Analysts have predicted a kickoff buzz among the advertisers to cash in on the initial momentum of growing Threads users. "Investors can't help but be a little excited about the prospect that Meta really has a 'Twitter-Killer' poised to launch on the app store," Danni Hewson, head of financial analysis at investment platform firm AJ Bell, was quoted as saying by Reuters. Threads App: Disadvantages for Meta Mark Zuckerberg’s Threads pitch of pushing it as a platform that has “the best parts of Instagram” towards “a new experience” makes it an uneasy appeal for Twitter’s loyal user base. The missing line in the ruling of Meta's Threads page is that a person conventionally does not follow the same set of people on Twitter as they do on Instagram. So while Meta's strategy of giving its user an option to follow its Instagram followers on Threads while signing up for it can quickly expand its user base, keeping those many users consistently active would be a challenge for Threads if it is to outfox Twitter in the microblogging game. Minus the minority of brands, influencers and celebrities — for a vast majority of users — the social media space on Twitter represents a culture of consumption of news and information related to precise trends and world events in real-time. To keep track of that, users follow journalists, news platforms, celebrities, leaders, icons and brands to get a sense of what's happening in the world against what is happening in the lives of people they know in day-to-day life. While Instagram is a more visual platform, Twitter remains a nearly homogenous news-oriented platform. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Explained: Threat of Threads? How Meta's version of Twitter is not new at all

After months of rumour leaks and a billionaire cage-fight challenge between Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk, Zuckerberg delivered a final blow to Musk with the launch of Meta's much-anticipated social networking app - Threads.

Zuckerberg-Musk fight is on: Instagram launches 'Threads' to rival Twitter | Tech News | WION

Have you heard about Threads? It is Meta's new app which is expected to a give serious competition to an extremely popular rival app. Which one? This report tells you.

Gravitas: Threads: All about Meta's new app

European antitrust bodies will have increased power to investigate Tech Giants over privacy breach complaints, following a recent EU Court ruling.

Tech giants accused of privacy breach complaints | EU court investigations in progress

<p>Facebook parent company Meta on Tuesday (July 4) lost a fight against a German data curb order as Europe's top court backed the German antitrust watchdog's power to investigate privacy breaches.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The latest ruling from the Luxembourg-based Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) has the potential of handing antitrust authorities more leeway in Big Tech probes.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Meta adds parental control tools in Instagram and Facebook</strong></p>

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<p>Meta had challenged a 2019 order from the German cartel office to stop collecting user&nbsp;data without their consent. The office called the practice an abuse of market power.</p>

<p>At issue was whether the German antitrust agency overstepped its authority by using its antitrust power to address data protection concerns, which are the remit of national data protection authorities.</p>

<p>Meta harvests user data for behavioural advertising, a business model common to Big Tech.</p>

<p>Meta, which owns Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, mounted a challenge to the finding. This prompted a German court to seek advice from the CJEU.</p>

<h2><strong>'Evaluating' court's decision, says Meta</strong></h2>

<p>In response to the ruling, a Meta spokesperson said: "We are evaluating the Court's decision and will have more to say in due course."</p>

<p>The spokesperson was quoted by Reuters.</p>

<p>The CJEU judges said regarding antitrust investigations that "it may be necessary for the competition authority of the member state concerned also to examine whether that undertaking's conduct complies with rules other than those relating to competition law".</p>

<p>The CJEU, however, said antitrust regulators must "take into consideration any decision or investigation by the competent supervisory authority pursuant to that regulation".</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/twitter-vs-threads-musk-takes-a-dig-at-metas-upcoming-app-611675">Twitter vs Threads: Musk takes a dig at Meta's upcoming app</a></strong></p>

<p>The ruling was welcomed by the German cartel office.</p>

<p>"Data is a decisive factor in establishing market power. The use of the very personal data of consumers by the large internet companies can also be abusive under antitrust law," its head, Andreas Mundt said as quoted by Reuters.</p>

<p>His counterpart at the French competition agency, Benoit Coeure, in a tweet, called the ruling a landmark decision on data protection as a competition parameter.</p>

<p>Thomas Graf, a partner at law firm Cleary Gottlieb, was more cautious about whether antitrust authorities would want to go into the details of privacy law.</p>

<p>"You still need to explain why it is relevant for antitrust law and demonstrate restrictive effects and abuse, and they will need to coordinate with the GDPR authorities," he said.</p>

<p>The EU's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a privacy and security law that imposes obligations on organisations anywhere that target or collect data related to people in the EU.</p>

<p>"Are antitrust authorities going to become GDPR regulators? I don’t think so," Graf said.</p>

<p>Graf was quoted by Reuters.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><em>You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form"><strong>here</strong></a>.</em></p>

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Facebook parent company Meta on Tuesday (July 4) lost a fight against a German data curb order as Europe's top court backed the German antitrust watchdog's power to investigate privacy breaches.

Facebook parent company Meta on Tuesday (July 4) lost a fight against a German data curb order as Europe's top court backed the German antitrust watchdog's power to investigate privacy breaches. The latest ruling from the Luxembourg-based Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) has the potential of handing antitrust authorities more leeway in Big Tech probes. Watch | Meta adds parental control tools in Instagram and Facebook × Meta had challenged a 2019 order from the German cartel office to stop collecting user data without their consent. The office called the practice an abuse of market power. At issue was whether the German antitrust agency overstepped its authority by using its antitrust power to address data protection concerns, which are the remit of national data protection authorities. Meta harvests user data for behavioural advertising, a business model common to Big Tech. Meta, which owns Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, mounted a challenge to the finding. This prompted a German court to seek advice from the CJEU. 'Evaluating' court's decision, says Meta In response to the ruling, a Meta spokesperson said: "We are evaluating the Court's decision and will have more to say in due course." The spokesperson was quoted by Reuters. The CJEU judges said regarding antitrust investigations that "it may be necessary for the competition authority of the member state concerned also to examine whether that undertaking's conduct complies with rules other than those relating to competition law". The CJEU, however, said antitrust regulators must "take into consideration any decision or investigation by the competent supervisory authority pursuant to that regulation". Also Read | Twitter vs Threads: Musk takes a dig at Meta's upcoming app The ruling was welcomed by the German cartel office. "Data is a decisive factor in establishing market power. The use of the very personal data of consumers by the large internet companies can also be abusive under antitrust law," its head, Andreas Mundt said as quoted by Reuters. His counterpart at the French competition agency, Benoit Coeure, in a tweet, called the ruling a landmark decision on data protection as a competition parameter. Thomas Graf, a partner at law firm Cleary Gottlieb, was more cautious about whether antitrust authorities would want to go into the details of privacy law. "You still need to explain why it is relevant for antitrust law and demonstrate restrictive effects and abuse, and they will need to coordinate with the GDPR authorities," he said. The EU's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a privacy and security law that imposes obligations on organisations anywhere that target or collect data related to people in the EU. "Are antitrust authorities going to become GDPR regulators? I don’t think so," Graf said. Graf was quoted by Reuters. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Blow to Meta as top EU court backs German antitrust regulator on privacy breaches

<p>In a significant blow to Meta Platforms, Europe's top court, the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU), has upheld a German data curb order that strikes at the core of Meta's business model, Reuters reported. The ruling grants antitrust regulators greater power to investigate privacy breaches, potentially leading to more extensive probes into the practices of Big Tech companies.</p>

<p>The case revolved around an order issued by the German cartel office in 2019, which directed Meta (formerly known as Facebook) to cease collecting user data without explicit consent, citing the practice as an abuse of market power. Meta challenged the finding, prompting a German court to seek guidance from the CJEU. The central question was whether the German antitrust agency had overstepped its authority by employing antitrust measures to address concerns related to data protection, an area typically within the purview of national data protection authorities.</p>

<p>Meta, the parent company of popular platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, contested the ruling. Reuters cited a Meta spokesperson who responded to the CJEU's decision, stating, 'We are evaluating the Court's decision and will have more to say in due course.'</p>

<p>In its ruling, the CJEU judges stated that during antitrust investigations, it might be necessary for the relevant competition authority of a member state to examine whether the conduct of a company complies with regulations beyond those pertaining to competition law. However, the CJEU also emphasised that antitrust regulators must consider any decisions or investigations carried out by competent supervisory authorities under relevant data protection regulations.</p>

<p>The German cartel office welcomed the ruling, with its head, Andreas Mundt, highlighting the significance of data in establishing market power, Reuters reported. He stated, 'The use of the very personal data of consumers by the large internet companies can also be abusive under antitrust law.'</p>

<p>Legal experts, however, remain cautious about the extent to which antitrust authorities will delve into privacy laws. Reuters cited Thomas Graf, a partner at law firm Cleary Gottlieb, who explained that it would still be necessary to demonstrate the relevance of privacy law to antitrust issues, including proving restrictive effects and abuse. Coordination with General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) authorities would also be essential. The GDPR is an EU privacy and security law that imposes obligations on organizations targeting or collecting data related to individuals within the EU.</p>

<p>The ruling, identified as C-252/21 Meta Platforms and others (User conditions for a social network), marks a significant development in the intersection of antitrust and data protection law. As antitrust authorities gain greater leeway to investigate privacy concerns, it remains to be seen how they will navigate the complex landscape of privacy regulations while assessing potential abuses by major tech companies.</p>

<p><em>(With Inputs from Reuters)</em></p>


In a significant blow to Meta Platforms, Europe's top court, the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU), has upheld a German data curb order that strikes at the core of Meta's business model, Reuters reported.

