Facebook told developers its ad targeting ability on iOS 14 will be impacted.

The social media giant Facebook told developers some of the company’s concerns about Apple’s latest mega software update on iOS-powered devices.

On August 27, Facebook CFO David Wehner acknowledged the concern. He stated a problem with the iOS 14, Apple’s latest operating system update. It could possibly affect the social media company’s ad targeting ability.

Apple’s Business

The newest update from Apple, expected to be released this year, could make it more difficult for app developers to target ads to users. The company announced iOS14 in June during its WorldWide Developers Conference. Apple said the new release gives users a chance to opt-out of being tracked by developers. This change could significantly affect targeted ads at users, as developers won’t be able to snoop around your mobile activity.

There is no specific date on when Apple will release its next major mobile software update. But the tech giant says on its website that iOS 14 will roll out later this year to supported mobile devices. Historically, Apple usually releases its annual major update to iOS every September, in time with the announcement of their new iPhones.

Moreover, the Tim Cook-led company has always advocated of providing privacy to users through its products and services.

Facebook’s Business

Facebook earlier admitted that the latest software update could hurt their business model built around targeting ads to users. iOS 14 will severely affect its Audience Network, and other advertising networks, the company noted. 

Facebook said that changes Apple made to its newest iPhone operating system will cripple the social-media giant’s ability to serve targeted ads to iPhone users while they are on other apps https://t.co/3AoVbGiAnk

— The Wall Street Journal (@WSJ) August 26, 2020

In a blog post to developers, Facebook mentioned that including the Audience Network in iOS 14 will be pointless. The company wrote: “This is not a change we want to make, but unfortunately, Apple’s updates to iOS 14 have forced this decision.”

The social media giant also said it works with over 19,000 developers and publishers from different countries, per CNN. The Mark Zuckerberg-led firm noted it paid out billions of dollars in 2019 for advertising partnerships. With this new iOS feature, advertisers may be prevented from targetting ads and gauging their effectiveness, per a CNBC report.

Revenue Affected

Facebook said at the time it awaits further guidance from the iPhone company.

Chief financial Wehner said that the company is still “trying to understand what these changes look like and how they will impact us and the rest of the industries.” Wehner said that with the new changes in iOS 14, app developers might find it harder “to grow” through advertisements.

In a CNN report, Facebook indicated tests that suggest taking away ad targeting could drag the revenue from Audience Network by half.

The CFO also said that with the latest iOS update, the company’s revenue from advertising could be affected by the third quarter.

The post Apple’s Upcoming iOS 14 Could Affect Facebook’s Ad Targeting Ability first appeared on Tekrati and is written by Irene Hawkins

Facebook said it will notify you on both Facebook and Instagram when the media projects a winner in the 2020 elections.

As if the 2020 election wasn’t stressful enough already, Facebook plans to join the fun. When the media calls the winner, you will see his name at the top of your Facebook and Instagram feeds. You’ll also see a label for the candidates’ posts. Moreover, you’ll also get info on voting information centers. 

Facebook and Elections

The Verge reports that Facebook will notify you once the media projects the winner. Facebook will get its information from these media outlets:

Facebook will announce presidential election result in Facebook and Instagram notifications https://t.co/BRAImxD6UI pic.twitter.com/Jz8zOQZdKs

— The Verge (@verge) November 6, 2020

•     Reuters
•     ABC News
•     CBS News
•     Fox News
•     NBC News
•     CNN
•     The Associated Press

Spokesperson Tom Reynolds said Facebook wants to stop the spread of fake news and election lies on the platform. 

Facebook’s Election Moves 

As of now, Facebook has already limited posts that contain wrong information. These posts also contain false claims about the election. Moreover, Facebook has stopped election-related videos from spreading. 

Other Steps

Earlier, Facebook said it was taking steps to stop lies and false claims on its apps. The company banned US political ads on Tuesday. Before the election, Facebook also froze sales from political ads. The company also banned a Facebook group called “Stop the Steal,” with 300,000 members. About the ban, the company said the group kept calling for violence. Moreover, Facebook even blocked many hashtags claiming election fraud.

The post Facebook Will Tell You the Next US President first appeared on Tekrati and is written by Rob Sterling

Facebook has launched Facebook Gaming, a cloud gaming service that lets you stream free-to-play mobile games on browser and Android.

