Tech

The big questions about Facebook’s new VR ads

Published

4 years ago

June 21, 2021

Advertising is meeting a whole new dimension.

Facebook is trialling ads in its Oculus virtual reality headsets, after years of speculation it would do so.

The tech giant will now start appearing ads inside the Resolution Games title Blaston as well as two other unnamed apps.

This is despite the founder of the platform saying it would never do so.

Facebook will later expand the system based on user feedback, saying it aims to create a “self-sustaining platform” for VR development.

It said it would listen to feedback before launching virtual reality ads more widely and will continue testing new ad formats “that are unique to VR”.

Oculus says “We’re exploring new ways for developers to generate revenue – this is a key part of ensuring we’re creating a self-sustaining platform”

Currently, Facebook’s collected data either never leave your headset or is completely segmented from its advertising system, and it says it has “no plans” to do things like target ads based on movement data.

But as Facebook moves deeper into virtual and augmented reality, using its hardware’s special features for advertising will become an increasingly attractive prospect.

Tech

AI will reduce Amazon workforce, CEO Andy Jassy predicts

Amazon CEO predicts AI will shrink workforce, altering job types, but won’t lead to immediate mass layoffs.

Published

2 hours ago

June 18, 2025

Ahron Young

Amazon CEO predicts AI will shrink workforce, altering job types, but won’t lead to immediate mass layoffs.

In Short:
Amazon CEO Andy Jassy warns that advancements in artificial intelligence may reduce the workforce over time, primarily through attrition rather than mass layoffs. Many industries, including retail, are adopting AI, which could lead to job cuts while creating new specialised roles.

Amazon CEO Andy Jassy has indicated that advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) will likely lead to a decrease in the workforce within the company in the coming years.

In a recent communication to employees, Jassy described generative AI as a transformative technology that is already changing Amazon’s operations and customer interactions.

While he did not specify the exact extent of job reductions, he acknowledged that improvements in efficiency through AI would result in fewer roles.

Upcoming changes will primarily occur through attrition rather than mass layoffs, as seen in previous years. Certain teams may face layoffs, particularly those related to products like Alexa.

Impacts of AI

Jassy’s remarks are among the strongest from a large corporation regarding the potential impacts of AI on employment.

Various industries, including retail and pharmaceuticals, are adopting AI for multiple functions, which necessitates new job roles but also implies potential job cuts.

Surveys show a significant percentage of employers anticipate downsizing their workforce as a result of AI.

In the tech sector, many companies are prioritising the hiring of individuals with AI skills, as AI tools become integral to business efficiency.

Amazon plans to heavily invest in AI infrastructure. Jassy noted that the company is developing over 1,000 AI agents to enhance its productivity.

Tech

Starbucks joins AI revolution but will robot baristas take over?

Starbucks joins the AI wave, testing OpenAI tech to enhance service and cut costs; experts discuss its potential impact on customer service.

Published

7 days ago

June 11, 2025

Ahron Young

Starbucks joins the AI wave, testing OpenAI tech to enhance service and cut costs; experts discuss its potential impact on customer service.

Starbucks is the latest global brand to test AI assistants behind the counter, joining a wave of companies using OpenAI tech to boost service and cut costs. But will it work?

Experts weigh in on whether AI can truly revolutionise customer service.

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Tech

Apple unveils new iOS with major updates and features

Apple unveils iOS 26, its first major redesign since 2013, introducing the unified “Liquid Glass” style and enhanced Image Playground.

Published

1 week ago

June 10, 2025

Ahron Young

Apple unveils iOS 26, its first major redesign since 2013, introducing the unified “Liquid Glass” style and enhanced Image Playground.

In Short:
Apple has unveiled a major redesign of its operating system called “Liquid Glass” with a unified naming system for iOS 26 and other platforms this year. The update will enhance the Image Playground tool, allowing users to create personalised contact posters while ensuring customer data privacy.

Apple has announced a significant redesign of its operating system, marking the first major update to iOS since 2013.

The new design, dubbed “Liquid Glass,” takes inspiration from the Vision Pro.

In a shift towards consistency, Apple will implement a unified naming system for its operating systems.

iOS 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, macOS 26, visionOS 26, and iPadOS 26 will all be released this year, according to Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior vice president of software engineering, at WWDC.

Operating system names

This change aims to alleviate the confusion caused by differing operating system names. Previously, Apple maintained multiple names, including iOS 18 for iPhone, iPadOS 18 for iPad, watchOS 11 for wearables, tvOS 18 for Apple TV, macOS 15 for computers, and visionOS 2 for Vision Pro.

The upcoming iOS will enhance the Image Playground tool initially announced last year with assistance from OpenAI’s ChatGPT.

With iOS 26, users can request a contact’s poster in various styles, which will be reflected during calls and text chats. Users can specify their desired style, and ChatGPT will adjust the image appropriately.

Customer data will remain private, as nothing will be shared with OpenAI without permission.

Additionally, third-party developers will have access to the upgraded Image Playground API for use in their applications.