Vodafone and Meta have teamed up to tackle network congestion and enhance mobile user experience across Europe. Launched in June, this VoIP-optimized partnership spans eleven markets, focusing on video optimization to reduce network traffic. Initial tests in the UK show significant traffic reductions for Meta apps, freeing up resources for high-traffic areas.
The recent unveiling of Llama 3, Meta Platforms Inc.’s latest AI model, has stirred significant enthusiasm among technology and AI influencers. This launch on the ‘X’ platform has sparked discussions about democratizing AI, with a notable surge in conversations during the third week of April, according to GlobalData’s Social Media Analytics Platform.
Meta is ambitiously positioning itself to become the world’s top AI company, co-aligned with an increase in AI spending. The tech giant’s latest earnings reveal a climbing revenue and expenses, inciting mixed responses from investors. The landscape of optimistic forecasts and increased capital expenditures seems less rosy weighed against lower than expected Q2 revenue forecasts and significant investments into AI infrastructure. CEO Mark Zuckerberg points to an aggressive AI research expansion being instrumental in the fierce race against competitors OpenAI and Microsoft.
The EU’s strategic push under the Digital Markets Act has resulted in mega-tech firms Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, ByteDance, Meta and Microsoft being labelled ‘gatekeepers’. With this new classification, pivotal changes are expected in the realm of digital services for end-users and businesses. Crucial guidelines centering around data transparency, competitiveness, and platform interoperability must now be adhered to. On the other side of the coin, brands such as Samsung have evaded the ‘gatekeeper’ tag.
Instagram’s new Threads app has garnered over 30 million sign-ups within 24 hours of its launch, along with a staggering 95 million posts and 190 million likes. While some features are missing, such as DMs and integration with ActivityPub, the impressive numbers indicate a promising start for Meta’s Twitter competitor.
Top tech giants, including Amazon, Apple, and Microsoft, have recently been identified by the European Commission under the new Digital Markets Act (DMA) as potential digital ‘gatekeepers’. These firms, commanding vast economic and influential prowess, now sit waiting during a 45 day review period that could officially brand them as such. Following the conclusion of the evaluation process, each company will need to navigate a six-month transition to achieve full compliance with the DMA directives. These guidelines are aimed at fostering competition and safeguarding both end-user rights and the interests of small scale businesses.
Meta introduces Channels, a privacy-centric feature for WhatsApp, enabling one-way broadcasts to followers without revealing personal information. With options to block screenshots and control discoverability, Channels may fill the market gap for a more private broadcast platform.
Meta’s bold AI integration plans could revolutionize platforms like Facebook and Instagram while tackling infrastructure and software challenges. The metaverse’s potential is also sparking interest among telecommunication leaders, creating opportunities for immersive social experiences.
Meta faces a record €1.2 billion GDPR fine for transferring European users’ data to the US, raising questions on compliance, data privacy regulations, and US surveillance laws. With Meta appealing the decision, the telecommunications industry watches closely.
T-Mobile to acquire Mint Mobile for up to $1.35bn T-Mobile stated on Wednesday that it intends to purchase Ka’ena Corporation and its subsidiaries, including Mint Mobile, for up to $1.35 billion in cash and stock. The acquisition also includes wireless provider Ultra Mobile and wholesaler Plum. T- Mobile’s decision to pay a premium for the acquisition is thought to have been influenced by Ryan Reynolds, who fronts most of Mint Mobile’s marketing and holds an ownership stake in the company. According to CEO Mike Sievert, Mint Mobile’s innovative marketing approach, led by Reynolds, will be adapted to other sectors of T-Mobile. Reynolds is required to remain with the company for an unspecified amount of time under the terms of the agreement. Read the full article. Meta Platforms to layoff an additional 10,000 employees Meta Platforms is laying off 10,000 employees as part of its continued attempts to improve its financial…
