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Reddit Shifting Towards Search as Company Wants to Become a Search Engine
CNET· 2025-08-01 18:21
Core Insights - Reddit is integrating its search function with Reddit Answers to create a unified search experience, making the search box more prominent in the app [1] - The company has over 70 million weekly active users utilizing the search function and 6 million using Reddit Answers [1] - A recent survey indicated that 80% of users believe some questions can only be answered by humans rather than AI [2] User Demand and Engagement - There is a strong demand for Reddit as a source of information, being the most cited source for AI platforms like Google Overviews and Perplexity, and second for ChatGPT [3] - The percentage of Reddit cited on Perplexity is 46.7%, indicating a strong preference for community-generated content [3] Financial Performance - In Q2 2025, Reddit reported a 78% increase in revenue year-over-year, reaching $500 million [5] - Daily active users have grown to 110 million, marking a 21% increase from the previous year [5] Industry Trends - The shift towards search is seen as a strategic move, as users often add "Reddit" to their Google searches, indicating existing demand [4][5] - The rise of alternative search experiences, such as TikTok, reflects changing user behavior in seeking specific content [5] Challenges - Reddit may face challenges with increased AI-generated spam as it enhances its search capabilities [6][7] - The platform will need to combat the influx of AI content that could undermine the quality of community-generated responses [7]
Apple to Open Manufacturing Academy in Detroit, but Don't Expect a US iPhone in the Near Future
CNET· 2025-07-29 15:51
Core Insights - The article focuses on the expertise of Tiffany Wendeln Connors in personal finance and credit cards, highlighting her background and passion for helping individuals make informed financial decisions [1] Group 1 - Tiffany Connors is a senior editor for CNET Money, specializing in credit cards [1] - She has previously covered personal finance topics at The Penny Hoarder [1] - Connors graduated from Bowling Green State University with a degree in journalism [1] Group 2 - She has experience writing and editing for various publications, including the New York Post and Women's Running magazine [1] - Outside of work, Connors enjoys life in St. Petersburg, Florida, with her family and dog [1]
Meta Debuts More Instagram Protections for Teen Users. Here's What's New
CNET· 2025-07-26 10:52
Core Viewpoint - Meta is enhancing safety features for teens on its social media platforms, particularly Instagram, to provide better protection against potential scams and harmful interactions [1][4]. Group 1: New Features for Teen Accounts - New safety features have been added to direct messages (DMs) in Teen Accounts, providing context about accounts being messaged and helping teens identify potential scammers [2]. - Teens will now see options to view safety tips, block accounts, and view the account's join date prominently displayed at the top of new chats [2]. - A new block and report function has been introduced, allowing users to block and report suspicious accounts simultaneously [2]. Group 2: User Engagement and Statistics - In June, 1 million Teen Accounts reported or blocked accounts, and another 1 million utilized the Location Notice feature to check if a messaging account was in a different country [3]. - The new DM features and block/report options are currently exclusive to Instagram, with potential plans to extend them to Facebook Messenger in the future [3]. Group 3: Addressing Past Accusations - Meta has faced accusations regarding the impact of its platforms on minors, including claims from a whistleblower about targeted ads based on teenagers' emotional states [4]. - In response, Meta has implemented improved safety features for underage users, including the introduction of "Teen Accounts" that limit contact and content visibility [4]. Group 4: Protections for Adult Accounts Related to Children - Meta will extend similar protections to adult accounts that share content related to children, such as family blogs, to prevent abuse and inappropriate interactions [5]. - Protections include placing these accounts into strict message settings and activating filters for offensive comments [5]. - These changes are set to roll out in the coming months [5].