In a significant blow to Meta Platforms, Europe's top court, the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU), has upheld a German data curb order that strikes at the core of Meta's business model, Reuters reported. The ruling grants antitrust regulators greater power to investigate privacy breaches, potentially leading to more extensive probes into the practices of Big Tech companies. The case revolved around an order issued by the German cartel office in 2019, which directed Meta (formerly known as Facebook) to cease collecting user data without explicit consent, citing the practice as an abuse of market power. Meta challenged the finding, prompting a German court to seek guidance from the CJEU. The central question was whether the German antitrust agency had overstepped its authority by employing antitrust measures to address concerns related to data protection, an area typically within the purview of national data protection authorities. Meta, the parent company of popular platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, contested the ruling. Reuters cited a Meta spokesperson who responded to the CJEU's decision, stating, 'We are evaluating the Court's decision and will have more to say in due course.' In its ruling, the CJEU judges stated that during antitrust investigations, it might be necessary for the relevant competition authority of a member state to examine whether the conduct of a company complies with regulations beyond those pertaining to competition law. However, the CJEU also emphasised that antitrust regulators must consider any decisions or investigations carried out by competent supervisory authorities under relevant data protection regulations. The German cartel office welcomed the ruling, with its head, Andreas Mundt, highlighting the significance of data in establishing market power, Reuters reported. He stated, 'The use of the very personal data of consumers by the large internet companies can also be abusive under antitrust law.' Legal experts, however, remain cautious about the extent to which antitrust authorities will delve into privacy laws. Reuters cited Thomas Graf, a partner at law firm Cleary Gottlieb, who explained that it would still be necessary to demonstrate the relevance of privacy law to antitrust issues, including proving restrictive effects and abuse. Coordination with General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) authorities would also be essential. The GDPR is an EU privacy and security law that imposes obligations on organizations targeting or collecting data related to individuals within the EU. The ruling, identified as C-252/21 Meta Platforms and others (User conditions for a social network), marks a significant development in the intersection of antitrust and data protection law. As antitrust authorities gain greater leeway to investigate privacy concerns, it remains to be seen how they will navigate the complex landscape of privacy regulations while assessing potential abuses by major tech companies. (With Inputs from Reuters)

Privacy Prevails: European court upholds German order against Meta's data collection

<p>In the latest development of the ongoing rivalry between tech giants Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg, Meta, formerly known as Facebook, has confirmed the release date of its new text-based conversation app called Threads. The app, which has been dubbed Instagram's answer to Twitter, is set to launch on Thursday, July 6, according to a listing on Apple's App Store. Users will have the ability to follow the same accounts they follow on the popular photo-sharing platform while keeping their existing usernames.</p>

<p>This announcement has further fueled the competition between Meta's Chief Mark Zuckerberg, and Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who owns the microblogging platform Twitter. Reacting to the news, Musk took a dig at Meta Platforms, stating, 'Thank goodness they're so sanely run.'</p>

<p>NDTV cited Meta's Chief Product Officer, Chris Cox, who referred to Threads as their response to Twitter during a recent company-wide meeting discussing the app. Cox mentioned that creators and public figures had expressed a desire for a sanely run platform, taking a dig at Twitter's management under Musk's leadership.</p>

<p>A Twitter user took to the platform to provide insights into Meta's upcoming app, describing Threads as a competitor to Twitter. The user speculated that the term 'sanely run' used by Meta could imply that the app may collect extensive user data, a characteristic Meta has been associated with in the past. However, the user expressed support for Musk's vision for 'Twitter 2.0,' emphasising his belief that Musk champions freedom of speech compared to Zuckerberg's track record. Additionally, the user anticipated Musk's preparation for the rivalry and declared allegiance to 'team Twitter.'</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">🚨BREAKING: META's Answer to Twitter (Threads) Release Date CONFIRMED<br />
<br />
'Threads' will be released on Thursday in the U.S.<br />
<br />
The app has been described as a competitor to Twitter. According to an executive at Meta, its goal is to establish a "sanely run" social media site.… <a href="https://t.co/PxQxAERnB1">pic.twitter.com/PxQxAERnB1</a></p>
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) <a href="https://twitter.com/MarioNawfal/status/1676024080003203072?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 4, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>The release of Threads comes shortly after Musk announced temporary limitations on the number of posts users can read on Twitter. Furthermore, Musk stated that users would need to be verified to access TweetDeck, a move intended to address data scraping concerns. However, these actions have drawn criticism from Twitter users, and advertising experts argue that they undermine the authority of new CEO Linda Yaccarino, who recently assumed the role.</p>

<p>The competition between Meta and Twitter continues to intensify as both platforms seek to capture the attention and loyalty of users. With the imminent launch of Threads, the battle for dominance in the social media landscape escalates. Meanwhile, many eagerly await the proposed cage match between the 2 tech titans.</p>

<p><em>(With Inputs from Agencies)</em></p>


In the latest development of the ongoing rivalry between tech giants Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg, Meta, formerly known as Facebook, has confirmed the release date of its new text-based conversation app called Threads.

In the latest development of the ongoing rivalry between tech giants Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg, Meta, formerly known as Facebook, has confirmed the release date of its new text-based conversation app called Threads. The app, which has been dubbed Instagram's answer to Twitter, is set to launch on Thursday, July 6, according to a listing on Apple's App Store. Users will have the ability to follow the same accounts they follow on the popular photo-sharing platform while keeping their existing usernames. This announcement has further fueled the competition between Meta's Chief Mark Zuckerberg, and Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who owns the microblogging platform Twitter. Reacting to the news, Musk took a dig at Meta Platforms, stating, 'Thank goodness they're so sanely run.' NDTV cited Meta's Chief Product Officer, Chris Cox, who referred to Threads as their response to Twitter during a recent company-wide meeting discussing the app. Cox mentioned that creators and public figures had expressed a desire for a sanely run platform, taking a dig at Twitter's management under Musk's leadership. A Twitter user took to the platform to provide insights into Meta's upcoming app, describing Threads as a competitor to Twitter. The user speculated that the term 'sanely run' used by Meta could imply that the app may collect extensive user data, a characteristic Meta has been associated with in the past. However, the user expressed support for Musk's vision for 'Twitter 2.0,' emphasising his belief that Musk champions freedom of speech compared to Zuckerberg's track record. Additionally, the user anticipated Musk's preparation for the rivalry and declared allegiance to 'team Twitter.' 🚨BREAKING: META's Answer to Twitter (Threads) Release Date CONFIRMED 'Threads' will be released on Thursday in the U.S. The app has been described as a competitor to Twitter. According to an executive at Meta, its goal is to establish a "sanely run" social media site.… pic.twitter.com/PxQxAERnB1 — Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) July 4, 2023 The release of Threads comes shortly after Musk announced temporary limitations on the number of posts users can read on Twitter. Furthermore, Musk stated that users would need to be verified to access TweetDeck, a move intended to address data scraping concerns. However, these actions have drawn criticism from Twitter users, and advertising experts argue that they undermine the authority of new CEO Linda Yaccarino, who recently assumed the role. The competition between Meta and Twitter continues to intensify as both platforms seek to capture the attention and loyalty of users. With the imminent launch of Threads, the battle for dominance in the social media landscape escalates. Meanwhile, many eagerly await the proposed cage match between the 2 tech titans. (With Inputs from Agencies)

Twitter vs Threads: Musk takes a dig at Meta's upcoming app

Meta has announced new parental control tools across Instagram, Facebook and Messenger. These tools, which have been provided by leading experts, as claimed, will let parents support their teens through the Meta Family Centre. These controls are currently available in the US, UK, and Canada.

Meta adds parental control tools in Instagram and Facebook

Meta launched Quest Plus, a subscription-based service for its virtual reality (VR) headsets. This service promises users access to an impressive lineup of premium titles, marking an exciting new chapter for VR enthusiasts.

Meta launches subscription plan for Quest Plus VR headsets

<p>Facebook-owner Meta Platforms on Monday (June 16) launched Meta Quest+, which is a subscription-based service for its virtual reality headsets. The step is likely to shape a nascent but high-investment market. The announcement was made by Meta Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg. He announced on a broadcast channel on Instagram that a Meta Quest+ subscription will be available from Monday at USD 7.99 per month. If a subscriber wishes to avail annual subscription, he/she will have to pay an&nbsp;annual fee of USD 59.99.</p>

<p>The subscription is for Quest 2, Pro and soon-to-be-launched Quest 3 headsets.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Apple has recently launched its first augmented reality headset and made a foray into the market segment. The Apple Vision Pro has been priced at USD 3499. Apple's headset is three times the cost of the costliest headset from Meta.</p>

<p>In the month of March this year, Meta cut the price of its headsets as its bold plans of metaverse have as yet&nbsp;failed to make a big splash.</p>

<p>Currently, Meta's flagship VR headset Meta Quest Pro is priced at USD 999.99. It is lesser than its launch price of USD 1499.99. Quest 2 is being sold for USD 299.99. The prices are mentioned on Meta's website.</p>

<p>Virtual reality headsets are widely considered to be the next big thing but the adoption has so far been limited to the gaming community. The situation persists in spite of the devices now having more advanced features. BBC reported that for the first three months of the year, Meta's virtual reality unit saw a loss of USD 4 billion.</p>

<p>Last year, Meta announced several artificial intelligence projects. Zuckerberg had described AI as "the key to unlocking the metaverse". Meta has reported a profit of USD 5.7 billion for the first three months of the year. But Meta's virtual reality division is reportedly struggling as of now.</p>

<h2><strong>Zuckerberg not impressed with Apple Vision Pro</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier this month, Zuckerberg dismissed Apple Vision Pro as he spoke with his employees, according to reports in US media. He reportedly said that Apple's mixed reality gear may be nice but it may not be his vision of the future.</p>

<p>"I mean, that could be the vision of the future of computing, but like, it's not the one that I want," Zuckerberg reportedly said while assessing what he has seen of Apple Vision Pro.</p>

<p>"There's a real philosophical difference in terms of how we’re approaching this."</p>

<p>"Our vision for the metaverse and presence is fundamentally social," Zuckerberg said, according to a transcript of remarks posted by tech news website The Verge.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Facebook-owner Meta Platforms on Monday (June 16) launched Meta Quest+, which is a subscription-based service for its virtual reality headsets. The step is likely to shape a nascent but high-investment market.

