Tag: Meta

TechPulse

OpenClaw Creator Peter Steinberger Joins OpenAI as Sam Altman Accelerates AI Agent Strategy

Tanisha Cardozo

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman announced that Peter Steinberger, the creator of the viral AI agent OpenClaw, is joining OpenAI as the company sharpens its focus on next-generation autonomous AI systems. Altman confirmed that OpenClaw will continue to operate as an open-source project under a foundation model, with OpenAI providing ongoing support.

OpenClaw, previously known as Clawdbot and Moltbot, was launched just last month by Steinberger and quickly gained momentum across social media and developer communities. Its rapid rise reflects the growing demand for AI agents capable of independently completing tasks, making decisions, and taking actions on behalf of users without constant human oversight. Businesses and consumers alike are increasingly experimenting with AI systems that can handle workflows, research, communication, and operational processes autonomously.

In a post on X, Altman said Steinberger would join OpenAI “to drive the next generation of personal agents,” describing him as “a genius with a lot of amazing ideas about the future of very smart agents interacting with each other to do very useful things for people.” Altman added that intelligent agents are expected to become core to OpenAI’s product offerings in the near future.

Although financial terms were not disclosed, the move underscores the intensifying competition for AI talent across the technology sector. Earlier this year, OpenAI acquired former Apple designer Jony Ive’s AI devices startup io for more than $6 billion. Technology giants including Meta and Google have also been investing billions to attract top AI researchers and developers.

OpenAI, most recently valued at $500 billion, faces mounting competition in the generative AI market, particularly from Anthropic. Anthropic’s Claude models have been gaining traction among enterprise clients, especially with tools such as Claude Code. The company recently introduced Claude Opus 4.6, which it says improves coding capabilities, sustains tasks for longer durations, and delivers higher-quality professional output. Anthropic was reportedly valued at $380 billion in a fundraising round earlier this week.

OpenClaw has also expanded quickly in China, where it can integrate with locally developed language models such as DeepSeek and be configured for use with domestic messaging platforms. Chinese search engine Baidu plans to offer users of its main smartphone application direct access to OpenClaw.

However, some researchers have expressed concerns about the openness of OpenClaw and the potential cybersecurity risks posed by highly customizable AI agents that users can modify extensively. As AI systems become more autonomous and interconnected, the balance between innovation, openness, and security is expected to remain a central issue in the rapidly evolving artificial intelligence landscape.

With Steinberger joining OpenAI and OpenClaw continuing as an open-source initiative, the company appears determined to strengthen its leadership in the emerging era of intelligent AI agents capable of operating with greater independence and collaboration.

Social Media

Instagram Rolls Out New Features: Reposts, Map, and Friends Tab to Boost Social Connectivity

Tanisha Cardozo

Meta has officially announced a fresh round of Instagram features that aim to make the platform more interactive, community-focused, and creator-friendly. In a blog post dated August 6, 2025, Meta detailed a set of tools designed to help users share, discover, and connect more meaningfully.

🔁 Reposts – Share What You Love

Now users can repost Reels and posts, allowing easy sharing of favourite content with their followers. These reposts will be shown on followers’ feeds and stored in a dedicated tab on the user’s profile.

“Reposts will be recommended to your friends’ and followers’ feeds, and they’ll also be in a separate tab on your profile,” Meta explained.

Creators will benefit too — reposts can help boost visibility and expand reach beyond their direct followers.

🗺️ The Map – Location Sharing With a Social Twist

A new Instagram Map feature lets users explore posts by location, opt-in to location sharing with selected friends, and discover posts from favourite creators tagged in unique spots. The feature mirrors Snapchat’s map concept but integrates Instagram’s content style.

“It’s a lightweight way to connect with your friends, based on where they’re exploring,” says Meta.

🎥 Friends Tab in Reels – Know What Your Circle is Watching

The Friends Tab, now globally launched, appears at the top of the Reels section. It shows users the public Reels their friends have interacted with, helping promote conversations around shared interests and boosting engagement within friend groups.

“This helps you see what the people you care about most are creating and engaging with,” Meta said.

🛠️ Bonus Features You Might Have Missed:

Here’s what else is rolling out or being tested:

  • Edits App Enhancements: Instagram’s native editing app now features teleprompters, voiceovers, and collaborative editing.
  • AI-Generated Content: Testing AI-generated stickers, profile images, and tools to enhance visual creativity.
  • Enhanced Messaging: Custom chat themes, vanish mode, scheduled DMs, and message effects.
  • New Content Creation Tools: Add text overlays, custom fonts, and stickers to standard posts.
  • Profile Design: Rectangular profile grids and refreshed layouts launched earlier this year.
  • Longer Reels: Maximum Reels duration extended to 20 minutes, with new Reel-to-Reel linking for storytelling.

📍 Why It Matters

Instagram’s new features are clearly targeting better social discovery, enhanced creator visibility, and stronger real-life connections. With social media audiences craving more personalised and purposeful experiences, Meta’s update seems to strike a balance between community and creativity.

