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In August, Donald Trump disclosed over 500 financial transactions, including a purchase of between $5 million and $25 million in Meta shares and an investment of up to $5 million in SpaceX senior notes. The filings reveal a highly active portfolio with significant trades across various companies, notably just before he endorsed a national space transportation policy.
Manus, a Chinese AI startup, announced it has raised more than $500 million in its initial funding round since ending its $2 billion acquisition agreement with Meta. The funding was led by Boyu Capital and IDG Capital, with participation from existing investors including Tencent and HSG. The company plans to expand its hiring efforts globally and has not disclosed its current valuation, though reports suggest it was in talks for a $4 billion valuation last month.
Meta is testing a Facebook layout in India that opens directly into a full-screen, immersive video feed, with a possible US rollout in 2027. Separately, researcher Radu Oncescu found an Instagram test letting Reels appear as the first screen on app launch, with sound on by default, while Stories stay at top and the regular feed is reached by swiping. A Meta spokesperson confirmed the Instagram test is live in some countries and said users can revert to the old layout.
Multiple TikTok creators are endorsing inexpensive knockoff AI glasses sold on TikTok Shop and other marketplaces, claiming they lack the recording indicator present on Meta’s official glasses. These imitation devices are priced between $40 and $100, significantly cheaper than Meta’s several-hundred-dollar product. Influencers highlight the absence of the blinking recording light as a key selling point, suggesting it offers more discretion for users.
Leading technology companies like OpenAI and Meta are designing their AI agents with a focus on adorable and friendly visuals, using elements such as sparkles, gradients, and cartoon-like characters. This trend aims to make AI interactions more approachable and engaging for users.
Meta launched Muse and OpenAI introduced Dots, two user-friendly AI agents designed for everyday tasks. Both companies aim to attract mainstream users and businesses by offering animated mascots that handle functions like reservations, email management, and specialized professional services, with Muse being free and Dots requiring payment. The release highlights a growing trend toward integrating AI into daily life, raising questions about privacy and data security.
AI startup Manus raised more than $500 million in its first funding round since Meta's failed acquisition attempt was blocked by Chinese regulators. The round was led by Boyu Capital and IDG Capital, with existing investors Tencent, HSG, and ZhenFund participating. The company did not disclose its valuation, but reports suggest it could be worth around $4 billion, making it China's leading AI agent developer.
WhatsApp has begun integrating its Liquid Glass aesthetic into the app’s video player, featuring a translucent progress bar and refreshed controls. The update is part of a broader rollout of the Liquid Glass design across various app sections, including the iPad and Mac versions, but remains limited to some users. The new interface aims to create a more immersive experience consistent with the overall Liquid Glass theme introduced since iOS 26.
Microsoft announced the Surface Laptop Ultra, featuring an Nvidia AI chip, with a starting price of $2,599 and scheduled to ship on October 16. The device includes the world's first magnetic USB-C port and supports running various AI models locally. The company also revealed plans for Meta's Muse AI agent to be available on Windows, aiming to enhance AI capabilities on consumer devices.
Meta and Microsoft have begun restricting their employees' access to Anthropic’s Claude AI, shifting focus toward developing and deploying their own AI solutions. Microsoft has reduced its internal AI spending limits from $100,000 to about $10,000 per employee, while still maintaining client-facing AI services that utilize Claude. Despite internal cuts, both companies continue to see rising client expenditures on Anthropic’s models through their platforms.
Meta has released its Muse AI assistant app for iPad, a month after its initial launch on iPhone. The app, which has accumulated over 6.6 million installs since September 8, enables users to manage emails, meetings, bills, and perform tasks like booking and shopping by connecting various online accounts. The update introduces new connectors for small businesses and retail partners, expanding Muse’s capabilities to handle transactions across multiple platforms.
A recent report highlights that nearly half of U.S. adults have deleted social media apps due to stress, and many others are posting less or feeling overwhelmed. Meanwhile, Meta's advertising expenses continue to climb, prompting businesses to reconsider their marketing strategies. Experts suggest focusing on high-quality content and exploring offline channels to reach consumers more effectively.