Facebook-owner Meta Platforms on Monday (June 16) launched Meta Quest+, which is a subscription-based service for its virtual reality headsets. The step is likely to shape a nascent but high-investment market. The announcement was made by Meta Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg. He announced on a broadcast channel on Instagram that a Meta Quest+ subscription will be available from Monday at USD 7.99 per month. If a subscriber wishes to avail annual subscription, he/she will have to pay an annual fee of USD 59.99. The subscription is for Quest 2, Pro and soon-to-be-launched Quest 3 headsets. Apple has recently launched its first augmented reality headset and made a foray into the market segment. The Apple Vision Pro has been priced at USD 3499. Apple's headset is three times the cost of the costliest headset from Meta. In the month of March this year, Meta cut the price of its headsets as its bold plans of metaverse have as yet failed to make a big splash. Currently, Meta's flagship VR headset Meta Quest Pro is priced at USD 999.99. It is lesser than its launch price of USD 1499.99. Quest 2 is being sold for USD 299.99. The prices are mentioned on Meta's website. Virtual reality headsets are widely considered to be the next big thing but the adoption has so far been limited to the gaming community. The situation persists in spite of the devices now having more advanced features. BBC reported that for the first three months of the year, Meta's virtual reality unit saw a loss of USD 4 billion. Last year, Meta announced several artificial intelligence projects. Zuckerberg had described AI as "the key to unlocking the metaverse". Meta has reported a profit of USD 5.7 billion for the first three months of the year. But Meta's virtual reality division is reportedly struggling as of now. Zuckerberg not impressed with Apple Vision Pro Earlier this month, Zuckerberg dismissed Apple Vision Pro as he spoke with his employees, according to reports in US media. He reportedly said that Apple's mixed reality gear may be nice but it may not be his vision of the future. "I mean, that could be the vision of the future of computing, but like, it's not the one that I want," Zuckerberg reportedly said while assessing what he has seen of Apple Vision Pro. "There's a real philosophical difference in terms of how we’re approaching this." "Our vision for the metaverse and presence is fundamentally social," Zuckerberg said, according to a transcript of remarks posted by tech news website The Verge. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Meta launches subscription service for its virtual reality headsets

A tussle is raging between two tech billionaires. Elon Musk & Mark Zuckerberg are gearing up for a cage match. Both are dead serious about trading blows in the Octagon. However, fans eager to witness this clash of tech titans will have to reach deep into their pockets. As the spectacle is expected to be a pay-per-view event.

Elon Musk vs Mark Zuckerberg cage match could earn over $1 Billion

<p>Facebook's parent company Meta has been threatened by the Malaysian government with legal action for failing to remove undesirable and harmful content from its social media platform.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) in a statement said Facebook had been "plagued by"a significant volume of undesirable content relating to race, religion, royalty, impersonation, online gambling and scam advertisements in recent months. The commission said it had reached out to Meta on multiple occasions to remove harmful content but it was to no avail.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Meta’s response, which has been sluggish and unsatisfactory, has not met the urgency of the matter and has led to increasing public concern and scrutiny,” read the statement.</p>

<p>“As there is no sufficient cooperation from Meta, MCMC has no option but to take definitive steps or legal action against Meta as a measure to ensure that people are secure and protected in the physical sphere.”</p>

<p>Since last year's national election, there has been a rise in ethnic tensions across the country. Prime Minister&nbsp;Anwar Ibrahim has vowed to curb the situation by setting the social media platforms straight.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/a-third-of-domestic-workers-in-malaysia-working-in-forced-labour-conditions-604977"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;A third of domestic workers in Malaysia working in forced labour conditions</strong></a></p>

<p>Moreover, the statement by MCMC comes weeks ahead of the regional elections&nbsp;scheduled in six states where Anwar's multi-ethnic coalition is expected to go toe-to-toe against a conservative Malay Muslim alliance. Though the state elections have no bearing on the federal government's position and stability, all eyeballs are on Anwar if his unity government can stitch together another victory.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The crackdown could have negative financial implications for Facebook&nbsp;as the platform is used by 60 per cent of Malaysia's 33 million-strong population.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Telegram received a similar threat</strong></h2>

<p>Notably, Facebook is not the only social media platform targeted by the Malaysian government. Earlier this month, Telegram received a similar threat after it refused to cooperate over complaints regarding content and misuse of the app.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/malaysia-elections-palace-names-pakatan-harapan-leader-as-prime-minister-537082"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Malaysia elections: Palace names Pakatan Harapan leader as Prime Minister</strong></a></p>

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<p>The sale of pornographic materials, drugs and investment scams prompted the Malaysian authorities to take a stringent stance. According to reports, since January 2020, the Telegram scams have cost Malaysians as many as $9.6 million in losses.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>After taking a cavalier stance initially, Telegram later agreed to work with local authorities to curb illegal activities. Since then, the government has eased down on the crackdown.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:</strong>&nbsp;</p>

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Facebook's parent company Meta has been threatened by the Malaysian government with legal action for failing to remove undesirable and harmful content from its social media platform.

Facebook's parent company Meta has been threatened by the Malaysian government with legal action for failing to remove undesirable and harmful content from its social media platform. The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) in a statement said Facebook had been "plagued by"a significant volume of undesirable content relating to race, religion, royalty, impersonation, online gambling and scam advertisements in recent months. The commission said it had reached out to Meta on multiple occasions to remove harmful content but it was to no avail. “Meta’s response, which has been sluggish and unsatisfactory, has not met the urgency of the matter and has led to increasing public concern and scrutiny,” read the statement. “As there is no sufficient cooperation from Meta, MCMC has no option but to take definitive steps or legal action against Meta as a measure to ensure that people are secure and protected in the physical sphere.” Since last year's national election, there has been a rise in ethnic tensions across the country. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has vowed to curb the situation by setting the social media platforms straight. Also read | A third of domestic workers in Malaysia working in forced labour conditions Moreover, the statement by MCMC comes weeks ahead of the regional elections scheduled in six states where Anwar's multi-ethnic coalition is expected to go toe-to-toe against a conservative Malay Muslim alliance. Though the state elections have no bearing on the federal government's position and stability, all eyeballs are on Anwar if his unity government can stitch together another victory. The crackdown could have negative financial implications for Facebook as the platform is used by 60 per cent of Malaysia's 33 million-strong population. Telegram received a similar threat Notably, Facebook is not the only social media platform targeted by the Malaysian government. Earlier this month, Telegram received a similar threat after it refused to cooperate over complaints regarding content and misuse of the app. WATCH | Malaysia elections: Palace names Pakatan Harapan leader as Prime Minister × The sale of pornographic materials, drugs and investment scams prompted the Malaysian authorities to take a stringent stance. According to reports, since January 2020, the Telegram scams have cost Malaysians as many as $9.6 million in losses. After taking a cavalier stance initially, Telegram later agreed to work with local authorities to curb illegal activities. Since then, the government has eased down on the crackdown. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

'No option but to take action...': Malaysia threatens Meta over harmful content on Facebook

<p data-testid="paragraph-0">Meta Platforms Inc&nbsp;(META.O)&nbsp;plans to end access to news on Facebook and Instagram for all users in Canada once a parliament-approved legislation requiring internet giants to pay news publishers comes into effect, the company said on Thursday.</p>

<p data-testid="paragraph-1">The legislation, known as the Online News Act, was approved by the Senate upper chamber earlier on Thursday and will become law after receiving royal assent from the governor general, a formality.</p>

<p data-testid="paragraph-2">The legislation was proposed after complaints from Canada's media industry, which wants tighter regulation of tech companies to prevent them from elbowing news businesses out of the online advertising market.</p>

<p data-testid="paragraph-3">"Today, we are confirming that news availability will be ended on Facebook and Instagram for all users in Canada prior to the Online News Act taking effect," Meta said in a statement.</p>

<p data-testid="paragraph-4">Facebook had&nbsp;telegraphed&nbsp;such a move for weeks, saying news has&nbsp;no economic value&nbsp;to the company and that its users do not use the platform for news.</p>

<p data-testid="paragraph-4"><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-option-but-to-take-action-malaysia-threatens-meta-over-harmful-content-on-facebook-607736">'No option but to take action...': Malaysia threatens Meta over harmful content on Facebook</a></strong></p>

<p data-testid="paragraph-5">The act outlines rules to force platforms such as Facebook and Alphabet's&nbsp;(GOOGL.O)&nbsp;Google to negotiate commercial deals and pay news publishers for their content, a step similar to a groundbreaking law passed in Australia in 2021.</p>

<p data-testid="paragraph-6">The U.S. technology companies have said the proposals are unsustainable for their businesses. Google has argued Canada's law is broader than those enacted in Australia and Europe, saying it puts a price on news story links displayed in search results and can apply to outlets that do not produce news.</p>

<p data-testid="paragraph-7">The search engine giant proposed that the bill be revised to make the displaying of news content, rather than links, as basis for payment and to specify that only businesses that produce news and adhere to journalistic standards are eligible.</p>

<p data-testid="paragraph-8">A spokesperson Google said on Thursday that the bill remains "unworkable" and that the company was urgently seeking to work with the government "on a path forward."</p>

