Is Facebook’s rebrand just a strategic move to create a portfolio of CEO’s that allow the founder to move into a space that is removed from scandal and scrutiny?
MAT COLE ON
Facebook has officially announced that it will change its name to meta, signalling a new era for the social media giant.
The name change follows months of scrutiny and growing public distrust around the social media giant.
The shift will see a new focus on becoming a computing platform specialising in virtual reality and the metaverse.
Chief Executive and Founder Mark Zuckerberg says the metaverse is the next frontier and from now on the company will be metaverse first, not Facebook first.
But Facebook is under fire – so is Zuck looking to play the blame game?
Mat Cole from ACT media ventures this sort of re architecture of their portfolio, allows the appointment of CEOs for WhatsApp, CEO for Facebook and a CEO for Instagram, but Zuck will always controls the company
META
“Expect a new Facebook CEO, who will be the one facing the senate enquiries, while the founder and actual leader of Facebook will be of wearing Facebook glasses on morning television”
COLE SAID.
“Mark Zuckerberg as a founder, can now move away and create a shield from all the bad press that they’re getting.”
But behind the speeches, feel good stories about Facebook’s growth and ultimately – a rebrand, what will change?
Cole says the data policies across all of their business will not change and has not changed.
“By allowing him to pull in CEOs, what it does is every time that there is a controversy, and Facebook has a an amazing history of 10 years, you no longer have consistent controversies,” he told ticker.
META
“Instead of turning up and sitting in front of Congress and be grilled, he can say no, not me. Go and speak to the CEO of Facebook, or go and speak to the CEO of WhatsApp, or go and speak to the CEO of Instagram.”
Are people all going to flock to this idea of virtual reality?
META
“We’re not all going to buy VR goggles and jump into work. Like that’s that’s just not going to happen,” Cole says.
"We're not all going to buy VR goggles and jump into work" #Facebook users are an older group & Mat Cole from ACT Capital Ventures says a #metaverse can't happen in a centralised environment like Facebook pic.twitter.com/CN3KgILMaX
“Facebook’s users are an older group, which have a less likelihood of being able to jump in and buy virtual reality headsets. They’re just not going to do that.”
Cole says the Metaverse is part of a broader conversation, “a disconnected, interoperable, landscape of technology.”
“So I can take my avatar from work, play, to dating, and all of that can happen in the metaverse. It doesn’t happen in these, centralised environments. And that’s what Facebook talking about.”
“So it’s quite wrong in terms of what the metaverse is. So I think, it doesn’t always have to be in VR goggles, which is a lot of what Facebook is, is talking about adoption being predicated upon.”
In Short:
– Apple has introduced the new iPhone Air, priced at £999, to attract customers and update its smartphone line.
– The Air features innovations like a battery accessory, while Apple faces competition in AI capabilities.
Apple has launched a new “iPhone Air” model, marking its first significant smartphone release in years.
The new device, priced at $999, aims to attract customers following difficulties in delivering AI features.
This model replaces the Plus line and initiates a refresh since the iPhone X.
The iPhone Air is designed to pave the way for a potential foldable iPhone next year, indicating Apple’s commitment to creating thinner devices. Analysts highlight challenges with foldable technology, expressing optimism about Apple’s advancements.
The iPhone 17’s base price remains at $799, with the cheapest Pro model starting at $1,099.
Tariffs will be avoided as Apple sources most iPhones from India. The company introduced a battery accessory to enhance the Air’s life, although it adds bulk.
Design Innovations
Apple has also introduced new AirPods Pro featuring a heart monitor and an Apple Watch that can detect high blood pressure.
However, the company faces criticism for lagging AI capabilities compared to competitors like Google. Investor sentiment remains positive following a strong sales quarter and positive developments regarding trade tariffs.
Futurum Group CEO Daniel Newman said that the iPhone 17 launch comes at a “really tough” moment for Apple.
“The problem with Apple is that everything that’s showing up today is, in fact, pretty incremental,” he told CNBC’s “Power Lunch.” “Yes, the phone is thinner, and yes, it looks great. We haven’t had a big supercycle in four years.”
Other devices
The new AirPods Pro 3 boast improved audio quality and noise cancellation. A new feature is real-time translation of conversations in foreign languages. They cost $249, the same as their predecessor.
Apple released three new Apple Watch models: the Series 11, which includes updates to the low-end SE and high-end Ultra models. Prices remain unchanged. Apple has added a new health feature to the devices, using machine learning to assess the risk of high blood pressure.
Apple’s iOS 26 will be available as a free software update on Monday.
AirPods Pro 3, the new Apple Watch lineup, iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and the all-new iPhone Air—here’s everything we just announced! pic.twitter.com/EDPNjpoUW8
In Short:
– Tim Cook strengthened Apple’s U.S. investment with a $100 billion commitment despite tariff pressures.
– Analysts predict iPhone price rises due to increased component costs and enhanced features.
Apple CEO Tim Cook has successfully managed the company’s relationship with the White House amid tariffs.
Cook presented President Donald Trump with a gold plaque while announcing a $100 billion U.S. investment.
This was part of a broader commitment to spend $600 billion in the U.S. over the next five years.
Despite these efforts, analysts predict Apple may raise iPhone prices due to ongoing tariff pressures.
CounterPoint’s Jeff Fieldhack noted speculation about a potential increase. While Apple has managed the impact of tariffs better than anticipated, it has incurred costs amounting to $800 million recently.
Pricing Trends
Apple has a history of cautious pricing strategies.
While it has not raised prices significantly in recent years, component costs have increased. Analysts expect upcoming iPhones to boast enhanced features, which could justify a price rise.
Additionally, reports suggest an entry-level Pro model may be eliminated, leading consumers to face higher starting prices for new devices. Cook previously stated that there were no immediate price changes to announce.
In Short:
– U.S. Judge Mehta ruled Google can’t have exclusive search deals, allowing ongoing distribution payments.
– The decision supports collaboration with Apple and reflects changing market dynamics amid AI advancements.
U.S. District Judge Amit P. Mehta ruled that Google cannot secure exclusive search engine deals, allowing distribution payments to continue.
According to The Wall Street Journal, the judge acknowledged the potential harm to partners like Apple if such agreements were prohibited.The ruling follows Mehta’s previous finding that Google maintained a 90% search market share through illegal practices.
Mehta explained the changing market dynamics, particularly due to AI technology, arguing against drastic interventions that could disrupt competition.
The decision is viewed positively by Wall Street analysts, as it allows Google to continue its $20 billion annual payment to Apple for being the default search provider.
This arrangement could further foster collaboration on AI services.
Future Innovations
The ruling impacts Google’s ability to create exclusive agreements and requires data-sharing to boost competition.
Critics argue the remedies are insufficient, with calls for an appeal regarding Mehta’s perceived leniency toward Google.
In related news, Google stated the judgement reflects industry changes, affirming that competition remains robust. The Justice Department plans to review the ruling’s implications for restoring competition in the search market.