Meta

Some Android app developers will test the new type of ad as soon as later this year, reports The Verge. The Digital Markets Act (DMA)-- a new regulation in the EU-- that is anticipated to take effect in the spring, provides Meta with an opportunity to try this feature. "It deems Apple and Google as 'gatekeepers' and requires that they open up their mobile platforms to alternative methods of downloading apps," the report said.

"We’re expanding our “Why Am I Seeing This?” feature in Instagram Reels tab and Explore, and Facebook Reels in the coming weeks, after previously launching it for some Feed content and all ads on both Facebook and Instagram," Nick Clegg, President, Global Affairs at Meta, wrote in a blogpost.

"Starting soon we'll begin testing a new feature within the WhatsApp Business app where small businesses will have the option to send personalised messages to their customers -- like appointment reminders, birthday greetings or even updates on a holiday sale -- in a faster and more efficient way," the company said in a statement.

“We’re also introducing new tools to limit unwanted interactions in Instagram DM and Messenger, launching Quiet Mode on Instagram globally, nudging teens to set time limits on Facebook and giving parents even more ways to supervise their teens on Instagram,” the social network added.

With this new subscription, users will get access to two hand-picked VR titles every month, the company said in a blogpost on Monday. Moreover, if users sign up now through July 31, they will get the first month for $1. "With a combination of VR’s biggest hits, hidden gems, and back-catalogue classics, this is the most affordable way to grow your library with killer content."

According to the company, starting later this year, parents will be able to set up parent-managed Meta accounts for Meta Quest 2 and 3 for their children ages 10-12. "We'll require preteens to get their parent's approval to set up an account, which will give parents control over the apps their preteens download from our app store," said the company.

"Whether it's an expert interview or a casual hangout, fans can now follow conversations between their favourite creators and their special guests. This is now available globally," the company said in a statement.

The company has lowered some of the monetisation eligibility requirements for Stars so that more creators who are just starting out can earn money through the support of their fans. "Now creators must have 500 followers (down from 1,000) over the past 30 days (down from 60)," Meta said in a blogpost on Wednesday.

"You can now add 30-sec clips of your favourite songs to Notes on Instagram," Zuckerberg posted on Meta's Broadcast Channel on Tuesday. "Shoutout to my daughters for levelling up my music taste." Meta had first introduced 'Notes' on Instagram in December last year and said that it helps users to feel closer to the people they care about.

This new feature provides beta users with the ability to record and send video messages, reports WABetaInfo. When users hold the microphone button within the chat bar in any conversation, it will turn into a video camera button. Recipients will be able to identify when they receive a video message making sure that it has been recently recorded, which will greatly increase its authenticity.