<p data-testid="paragraph-9">Canada's federal government has so far pushed back against suggestions to make changes. Earlier this month, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Meta and Google were using "bullying tactics" as they campaign against the legislation.</p>

<p data-testid="paragraph-9"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Meta's layoffs shrink workforce to 2021 level</strong></p>

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<p>Google and Facebook had also threatened to curtail their services in Australia when a similar rules were passed into law. Both eventually struck deals with Australian media companies after amendments to the legislation were offered.</p>

<p data-testid="paragraph-11">Heritage Minister Pablo Rodriguez, who introduced the bill last year, said on Thursday that the government "will engage in a regulatory and implementation process" after the legislation comes into effect.</p>

<p data-testid="paragraph-12">"If the government can't stand up for Canadians against tech giants, who will?" Rodriguez said in a statement.</p>

<p data-testid="paragraph-13">The heritage ministry has had meetings with Facebook and Google this week, and it looks forward to further discussions, a government spokesperson said.</p>

<p data-testid="paragraph-14">Danielle Coffey, president of the News Media Alliance global industry group, said the Canadian Parliament "should be applauded for standing up to Big Tech" after the bill's approval in the Senate.</p>

<p data-testid="paragraph-15">"We are encouraged by the increasing recognition of the need for legal action to ensure just compensation, both in Canada and abroad, and hope to see the United States follow suit," Coffey said.</p>

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Meta Platforms Inc (META.O) plans to end access to news on Facebook and Instagram for all users in Canada once a parliament-approved legislation requiring internet giants to pay news publishers comes into effect, the company said on Thursday.

Meta Platforms Inc (META.O) plans to end access to news on Facebook and Instagram for all users in Canada once a parliament-approved legislation requiring internet giants to pay news publishers comes into effect, the company said on Thursday. The legislation, known as the Online News Act, was approved by the Senate upper chamber earlier on Thursday and will become law after receiving royal assent from the governor general, a formality. The legislation was proposed after complaints from Canada's media industry, which wants tighter regulation of tech companies to prevent them from elbowing news businesses out of the online advertising market. "Today, we are confirming that news availability will be ended on Facebook and Instagram for all users in Canada prior to the Online News Act taking effect," Meta said in a statement. Facebook had telegraphed such a move for weeks, saying news has no economic value to the company and that its users do not use the platform for news. ALSO READ | 'No option but to take action...': Malaysia threatens Meta over harmful content on Facebook The act outlines rules to force platforms such as Facebook and Alphabet's (GOOGL.O) Google to negotiate commercial deals and pay news publishers for their content, a step similar to a groundbreaking law passed in Australia in 2021. The U.S. technology companies have said the proposals are unsustainable for their businesses. Google has argued Canada's law is broader than those enacted in Australia and Europe, saying it puts a price on news story links displayed in search results and can apply to outlets that do not produce news. The search engine giant proposed that the bill be revised to make the displaying of news content, rather than links, as basis for payment and to specify that only businesses that produce news and adhere to journalistic standards are eligible. A spokesperson Google said on Thursday that the bill remains "unworkable" and that the company was urgently seeking to work with the government "on a path forward." Canada's federal government has so far pushed back against suggestions to make changes. Earlier this month, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Meta and Google were using "bullying tactics" as they campaign against the legislation. WATCH | Meta's layoffs shrink workforce to 2021 level × Google and Facebook had also threatened to curtail their services in Australia when a similar rules were passed into law. Both eventually struck deals with Australian media companies after amendments to the legislation were offered. Heritage Minister Pablo Rodriguez, who introduced the bill last year, said on Thursday that the government "will engage in a regulatory and implementation process" after the legislation comes into effect. "If the government can't stand up for Canadians against tech giants, who will?" Rodriguez said in a statement. The heritage ministry has had meetings with Facebook and Google this week, and it looks forward to further discussions, a government spokesperson said. Danielle Coffey, president of the News Media Alliance global industry group, said the Canadian Parliament "should be applauded for standing up to Big Tech" after the bill's approval in the Senate. "We are encouraged by the increasing recognition of the need for legal action to ensure just compensation, both in Canada and abroad, and hope to see the United States follow suit," Coffey said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Meta to end news access in Canada after media bill passes

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuideuTolLLeRdEB" /><meta charset="utf-8" />UFC President Dana White has confirmed that Twitter boss Elon Musk and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg are "dead serious" about the prospect of squaring up against each other in an octagon cage fight. White, talking to TMZ, said he had a talk with both billionaires who gave their nod for the fight.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I was talking to both Elon and Mark last night. Both guys are absolutely dead serious about this. They both said, ‘Yeah, we’ll do it!',” said White.</p>

<p>The UFC boss informed it was the Facebook co-founder that hit him first regarding the fight challenge by Musk.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Mark Zuckerberg hit me up first and said, 'Is he serious?' I said, 'I don't know, let me ask him.' I asked him and he said, 'Yeah, I'm dead serious'," added White.</p>

<p>"This would be the biggest fight ever in the history of the world. Bigger than anything that's ever been done. It would break all pay-per-view records. These guys would raise hundreds of millions of dollars for charity, and you don't have to be a fight fan to be interested in this fight."</p>

<p>"The biggest fight of all time was Floyd [Mayweather] and Conor [McGregor], I just think it triples that - it triples what that did, there's no limit on what that thing can make."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-speed-news-elon-musk-once-again-the-richest-man-in-the-world-566843"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;WION Speed News: Elon Musk once again the richest man in the world</strong></a></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Musk, Zuckerberg plot the fight&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The chain of events started on Tuesday when Musk commented on a tweet about Facebook potentially developing a Twitter competitor.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I’m sure Earth can’t wait to be exclusively under Zuck’s thumb with no other options. At least it will be ‘sane’. Was worried there for a moment,” Musk tweeted with a crying-laughing emoji.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/fight-of-the-century-musk-and-zuckerberg-agree-to-fight-each-other-in-cage-match-607165" target="_blank"><strong>Also read | Fight of the century? Musk and Zuckerberg 'agree' to fight each other in cage match</strong></a></p>

<p>A Twitter user replied to Musk saying he should be careful of Zuckerberg since the Facebook boss had been practising jiu-jitsu, a Brazilian martial art form.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I’m up for a cage match if he is lol,” replied a cavalier Musk.</p>

<p>Soon, Zuckerberg posted a screenshot of Musk's tweet on his Instagram story, saying, "Send me location".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Afterwards, another netizen posted Zuckerberg's Instagram story screenshot to which Musk replied, “If this is for real, I will do it.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>Musk also seemingly confirmed the fight by sharing the location of the fight as "Vegas Octagon".&nbsp;</p>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="es">Vegas Octagon</p>
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1671704483598925825?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>In a subsequent tweet, Musk joked saying, "I have this great move that I call “The Walrus”, where I just lie on top of my opponent &amp; do nothing."</p>

<p>Though it is unclear how proficient Musk is with his fists, his potential rival Zuckerberg is no greenhorn. In May, Zuckerberg won a gold and silver medal at his very first Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu tournament in Redwood City, California.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The billionaire CEO took to Instagram where he talked about competing in the Jiu-Jitsu tournament and winning medals for his team.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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UFC President Dana White has confirmed that Twitter boss Elon Musk and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg are "dead serious" about the prospect of squaring up against each other in an octagon cage fight.

UFC President Dana White has confirmed that Twitter boss Elon Musk and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg are "dead serious" about the prospect of squaring up against each other in an octagon cage fight. White, talking to TMZ, said he had a talk with both billionaires who gave their nod for the fight. “I was talking to both Elon and Mark last night. Both guys are absolutely dead serious about this. They both said, ‘Yeah, we’ll do it!',” said White. The UFC boss informed it was the Facebook co-founder that hit him first regarding the fight challenge by Musk. "Mark Zuckerberg hit me up first and said, 'Is he serious?' I said, 'I don't know, let me ask him.' I asked him and he said, 'Yeah, I'm dead serious'," added White. "This would be the biggest fight ever in the history of the world. Bigger than anything that's ever been done. It would break all pay-per-view records. These guys would raise hundreds of millions of dollars for charity, and you don't have to be a fight fan to be interested in this fight." "The biggest fight of all time was Floyd [Mayweather] and Conor [McGregor], I just think it triples that - it triples what that did, there's no limit on what that thing can make." WATCH | WION Speed News: Elon Musk once again the richest man in the world × Musk, Zuckerberg plot the fight The chain of events started on Tuesday when Musk commented on a tweet about Facebook potentially developing a Twitter competitor. “I’m sure Earth can’t wait to be exclusively under Zuck’s thumb with no other options. At least it will be ‘sane’. Was worried there for a moment,” Musk tweeted with a crying-laughing emoji. Also read | Fight of the century? Musk and Zuckerberg 'agree' to fight each other in cage match A Twitter user replied to Musk saying he should be careful of Zuckerberg since the Facebook boss had been practising jiu-jitsu, a Brazilian martial art form. “I’m up for a cage match if he is lol,” replied a cavalier Musk. Soon, Zuckerberg posted a screenshot of Musk's tweet on his Instagram story, saying, "Send me location". Afterwards, another netizen posted Zuckerberg's Instagram story screenshot to which Musk replied, “If this is for real, I will do it.” Musk also seemingly confirmed the fight by sharing the location of the fight as "Vegas Octagon". Vegas Octagon — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 22, 2023 × In a subsequent tweet, Musk joked saying, "I have this great move that I call “The Walrus”, where I just lie on top of my opponent & do nothing." Though it is unclear how proficient Musk is with his fists, his potential rival Zuckerberg is no greenhorn. In May, Zuckerberg won a gold and silver medal at his very first Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu tournament in Redwood City, California. The billionaire CEO took to Instagram where he talked about competing in the Jiu-Jitsu tournament and winning medals for his team. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

