HeyWhatsNew: The DoJ Reveals Plans to Dismantle Google’s Monopoly, and Nintendo Switch Is Inviting Testers for Its New Offering
Hey there Heyuppers. Welcome to this week’s edition of HeyWhatsNew, your trusted source for the latest tech news and updates shaping our world. Let’s take a look at what went down in the week beginning 7/10/2024.
The 4th Generation iPhone SE Is on the Way, Here's What We Can Expect
The iPhone 16 has only just recently been released, but that hasn’t stopped some Apple fans and followers from wondering about what the company has lined up next. For starters, 9to5Mac has confirmed that the iPhone 17 is a long way away and we’ll have to wait a whole year to see it, but there is a new device in the works that may come about soon. According to a report, the 4th generation iPhone SE will be the next Apple device to hit the market, and there is already some speculation about the features it’ll boast.
The device, which is expected to come out in Spring of 2025, will reportedly feature an iPhone 14 inspired design with a 6.1-inch screen, shifting from the classic iPhone 8 style of the last two generations. However, it’ll be fitted with a single camera instead of a dual lens.
Social Media Users in the EU Will Dispute Content Moderation by Facebook, TikTok and YouTube
A new Appeals Centre, approved by Irish regulators, will soon start handling complaints about content moderation decisions. People in the European Union will be able to use this service to resolve disputes with platforms like Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube. The Appeals Centre plans to begin accepting cases in late 2024.
Individuals or organizations will be able to submit their appeals through the Centre’s website. If someone wants to challenge a moderation decision by Facebook, YouTube, or TikTok, they will need to pay a small fee, which will be refunded if the ruling goes in their favor. This setup is similar to Meta’s Oversight Board, which reviews moderation decisions on Facebook, Instagram, and Threads.
Nintendo Is Inviting New Testers for Nintendo Switch Online
Have you ever wanted to be among the first people to test a new game or try out a new platform before it’s released to the market? Nintendo may have the ideal opportunity for you. The company is launching a playtest for new Switch Online features, and anyone can sign up—if they're willing to pay. The playtest is only available to active Switch Online members who have the Expansion Pack add-on.
In an official statement, Nintendo announced, "We will perform a test called the Nintendo Switch Online: Playtest Program, related to a new feature for the Nintendo Switch Online service." To participate, players will need to download special software to their Nintendo Switch.
A Breakdown of How the DoJ Will Break Up the Google Monopoly
After winning an antitrust case against Google in August, the Department of Justice has outlined its plans to break up Google's search monopoly. The proposals, presented in a filing with the D.C. federal court, aim not only to address Google’s past anti-competitive behavior but also to prevent the company from dominating emerging technologies like AI-powered internet searches.
According to the DOJ, the first step to dismantling Google’s monopoly will likely involve "limiting or ending" contracts and unfair revenue-sharing agreements that make Google the default search engine on Android devices and the Chrome browser.
X Plans to Pay the Top Users to Boost Engagement
X is changing its creator payment system to focus less on ads and more on user engagement. Previously, creators earned a percentage of ad revenue from ads in their replies, but now they’ll be paid based on the engagement their content generates from X’s Premium users. This shift could lead to changes in the type of content that thrives on the platform, with creators likely prioritizing posts that spark engagement.
Platforms that reward engagement, like Instagram Threads, have already encountered issues with "rage bait" — content designed to provoke reactions and drive replies. This kind of content can dominate algorithmic feeds, prioritizing debates over more passive responses like likes or reposts. X hasn't clarified whether creator payout percentages will change, but it hinted that payouts might increase with this new engagement-focused model.
AI Avatars Have Made Their Way to Zoom
Zoom has announced a new feature that will allow users to create AI avatars of themselves to send short video messages to their teams. This is part of Zoom's broader expansion into AI technology. Alongside this, Zoom is also introducing the next generation of its AI personal assistant, AI Companion 2.0, which offers more personalized features.
Users can add custom capabilities to AI Companion for an extra monthly fee. The updated AI Companion will provide prompt suggestions, generate responses, expand on information, and even help outline next steps during meetings, enhancing the overall user experience.
That’s a wrap for this week’s tech news updates. Join us again next time when we’ll unpack how technology is changing our world bit by bit.
