Here is the top trending news from the world of technology and AI during last 48 hours.
1)
BlueSky assures that it won’t train AI on users’ post
The decentralized microblogging platform BlueSky, which aspires to become a direct competitor to Elon Musk’s X, has said that it won’t use user generated for training its AI systems. Interestingly, this is in stark contrast to the policy adopted by X, which uses its users posts for training its AI chatbot Grok. What even more interesting, this announcement by BlueSky has coincided with announcement of X’s new terms of service, stating that its third-party partners will be allowed to train its AI system on users’ post. Overall, this news will come as a huge relief for all those X users who have recently switched to BlueSky for better privacy features.
2)
WhatsApp launches Message Draft Feature
After a long wait, WhatsApp has finally announced that it will have a Draft Message feature, which will allow users to save unfinished messages easily. This new feature has been rolled out globally on Android as well as IOS though many regions or countries may have to wait for several weeks for getting access to this feature. When users start typing a message but do not send it, WhatsApp will show a bold green label reading ‘Draft’ next to the chat. Once users tap on Draft, chats containing unsent messages will be automatically moved to the draft folder. This feature will obviously help in streamlining the process of finding and completing unfinished chats or messages. Draft Message feature has been one of the most anticipated features.
3)
Inspired by BlueSky, Meta is Testing Custom Feeds for Threads
Meta is currently testing custom feeds feature for its Threads app, enabling users to create and pin topic-based feeds directly to their home screens. This will help in increasing user engagement by providing more personalized content options beyond the default algorithmic “For You” feed and the “Following” feed. Threads users can easily create custom feeds for any particular keyword as per their liking and interests or hobbies (e.g. astronomy & cooking). Additionally, users will also get the option of adding specific profiles to their custom feeds, which would allow them to follow posts/content from particular users. This feature is already immensely popular on decentralized microblogging platform BlueSky where users are allowed to create their own algorithms and follow specific topics or profiles.
4)
Tyson-Paul boxing match on Netflix clocks 65 million viewers
Netflix’s live-streaming of the highly anticipated boxing match between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul has turned out to be one of the most-watched live events in the platform’s history. According to Netflix, nearly 60 million households tuned in to watch the match with the viewership peaking to 65 million. The women’s boxing match between Amanda Serrano and Katie Taylor, which was also live streamed on Netflix, equally garnered impressive viewership with nearly 50 million viewers. However, despite the high viewership numbers, Netflix’s live-streaming witnessed barrage of complaints from users who complained about continuous buffering and streaming problem.
5)
ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, is now worth $300 billion.
ByteDance, parent company of popular video sharing app TikTok, has earned the covet distinction of being one of the most valued Chinese tech companies in the world. It has been valued at approximately $300 Bn following a slew share buyback exercise, with the company offering to repurchase share at about $180.70 each share. The Chinese tech giant reported a robust revenue growth last year, with total revenue increasing by nearly 30%, clocking a total $110 Bn revenue. Despite its impressive performance, ByteDance continues to face regulatory pressure especially in the US market where it could be banned if it does not divest its ownership by early next year.