UFC boss Dana White confirms Musk, Zuckerberg are 'dead serious' about cage fight

<p>Now say goodbye to WhatsApp spam calls, as the Meta-owned instant messaging app has rolled out a new feature that will let users silence nuisance callers.</p>

<p>CEO Mark Zuckerberg on Tuesday announced that the new feature is available on both Android and iOS platforms.</p>

<p>According to the official WhatsApp blog, the update will be rolled out as part of Android 2.23.12.77 and iOS 23.12.71 compatible updates.</p>

<p>Though the new feature won’t completely nullify the amount of spam calls one receives, it will reduce unwanted disturbance from strangers by preventing the phone from ringing.</p>

<p>The update has added a new option named “Silence unknown calls.”</p>

<p>“Silence Unknown Callers is designed to give you more privacy and control of your incoming calls. It helps to automatically screen out spam, scams and calls from unknown people for increased protection. These calls will not ring on your phone, but will be visible in your Call list, in case it turns out to be someone important,” it said in the blog post.</p>

<h2><strong>Step-by-step guide</strong></h2>

<p>Users who want to enable the feature on Android can tap on the three-dot menu and tap on&nbsp;Settings&gt;Privacy&gt;Calls and toggle the Silence unknown callers&nbsp;option on the app.</p>

<p>For iPhone, the owners have to tap on the gear icon on WhatsApp to open the settings menu, then tap on Privacy&gt;Calls and toggle the Silence Unknown Callers option.</p>

<p><img alt="WhatsApp" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="869216e4-8107-4ad8-b5c7-9d7e280aec5b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Whtasapp.jpg" /></p>

<p>It comes after WhatsApp recently announced backend changes the app has incorporated to sort out the spam issue.</p>

<p>Moreover, the app has introduced a new ‘Privacy Checkup’ feature within the Privacy section so that everyone knows about the options of protection on the messaging platform.</p>

<p>It offers a step-by-step guide to know how you can leverage the existing WhatsApp privacy and security features to your advantage. Using this feature, users can decide who will be able to contact, edit personal details, make chats more private, and add an extra layer of protection to their accounts.</p>

<p>“Protecting the privacy of your messages remains the driving force behind what we’re building at WhatsApp.”</p>

<p>“While end-to-end encryption is the foundation to ensure your calls and messages are secure, we continue to add more layers of privacy on top including the recently launched Chat Lock to protect sensitive chats behind a password, Disappearing Messages that vanish, screenshot blocking for View Once, and the ability to keep your online presence private,” it added.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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Now say goodbye to WhatsApp spam calls, as the Meta-owned instant messaging app has rolled out a new feature that will let users silence nuisance callers. CEO Mark Zuckerberg on Tuesday announced that the new feature is available on both Android and iOS platforms.

Now say goodbye to WhatsApp spam calls, as the Meta-owned instant messaging app has rolled out a new feature that will let users silence nuisance callers. CEO Mark Zuckerberg on Tuesday announced that the new feature is available on both Android and iOS platforms. According to the official WhatsApp blog, the update will be rolled out as part of Android 2.23.12.77 and iOS 23.12.71 compatible updates. Though the new feature won’t completely nullify the amount of spam calls one receives, it will reduce unwanted disturbance from strangers by preventing the phone from ringing. The update has added a new option named “Silence unknown calls.” “Silence Unknown Callers is designed to give you more privacy and control of your incoming calls. It helps to automatically screen out spam, scams and calls from unknown people for increased protection. These calls will not ring on your phone, but will be visible in your Call list, in case it turns out to be someone important,” it said in the blog post. Step-by-step guide Users who want to enable the feature on Android can tap on the three-dot menu and tap on Settings>Privacy>Calls and toggle the Silence unknown callers option on the app. For iPhone, the owners have to tap on the gear icon on WhatsApp to open the settings menu, then tap on Privacy>Calls and toggle the Silence Unknown Callers option. It comes after WhatsApp recently announced backend changes the app has incorporated to sort out the spam issue. Moreover, the app has introduced a new ‘Privacy Checkup’ feature within the Privacy section so that everyone knows about the options of protection on the messaging platform. It offers a step-by-step guide to know how you can leverage the existing WhatsApp privacy and security features to your advantage. Using this feature, users can decide who will be able to contact, edit personal details, make chats more private, and add an extra layer of protection to their accounts. “Protecting the privacy of your messages remains the driving force behind what we’re building at WhatsApp.” “While end-to-end encryption is the foundation to ensure your calls and messages are secure, we continue to add more layers of privacy on top including the recently launched Chat Lock to protect sensitive chats behind a password, Disappearing Messages that vanish, screenshot blocking for View Once, and the ability to keep your online presence private,” it added. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

WhatsApp rolls out new feature to deal with spam calls

<p>Several experts have raised alarm over the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on employment globally as there are concerns that it will directly affect job opportunities.&nbsp;But Yann LeCun, who has been termed as one of the three AI 'godfathers', said that it won't take over the world or permanently destroy jobs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>LeCun, the chief scientist for Meta, spoke at the Viva Tech conference on Wednesday, where he said that generative AI, trained on large language models, are not very intelligent, because they are solely coached on language.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Those systems are still very limited, they don’t have any understanding of the underlying reality of the real world, because they are purely &nbsp;trained on text, a massive amount of text," he said, further adding, "Most of the human knowledge has nothing to do with language … so that part of the human experience is not captured by AI."&nbsp;</p>

<p>He also mentioned that AI could now pass the Bar in the United States, an examination required for someone to become an attorney.&nbsp;However, he noted that an AI can't load a dishwasher, a task that can be learned in "10 minutes" even by a 10-year-old.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He concluded that "what it tells you we are missing something really big … to reach not just human-level intelligence, but even dog intelligence".&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/ai-can-destroy-humanity-in-5-to-10-years-top-us-ceos-sound-alarm-605141">Top US CEOs sound alarm, say AI can destroy humanity in 5 to 10 years</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Meta's AI chief said the company is working on training AI on video.&nbsp;His remarks came as Meta announced its latest AI project, called image-based Joint Embedding Predictive Architecture.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said we have "no idea how to reproduce this capacity with machines today. Until we can do this, we are not going to have human-level intelligence, we are not going to have dog-level or cat-level [intelligence]."&nbsp;</p>

<p>What he said suggested that generative AI, the technology behind ChatGPT, was already at a dead end, instead of promising new artificial intelligence resembling human rationality.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added, "Generative models are past, we will abandon them in favour of joint embedding predictive architecture," LeCun said, touting the Meta project he will lead.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"My prediction is that in a few years, generative large language models will not be used any more, we will have a better thing to replace them," he added.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/mercedes-drivers-may-soon-have-chatgpt-in-their-cars-605096">AI on the road: Mercedes drivers may soon have ChatGPT in their cars</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Canada's Justin Trudeau slams Google and Meta of using 'bullying tactics'&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Here's what Zuckerberg said&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>In a Facebook post, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg said the JEPA tool was open source, meaning it would be available to researchers to tinker with. He said the aim was to develop AI that "more closely reflects how people understand the world".</p>

<p>"We need models that perceive the world and make predictions. This research is another step in that direction," Zuckerberg added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;&nbsp;</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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Several experts have raised alarm over the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on employment globally as there are concerns that it will directly affect job opportunities.

Several experts have raised alarm over the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on employment globally as there are concerns that it will directly affect job opportunities. But Yann LeCun, who has been termed as one of the three AI 'godfathers', said that it won't take over the world or permanently destroy jobs. LeCun, the chief scientist for Meta, spoke at the Viva Tech conference on Wednesday, where he said that generative AI, trained on large language models, are not very intelligent, because they are solely coached on language. "Those systems are still very limited, they don’t have any understanding of the underlying reality of the real world, because they are purely trained on text, a massive amount of text," he said, further adding, "Most of the human knowledge has nothing to do with language … so that part of the human experience is not captured by AI." He also mentioned that AI could now pass the Bar in the United States, an examination required for someone to become an attorney. However, he noted that an AI can't load a dishwasher, a task that can be learned in "10 minutes" even by a 10-year-old. He concluded that "what it tells you we are missing something really big … to reach not just human-level intelligence, but even dog intelligence". Also read: Top US CEOs sound alarm, say AI can destroy humanity in 5 to 10 years Meta's AI chief said the company is working on training AI on video. His remarks came as Meta announced its latest AI project, called image-based Joint Embedding Predictive Architecture. He said we have "no idea how to reproduce this capacity with machines today. Until we can do this, we are not going to have human-level intelligence, we are not going to have dog-level or cat-level [intelligence]." What he said suggested that generative AI, the technology behind ChatGPT, was already at a dead end, instead of promising new artificial intelligence resembling human rationality. He added, "Generative models are past, we will abandon them in favour of joint embedding predictive architecture," LeCun said, touting the Meta project he will lead. "My prediction is that in a few years, generative large language models will not be used any more, we will have a better thing to replace them," he added. Also read: AI on the road: Mercedes drivers may soon have ChatGPT in their cars Watch: Canada's Justin Trudeau slams Google and Meta of using 'bullying tactics' × Here's what Zuckerberg said In a Facebook post, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg said the JEPA tool was open source, meaning it would be available to researchers to tinker with. He said the aim was to develop AI that "more closely reflects how people understand the world". "We need models that perceive the world and make predictions. This research is another step in that direction," Zuckerberg added. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Artificial intelligence won't take over world or permanently destroy jobs, says one of 'godfathers' of AI

