Trending Stories
Vision Pro, the new era of smart devices
This week, Apple launched a new augmented reality headset that makes all our futuristic fantasies a reality. It’s marketed as an all-in-one phone, game console, desktop, and camera operating in 3D. Virtual reality headsets like Ocular have already existed, so why is Vision Pro “revolutionary” according to Apple CEO Tim Cook? It combines both virtual and augmented reality allowing you to “navigate simply by using your eyes, hands, and voice.”
Sterling Crispin, one of the software developers shared his thoughts. He said VisonPro uses AI models that “predict if you are feeling curious, mind wandering, scared, paying attention, remembering a past experience, or some other cognitive state” . This is through physical behaviours like eye tracking, heartbeat, and muscle activity. The slick headset comes with a hefty price tag of $3,500/£2,800. Users on Twitter are already speaking their minds. Some compared it to a Black Mirror episode. Maybe soon, we’ll see people walking the streets with these fancy-looking ski goggles.
Twitch U-Turns on new advertising policy
Twitch endured 24 hours of sustained criticism from its creators after announcing new advertising rules. The new policy was accused of being detrimental to its creator communities’ ability to generate new income. Some aspects of the policy included prohibited embedded ads and logo size limited to 3% of the screen. Many complained that this would affect streamers’ abilities to raise money for causes they want to support.
However, the good news is Twitch has now U-turned on the decision. A tweet from the streaming platform stated the guidelines were “bad for you and bad for Twitch”. This is an example of social media’s power. Brands must find the balance between their objectives and keeping those that generate its content happy. Although Twitch has now reversed the decision, it will be a long road ahead to regain the trust of its community.
The eery smog taking over New York City and social media
Social media has been filled with yellow-tinted videos from New York over the past week. Many citizens woke up in confusion about why their city had a smokey smell and a new filter. The answer is all down to the Canadian wildfire smoke caught downwind to the US state. Many TikToks have been posted showing New Yorkers’ new life, wearing masks, blocking up door gaps and buying air purifiers.
However, New Yorkers are also making fun of the situation. People compared it to Blade Runner 2049 and parts of the Legend of Zelda Nintendo Switch game. We hope everyone is staying safe and it passes over soon.
Toby’s Tiny Tales
Welcome back to Toby’s Tiny Tales. Toby Fairhead, a RISE Academy graduate, now Senior Account Executive in our UK team, has three new recommendations of what you should stream, watch, and read this weekend:
Read
Are female electricians the solution to the climate crisis?
We need more electricians and scientists to help reach our sustainability goals. Gender inequality stands in the way, and breaking down those barriers can help.
Watch
Aliens might already be on our way to us – 10 mins
The universe is constantly expanding. New planets and stars are exploding into creation every second. What is the chance one of them already has life?
Listen
Apple’s Next Move – 26 mins
After this summit this week, Apple has some big plans for the future. People are already suggesting the company is back changing the world once again.
Platform Updates
LinkedIn extends their DMs to company pages
LinkedIn is always looking for ways to facilitate more professional connections and interactions. Hence the launch of page messaging for company pages. Businesses can now send and receive messages, ensuring accounts are building those connections with their audience.
LinkedIn explained, “members can reach out to brands through a one-to-one message, which has previously only been available for member-to-member interactions.” Company pages will soon have a dedicated inbox account admins can manage. LinkedIn has been testing this feature with selected users. As of this week, it has officially launched. See you in our LinkedIn DMs soon!
Meta will soon be bringing some new AI tools to its platforms
A recent Meta company meeting revealed some new AI features are set to be rolled out on Messenger and WhatsApp. Meta employees were given a sneak peek of ChatGPT-like chatbots that would have the ability to converse using different personas.
Instagram doesn’t like to be left out. The platform was also given a preview of a new feature that could modify user photos via text prompts. Are we on the cusp of witnessing influencers adding Rolex watches and diamond chains to their photos via AI-generated images? Who knows.
WhatsApp introduces new Channels feature for broadcast messages
WhatsApp revealed a new feature called Channels, allowing businesses to create a broadcast space. In other terms, it’s an upgrade to your work group chat. The feature will enable large-group conversations to provide updates in real-time. Meta aims this new feature specifically at NGOs, medical research institutions and fact-checking bodies. It’s less concerned about the influencers of generic WhatsApp users.
However, WhatsApp may need to lift end-to-end encryption to facilitate these wider group conversations, putting data at risk. Currently, this feature is only available in Colombia and Singapore but will soon make its way to other countries. Watch this space for more updates.
That’s This Week in Social all wrapped up! If you can’t wait for Fridays to hear the latest news in marketing and social, you can sign up to our fortnightly newsletter, REFUEL, here 🚀