After Google and Amazon, Facebook has now joined the cloud gaming wars. The social media titan has launched Facebook Gaming. However, it’s different from Google’s Stadia and Amazon’s Luna. For one, you can’t stream PC or console games on Facebook Gaming. Instead, you can only stream free-to-play mobile games. 

Facebook Gaming

Kotaku reports that Facebook Gaming is now out in California, Texas, as well as Northeast and mid-Atlantic states. For now, it’s only available on the web and Android. Unlike Stadia or Luna, Facebook Gaming just adds to the vast selection of browser games available on the platform. 

If you go to Facebook Gaming’s page, you can try out these mobile games:

•     Asphalt 9: Legends
•     Mobile Legends: Adventure
•     PGA TOUR Golf Shootout
•     Solitaire: Arthur’s Tale
•     WWE SuperCard

You don’t need to open separate apps to play these games. Just open your browser or Facebook app and play. 

What’s New About Facebook Gaming?

Facebook says that it shouldn’t replace standard gaming hardware. The company also doesn’t intend to compete in terms of streaming speeds. In other words, Facebook just wants to give users wholesome games to pass the time at work.

You can also choose avatars and change your names on Facebook Gaming. With the new player names, you can also play various games across apps. Moreover, you can say goodbye to crappy mobile game ads cropping up on your feed. Facebook Gaming will now show game ads that feature actual gameplay. 

Should You Try Facebook Gaming?

If you’re just playing a free-to-play mobile game anyway, you could just download the app itself. However, if you don’t have much space on your phone, you can stream the same games. You don’t even need to buy a new controller.

The post Facebook Launches Cloud Gaming Service for Free-to-Play Mobile Games first appeared on Tekrati and is written by Irene Hawkins

In its attempts to fuse its apps into one, Facebook has merged Messenger and Instagram. With this move, you can chat with other people from Messenger to Instagram, and vice versa. You won’t even need to get a separate app. 

Instagram and Messenger in One

In a blog post, both heads of Instagram and Messenger spoke of the merger. Adam Mosseri, head of Instagram, and Stan Chudnovsky, head of Messenger, welcomed the update to Instagram.

So begins the unhappy matrimony of Instagram and Facebook Messenger https://t.co/5iBuVAdnba pic.twitter.com/LaJWwImbPM

— Gizmodo (@Gizmodo) September 30, 2020

This merger means that Facebook is bringing Messenger’s chat features to Instagram. In their post, the two heads said that more people are chatting privately on social media nowadays. Knowing this, they wanted to connect both experiences in one app.

Messenger on Instagram?

Gizmodo reports that the new update gives Instagram new messaging features. Among these new features is a “Watch Together” mode. This mode lets people watch viral videos while video-chatting. Another new feature is the “Vanish mode.” With this mode, you can set your messages to disappear as soon as the recipient reads them.

In August, Facebook had already hinted at mixing Messenger and Instagram. Instagram users on Android and iOS received messages telling them they could use Instagram to chat with friends on Messenger. 

What’s Next for Facebook?

In the Gizmodo report, Facebook should roll out the new messaging service to some countries worldwide. Soon after, the company will expand this service to all countries. However, this service would not support chatting with WhatsApp.

The post Facebook Combines Messenger and Instagram first appeared on Tekrati and is written by Irene Hawkins

Apple may be picking another fight with a company. This time, it’s Facebook. With a new update, Facebook would have also told users that Apple takes 30% from all in-app purchases. According to Apple, Facebook broke App Store rules. Developers shouldn’t tell users about “irrelevant” information. 

Apple vs. Facebook?

Facebook talked to Reuters about the block. In the Reuters report, Facebook said that Apple forced them to remove a message from a new update. This message would have told users that Apple receives 30% from in-app payments.  

What Did Facebook Do?

The Verge reports that Facebook had tried asking Apple to waive this policy for them. With the rule waived, the money would go right away to event organizers. Apple refused. In the end, Facebook released the update without the message. 

Apple Stops Facebook From Revealing 30% Tax on in-App Purchases

This new Facebook feature would help online influencers and businesses earn money during COVID-19. Influencers and companies can host paid online events on Facebook. 

Facebook vs. Android?

This message also doesn’t appear on Android phones, either. For Android, the message was similar. It told users that Facebook wouldn’t get a cut from in-app payments. Both Apple and Google demand 30% cuts from in-app purchases.

