business Archives

AppWizard

June 17, 2025

WhatsApp to start showing ads to users in some parts of the messaging app

WhatsApp will soon introduce ads in the Updates tab of the app, while ensuring that personal messaging experiences remain unchanged and free from advertisements. The ads will be targeted based on user attributes such as age, location, and language, but will not utilize personal messages or calls for targeting. Additionally, WhatsApp has launched two monetization features: Channels, allowing creators to charge subscription fees for exclusive updates, and promotional services for business owners to enhance channel visibility.

AppWizard

June 17, 2025

WhatsApp to start showing ads to users in parts of the messaging app

WhatsApp will introduce advertisements in the Updates tab, affecting approximately 1.5 billion daily users while keeping personal chat spaces free from ads. Ads will be targeted based on age, geographic location, language preferences, channels followed, and user interactions, without compromising end-to-end encryption for personal messages. Additionally, WhatsApp will allow channels to charge subscription fees for exclusive updates and enable business owners to promote their channels. Meta Platforms, WhatsApp's parent company, relies heavily on advertising for revenue, having reported .5 billion in total revenue in 2025, with [openai_gpt model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Summarize the content and extract only the fact described in the text bellow. The summary shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. Text: In a notable shift for the popular messaging platform, WhatsApp has announced the introduction of advertisements within its app, a move that aligns with parent company Meta Platforms' ongoing efforts to diversify revenue streams. Starting soon, users will encounter ads specifically in the Updates tab, a feature utilized by approximately 1.5 billion individuals daily. Importantly, these ads will not intrude upon personal chat spaces, ensuring that the core messaging experience remains untouched. Ad Targeting and User Privacy WhatsApp has emphasized that the personal messaging experience will remain intact, with end-to-end encryption safeguarding personal messages, calls, and statuses from being used for ad targeting. Instead, the advertisements will be tailored based on various factors, including: Age Geographic location (country or city) Language preferences Channels followed within the app User interactions with displayed ads This strategic pivot marks a significant departure from the platform's founding principles, as co-founders Jan Koum and Brian Acton initially pledged to keep WhatsApp free from advertisements when it was launched in 2009. Following Facebook's acquisition of WhatsApp in 2014, the original founders departed, leaving Meta to explore monetization avenues. New Revenue Opportunities In addition to the introduction of ads, WhatsApp has unveiled two other advertising features aimed at enhancing monetization. Channels will now have the option to charge users a subscription fee for exclusive updates, providing a new revenue model for content creators. Furthermore, business owners can invest in promoting their channels to attract new users, thereby increasing visibility within the app. Meta Platforms, based in Menlo Park, California, has long relied on advertising as its primary revenue source. In 2025, the company reported a staggering 4.5 billion in total revenue, with a remarkable 0.6 billion derived from advertising alone. As WhatsApp embarks on this new chapter, the integration of ads may play a crucial role in bolstering Meta's financial landscape while navigating the delicate balance between user experience and monetization. " max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.7" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"].6 billion from advertising.

Tech Optimizer

June 16, 2025

Databricks rolls out Lakebase Postgres and Agent Bricks for AI-era apps

Databricks has introduced the Lakebase Postgres database layer to enhance its lakehouse architecture, facilitating AI applications and analytics on operational data. The company also launched Agent Bricks to simplify the development of automated AI agents. During the Data + AI Summit, CEO Ali Ghodsi emphasized the importance of transitioning from outdated systems to modern solutions for AI. Lakebase, powered by Neon technology, is a fully managed, Postgres-compatible database that supports data loading from over 300 sources. Databricks aims to unify operational and analytical systems for real-time decision-making. The summit outlined a three-chapter framework: establishing the lakehouse, integrating AI, and introducing Lakebase. Agent Bricks enables business users to create AI agents without extensive technical knowledge, while Managed Iceberg Tables support external engines and promise performance optimizations. Databricks announced partnerships with Microsoft and Google Cloud for deeper integration and AI model usage. The company is investing 0 million in AI education and plans to release Lakeflow Designer for no-code ETL capabilities. Databricks anticipates reaching .7 billion in annualized revenue by July, with a growth rate of 50 percent and plans to hire 3,000 employees in 2025. Lakebase is currently in Public Preview.

