META CONNECT
Warby Parker bets on Google AI glasses for growth, but privacy fears still loom
Warby Parker is entering the smart glasses market in partnership with Google and Samsung, betting that demand for the artificial intelligence wearables will balloon in the coming years.
White House Ballroom investigation row: Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, who is facing scrutiny over alleged Chinese spy links, was among donors. Check list
US Attorney Aaron Reitz issued a letter to Senator Richard Blumenthal regarding potential document preservation. The letter claimed Blumenthal intimidated citizens associated with President Trump and challenged their constitutional rights. Reitz demanded all relevant documents be maintained, citing federal law violations. Meanwhile, Blumenthal affirmed his commitment to investigating taxpayer dollar misuse under the Trump Administration. The controversy includes substantial donations from major corporations to the construction of Trump's ballroom.
Meta India’s Arun Srinivas on CSAM, AI for small businesses and Muse’s India launch timeline
Meta India Managing Director Arun Srinivas discusses how harmful ads linked to child sexual abuse material slipped through Instagram's review process, the safety measures introduced since then and questions around accountability. In an interview with ET, he also talks about Muse AI's India launch timeline, how small businesses are using AI to create advertisements, Instagram's plans for creators and WhatsApp's growing ambitions in digital payments.
‘Billionaires with wives of Chinese origin’: Jensen Huang’s scandalous life sparks viral social media lists. Who features?
NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang has come under fire following his confession of an extramarital affair with Kimberly Powell. This admission ignited discussions on social media about the patterns of billionaires forming relationships with women of Chinese descent. Renowned billionaires like Larry Ellison and Rupert Murdoch share similar stories. Moreover, tech moguls such as Mark Zuckerberg and Eduardo Saverin are also in partnerships with Chinese partners.
Tech layoffs were just the start: 1.6 million more US job cuts could push America toward recession
US technology layoffs have crossed 200,000 in 2026, with Google, Microsoft, Amazon and other major companies cutting jobs. But the bigger concern is whether the trend will spread to retail and financial services, where another 1.6 million job losses could push unemployment higher and raise fears of a US recession.
Instagram’s 90-minute video bet could soon take it into direct confrontation with YouTube
Instagram is testing videos of up to 90 minutes with select creators in the US and Brazil as it looks to expand beyond short-form content and compete with YouTube and OTT platforms for viewers and advertising budgets. The move could bring podcasts, comedy specials and episodic shows to the platform, with creators using Reels to attract viewers to longer videos. Instagram is also working on a TV version of Reels to tap into connected TV (CTV) audiences. No India launch timeline has been announced.
- Go To Page 1
Qualcomm layoffs severance package: 3 months' salary, extra payout based on years of service & one more month's pay for signing exit papers within 3 days; what employees are being offered
Qualcomm has reportedly begun laying off employees in India as part of a global workforce restructuring exercise that could affect around 1,000 staff, or 5–6% of its workforce in the country. Reports suggest affected employees may be offered three months' salary as severance, with additional compensation based on tenure and an extra month's pay for those who sign exit documents within three days. Qualcomm has not publicly confirmed the reported severance package.
WhatsApp to double down on financial services, AI: CEO Kunal Shah
WhatsApp is implementing new strategies aimed at improving user experience by making communication features more intuitive for seamless navigation. The initiative includes streamlining financial transactions, so users won’t have to navigate out of the app. Kunal Shah is also looking to harness artificial intelligence for better schedule management. Collaborations with telecom and payment services may elevate these functions. Importantly, user privacy is safeguarded, maintaining end-to-end encryption on all communications.
Meta unveils India pricing for AI agent Muse ahead of local launch
Meta has announced the pricing details for its AI companion, Muse, in India. The subscription options are set at ₹1,799 for the 'Power' tier and ₹8,999 for the 'Maximum' tier. Users currently outside supported markets can register via a VPN. Muse aims to enhance user experience by integrating with various Meta services, positioning itself against local competitors like Instinct, available worldwide.
Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan’s 10-year-old daughter vibe-codes several creations, including a messaging app, apps similar to GeoCities and a game inspired by FarmVille, with each project also featuring its own marketing and sales plan
Maxima Zuckerberg, daughter of Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan, is interested in artificial intelligence and software development. She is currently experimenting with vibe-coding, which uses natural language to create software with AI tools. While her parents support her enthusiasm, they have imposed restrictions on developing online projects. Priscilla Chan specifically did not allow Maxima to create a dating website due to safety concerns.
Who is Dana White? From UFC boss to Trump's proposed press secretary, his ties with Joe Rogan and Khabib
US President Donald Trump has offered UFC President and CEO Dana White the job of White House press secretary, even suggesting that MMA stars Khabib Nurmagomedov, Islam Makhachev and others join his team as assistants. Dana White is the public face and CEO of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), the leading mixed martial arts (MMA) promotion company.
Tech billionaires in Democrats’ crosshairs: Who could face congressional probes? Here’s the hit list
Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, Jeff Bezos and other tech leaders could face congressional investigations as Democrats prepare to take control of Congress in 2027. Their scrutiny could focus on ties to Donald Trump, political influence, AI development, data center expansion and the industry's impact on American jobs and communities.
After laying off thousands, Meta now offers voluntary exit packages like Google and Microsoft. Here's all you need to know
Meta has launched a voluntary exit programme in France, designed to reorganize its team while pivoting towards artificial intelligence development. This attractive package includes severance pay, mobility leave, and extensive career support for transitioning employees. This initiative reflects a growing trend in the tech industry, as companies like Google and Microsoft are also adopting similar voluntary separation strategies. Employees wishing to participate must apply by November 5.
Delhi Police files FIR against Meta India over child sexual abuse material on its platforms
In response to directives from the National Human Rights Commission, Delhi Police has launched an FIR against Meta India, concerning the alarming presence of Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse Material on its platforms. This follows previous summons from the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights. As a proactive measure, Meta India is now coordinating with the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre to report child safety violations.
Carl Pei teases Nothing’s first AI-native product; says it 'couldn't have been an app'
Nothing will launch its first AI-native product in December with a focus on productivity. The chief executive, Carl Pei, provided limited details about the product’s functions. It is suggested that the product may help users capture conversations and take notes. Other companies are also exploring wearable AI devices that focus on companionship or productivity.
Big Tech barely moved after the midterms, but Tesla and SpaceX fell up to 5%, and even Tesla missed the solar rally: Did Elon Musk’s big bet on Republicans just backfire?
Tesla and SpaceX shares fell in premarket trading on Wednesday, Nov. 4: Today’s US stock futures pointed to a strong Wall Street opening, with Dow futures up nearly 800 points and S&P 500 and Nasdaq futures also in the green. However, Tesla and SpaceX moved in the opposite direction, falling more than 5% and nearly 8%, respectively, in premarket trading after the Democratic midterm victory. Alphabet, Meta and Microsoft gained, while Nvidia slipped slightly.
AI shopping agents could threaten Amazon and Walmart's ad business
Retail powerhouses Walmart and Amazon are also the world's two largest retail media businesses, dominating the estimated $74.4 billion in US retail media spending with a combined 88% share of that market, according to projections from data firm Emarketer. But digital assistants could soon disrupt that business.
Decoded: Will AI agents outlast the hype?
Krish Ramineni, founder of AI note-taking company Fireflies.ai, said consumers were experimenting with applications ranging from shopping and price comparisons to booking flights and hotels, making restaurant reservations, managing bills and subscriptions, and seeking refunds.
Meta halts new business terms after backlash over data scraping and AI use
Meta has postponed the rollout of new terms affecting its business accounts due to significant backlash. Critics claimed these changes could lead to unauthorized data scraping and unfair competition against news publishers. A Norwegian court granted an injunction on the terms, highlighting concerns over Meta's market dominance. The U.K. competition authority has also initiated an investigation into these new business conditions.
