Tech
Instagram pauses “Instagram Kids” in attempt to gain parent support
The Facebook powered service is creating a kid-friendly platform for young Instagram users, but it doesn’t come without controversy.
Social media platform Instagram, powered by Facebook, has pushed pause on their controversial “Instagram Kids” network.
The tech giant is in the process of creating a spin-off of their iconic photo sharing app in what is planned to be a purpose-built networking tool for children.
However, those plans have drawn to a halt as Instagram works to reinforce the app’s parental supervision and safety features.
Instagram’s solution to a bigger problem
Instagram coined the idea in an attempt to address the ongoing issue of children making false claims about their age.
“We started this project to address an important problem seen across our industry,” Instagram says.
“Kids are getting phones younger and younger, misrepresenting their age, and downloading apps that are meant for those 13 or older.”
The original app’s terms and condition’s state that it is intended for users aged thirteen plus, however young users tend to overlook this and proceed to creating an account.
“Instagram Kids” thus provides children with their own platform to explore the world of social media, with Instagram assuring that it’s the parent’s decision on whether their child should have access to the app.
“We firmly believe that it’s better for parents to have the option to give their children access to a version of Instagram that is designed for them … than relying on an app’s ability to verify the age of kids who are too young to have an ID.”
It’s because of the introduction to develop such opt-in parental settings tools, that Instagram has had to press pause on the project.
The tech giant adds that the demands of parents, experts and policy makers will be considered in the app’s development.
In an address to critics
While Instagram is considering all angles of concern, critics continue to argue that the app’s development is a bad idea due to mental health and safety fears.
However, Instagram argues that it was never their intention to create their kid-friendly version the exact same as their current platform.
“The reality is that kids are already online, and we believe that developing age-appropriate experiences designed specifically for them is far better for parents than where we are today,” Instagram says.
“It will require parental permission to join, it won’t have ads, and it will have age-appropriate content and features.”
“Parents can supervise the time their children spend on the app and oversee who can message them, who can follow them and who they can follow. The list goes on.”
Written by Rebecca Borg
Tech
OpenAI releases GPT-5.1 with enhanced conversational features
OpenAI launches GPT-5.1, enhancing ChatGPT with personality controls and improved conversational abilities for paid users
OpenAI launches GPT-5.1, enhancing ChatGPT with personality controls and improved conversational abilities for paid users
– OpenAI launched GPT-5.1 with two models to improve ChatGPT’s conversation and user control.
– The update, initially for paid users, addresses prior complaints and introduces adaptive reasoning and personality presets.
GPT-5.1 Instant is said to be “warmer by default and more conversational,” with early testers noting its playfulness while remaining clear and useful.
The launch follows a backlash from users after GPT-5’s release, who criticized its “colder” tone and the removal of previous models like GPT-4o. OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman, admitted that discontinuing GPT-4o “was a mistake” and acknowledged the emotional attachment users had to specific models.
Adaptive Reasoning
GPT-5.1 Instant introduces adaptive reasoning, which helps it determine when to “think before responding” to complex questions.
This leads to marked improvements in mathematical and coding tasks. GPT-5.1 Thinking adjusts processing time based on the task, resulting in clearer explanations and improved ease of use for various tasks.
The new version includes six personality presets, allowing users to tailor interactions. OpenAI aims for the model to integrate cognitive and emotional intelligence effectively.
For now, the rollout is for paid users, with free access occurring soon. Both models will be available via API, and legacy models will remain accessible for three months.
Tech
Apple postpones iPhone Air sequel due to poor sales
Apple delays iPhone Air 2 indefinitely after lacklustre sales of first model
Apple delays iPhone Air 2 indefinitely after lacklustre sales of first model
– Apple has postponed the iPhone Air’s launch due to poor sales of the current model.
– Production of the iPhone Air will stop, with Foxconn and Luxshare ceasing manufacturing by November and October respectively.
The decision coincides with a significant reduction in the production of the existing model. Foxconn is expected to cease all manufacturing by the end of November, while Luxshare will stop production by the end of October.
Sales for the iPhone Air have not met Apple’s expectations since its launch in September. Foxconn has limited its production lines for the device, and future orders are projected to decrease significantly. A survey indicated nearly no demand for the iPhone Air, with consumers instead choosing the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro models.
Production Challenges
The underperformance of the iPhone Air continues a trend of failed attempts by Apple to add a fourth model to its lineup.
The iPhone mini was previously discontinued after poor sales, followed by the larger Plus models, which faced similar challenges.
Apple had intended to develop a lighter second-generation iPhone Air with improved specifications but may now reconsider its design approach. The company also has plans for a staggered launch of the iPhone 18 lineup set for 2026 and early 2027.
Tech
Tech giants’ $47 billion AI infrastructure deals announced
Tech giants commit $47.7 billion to AI deals as demand for computing power soars and market diverges
Tech giants commit $47.7 billion to AI deals as demand for computing power soars and market diverges
– Wall Street started November mixed as AI deals boosted tech stocks, especially Amazon’s share price after a major agreement.
– OpenAI plans $1.4 trillion investment for computing resources, with Big Tech predicting over $250 billion AI infrastructure spending this year.
Amazon commented on the soaring demand for computing power resulting from rapid AI advancements, aiming for full capacity deployment by the end of 2026.
Microsoft also sealed a $9.7 billion agreement with IREN, highlighting the industry’s insatiable need for cloud capacity.
The collaborations depict Big Tech’s ongoing commitment to AI infrastructure, with significant investments aimed at catering to the escalating demand for computing resources.
Investment Perspective
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman revealed intentions to invest $1.4 trillion to create 30 gigawatts of computing resources.
Major players, including Microsoft, Alphabet, Amazon, and Meta, have adjusted their capital expenditure forecasts for 2025, anticipating AI infrastructure spending to surpass $250 billion this year.
Despite market caution regarding inflated valuations, analysts remain optimistic about growth in the sector. Even amidst fears of an AI bubble, industry leaders assert ongoing investments will continue to bolster market performance through 2026.
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