With this move, Facebook calls attention to Apple and Google’s business practices. Both companies had already removed Fortnite from their device because of a direct payment option. Epic Games sued Apple for this. In response, Apple threatened to revoke Epic’s access to the Unreal Engine. 

The post Apple Stops Facebook From Revealing 30% Tax on in-App Purchases first appeared on Tekrati and is written by Sam Arnold

It seems every social media app out there is making a TikTok clone. Instagram tried it with Reels. Now, Facebook is trying out a new app called Collab. 

Facebook Collab

Gizmodo reports that Facebook’s Collab is an iOS app geared toward musicians. With Collab, three users can sync their sounds to create a version of modern hit songs. While Collab may seem similar to TikTok’s Duets, Facebook’s app lets three users sync up. TikTok only lets two users sync up.

Test driving Collab, Facebook's latest TikTok clone https://t.co/KY0xC2ryLw pic.twitter.com/21ZcdyMHOO

— Gizmodo (@Gizmodo) September 23, 2020

However, users can duet TikTok videos infinitely. 

More on Collab

Facebook’s New Product Experimentation (NPE) team created Collab. In a tweet, NPE product manager Jason Toff said that Collab is the future of music. Toff said that Collab would allow new creators to emerge. These creators would curate and remix clips to make new music.

Toff began offering Collab’s beta version this weekend, through Apple’s TestFlight program. The app does look like TikTok, with a “For You” feed. But Collab’s clips all follow the same format.

Collab’s clips have three panels. In each panel, you’ll see people singing along or playing instruments to the beat of any song. 

TikTok Clones

Collab is not Facebook’s first TikTok clone. First, Facebook tried Lasso. However, after fewer than two years on app stores, Facebook removed it. Instagram also created Reels, which hosts TikTok-like videos. However, the app was a flop. Maybe Facebook’s new app could finally break through. 

The post Facebook Tries Out New TikTok Clone first appeared on Tekrati and is written by Irene Hawkins

With Facebook’s new test, you might be able to watch Instagram Stories on the blue app. The company didn’t say whether this option would replace Facebook’s existing Stories mode.

Instagram Stories on Facebook

The Verge reports that Facebook users have seen Instagram Stories popping up on their newsfeeds. Before, Facebook had let users post Instagram Stories on the FB app. However, this new test will allow users to watch Stories without switching apps.

CONFIRMED… by Facebook Comms rep: pic.twitter.com/MWSEcqp3hv

— Matt Navarra (@MattNavarra) September 4, 2020

You’ll know an Instagram Story if the profile photo’s circle is pink/orange. On the other hand, profile photos for Facebook Stories have blue circles.

Can Any FB User Watch My Instagram Story?

Only your IG followers can watch your IG Stories on Facebook. Not only must they link both their IG and FB accounts, but they also have to opt into the feature. If you’re worried that all of your FB friends can see your IG Stories, the company has got you covered. 

Facebook Confirms Test

Social media consultant Matt Navarra confirmed the limited test with an FB rep. The rep told him that they would listen to user feedback. Moreover, Instagram users have the option to keep their Stories on IG. 

This test is part of FB’s effort to unite all of its apps, such as WhatsApp and Instagram. Last month, Facebook tested out a new direct messaging mode for Instagram. Sooner or later, you can send direct messages between Instagram and Facebook.

The post New Test Allows Users to Watch Instagram Stories on Facebook first appeared on Tekrati and is written by Sam Arnold

Facebook’s interest in VR and AR has led them to push the development of “smart audio.” The company has published an explainer into its ongoing AR research. 

Facebook’s Smart Audio

The company has published an in-depth article on “smart audio.” According to Gizmodo, Facebook’s AR tech runs on a concept known as “social presence.” The report says the company wants to bridge gaps between perception and reality. For example, the smallest audio mismatch could take you out of the AR experience right away, even if your headset does work.

Facebook is trying to make "smart audio" a thing so you'll want to buy a pair of Facebook AR glasses https://t.co/KwSVbwosrA pic.twitter.com/vlAPyaLFNH

— Gizmodo (@Gizmodo) September 4, 2020

Facebook Reality Labs Research is hard at work to solve this problem. They’re figuring out how to make virtual sounds align perfectly with reality. In the process, they are also trying to “redefine human hearing.” 

