News
Facebook to invest $1 billion in content creators through 2022
Taking on TikTok and YouTube Shorts
Facebook has successfully managed to somehow take on TikTok in the short-video segment, thanks to Reels on Instagram. The social networking giant has now announced it’ll double down on content creators for its Facebook and Instagram platforms.
CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced US$ 1 billion in investments to reward creators for content through 2022. The cash will go to creators who use the platform’s tools as competition with TikTok and YouTube continues to boil.
The investments will include bonus programs to pay creators who hit certain milestones. At first, it’ll be an invite-only initiative. Towards the end of this year, Facebook will create a portal where participants can keep track of their earnings.
One of the bonus programs is a Reels Summer Bonus that will launch in the coming weeks and pay U.S. users who create great Reels content for Instagram. The move comes amid rising competition from TikTok, Snapchat, and many more regional apps.
TikTok has committed to spending US$ 2 billion to support creators over three years, while Snapchat previously paid creators a total of US$ 1 million per day to post popular short-form videos. YouTube has also created a fund to encourage content creators.
“We want to build the best platforms for millions of creators to make a living, so we’re creating new programs to invest over $1 billion to reward creators for the great content they create on Facebook and Instagram through 2022.” Zuckerberg wrote on his Facebook wall.
As the war heats up, Facebook is confident it can stay afloat thanks to its unmatchable user base. It has a history of taking inspiration from the competition and using its wide reach to gain a quick headstart. The company was severely criticized for ripping off the Stories feature from Snap, but it has done little to stop the giant from experimenting.
Automotive
Mercedes-Benz celebrates 140th anniversary at the Presidential Car Museum
A generation’s worth of presidential Benz models under one roof
Last month, Mercedes-Benz Philippines kicked off its 140th -anniversary “Welcome Home” campaign. Designed to celebrate the iconic Chedeng and introduce a new generation to the brand, the campaign attracts old and new customers alike. Now, the brand’s 140th year is also hitting history buffs with a special showcase at the Presidential Car Museum in Quezon City.
Since President Cory Aquino’s term, the official presidential car has been a Benz, offering comfort and protection for the current head of state. It is here where Mercedes-Benz wants to celebrate the legacy of the brand, especially in the annals of Philippine history.
Amid the cars of Presidents Aquino, Ramos, Estrada, and Macapagal-Arroyo, Mercedes-Benz is displaying a replica of the Benz Patent-Motorwagen Replica, which is the world’s first automobile introduced by Karl Benz in 1886. The replica will be on display until December 2026.
Outside the Presidential Car Museum, Mercedes-Benz is running discounts through the end of July. There are also special aftersales services for those who already own a Benz. Finally, the brand will continue to run activations throughout the anniversary, so expect to hear a lot more about the Chedeng throughout the year.
SEE ALSO: Mercedes-Benz holds a Welcome Home campaign to celebrate 140 years
News
Samsung releases teaser with Spider-Man: Brand New Day Easter eggs
Spot also teases upcoming Galaxy foldable devices
Samsung has just premiered a new spot that showcases clips directly from Spider-Man: Brand New Day, just a few weeks before the movie hits cinemas later this month.
The clip showcases Spider-Man as he fights crime and puts his phone through the wear and tear of superhero life.
In the spot, the Fabricator creates a number of devices for Spider-Man built to stand up to the pace and unpredictability of life behind the mask. This includes what clearly looks like a Galaxy Z Flip phone.
This provides a behind the scenes look into how Peter Parker ultimately landed on a Samsung phone — as fans speculated from the first trailer.
Meanwhile, Ned can also be seen using the Spidey Tracker to try and catch Spider-Man throughout the city on his Samsung phone.
The campaign pretty much formalizes Jacob Batalon — who plays Ned Leeds — as Samsung’s Team Galaxy’s newest ambassador.
The clip ends with the text “A brand new shape for a Brand New Day”, which is also a callback to what the brand has been teasing regarding the future of its Galaxy foldable devices.
Samsung to release latest devices at Galaxy Unpacked
Next week, Samsung is set to launch its latest devices at Galaxy Unpacked 2026.
Ahead of the launch, customers who wish to reserve as early as now can get a US$ 30 credit during pre-order, for a total of up to US$ 1,230 in savings.
Customers can also enter a sweepstakes for a chance to win one of 10 US$ 500 Samsung.com gift cards towards their purchase.
Normally, public betas come and go with nary a peep from anyone but dedicated fans and testers. After all, why care about a beta when the final release is likely just around the corner? This one, however, is special. Today, Apple launched the iOS 27 public beta, and it’s our first taste of the redesigned Siri AI.
Recently, WWDC 2026 unveiled Apple’s latest attempts at entering the AI segment. Whereas previous iterations to incorporate AI failed to make an impact, Siri AI promises to provide users with helpful feedback that’s actually helpful.
Now, in the public beta for iOS 27, users all over can finally access the new assistant. To get to the beta, you need to be a part of the beta program, which you can easily sign up for on beta.apple.com. Once signed up, you can get the update from Software Update in Settings. You’ll see options for a developer beta and a public beta. Choose iOS 27 Public Beta.
At face value, Siri AI offers much of what you’d get from a traditional AI-powered assistant. However, it does slightly differ because it integrates the entire phone. The assistant contextualizes your information (including emails, messages, and photos) to give you the most accurate feedback that you might need.
If that’s not enough, Siri AI also has its own chatbot app. If you’re more used to ChatGPT, the assistant should give you that bit of familiarity.
Now, if you don’t want to go for a beta, Apple is expected to launch iOS 27 in its final form sometime in September.
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