<p>The European Union’s antitrust regulators have targeted Google’s highly successful advertising technology model and asked the United States-based tech giant to address its concerns over anti-competitive practices, on Wednesday (June 14). Additionally, the European Commission has also threatened the company with its harshest regulatory penalty to date.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What did the EU say about Google’s practices?</strong></h2>

<p>The 27-nation bloc’s executive branch and top antitrust regulators have set out charges against Google two years after opening an investigation into the tech giant’s behaviour over favouring its own advertising services. In line with this, the EU on Wednesday said Google has “abused its dominant positions” over ad tech to crush the competition.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The announcement was made by EU antitrust chief Margrethe Vestager, on Wednesday, who called for Google to sell part of its ad tech business citing the investigation she believes that a behavioural remedy would not be effective at stopping the tech giant’s supposed anti-competitive practices.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/eus-new-antitrust-charges-to-strike-googles-most-successful-ads-model-603673">EU’s new antitrust charges to strike Google’s most successful ads model</a></strong></p>

<p>The commission said its preliminary view after the investigation is that “only the mandatory divestment by Google of part of its services” would satisfy the concerns it holds about the company’s advertising practices.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Of course, I know this is a strong statement but it is a reflection of the nature of the markets, how they function and also why a behavioural commitment seemed to be out of the question,” said Vestager, at a press conference.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In line with this, the EU antitrust chief also suggested that “Google could divest its sell-side tools, DFP and AdX. By doing so, we would put an end to the conflicts of interest.” The move could have far-reaching implications for the tech giant, potentially resulting in significant fines and regulatory action.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-launches-antitrust-probe-against-google-over-online-ads-393180">EU launches antitrust probe against Google over online ads</a></strong></p>

<p>The Commission has also said Google’s favouring of its own online services is detrimental to those of competing providers of advertising technology services, advertisers and online publishers.</p>

<h2><strong>What’s at stake for Google?</strong></h2>

<p>The stakes are high for Google as its ad tech business accounted for 79 per cent of its total revenue last year. Meanwhile, the fine against the company is reported to be as much as 10 per cent of Google’s annual global turnover.</p>

<p>It is also worth noting that Google, according to research firm Insider Intelligence, is the world’s dominant digital advertising platform with a 28 per cent market share of global ad revenue. Last year, Google’s total advertising revenue amounted to $224.5 billion, reported Reuters.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/google-european-union-to-develop-ai-pact-ahead-of-new-artificial-intelligence-rules-says-eu-industry-chief-596140">Google, European Union to develop AI pact ahead of new Artificial Intelligence rules, says EU industry chief</a></strong></p>

<p>Meanwhile, the EU will continue to investigate the tech giant’s introduction of a privacy sandbox set of tools which reportedly block third-party cookies on its Chrome browser and its plan to stop making the advertising identifier available to third parties on Android smartphones, said Vestager.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This also comes as the EU has recently expanded its crackdown on big tech companies including Facebook parent company Meta and Google with fines amounting to billions of dollars.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>How has Google responded to these accusations</strong>?</h2>

<p>In response to these charges, Google has said that it disagrees with the commission and will respond accordingly. In a statement, Dan Taylor, Google’s vice president of global ads, said “The Commission’s investigation focuses on a narrow aspect of our advertising business and is not new. We disagree with the EC’s view.”</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/facebook-parent-company-meta-to-face-more-than-800mn-fine-by-eu-over-data-transfer-to-us-reports-594857">Explained | EU fines Facebook parent company Meta record $1.3 billion over data transfer to US</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>EU vs Google: An ongoing saga</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier, the EU launched an investigation against Google back in 2021, which aimed at examining whether Google obstructed rivals’ access to user data for online advertising and if it unfairly ring-fenced data for its own use.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This also comes as Google is actively contesting antitrust fines imposed by the EU in court, including a landmark penalty of 4.34 billion euros ($4.7bn) for its management of the Android mobile operating system, which it is currently challenging in the highest court within the EU.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em><br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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The European Union’s antitrust regulators have targeted Google’s highly successful advertising technology model and asked the United States-based tech giant to address its concerns over anti-competitive practices, on Wednesday (June 14).

The European Union’s antitrust regulators have targeted Google’s highly successful advertising technology model and asked the United States-based tech giant to address its concerns over anti-competitive practices, on Wednesday (June 14). Additionally, the European Commission has also threatened the company with its harshest regulatory penalty to date. What did the EU say about Google’s practices? The 27-nation bloc’s executive branch and top antitrust regulators have set out charges against Google two years after opening an investigation into the tech giant’s behaviour over favouring its own advertising services. In line with this, the EU on Wednesday said Google has “abused its dominant positions” over ad tech to crush the competition. The announcement was made by EU antitrust chief Margrethe Vestager, on Wednesday, who called for Google to sell part of its ad tech business citing the investigation she believes that a behavioural remedy would not be effective at stopping the tech giant’s supposed anti-competitive practices. ALSO READ | EU’s new antitrust charges to strike Google’s most successful ads model The commission said its preliminary view after the investigation is that “only the mandatory divestment by Google of part of its services” would satisfy the concerns it holds about the company’s advertising practices. “Of course, I know this is a strong statement but it is a reflection of the nature of the markets, how they function and also why a behavioural commitment seemed to be out of the question,” said Vestager, at a press conference. In line with this, the EU antitrust chief also suggested that “Google could divest its sell-side tools, DFP and AdX. By doing so, we would put an end to the conflicts of interest.” The move could have far-reaching implications for the tech giant, potentially resulting in significant fines and regulatory action. ALSO READ | EU launches antitrust probe against Google over online ads The Commission has also said Google’s favouring of its own online services is detrimental to those of competing providers of advertising technology services, advertisers and online publishers. What’s at stake for Google? The stakes are high for Google as its ad tech business accounted for 79 per cent of its total revenue last year. Meanwhile, the fine against the company is reported to be as much as 10 per cent of Google’s annual global turnover. It is also worth noting that Google, according to research firm Insider Intelligence, is the world’s dominant digital advertising platform with a 28 per cent market share of global ad revenue. Last year, Google’s total advertising revenue amounted to $224.5 billion, reported Reuters. ALSO READ | Google, European Union to develop AI pact ahead of new Artificial Intelligence rules, says EU industry chief Meanwhile, the EU will continue to investigate the tech giant’s introduction of a privacy sandbox set of tools which reportedly block third-party cookies on its Chrome browser and its plan to stop making the advertising identifier available to third parties on Android smartphones, said Vestager. This also comes as the EU has recently expanded its crackdown on big tech companies including Facebook parent company Meta and Google with fines amounting to billions of dollars. How has Google responded to these accusations? In response to these charges, Google has said that it disagrees with the commission and will respond accordingly. In a statement, Dan Taylor, Google’s vice president of global ads, said “The Commission’s investigation focuses on a narrow aspect of our advertising business and is not new. We disagree with the EC’s view.” ALSO READ | Explained | EU fines Facebook parent company Meta record $1.3 billion over data transfer to US EU vs Google: An ongoing saga Earlier, the EU launched an investigation against Google back in 2021, which aimed at examining whether Google obstructed rivals’ access to user data for online advertising and if it unfairly ring-fenced data for its own use. This also comes as Google is actively contesting antitrust fines imposed by the EU in court, including a landmark penalty of 4.34 billion euros ($4.7bn) for its management of the Android mobile operating system, which it is currently challenging in the highest court within the EU. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

EU orders Google to break up ad tech model for ‘abusing its dominant position’

<p>Meta Platforms said on Tuesday that it would provide researchers with access to components of a new "human-like" artificial intelligence model that it said can analyse and complete unfinished images more accurately than existing models.</p>

<p>The model, I-JEPA, uses background knowledge about the world to fill in missing pieces of images, rather than looking only at nearby pixels like other generative AI models, the company said.</p>

<p>That approach incorporates the kind of human-like reasoning advocated by Meta's top AI scientist Yann LeCun and helps the technology to avoid errors that are common to AI-generated images, like hands with extra fingers, it said.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/meta-teases-ai-features-into-facebook-instagram-whatsapp-for-billions-of-users-602535"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Meta teases AI features in Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp for billions of users</strong></a></p>

<p>Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram, is a prolific publisher of open-sourced AI research via its in-house research lab. Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg has said that sharing models developed by Meta's researchers can help the company by spurring innovation, spotting safety gaps and lowering costs.</p>

<p>"For us, it's way better if the industry standardises on the basic tools that we're using and therefore we can benefit from the improvements that others make," he told investors in April.</p>

<p>The company's executives have dismissed warnings from others in the industry about the potential dangers of the technology, declining to sign a statement last month backed by top executives from OpenAI, DeepMind, Microsoft and Google that equated its risks with pandemics and wars.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Meta rolls out new AI language model, steps up Chatbot buzz</strong></p>

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<p>Lecun, considered one of the "godfathers of AI",&nbsp;has railed against "AI doomerism" and argued in favour of building safety checks into AI systems.</p>

<p>Meta is also starting to incorporate generative AI features into its consumer products, like ad tools that can create image backgrounds and an Instagram product that can modify user photos, both based on text prompts.</p>

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Meta Platforms said on Tuesday that it would provide researchers with access to components of a new "human-like" artificial intelligence model that it said can analyse and complete unfinished images more accurately than existing models.