In simple terms, the lab wants to reduce irrelevant background noise while amplifying virtual sounds. Gizmodo compares this ability to superheroes’ super-hearing ability.  

How Does Smart Audio Work with AR?

FRL Research says that “smart audio” would work with AR glasses. Microphones in the glasses should pick up background noises. After that, the glasses study your head and eye movement to know what you want to hear. From this data, “smart audio” would dampen background noise while enhancing other sounds.

This tech could also work with Facebook’s LiveMaps. For example, if you enter a noisy room, the glasses could spot distracting noises. These noises could include conversations and machines. AI would remove the noises for you. 

Will Facebook’s Smart Audio Come Out Soon?

If you want a piece of Facebook’s smart audio, you’ll have to wait for a few years. Facebook plans to launch its AR glasses between 2023 and 2025.

The post Facebook Working on “Smart Audio” for AR Glasses first appeared on Tekrati and is written by Irene Hawkins

Instagram users missing Messenger’s options for direct messages should be excited now that Facebook is integrating both apps. The company plans to let Instagram users send private messages through Messenger. 

Instagram and Messenger in One App

Engadget has reported on Facebook’s plans to unify all of its apps. Under this plan, users can now send messages to their friends across Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. The company is hard at work to realize this plan. If they succeed, they could release the full update suite by the end of the year.

Facebook’s plans also include putting end-to-end encryption to all three apps. WhatsApp already uses this feature. With this move, Facebook could address the privacy issues it has faced for years.

Instagram starts merging chats with Facebook Messenger https://t.co/wrT0TGSxK9 pic.twitter.com/HRSCiW7eSh

— Engadget (@engadget) August 15, 2020

How Did Facebook Combine Instagram and Messenger?

According to The Verge, a pop-up message appeared on Instagram Friday evening. The message read: “There’s a New Way to Message on Instagram.” Along with the note were new features like colorful chats, more emojis, swiping to reply, and sending messages to Facebook friends.

If you update Instagram, you’ll see that the Facebook Messenger logo has replaced the old DM icon. Your chats are more colorful. However, you still can’t chat with your Facebook friends. 

What Do Facebook’s Moves Mean?

By integrating all three apps, Facebook could pose a challenge to Apple’s popular iMessage app. With Instagram and WhatsApp, Facebook could change social media once again.

Facebook had bought Instagram in 2012 for $1 billion, while it bought WhatsApp two years later for $19 billion.

The post Facebook Merges Instagram And Messenger with New Update first appeared on Tekrati and is written by Sam Arnold

The United States’ most powerful tech CEOs faced an antitrust hearing in Congress Wednesday. Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg, Amazon’s Jeff Bezos, and Apple’s Tim Cook were at the hearing. The three CEOs defended their companies from charges of abuse of power and putting their rivals out of business. 

Jeff Bezos Goes to Congress

CNN reports that Bezos had never spoken to Congress before. The world’s richest person spoke to lawmakers about Amazon’s use of data. According to lawmakers, Amazon had used data from third-party sellers to boost its own private business. As a result, other sellers got priced out of the market. Bezos said that Amazon has a policy that bans the practice. However, he could not say if Amazon never violated it.

Four of the most powerful figures in tech were hit with tough questions and documents that raised concerns about their competitive tactics during a high-profile antitrust hearing. Here are some of the takeaways. https://t.co/q4yQx9WXyS

— CNN (@CNN) July 30, 2020

Zuckerberg Speaks about Instagram

Lawmakers asked Zuckerberg about Facebook’s deal with Instagram in 2012. That year, Facebook bought Instagram. Lawmakers asked him whether his company bought Instagram because he didn’t want to compete fairly in the market. In response, Zuckerberg admitted that Instagram was a threat. But he added that the Federal Trade Commission approved the deal.  

Tim Cook on the App Store

Tim Cook faced questions about Apple’s removal of screen time and parental control apps on the App Store. After debuting the Screen Time feature on iOS 12, Apple deleted the other apps from the App Store. Cook said that the removed apps posed a risk to user privacy and security. He added that the apps needed personal data or camera access to work.

After the hearing, US lawmakers will recommend ways to stop abusive practices in the future.

The post Tech CEOs Face Congress Grilling In Antitrust Hearing first appeared on Tekrati and is written by Sam Arnold