European Union antitrust regulators are set to examine whether Apple’s iPadOS aligns with the EU’s strict new rules targeting Big Tech, the European Commission announced on Monday. This assessment follows Apple’s recent compliance report for iPadOS, which was designated by the European Commission as a critical platform for businesses to connect with customers.

Background on the Digital Markets Act (DMA)

The Digital Markets Act (DMA), enacted earlier this year, aims to regulate major technology companies designated as “gatekeepers.” Under this legislation, Apple is required to implement several key changes to iPadOS to promote fair competition and prevent monopolistic practices. Specifically, the DMA mandates that Apple:

• Allow users to choose a default web browser.
• Permit third-party app stores on iPadOS.
• Enable compatible accessories, such as headphones and styluses, to access system features.

Importance of Compliance

Failure to comply with the DMA can result in significant penalties, potentially reaching up to 10% of a company’s global annual revenue. The scrutiny of iPadOS compliance reflects the EU’s broader strategy of monitoring and regulating Big Tech companies to ensure a level playing field in the digital market.

EU’s Assessment Process

The European Commission will carefully assess whether the measures adopted for iPadOS are effective in complying with DMA obligations. This review will incorporate feedback from various stakeholders, including other tech companies, consumer advocates, and industry experts.

Stakeholder Input

The assessment process emphasizes the importance of stakeholder input in determining compliance. Feedback from users and industry professionals will play a crucial role in shaping the Commission’s findings and recommendations regarding Apple’s practices.

Apple’s Response and Future Implications

As of now, Apple has not publicly responded to requests for comment regarding this scrutiny. However, the company has previously indicated its commitment to complying with EU regulations and has made adjustments to its platforms in response to regulatory changes.

Adjustments Already Made

Apple has begun implementing some changes to iPadOS in anticipation of compliance with the DMA. For instance, iPadOS 18 is expected to allow users in the EU to install third-party app stores—referred to as “app marketplaces” by Apple—and set alternative web browsers as defaults. However, questions remain about the level of support for third-party accessories compared to Apple’s own products.

Broader Context of Regulatory Actions

The EU’s examination of Apple’s iPadOS is part of a larger trend of regulatory scrutiny faced by major tech firms globally. Recent high-profile cases include Nvidia’s acquisition of AI startup Run:ai under European scrutiny and Amazon’s legal battles over alleged anti-competitive practices. Similarly, Alibaba recently reached a $433.5 million settlement over a class-action lawsuit related to exclusivity agreements and antitrust issues.

Implications for Other Tech Giants

As regulatory bodies around the world tighten their grip on Big Tech, companies like Apple may need to adapt their business models and practices significantly. The outcome of this assessment could set important precedents for future regulations affecting not just Apple but other technology firms operating within the EU.

Conclusion

The potential scrutiny of Apple’s iPadOS by EU regulators underscores the increasing pressure on technology companies to comply with stringent regulations designed to foster competition and protect consumer interests. As the European Commission evaluates Apple’s compliance with the DMA, stakeholders will be closely monitoring developments that could significantly impact how tech giants operate within Europe.

With ongoing adjustments expected from Apple in response to these regulations, it remains crucial for the company to maintain transparency and adaptability in its approach to regulatory compliance. The results of this assessment may not only influence Apple’s operations but also shape broader industry standards in digital markets worldwide.

Instagram has introduced a new feature aimed at helping creators manage message requests more efficiently. Announced by Instagram head Adam Mosseri, this feature allows creators to sort and filter incoming direct messages (DMs) based on account type, streamlining interactions with other creators, verified accounts, and businesses. This update follows Mosseri’s confirmation that Instagram lowers the quality of Stories and Reels with fewer views to conserve computing resources for high-performing content.

Enhanced DM Sorting for Creators

In a video message, Mosseri detailed the rollout of the sorting and filtering tools for DMs. Creators can now organize message requests based on two primary categories: recent messages and number of followers. Additionally, Instagram has added filtering options, allowing creators to narrow down message requests to verified accounts, businesses, other creators, or subscribers. This flexibility helps creators manage their inboxes more effectively, minimizing overwhelm and ensuring important messages are easier to find.

Key Features of the New DM Filter

• Sorting Options: Creators can sort message requests by recency or by the number of followers the sender has.
• Filtering Capabilities: Users can filter messages from verified accounts, businesses, or fellow creators.
• “Story Replies” Folder: A new folder consolidates all story replies in one place for quicker access.