Meta Platforms said on Tuesday that it would provide researchers with access to components of a new "human-like" artificial intelligence model that it said can analyse and complete unfinished images more accurately than existing models. The model, I-JEPA, uses background knowledge about the world to fill in missing pieces of images, rather than looking only at nearby pixels like other generative AI models, the company said. That approach incorporates the kind of human-like reasoning advocated by Meta's top AI scientist Yann LeCun and helps the technology to avoid errors that are common to AI-generated images, like hands with extra fingers, it said. Also read | Meta teases AI features in Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp for billions of users Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram, is a prolific publisher of open-sourced AI research via its in-house research lab. Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg has said that sharing models developed by Meta's researchers can help the company by spurring innovation, spotting safety gaps and lowering costs. "For us, it's way better if the industry standardises on the basic tools that we're using and therefore we can benefit from the improvements that others make," he told investors in April. The company's executives have dismissed warnings from others in the industry about the potential dangers of the technology, declining to sign a statement last month backed by top executives from OpenAI, DeepMind, Microsoft and Google that equated its risks with pandemics and wars. Also watch | Meta rolls out new AI language model, steps up Chatbot buzz × Lecun, considered one of the "godfathers of AI", has railed against "AI doomerism" and argued in favour of building safety checks into AI systems. Meta is also starting to incorporate generative AI features into its consumer products, like ad tools that can create image backgrounds and an Instagram product that can modify user photos, both based on text prompts. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Meta releases 'human-like' AI model for image creation. Know all about it

<p>Meta, the parent company of Facebook, is preparing to launch a new standalone app in response to Twitter. The app, internally known as Project 92 and rumoured to be named Threads after its release, will be launched through Instagram. During a company-wide meeting led by Meta's chief product officer, Chris Cox, the upcoming app was demonstrated as "our response to Twitter."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Cox took a jab at Twitter CEO Elon Musk, stating that the rival app would be "sanely run" and emphasised the importance of creating a platform that is trustworthy and reliable.</p>

<h2><strong>High-profile users already committed to using the app: Meta&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The goal of the app, which has been in development since January, is to provide creators with a stable place to build and grow their audiences, while prioritising safety, ease of use, and reliability.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Elon Musk launches new AI start up</strong></p>

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<p>Cox also highlighted that several notable figures, including Oprah, the Dalai Lama, and DJ Slime, have already committed to using the app. Meta plans to make the app available as soon as possible.</p>

<h2><strong>What is Project 92?</strong></h2>

<p>Project 92 reportedly integrates with Instagram's account system to automatically populate users' information and utilises ActivityPub to enable users to take their accounts and followers with them to other apps supported by the decentralized social networking protocol.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This integration makes the app decentralised, similar to Twitter rival Mastodon, which launched earlier this year.</p>

<h2><strong>Will Meta defeat Twitter?</strong></h2>

<p>One advantage that Meta's upcoming app may have over Twitter is its alliance with Instagram. With over 1 billion users, Instagram's vast user base could potentially boost the reach of the new app.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
In contrast, Twitter has faced controversy and challenges since Musk bought it and took over as CEO, including a significant drop in revenue amid reports of advertisers abandoning the platform due to issues such as hate speech content.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/they-will-lose-trust-elon-musk-cautions-us-authorities-on-trump-indictment-602358"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;'Public will lose trust': Elon Musk cautions US authorities on Trump indictment</strong></a></p>

<p>Meta has recognised this opportunity and aims to provide an alternative platform that “prioritises user trust and content moderation”. By leveraging Instagram's popularity and integrating with decentralised protocols, Meta claims it could offer a unique and interconnected experience different from its other platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp.</p>

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Meta, the parent company of Facebook, is preparing to launch a new standalone app in response to Twitter. The app, internally known as Project 92 and rumoured to be named Threads after its release, will be launched through Instagram.

Meta, the parent company of Facebook, is preparing to launch a new standalone app in response to Twitter. The app, internally known as Project 92 and rumoured to be named Threads after its release, will be launched through Instagram. During a company-wide meeting led by Meta's chief product officer, Chris Cox, the upcoming app was demonstrated as "our response to Twitter." Cox took a jab at Twitter CEO Elon Musk, stating that the rival app would be "sanely run" and emphasised the importance of creating a platform that is trustworthy and reliable. High-profile users already committed to using the app: Meta The goal of the app, which has been in development since January, is to provide creators with a stable place to build and grow their audiences, while prioritising safety, ease of use, and reliability. Watch: Elon Musk launches new AI start up × Cox also highlighted that several notable figures, including Oprah, the Dalai Lama, and DJ Slime, have already committed to using the app. Meta plans to make the app available as soon as possible. What is Project 92? Project 92 reportedly integrates with Instagram's account system to automatically populate users' information and utilises ActivityPub to enable users to take their accounts and followers with them to other apps supported by the decentralized social networking protocol. This integration makes the app decentralised, similar to Twitter rival Mastodon, which launched earlier this year. Will Meta defeat Twitter? One advantage that Meta's upcoming app may have over Twitter is its alliance with Instagram. With over 1 billion users, Instagram's vast user base could potentially boost the reach of the new app. In contrast, Twitter has faced controversy and challenges since Musk bought it and took over as CEO, including a significant drop in revenue amid reports of advertisers abandoning the platform due to issues such as hate speech content. Also read: 'Public will lose trust': Elon Musk cautions US authorities on Trump indictment Meta has recognised this opportunity and aims to provide an alternative platform that “prioritises user trust and content moderation”. By leveraging Instagram's popularity and integrating with decentralised protocols, Meta claims it could offer a unique and interconnected experience different from its other platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

‘A platform that is sanely run,’ Meta hits out at Elon Musk as it introduces Twitter rival

<p>Meta Platforms on Thursday launched a new feature called WhatsApp Channels, asserting that it would help make the application a "private broadcast messaging product".</p>

<p>The social media giant released a statement saying that the very first countries to be able to access the new feature will be Colombia and Singapore.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The company added that over the coming months, it will make the tool available to users in more countries.</p>

<p>Further elucidating on the feature, Meta said that Channels will help the users follow content on their hobbies, sports teams, updates from local officials and others.</p>

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<p>Profile photos and contact information of the channel admin would not be visible to followers. Similarly, followers will not have their phone numbers revealed.</p>

<p>Global launch partners for the feature will include the World Health Organization, FC Barcelona and Manchester City.</p>

<h2><strong>How to use Channel?</strong></h2>

<p>Channel on WhatsApp is a one-way broadcast feature that will allow the admin to share posts, pictures, videos, and polls. After a user subscribes to a particular channel on the app, they will receive all the content in a separate tab. The channels can be subscribed to via an invite or can also be searched for within WhatsApp.</p>

<p>A new menu option called 'updates' has been introduced on the app from where both status and channels can be accessed. The channel updates will be separate from regular WhatsApp chats.</p>

<h2><strong>WhatsApp to launch 'screen sharing' and&nbsp;'username' features</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier this week, WhatsApp announced that it will soon introduce the "screen-sharing," option for its users to modify their messages.</p>

<p>This feature will allow users to easily share their screens during a call, just like it is done in Microsoft Teams.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, this feature will not be available for old versions of Android, and might also not work in large group calls.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After installing the new version, many users might notice a few minor changes regarding the navigation bar, like&nbsp;many icons&nbsp;might be arranged in a certain order, such as&nbsp;the following tabs in the bottom navigation bar: Chats, Calls, and Status.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The report further stated that this feature is only enabled if a user gives their consent to share the content on their screen.</p>

<h2><strong>'WhatsApp Usernames'</strong></h2>

<p>The application is also said to be working on a new feature called "WhatsApp usernames." With this feature, users will be able to choose unique names for their accounts.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The company might also allow users to contact others by entering a username within the app without knowing their mobile numbers, just like Telegram.&nbsp;</p>

<p>These features come as the instant message-sharing app previously announced that it will allow its users to edit their messages within 15 minutes after sending. In a blog post shared earlier this month, it said that users can correct misspellings, add more details, or change what they have sent to friends, family, and coworkers. This feature will soon be available to users across the world.&nbsp;</p>

<p>WhatsApp said, "To fix a text, press and hold the sent message and pick 'edit'.&nbsp;After the changes, it will then display 'edited',&nbsp;but those receiving the message won't be able to see the edit history."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Meta Platforms on Thursday launched a new feature called WhatsApp Channels, asserting that it would help make the application a "private broadcast messaging product".

Meta Platforms on Thursday launched a new feature called WhatsApp Channels, asserting that it would help make the application a "private broadcast messaging product". The social media giant released a statement saying that the very first countries to be able to access the new feature will be Colombia and Singapore. The company added that over the coming months, it will make the tool available to users in more countries. Further elucidating on the feature, Meta said that Channels will help the users follow content on their hobbies, sports teams, updates from local officials and others. × Profile photos and contact information of the channel admin would not be visible to followers. Similarly, followers will not have their phone numbers revealed. Global launch partners for the feature will include the World Health Organization, FC Barcelona and Manchester City. How to use Channel? Channel on WhatsApp is a one-way broadcast feature that will allow the admin to share posts, pictures, videos, and polls. After a user subscribes to a particular channel on the app, they will receive all the content in a separate tab. The channels can be subscribed to via an invite or can also be searched for within WhatsApp. A new menu option called 'updates' has been introduced on the app from where both status and channels can be accessed. The channel updates will be separate from regular WhatsApp chats. WhatsApp to launch 'screen sharing' and 'username' features Earlier this week, WhatsApp announced that it will soon introduce the "screen-sharing," option for its users to modify their messages. This feature will allow users to easily share their screens during a call, just like it is done in Microsoft Teams. However, this feature will not be available for old versions of Android, and might also not work in large group calls. After installing the new version, many users might notice a few minor changes regarding the navigation bar, like many icons might be arranged in a certain order, such as the following tabs in the bottom navigation bar: Chats, Calls, and Status. The report further stated that this feature is only enabled if a user gives their consent to share the content on their screen. 'WhatsApp Usernames' The application is also said to be working on a new feature called "WhatsApp usernames." With this feature, users will be able to choose unique names for their accounts. The company might also allow users to contact others by entering a username within the app without knowing their mobile numbers, just like Telegram. These features come as the instant message-sharing app previously announced that it will allow its users to edit their messages within 15 minutes after sending. In a blog post shared earlier this month, it said that users can correct misspellings, add more details, or change what they have sent to friends, family, and coworkers. This feature will soon be available to users across the world. WhatsApp said, "To fix a text, press and hold the sent message and pick 'edit'. After the changes, it will then display 'edited', but those receiving the message won't be able to see the edit history." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Meta introduces new broadcasting feature on WhatsApp. Here's everything you need to know

