Tag Archives: Meta

News, VR/AR

Meta’s 128GB Quest 2 Just Got A Tempting New Price Drop To $199

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At $199, it appears Meta needs to clear stock and push the Quest 3 as an entry-point possibility. But at $499.99 for a 128GB storage variant, the Quest 3 is not any small funding, particularly for folk seeking to dip their toes into the world of VR content material. Moreover, at $199, there are barely any VR headsets on the market that may provide the identical type of refined {hardware} and an expansive ecosystem of software program constructed round it, so conserving the outdated warrior in its portfolio is smart for Meta.

Aside from including new video games to the library at a brisk tempo, Meta additionally launched help for Xbox Cloud Gaming as a part of a beta program on the Quest 2. Moreover, the corporate’s concentrate on different areas of VR leisure has spawned a wholesome catalog of numerous experiences such because the Survivor Horizon Island VR collection, award-winning brief movies, immersive music live shows, dwell sports activities (NBA and UFC, amongst others), content material streaming, net browning, and even utilizing it as a digital desktop app.

Soon, customers will have the ability to use the headset whereas mendacity down, make the most of exterior mic help, and discover pals in Horizon Worlds utilizing the People app. With continued feature development and software patches, it appears the Quest 2 is right here to remain, and extra in order Meta’s personal delicate nudge to information first-time adopters into paying up for extra premium experiences provided by the Quest 3 and the Quest Pro headsets.

Accessories and Peripherals, VR/AR

Meta Quest 3 Accessories Tested: 4 You Absolutely Need (And 1 That Is A Waste Of Money)

To elevate the Quest 3 to the level of the Quest Pro, you have the option to purchase the “Meta Quest Touch Pro Controllers” separately. These controllers are equipped with their own processor and three cameras for independent inside-out tracking. The slightly heavier weight and premium feel in the hand add to the appeal.

The Meta Quest Touch Pro Controllers are priced at $300. However, after testing both, we find that the default controllers that come with the Quest 3 track more accurately, maintain a more consistent connection, and connect more swiftly. Despite the promising features of the Pro controllers on paper, our experience suggests they are not worth the investment. The tracking cameras of the Pro controllers rely heavily on good lighting, which becomes an issue when the controllers are used in settings with shadows, obstacles, or moving limbs.

Additionally, the Pro controllers feature internal batteries, necessitating the use of the included charging dock for recharging. While they can be stored on the dock, if the batteries are drained when you want to use them, it will take some time before they are ready for use again. On the other hand, the standard Quest 3 controllers operate on AA batteries, allowing for quick replacement and immediate use. Opting for a battery charger and reusable AAs for less than $20 offers a sustainable solution and ensures a spare battery is always available. Ultimately, it is advisable to steer clear of the Quest Pro controllers altogether.

Artificial Intelligence, News

Meta’s Latest Llama AI Tool Can Help You Correct Code Errors

Meta has trained a tool called Code Llama on code snippets to assist developers in correcting mistakes. According to the company, Code Llama outperformed its competitors in coding benchmarks like HumanEval. Meta is launching Code Llama in three sizes: 7 billion parameters, 13 billion parameters, and 34 billion parameters. The smaller model is suitable for less demanding tasks, while the larger models require more hardware but offer more capabilities.

For example, the basic 7B version can run on a machine with a single GPU and is ideal for tasks such as code completion with low latency. The 13B model has a more powerful fill-in-the-middle (FIM) feature, and the 34B variant provides advanced code assistance, including code generation, block insertion, and debugging, for expert users who have the necessary hardware.

Meta Llama code AIMeta

Additionally, Meta has developed two other versions of Code Llama specifically designed for different coding environments. Code Llama Python focuses on assisting with Python, which is widely used for AI and machine learning tasks. The other version, Code Llama — Instruct, is tailored for natural language prompts and caters to non-experts who want to generate code. While it’s not perfect, Meta claims that Code Llama provides safer responses compared to its competitors. Code Llama is available for download on Meta’s website and can also be found on GitHub. Meta has also published a research paper that delves deeper into the details of this AI tool for code generation.

