0:00 - Headlines
0:22 - #Meta has announced new direct message restrictions on Facebook and Instagram aimed at enhancing #teensafety. Now, not only are adults over 18 restricted from messaging teens who don't follow them, but the new limits extend to all users under 16 and, in certain regions, under 18 by default. The company is fortifying #parentalcontrols, empowering guardians to allow or deny changes in default privacy settings made by teens. This includes adjustments such as making an account public, altering Sensitive Content Control, or changing controls related to direct messaging and they emphasized that guardians will now have the ability to block these changes, providing a stronger layer of oversight. In a bid to create a safer digital space, Meta also revealed plans to launch a feature preventing teens from encountering inappropriate images in their direct messages. This safeguard extends to end-to-end encrypted chats, aiming to 'discourage' teens from sending such content.
2:08 - #Microsoft made an announcement of layoffs in its Gaming unit. A total of 1,900 workers, accounting for approximately 9% of the 22,000 Microsoft #Gaming employees, are affected by these cuts. This news comes just three months after Microsoft successfully closed its colossal $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard, a gaming industry giant. Microsoft Gaming CEO, Phil Spencer, addressed the layoffs in a memo last week, stating that these cuts are part of a broader 'execution plan.' The plan aims to reduce 'areas of overlap' following the integration of Activision Blizzard into Microsoft. Mike Ybarra, former Blizzard President, announced his departure on social media, emphasizing the personnel changes. Additionally, Blizzard co-founder and design leader Allen Adham will also be leaving the company. Matt Booty, head of Microsoft's gaming studios, shared that Blizzard will cease the development of a new survival game as part of these changes. Interestingly, Microsoft's stock showed a relatively flat response to this news, a common occurrence after major mergers. The #ActivisionBlizzard acquisition marked Microsoft's largest-ever deal, surpassing even their significant purchase of LinkedIn in 2016.
4:20 - Apple has unveiled plans to allow software developers in the European Union to distribute their apps outside of #AppleAppStore. This initiative is a response to the Digital Markets Act (DMA), a new EU law. Apple's decision will empower developers by enabling them to offer alternative app stores on iPhones and opt-out of Apple's in-app payment system, which has been known to charge commissions of up to 30%. Not everyone is applauding this change. Tim Sweeney, the CEO of Epic Games, criticized Apple's move as "hot garbage." and questions the legality of Apple's actions under the DMA, expressing concerns about Apple potentially blocking competing app stores like Epic Games Store. Apple, in response, has released tools for developers to adjust their business arrangements. However, Apple plans to charge a 27% commission on proceeds from these link-outs, a move met with skepticism from developers.


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