Meta Touts Even More Protections for Teen Users. Here's What's New
CNET· 2025-07-23 18:54
Core Points - Meta has introduced new safety features aimed at enhancing the protection of teens and kids on its social media platforms, particularly Instagram and Facebook [1] - The new features include additional information and warnings about accounts that teens may contact via direct messages [1][2] - Meta reported that in June, 1 million Teen Accounts reported or blocked accounts, and another 1 million utilized the Location Notice feature [3] Group 1: New Features for Teen Accounts - New safety features in direct messages (DMs) provide teens with context about the accounts they are messaging, including safety tips and the account's join date [2] - DMs now include enhanced block and report functions, encouraging users to take action against suspicious accounts [2] Group 2: Response to Criticism - Meta has faced accusations regarding the impact of its platforms on minors, including claims from a whistleblower about targeted ads based on emotional states [3][4] - In response, the company has implemented improved safety features for underage users, including the introduction of "Teen Accounts" that limit contact and content visibility [4] Group 3: Protections for Adult Accounts Related to Children - Meta plans to extend similar protections to adult accounts that share content related to children, such as family blogs [5] - New measures will include strict message settings to prevent unwanted messages and the activation of Hidden Words to filter offensive comments [5]
California DMV Seeking 30-Day Tesla Sale Suspension for Unrealistic 'Autopilot,' 'Full Self-Driving' Claims
CNET· 2025-07-21 21:40
Core Viewpoint - The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has filed a lawsuit against Tesla, alleging false advertising regarding its "Autopilot" and "Full Self-Driving" features, seeking a 30-day suspension of Tesla's license to sell electric vehicles (EVs) in California while the case is adjudicated [1][5]. Group 1: Legal Proceedings and Implications - The DMV's request for a suspension could significantly disrupt Tesla's operations, especially following a notable decline in sales during the first half of 2025 due to various external factors [2]. - A suspension would hinder Tesla's recovery from recent sales dips, particularly in California, which accounts for over a third of EV sales in the U.S., potentially impacting sales momentum until the expiration of the Federal EV tax incentive in September [2][3]. - The DMV's allegations stem from claims that Tesla misrepresents the capabilities of its advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), with the DMV seeking restitution from Tesla [5][6]. Group 2: Tesla's Defense and Market Position - Tesla argues that the DMV has been aware of its branding for "Autopilot" and "Full Self-Driving" since their introduction in 2014 and 2016, suggesting that this constitutes implicit approval [7]. - The company has made adjustments to its product descriptions, now labeling its highest-tier ADAS feature as "Full Self-Driving (Supervised)," indicating that active driver supervision is required [7]. - If the suspension is enacted, Tesla may face increased inventory levels at dealerships as it attempts to shift stock to markets not affected by the suspension [3].
Apple Encryption Safe After All? UK Reportedly Plans to Backtrack on Backdoor Demands
CNET· 2025-07-21 18:39
Group 1 - Apple's reputation for providing a private and secure experience is among the highest in the industry, but this has been threatened by the UK government's request for backdoor access to iCloud accounts [1][3] - Following pressure from the US, the UK government is likely to reverse its demands for backdoor access to Apple, influenced by senior US political figures [2] - The Home Office has not commented on the situation, but it is noted that interfering with tech companies is considered a significant issue in the US [3] Group 2 - The UK government's request for backdoor access was initially reported in February, coinciding with Apple's decision to pull its Advanced Data Protection feature in the UK, which reduced iCloud users' protection [4] - Apple expressed disappointment over the need to reduce protection, especially in light of increasing data breaches and threats to customer privacy [4]
Uber Announces Global Robotaxi Plan With Lucid and Nuro
CNET· 2025-07-17 18:36