News, Technology

WhatsApp Introduces Screen Sharing for Everyone

In addition to screen sharing, Meta has also announced an update to WhatsApp’s video calls, which have been a key feature of the app since late 2016. The new update offers a wider and more immersive viewing and sharing experience by allowing video calls to be displayed in landscape interface, as opposed to just portrait mode. This change allows users to see more of the caller and their surroundings, providing a more comprehensive experience. The introduction of landscape mode is likely to complement the newly-announced screen-sharing feature by providing additional screen real estate.

These recent updates are part of WhatsApp’s continuous effort to introduce new features throughout the year. Some of the other notable features added include the ability to send short video notes quickly, the option to message oneself, and improvements in the process of conducting polls and captioning documents. Despite the partial return of in-person meetings in a post-COVID world, video chat continues to be popular and competitive as it remains as a reminder of the previous era.

News, Technology

Cloudflare CEO Claims Twitter’s Traffic Is Declining

According to Cloudflare CEO Matthew Prince, Twitter is experiencing a significant decrease in traffic. Meanwhile, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has been using Threads, a rival platform, to poke fun at Tesla CEO Elon Musk and discuss the possibility of Threads replacing Twitter. Zuckerberg responded to a user’s analysis of Twitter’s monthly active users and its role as a public space by stating his belief in the potential for a town square app with over one billion users. He expressed surprise that Threads has gained traction in just a few days.

In response to speculation that Twitter has censored Threads, Zuckerberg simply replied with a concerned emoji followed by laughter. He has also expressed his desire for Threads to be a positive space with genuine interactions, in contrast to the anger and toxicity prevalent on Twitter.

A significant distinction between Threads and Instagram is that Threads has stricter content restrictions, similar to Instagram, while Twitter allows explicit content. Despite this, Threads seems determined to maintain its momentum and has already launched a beta program for Android. Additionally, Instagram chief Adam Mosseri has confirmed that various features, including a chronological feed and a following feed, are currently being developed for Threads.

Exclusives, News, Technology

Meta’s Twitter Competitor Threads Now Available on Android and iOS

In the past, there were rumors about a Meta product called Threads, but it turned out to be a service that no longer exists. However, in recent months, we have gained a clearer understanding of what the new Threads has to offer. Screenshots of the app were leaked in early June, and the Android version became available just a few days ago. The iOS version quickly followed suit. Prior to the official launch, some people were able to download the Android app through an apk file, but they were unable to sign in as their accounts lacked the necessary permissions.

Now that the app has been released in multiple markets, former Twitter users who switched over under Elon Musk’s leadership, as well as those eagerly anticipating the next big thing, have a new option that feels familiar. Threads is different from Mastodon, which can be confusing for many people, and other limited platforms like Bluesky. Threads is widely accessible, especially since it is linked to Instagram, a social media app that is likely already installed on your phone. With Meta leading the way, Threads is more likely to have longevity compared to competing platforms from startups that may struggle to secure the necessary financial backing for a successful product.

News

Meta scales back its COVID-19 misinformation policy

During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, Meta, along with other major platforms, took steps to combat the spread of dangerous misinformation and disinformation. This move was prompted by the tech industry’s role in shaping public opinion on various societal issues, such as elections and child welfare. The goal was to protect users and limit the negative health effects and deaths caused by COVID-19.

As misinformation about COVID-19, including false claims about vaccines and the origins of the virus, became more prevalent, Meta joined forces with platforms like Twitter and YouTube to establish official guidelines on content that could be shared. However, as global COVID-19 cases and deaths declined, Twitter stopped enforcing its policy. Now, with national governments and the World Health Organization adopting a more relaxed approach to the pandemic, Meta and other platforms are following suit.

Although COVID-19 cases are lower compared to two years ago, there are still thousands of Americans testing positive for the disease daily, particularly among the elderly, despite widespread vaccination. With the possibility of future outbreaks, Meta and other platforms may revise their policies once again. In the meantime, Meta’s misinformation policy will remain intact in areas where COVID-19 is still considered a public health emergency.