Meta employees disapprove of the Metaverse app

Published

3 years ago

October 12, 2022

Meta employees have given the metaverse app a thumbs down

Meta insiders have given its Metaverse app the big thumbs down amidst the company launching its new Quest Pro virtual and mixed reality headset this week.

Horizon Worlds, Meta’s flagship Metaverse app has been reported as buggy and is barely being used by the development team hired to create it.

In a leaked memo, Vishal Shah, the VP of the Metaverse instructed the development team that the app would remain in a “quality lockdown.”

The lockdown will remain in place until at least the end of 2022, in a bid to iron out issues.

It revealed Horizon Worlds would be made accessible to a larger audience for further testing, once the problems are resolved.

The app aims to facilitate users in building avatars so they can interact within virtual worlds.

Meta unveiled its Quest Pro virtual and mixed reality headset this week. However, the device has been criticised for its $1500USD price tag.

Virtual reality headset

Its design has also come under fire. Some users complaining that the headwear is uncomfortable to wear for an extended period of time.

Once it is available for purchase, the device can be used in Meta’s Horizon Workrooms, and by some developer apps.

The device does not work with Meta’s flailing Horizon Worlds app.

The general public is continually sold the utopian concept of the wonders of its Metaverse by CEO Mark Zuckerberg.

It does not seem Meta’s current rate of technological development is in line with the bold claims being made.

The reality of the Metaverse seems to be much further away than Meta leads the public to believe.

Tech giants like Bill Gates are predicting “most meeting will take place in the Metaverse within the next three years.” However, others beg to differ.

Even when the technology of Meta’s version of the Metaverse is ready, mainstream adoption may be a highly optimistic concept within the timeframes being suggested.

By Dr Karen Sutherland, University of the Sunshine Coast and Dharana Digital

OpenAI Unveils ChatGPT Atlas: The Future of Browsing?

Published

1 day ago

October 22, 2025

ticker NEWS

OpenAI has taken another giant leap forward with the launch of ChatGPT Atlas — an AI-powered web browser that could redefine how people search, explore, and interact online. Investors and competitors are watching closely as this new technology challenges the dominance of traditional browsers like Google Chrome.

With ChatGPT Atlas, users may soon experience a web that feels less like typing into a search box and more like conversing with an intelligent assistant. The integration of AI could make browsing faster, more intuitive, and more personalised than ever before — but it also raises serious questions about privacy and data use.

As AI becomes more deeply embedded in the digital world, ChatGPT Atlas could represent the next major step toward a fully AI-driven online experience. What does this mean for users — and for the tech giants trying to keep up?

Tech

OpenAI limits deepfakes after Bryan Cranston’s concerns

OpenAI protects against deepfakes on Sora 2 after Bryan Cranston and SAG-AFTRA raise concerns over unauthorized AI-generated content

Published

2 days ago

October 21, 2025

Ahron Young

OpenAI protects against deepfakes on Sora 2 after Bryan Cranston and SAG-AFTRA raise concerns over unauthorised AI-generated content

In Short:
– OpenAI partners with Bryan Cranston and unions to combat deepfakes on its Sora app.
– The app now includes options for people to control their likenesses and voices.

OpenAI announced it will work with Bryan Cranston, SAG-AFTRA, and actor unions to combat deepfakes on its AI video app, Sora.Cranston voiced concerns after unauthorized AI-generated clips featuring his likeness emerged after Sora 2’s launch in late September. He showed gratitude to OpenAI for taking steps to safeguard actors’ rights to control their likenesses.

The partnership aims to enhance protections against unauthorized AI content. The Creative Artists Agency and United Talent Agency had previously criticized OpenAI, citing risks to their clients’ intellectual property.

Last week, OpenAI blocked disrespectful videos of Martin Luther King Jr. at the request of his estate, following similar pressures. Zelda Williams also requested the public refrain from sending her AI-generated clips of her late father, Robin Williams.

Policy Changes

Following tensions post-launch, CEO Sam Altman revised Sora’s policy to give rights holders greater control of their likenesses.

The app now allows individuals to opt-out, reflecting OpenAI’s commitment to respond quickly to concerns from performers.

OpenAI backs the NO FAKES Act, supporting legislation that aims to protect individuals from unauthorized AI-generated representations.

OpenAI is focused on ensuring performers’ rights are respected regarding the misuse of their voices and likenesses. Altman reiterated the company’s dedication to these protections.

Tech

Major apps down as AWS experiences global outage

AWS outage disrupts Fortnite, Snapchat and multiple services globally

Published

3 days ago

October 20, 2025

Ahron Young

AWS outage disrupts Fortnite, Snapchat and multiple services globally

In Short:
– AWS outage on Monday disrupted major apps like Fortnite, Snapchat, and affected several global companies.
– UK companies including Lloyds Bank and Vodafone reported issues due to the AWS outage.

Amazon’s AWS experienced a significant outage on Monday, impacting major apps including Fortnite and Snapchat. The disruption affected connectivity for numerous companies globally.AWS reported increased error rates and latencies across multiple services and is attempting to recover quickly.

The outage marks the first significant internet disruption since a previous incident last year that impacted essential technology systems globally. AWS offers on-demand computing and storage services and is vital for many websites and platforms.

Multiple companies reported disruptions, including AI startup Perplexity, cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase, and trading app Robinhood. Perplexity’s CEO confirmed on X that the outages were linked to AWS issues.

Amazon’s shopping site, Prime Video, and Alexa services also faced difficulties, according to Downdetector. Other affected platforms included popular gaming applications like Clash Royale and financial services such as Venmo and Chime.

Uber competitor Lyft’s app was reported down for numerous users in the U.S. Messaging platform Signal also acknowledged connection problems stemming from the AWS outage.

British Companies

In the UK, Lloyds Bank, Bank of Scotland, and telecom services provider Vodafone were notably affected. The HMRC’s website also encountered issues during this outage.

Elon Musk stated that his platform, X, remained operational despite the widespread disruptions.