Social Media

Instagram Now Requires 1,000 Followers to Use Live Feature: Here’s What You Need to Know

allycaralgoa

📍 August 5, 2025 – Meta has quietly updated Instagram’s eligibility criteria for going Live: users now must have at least 1,000 followers to access the feature. This increase from the earlier 500-follower threshold is aimed at reducing misuse, spam, and potentially harmful live broadcasts.

🚨 Why the Change?

The Instagram Live feature has previously been misused for spreading misinformation, adult content, and harassment. By enforcing a follower threshold, Meta hopes to ensure that only accounts with a certain level of credibility and engagement can broadcast in real time.

“Safety is our priority. Raising the threshold ensures more responsible usage of our Live feature,” said a Meta spokesperson.

💡 What Does It Mean for Users?

  • ❌ Accounts with fewer than 1,000 followers will no longer see the “Go Live” button.
  • ✅ Accounts with 1,000+ followers will retain full access to Live.
  • 📆 Rollout of the new policy is expected to complete globally by mid-August 2025.

🎥 Small Creators React

While many creators support the move for the sake of platform safety, others worry that it will limit opportunities for new voices.

“This makes it harder for emerging creators to connect in real time with their followers,” said one food blogger. “Live was our way of building community.”

📈 Tips to Grow to 1,000 Followers

  • 🎯 Post consistently with clear value (education, entertainment, or inspiration)
  • 📹 Use Reels and trending audio to improve discoverability
  • 🤝 Engage with your niche and audience authentically
  • 🧩 Add CTA-driven captions and relevant hashtags

Instagram’s move aligns with broader digital safety initiatives across platforms, reinforcing that quality engagement matters more than just access.

🔗 Read more updates like this on allycaral.com
🔔 Follow @allycaral for regular updates on tech, media, and creator news

TechPulse

IICT Joins Forces with Global Tech Leaders to Launch AVGC-XR Courses in India

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo

The Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT) has officially launched admissions for its inaugural academic session, with classes set to begin in August 2025. With the creative economy booming globally, the institute is setting the stage for India to lead in the domains of Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, and Extended Reality (AVGC-XR).

Announced by Union Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw at the WAVES Summit earlier this year, IICT is envisioned as a world-class institution fostering talent in digital creative technologies. What sets it apart is its strategic collaboration with industry giants like Google, Meta, Microsoft, YouTube, Adobe, NVIDIA, and JioStar. These tech leaders will not only support curriculum development but also provide industry training, internships, scholarships, and direct job placements for graduating students.

The institute’s first wave of courses includes:

  • 🎮 6 in Gaming
  • 🎞️ 4 in Post Production
  • ✍️ 8 in Animation, Comics, and XR

With a focus on immersive, hands-on learning, these courses aim to align with industry standards, preparing students for careers in global media, tech, and gaming companies.

IICT has also forged a key MoU with the University of York, UK, enabling students to access global certifications, research collaborations, and exchange opportunities, further enhancing the institute’s international credibility.

Under the dynamic leadership of Dr. Vishwas Deoskar, the institute aims to position India as a global AVGC-XR hub. “We’re merging India’s immense creative potential with global standards. It’s a revolution in digital skill-building,” said Dr. Deoskar.

The institute will soon release its full curriculum, and admissions for the August 2025 batch are now open.

With India’s youth eager for high-growth careers and the AVGC-XR sector set to skyrocket, IICT is the launchpad for future creative innovators.

TechPulse

Meta Brings Ads to WhatsApp: Here’s What to Expect

allycaralgoa

July 11, 2025 | By Allycaral

In a move that has long been speculated and cautiously anticipated, Meta has officially confirmed that it will begin displaying ads on WhatsApp — the world’s most-used messaging platform with over 2 billion users globally.

The ads will not appear in private chats or groups, but will instead be introduced in WhatsApp’s Status feature (akin to Instagram Stories) and Channels, which were recently launched to help users follow updates from creators, influencers, and businesses.

This marks a key shift in Meta’s long-term monetization strategy for WhatsApp, which had previously promoted a no-ads experience under its “no ads, no games, no gimmicks” motto.

Meta executives clarified that chats will remain private and encrypted, and that ad targeting will follow privacy-first protocols. However, marketers will now have an opportunity to reach audiences on WhatsApp through interactive visual content — something previously exclusive to Facebook and Instagram.

The rollout is expected to be gradual, beginning in selected markets before expanding globally. WhatsApp for Business users may also see additional advertising tools and sponsored messaging features in the future.

While the move offers new opportunities for brands and creators, it also raises important questions about user experience, platform trust, and the future of ad-free communication.

What’s Changing:

  • Ads will show up in Status and Channels.
  • Personal and group chats remain ad-free.
  • WhatsApp Business may gain enhanced tools for ad placements.
  • Rollout to begin in select countries over the next few months.

As the digital advertising landscape continues to evolve, WhatsApp’s entry into the ad space could reshape how businesses engage with users on messaging platforms — all while testing the balance between monetization and user trust.