Core Insights - Uber has announced a global robotaxi program in partnership with Lucid and Nuro, aiming to integrate autonomous driving technology with its ride-sharing platform [1][2] - The initiative will initially launch in a major US city and is expected to expand globally, deploying over 20,000 Lucid vehicles within six years [2] - Uber plans to invest multi-hundred-million dollars into both Lucid and Nuro as part of this collaboration [3] Company Partnerships - The partnership combines Uber's ride-sharing capabilities with Lucid's electric SUV, the Gravity, and Nuro's autonomous driving technology [2] - Uber has existing partnerships with 18 autonomous vehicle companies, including Waymo, Avride, Aurora, and May Mobility, indicating a strong commitment to expanding its autonomous vehicle offerings [3][4] Industry Impact - Uber's CEO highlighted the transformative potential of autonomous vehicles for urban environments, emphasizing the goal of making autonomous driving accessible to a broader audience [4] - The collaboration with established ride-hailing services like Uber is seen as a strategic move to scale robotaxi services and lower entry barriers for consumers [5]
Apple Reportedly Taps Samsung Display for First Foldable iPhone Screens
CNET· 2025-07-15 14:30
Group 1 - Samsung Display is set to produce crease-free displays for Apple's first foldable iPhone, expected to launch in 2026 [1][2] - Mass production of flexible folding screens by Samsung Display will begin later this year to meet the summer 2026 launch timeline [1] - Industry insider Ming-Chi Kuo indicates that Apple's reliance on Samsung Display suggests confidence in their ability to ensure stable mass production [2] Group 2 - The foldable smartphone market is becoming increasingly competitive, prompting Apple to take a cautious approach to its entry [2] - Samsung Display is recognized for its innovations, including double-folding displays and stretchable screens, which may enhance the appeal of Apple's foldable iPhone [2]
EU Slaps Google With Antitrust Complaint Over AI Overviews
CNET· 2025-07-07 21:26
Core Argument - A group of independent publishers has filed an EU antitrust complaint against Google regarding its use of AI Overviews, which are AI-generated results that appear at the top of Google searches and are trained on content from across the internet [1][2] Impact on Publishers - The complaint states that Google's AI Overviews misuse web content, causing significant harm to publishers, including loss of traffic, readership, and revenue [2] - Publishers are unable to opt out of their content being used for AI training without losing visibility in Google Search [2] - Publisher traffic has seen drastic declines, with some major sites experiencing drops of 27-59% according to Similarweb estimates [5] Industry Response - In response to declining traffic, many publishers, including CNN and The Verge, are implementing paywalls and seeking direct connections with readers, moving towards a "Google Zero" future [5][6] - The publishing industry is actively filing lawsuits against AI companies like OpenAI and Microsoft for using copyrighted material to train their models [6][7] - The publishing sector has faced significant challenges, leading to layoffs and closures, with 2,900 local newspapers shutting down in the US since 2005 [8]
Microsoft Layoffs Are Here and These 3 Games Have Already Been Canceled
CNET· 2025-07-03 13:20
Group 1: Company Actions - Microsoft is implementing mass layoffs, cutting approximately 4% of its workforce, equating to about 9,000 roles across the company [1] - Microsoft Gaming chief Phil Spencer indicated that the company will end or decrease work in certain areas to focus on strategic growth and increase agility by removing layers of management [2] - Xbox Game Studios head Matt Booty confirmed the cancellation of several games, including "Perfect Dark" and "Everwild," and mentioned the closure of The Initiative studio [3] Group 2: Game Cancellations - The cancellation of "Perfect Dark," a reboot of the classic FPS series, is significant, with development ongoing since 2018 and gameplay footage shown in June 2024 [4] - "Everwild," a new IP from Rare, has also been canceled after a tumultuous development period, having been announced in 2019 and rebooted in 2021 [5][6] - An untitled MMORPG from Zenimax Online Studios, codenamed "Blackbird," which was intended as a successor to "Elder Scrolls Online," has also been put on hold [6][7] Group 3: Industry Impact - The layoffs and game cancellations highlight job instability in the gaming industry, raising concerns about the future of major game releases and overall confidence among gamers [8][9] - The cancellations of high-profile titles like "Perfect Dark" and "Everwild" could impact Microsoft's release schedule in the coming years, although all games showcased during the 2025 Xbox Games Showcase will continue development [9]