AppWizard

June 16, 2025

Russian Lawmakers Authorize Creation Of National Messaging Service

Russian lawmakers passed legislation on June 10 to establish a national instant messaging service, envisioned as a multifunctional information exchange service similar to WhatsApp. The service aims to facilitate bureaucratic and legal functions, including electronic document signing. VK, a Kremlin-aligned social media platform, is reportedly developing a new digital platform named Max, which will include chat, messaging, and payment services. The Russian government has previously launched the Gosuslugi e-government service portal, which serves around 100 million citizens and is being integrated with VK. President Vladimir Putin has expressed support for the new messaging service, instructing officials to transition services from government agencies to the platform.

Tech Optimizer

June 16, 2025

Why cybersecurity awareness and insider risk management are essential for SMBs

Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are increasingly exposed to cyber threats, with human error being the leading cause of data breaches. Employees may click on malicious links, use weak passwords, or fall for phishing scams, highlighting the need for ongoing cybersecurity awareness training and insider risk management. Comprehensive training programs can help employees identify and mitigate threats, while modern cybersecurity platforms offer monitoring for exposed credentials on the dark web and provide real-time alerts for compromised information. These platforms also feature automated reporting, allowing business owners to track training completion and identify areas of risk. Educated and supported employees can become a strong defense against cyber threats, making investment in human-focused cybersecurity tools essential for SMBs to protect their reputation and financial health.

AppWizard

June 16, 2025

WhatsApp to start showing more adverts in messaging app

WhatsApp is launching three new advertising features to enhance user engagement without compromising private conversations. The platform will not use the encrypted content of users' messages for ads but will utilize data such as location, language, and ad interactions. Users linked to Facebook or Instagram will see personalized ads in a section called Updates at the bottom of the app. Businesses can promote their channels, attract followers, and offer subscription-based access, with WhatsApp taking a 10% commission on these fees. Firms can also use status updates for ads that direct users to chats. Concerns exist about potential user backlash if the app becomes cluttered with ads, particularly in regions like the UK and Europe. WhatsApp's head, Will Cathcart, reassured users that those who use the app solely for messaging will not be affected by the ad features. While the Updates section may not be popular in the UK, it has received a better response in other areas.

AppWizard

June 15, 2025

Steam quietly makes 2018 game free to keep for 1 week

Currently, the indie game Paradox Soul, developed by Ritual Games and released in 2018, is available for free on Steam until June 17, 2025. The game is a single-player ‘metroidvania’ action platformer that typically costs £4.29. It now includes Steam Trading Cards and invites players to explore its mysteries. User reviews on Steam are mixed, with some players sharing humorous feedback. If players do not enjoy the game, they can remove it from their library without any cost.

Winsage

June 15, 2025

Windows 11 upgrade workarounds might not be safe

Microsoft will cease providing security updates, bug fixes, and technical support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. Users can consider several options: 1. Upgrade to Windows 11 if their PCs meet compatibility criteria. 2. Replace their computer with a new one that comes pre-installed with Windows 11. 3. Use an unofficial workaround to install Windows 11 on unsupported hardware, though this carries risks. 4. Pay for Extended Security Updates (ESUs) after the deadline, primarily aimed at business customers.

AppWizard

June 14, 2025

PlayStation is being ‘really thoughtful’ about picking which games to port to PC, says studios boss

Hermen Hulst, head of PlayStation studios, stated that Sony takes a careful and strategic approach to porting games to PC, typically delaying non-live service titles by at least a year after their console release to maintain the value of the PlayStation 5. Despite indications of a potential shift towards a more aggressive strategy, Hulst confirmed the company will continue its conservative approach to protect the unique value of the PS5. Hideaki Nishino, CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment, emphasized the importance of monitoring player patterns and behaviors while expressing confidence in Sony's current strategy amidst competition in the industry.

Winsage

June 14, 2025

Now You Can Upgrade Your PC to Windows 11 Pro or Home for Only $10

Microsoft will discontinue support for Windows 10 in October 2025, making the upgrade to Windows 11 urgent. Windows 11 Pro is available for purchase from StackSocial for a promotional price, significantly lower than the standard price from Microsoft. Users can apply the promo code MSO5 at checkout to access this deal. The Pro version includes features like DirectX 12 Ultimate, BitLocker device encryption, Azure-AD, and Hyper-V. Upon purchase, users receive a lifetime license, but must ensure their hardware meets the minimum system requirements for installation. The download code must be redeemed within 30 days before it expires.