<p>Meta chief Mark Zuckerberg on Thursday (June 8) told employees at the tech giant that while Apple's mixed reality headset may be nice, it was not his vision for the future, said reports in US media. His comments reportedly came during the first all-hands meeting at the Silicon Valley campus since the pandemic.<br />
<br />
The meet came just days after Apple launched Vision Pro, its first ever mixed reality headset.</p>

<p>"I mean, that could be the vision of the future of computing, but like, it's not the one that I want," Zuckerberg reportedly said while assessing what he has seen of Apple Vison Pro.</p>

<p>"There's a real philosophical difference in terms of how we’re approaching this."</p>

<p>On its part, Meta makes Quest virtual reality headsets. Zuckerberg has already made his vision of metaverse public.</p>

<p>"Our vision for the metaverse and presence is fundamentally social," Zuckerberg said, according to a transcript of remarks posted by tech news website The Verge.</p>

<p>"By contrast, every demo that (Apple) showed was a person sitting on a couch by themself."</p>

<p><strong>Gravitas | About Ducking Time: Apple to introduce AI-powered autocorrect</strong></p>

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<p>Meta was so confident it could create the metaverse -- an idea of a 3D immersive internet -- that it changed its name from Facebook in 2021 and began funneling billions into the project.</p>

<p>But the idea has been hampered by botched launches, dodgy graphics, no clear path to profitability and a general feeling that few people know what it is.</p>

<p>Reality Labs, the division of Meta that's in-charge of its metaverse effort, has already lost USD 4 billion. Moreover, Zuckerberg has lately increasingly been talking about artificial intelligence rather than metaverse.</p>

<p>CNBC reported that Zuckerberg said at the all-hands gathering that Meta was planning to build generative artificial intelligence into "every single one" of its products.</p>

<h2><strong>The Vision Pro from Apple</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier this week, Apple unveiled Apple Vision Pro at its Worldwide Developers Conference 2023. The tech giant called it a "spatial reality display". Apple Vision Pro is priced at USD 3499.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/apple-wwdc-2023-tim-cook-unveils-vision-pro-companys-first-augmented-reality-headset-601019">Apple WWDC 2023: Tim Cook unveils Apple Vision Pro, company's first augmented-reality headset</a></strong></p>

<p>Apple Vision Pro allows the user to communicate, work, listen to music, watch movies. The device will also let the user choose whether to be immersed or keep one eye on what's happening in the outside world.</p>

<h2><strong>Meta's 'Quest'</strong></h2>

<p>Facebook is planning to launch a new-generation Quest 3 later this year. It will have a starting price of USD 500. The starting price of Quest 2 headsets currently available was cut to $300.</p>

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Meta chief Mark Zuckerberg on Thursday (June 8) told employees at the tech giant that while Apple's mixed reality headset may be nice, it was not his vision for the future, said reports in US media.

Meta chief Mark Zuckerberg on Thursday (June 8) told employees at the tech giant that while Apple's mixed reality headset may be nice, it was not his vision for the future, said reports in US media. His comments reportedly came during the first all-hands meeting at the Silicon Valley campus since the pandemic. The meet came just days after Apple launched Vision Pro, its first ever mixed reality headset. "I mean, that could be the vision of the future of computing, but like, it's not the one that I want," Zuckerberg reportedly said while assessing what he has seen of Apple Vison Pro. "There's a real philosophical difference in terms of how we’re approaching this." On its part, Meta makes Quest virtual reality headsets. Zuckerberg has already made his vision of metaverse public. "Our vision for the metaverse and presence is fundamentally social," Zuckerberg said, according to a transcript of remarks posted by tech news website The Verge. "By contrast, every demo that (Apple) showed was a person sitting on a couch by themself." Gravitas | About Ducking Time: Apple to introduce AI-powered autocorrect × Meta was so confident it could create the metaverse -- an idea of a 3D immersive internet -- that it changed its name from Facebook in 2021 and began funneling billions into the project. But the idea has been hampered by botched launches, dodgy graphics, no clear path to profitability and a general feeling that few people know what it is. Reality Labs, the division of Meta that's in-charge of its metaverse effort, has already lost USD 4 billion. Moreover, Zuckerberg has lately increasingly been talking about artificial intelligence rather than metaverse. CNBC reported that Zuckerberg said at the all-hands gathering that Meta was planning to build generative artificial intelligence into "every single one" of its products. The Vision Pro from Apple Earlier this week, Apple unveiled Apple Vision Pro at its Worldwide Developers Conference 2023. The tech giant called it a "spatial reality display". Apple Vision Pro is priced at USD 3499. Also Read | Apple WWDC 2023: Tim Cook unveils Apple Vision Pro, company's first augmented-reality headset Apple Vision Pro allows the user to communicate, work, listen to music, watch movies. The device will also let the user choose whether to be immersed or keep one eye on what's happening in the outside world. Meta's 'Quest' Facebook is planning to launch a new-generation Quest 3 later this year. It will have a starting price of USD 500. The starting price of Quest 2 headsets currently available was cut to $300. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Mark Zuckerberg plays down Apple Vision Pro in company meet: Report

<p>Facebook's parent company Meta Platforms Inc. previewed a number of Artificial Intelligence tools under development to its staff on Thursday, It showed ChatGPT-like chatbots for Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp that can communicate using several personalities.</p>

<p>"Developments in generative AI over the previous year have now made it possible for the company to build the technology into every single one of our products,"&nbsp;Meta’s Chief Executive, Mark Zuckerberg, informed the employees.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/metas-net-income-drops-as-thousands-lose-jobs-amid-ai-race-586460">Meta's net income drops as thousands lose jobs amid AI race</a></strong></p>

<p>Amid the ongoing inclusion of consumer-facing products, executives at the meeting also unveiled Metamate, a productivity assistant for Meta staff members, who would be able to respond to questions and carry out tasks using data from internal corporate systems.</p>

<p><strong>Meta's upcoming AI features on Instagram and Facebook ads</strong>&nbsp;<br />
<br />
According to a Meta spokesperson,&nbsp;the executives also showed&nbsp;two upcoming Instagram features that have the potential to change user photographs through&nbsp;text prompts. Another feature will reportedly&nbsp;produce specific emoji stickers for messaging services.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meta has joined the AI race months after rivals like Google, Microsoft, and Snapchat announced such developments.&nbsp;The company told its employees that it is going to build its own generative AI&nbsp;which would be available to its 3.8 billion monthly users.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Meta rolls out new AI language model, steps up Chatbot buzz</strong></p>

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<p>Meta is reportedly working on rolling out consumer-facing generative AI products.</p>

<p>Last month, the company announced plans to work with limited advertisers to test tools that incorporate AI to produce image backgrounds and several versions of written copy for their ad campaigns.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meta has yet to roll out any consumer-facing generative AI products, although it announced last month that it was working with a small group of advertisers to test tools that use AI to generate image backgrounds and variations of written copy for their ad campaigns.</p>

<p>The company has also been reorganising its AI divisions and spending heavily to whip its infrastructure into shape, after determining early last year that it lacked the hardware and software capacity to support its AI product needs.<br />
<br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Facebook's parent company Meta Platforms Inc. previewed a number of Artificial Intelligence tools under development to its staff on Thursday, It showed ChatGPT-like chatbots for Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp that can communicate using several personalities.

Facebook's parent company Meta Platforms Inc. previewed a number of Artificial Intelligence tools under development to its staff on Thursday, It showed ChatGPT-like chatbots for Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp that can communicate using several personalities. "Developments in generative AI over the previous year have now made it possible for the company to build the technology into every single one of our products," Meta’s Chief Executive, Mark Zuckerberg, informed the employees. Also read | Meta's net income drops as thousands lose jobs amid AI race Amid the ongoing inclusion of consumer-facing products, executives at the meeting also unveiled Metamate, a productivity assistant for Meta staff members, who would be able to respond to questions and carry out tasks using data from internal corporate systems. Meta's upcoming AI features on Instagram and Facebook ads According to a Meta spokesperson, the executives also showed two upcoming Instagram features that have the potential to change user photographs through text prompts. Another feature will reportedly produce specific emoji stickers for messaging services. Meta has joined the AI race months after rivals like Google, Microsoft, and Snapchat announced such developments. The company told its employees that it is going to build its own generative AI which would be available to its 3.8 billion monthly users. Also watch | Meta rolls out new AI language model, steps up Chatbot buzz × Meta is reportedly working on rolling out consumer-facing generative AI products. Last month, the company announced plans to work with limited advertisers to test tools that incorporate AI to produce image backgrounds and several versions of written copy for their ad campaigns. Meta has yet to roll out any consumer-facing generative AI products, although it announced last month that it was working with a small group of advertisers to test tools that use AI to generate image backgrounds and variations of written copy for their ad campaigns. The company has also been reorganising its AI divisions and spending heavily to whip its infrastructure into shape, after determining early last year that it lacked the hardware and software capacity to support its AI product needs. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.