According to Mosseri, this feature aims to help creators “easily find the messages you don’t want to miss.” The introduction of the “Story Replies” folder is particularly significant as it addresses a long-standing request from creators for better organization of their interactions.

Other Recent Instagram Updates

In recent months, Instagram has introduced several new features to enhance user experience. For instance, creators can now use customizable profile cards, making it more engaging to share their profiles. These digital cards can be personalized to reflect the creator’s style with multiple customization options.

Music Integration

Another recent feature allows users to add a song to their profile, giving them a way to express their mood or personality through music. This addition aligns with Instagram’s ongoing efforts to provide more tools and customization options for creators and enhance interactions on the platform.

Community Feedback and Future Improvements

The new DM filtering tools are part of Instagram’s broader commitment to improving the user experience for creators who often face challenges managing high volumes of messages. Mosseri acknowledged that many creators had requested these features, indicating that Instagram is listening to user feedback and working towards further enhancements.

Planned Enhancements

Mosseri stated that there is “a lot more to do” in terms of improving the inbox experience for creators. This suggests that additional features may be on the horizon as Instagram continues to refine its platform based on user needs.

Conclusion

With the rollout of these new DM filtering features, Instagram is taking significant steps toward enhancing how creators interact with their audiences. By providing tools that allow for better organization and prioritization of messages, Instagram aims to reduce the overwhelm that often comes with managing direct communications on social media.

As these updates are implemented, it will be interesting to see how they impact creator engagement and whether they lead to increased satisfaction among users who rely on direct messaging as a key component of their social media strategy. With ongoing improvements expected, Instagram continues to position itself as a platform that values creator input and strives to enhance user experience across its services.

OpenAI, led by CEO Sam Altman, has recruited Gabor Cselle, the former CEO and co-founder of Pebble, a Twitter alternative, for a confidential initiative. Cselle announced his new role at OpenAI in October, expressing enthusiasm for the “incredible talent density” at the organization and hinting that details about his project will be revealed in time.

Background on Gabor Cselle and Pebble

Cselle’s journey with Pebble (initially branded T2) began in 2022 alongside Michael Greer, former head of engineering at Discord. The project secured funding from prominent investors, including Android co-founder Rich Miner, and built a modest but active user base in the microblogging sphere. Although Pebble shuttered its operations in 2023, it later resurfaced as Pebble.social on Mastodon. At its peak, Pebble had 20,000 registered users, though active daily engagement had decreased to around 1,000 users post-rebranding. Earlier this year, Cselle also joined the accelerator South Park Commons.

Pebble’s Features and Challenges

Pebble aimed to provide a user-friendly alternative to mainstream social media platforms, focusing on privacy and simplicity. However, despite initial enthusiasm and community support, it struggled to maintain user engagement and compete against larger platforms like Twitter and Facebook.

OpenAI’s Upcoming AI Model: Orion

The news of Cselle’s recruitment comes as OpenAI prepares to launch its next-generation AI model, codenamed “Orion.” According to The Verge, Orion—reportedly up to 100 times more powerful than GPT-4—is anticipated to debut in December. However, it will not be immediately available through ChatGPT as with previous models.

Anticipated Features of Orion

• Powerful Performance: Orion is expected to significantly enhance reasoning capabilities and problem-solving skills compared to its predecessors.
• Targeted Rollout: Unlike previous models that were widely released, Orion will initially be accessible only to select partners, allowing them to build custom products using the technology.
• Hosting on Azure: Reports indicate that Orion may be hosted on Microsoft’s Azure platform as soon as November.

Financial Context

OpenAI recently secured $6.6 billion in funding and is valued at approximately $157 billion. This financial backing is crucial as the company navigates the competitive landscape of AI development while striving to achieve its long-term goal of artificial general intelligence (AGI).

Challenges Ahead

Despite its strong financial position, OpenAI faces challenges regarding public perception and the ethical implications of deploying advanced AI technologies. The recent departures of key executives have raised concerns about the company’s direction and ability to manage the complexities associated with AGI development.

Conclusion

Gabor Cselle’s recruitment by OpenAI signals a strategic move towards enhancing its capabilities in developing advanced AI technologies. As the company approaches the launch of Orion, it remains focused on building partnerships that will allow it to leverage this powerful new model effectively.

With ongoing developments in AI technology and increasing competition from other tech giants, OpenAI’s ability to innovate while addressing ethical considerations will be critical for its success in shaping the future of artificial intelligence. As details about Cselle’s project emerge, they may provide further insights into how OpenAI plans to navigate these challenges while pushing the boundaries of what AI can achieve.