SaaS firm Capillary’s AI platform drives new customer wins, revenue grows 51%
Capillary’s aiRA (AI-powered Research Assistant) is an AI agent for enterprise brands that helps connect customer data across platforms and identifies opportunities to acquire, convert, retain and reactivate customers. It also executes campaigns through existing marketing tools, with human approval. It works with data from platforms such as Salesforce, Snowflake, Databricks, Google Ads and Meta, according to the investor presentation.
When my AI bargains with your AI: The next great bazaar may be where our agents haggle for milliseconds
AI agents are evolving from simple task execution to negotiating on behalf of users in commerce. These agents can analyze data efficiently, enabling faster negotiations and potentially better deals. Businesses are already preparing for AI-to-AI negotiations, which may reshape the landscape of commerce. While this could benefit consumers, it may also create disparities based on the sophistication of agents.
Besides the bubble, a big AI risk could be growing in the shadows
Investors are worried about potential financial risks linked to Big Tech's investments in AI infrastructure. The technology sector recently experienced a significant sell-off, indicating growing nervousness among shareholders. S&P Global predicts considerable expenses on data centres for major companies like Amazon and Microsoft through 2030.
Jio Platforms' post-IPO playbook: What's ahead for No. 2 of Dalal Street?
Reliance Jio Platforms made a blockbuster stock market debut, listing at a 21.4% premium and reaching a $131.5 billion valuation. After India's biggest IPO, investors are watching Jio's next growth engines: tariff hikes, broadband expansion, artificial intelligence, cloud services and stronger cash flows. Can Akash Ambani turn Jio's digital ambitions into sustained earnings and long-term shareholder returns?
Who is André Janones? The 'General' behind ‘Lula’s Army’, 10.8 million-follower WhatsApp channel that helped Brazil’s left mobilise voters after the president’s first-round setback
A WhatsApp channel called ‘Lula’s Army’ gained 10.8 million followers during Brazil’s presidential election campaign, with Congressman André Janones directing supporters to share videos, promote hashtags and recruit voters. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva later called Janones “our General” after defeating Flávio Bolsonaro in a closely contested runoff.
Can an air fryer understand multiple voice commands and automate cooking? This device can identify food, never needs Wi-Fi; know how it works
It has a capacity of 5.3 quarts. The main feature is that the voice control allows users to operate the appliance without relying on a Wi-Fi connection or a separate smartphone app. The product is designed to recognise more than 100 food types. It can select time and temperature based on the food identified. It reduces the need for users to adjust settings on their own.
Anthropic unveils Claude Duet AI agent app
Anthropic on Thursday unveiled Claude Duet, a standalone AI agent app designed to act as a proactive assistant for professionals and small-business owners, as rivals such as OpenAI and Meta race to develop AI agents that can complete work autonomously on users' behalf.
87 million Facebook users & political targeting: What was the Cambridge Analytica scandal that is back in focus as Meta faces a $25 billion hit
Meta Platforms has been ordered to pay $25 billion for misleading consumers about data privacy in New Mexico. The ruling follows a jury finding that the company misrepresented access to personal information. New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez initiated the case, citing violations of consumer protection laws. This penalty is one of the largest ever imposed on a company by a state.
Meta’s AI app Muse crosses 10 million US downloads within 40 days
Meanwhile, Zuckerberg highlighted in his post that the most common use case for Muse is shopping, with more than a quarter of people using the platform engaging in this activity with an average purchase size over $200.
Meta beats expectations but legal penalties hit profit amid AI race
Meta beat investor expectations for third-quarter revenue on Wednesday as it doubles down on a global AI race but the social media giant's profits took a hit due to an $18 billion legal settlement with nearly all US states. The company reported $9.86 billion in profits from July to September, almost 50 percent below investor expectations, which Meta said was dragged down by a $9.9 billion charge related to the settlement.
Load More
