Meta

Meta Platforms is reportedly testing an optional premium subscription model for WhatsApp as part of its broader effort to diversify revenue streams beyond advertising. The proposed feature would allow users or businesses to access advanced functionalities through a paid subscription while maintaining the core messaging service as free. The move reflects Meta’s ongoing strategy to monetize its widely used communication platforms without compromising user accessibility.

Meta Platforms is once again evaluating the smartwatch segment as part of its broader strategy to expand its presence in consumer hardware and immersive technologies. While the initiative remains at an exploratory stage, the move signals Meta’s intent to build a more integrated ecosystem that links wearables with augmented and virtual reality platforms. Industry analysts view the renewed interest as a calculated attempt to diversify beyond advertising-led revenues and strengthen user engagement through devices that blend health tracking, communication, and immersive interfaces.

Wang of Meta emphasized the transformative potential of artificial intelligence when paired with strategic public-private partnerships. Speaking on AI-driven innovation, Wang highlighted that collaboration between governments, private enterprises, and technology providers can accelerate digital adoption, address societal challenges, and enhance infrastructure resilience. He underscored India and other emerging markets as focal points for these initiatives, where AI can improve public services, education, and healthcare delivery.

Meta Platforms has introduced a new suite of artificial intelligence-driven features on Facebook, including animated profile pictures and enhanced creative tools, signaling a deeper integration of generative AI across its social ecosystem. The update aims to boost user engagement by enabling personalized digital expression and interactive content creation. Industry analysts interpret the move as part of Meta’s broader strategy to embed AI at the core of its platforms, strengthening competitiveness amid evolving social media trends.

Global tech giant Meta has reportedly paid Rs 6,000 crore in taxes to the Indian government for the fiscal year 2025, highlighting the expanding revenue base of digital platforms in India. The payment reflects Meta’s robust monetization of social media and digital advertising in one of the world’s fastest-growing internet markets. Industry analysts view this as a significant indicator of India’s growing influence in the global digital economy and the effectiveness of its tax enforcement and regulatory frameworks.

Meta has begun promoting a new generation of AI-powered smart glasses developed in collaboration with Oakley, unveiling a teaser timed to coincide with the Super Bowl advertising cycle. The early promotion signals Meta’s intent to reposition wearable technology as both a lifestyle accessory and a functional AI interface. By aligning with a performance-driven eyewear brand and leveraging one of the world’s most-watched sporting events, Meta is seeking to broaden mainstream appeal beyond early adopters.

Meta Platforms Inc. is facing a fresh lawsuit that alleges unauthorized access to private WhatsApp communications, intensifying scrutiny over the company’s data governance and privacy safeguards. The legal action claims that sensitive user messages were accessed without proper consent, raising questions about the integrity of end-to-end encryption and internal data-handling practices. While Meta has consistently maintained that WhatsApp messages remain private and secure, the case adds to a growing body of regulatory and legal pressure confronting global technology platforms.

The California Consumer Protection Agency (CCPA) has levied fines against tech giants Meta and Amazon for the illegal sale of walkie-talkie devices that violated state regulations. The enforcement action highlights growing regulatory scrutiny of digital marketplaces and the responsibility of multinational companies to comply with consumer safety laws. The fines are part of a broader effort to curb unlicensed sales of communication devices that could pose security or interference risks.

Ray-Ban, in collaboration with Meta, has launched the second-generation smart glasses in India, signaling a new era in wearable technology. These augmented-reality-enabled eyewear combine cutting-edge camera and audio features with the iconic Ray-Ban aesthetic, offering users a seamless integration of fashion and technology. Priced at Rs. 34,990, the glasses aim to redefine digital interaction, social media sharing, and hands-free communication.

Ray-Ban and Meta have launched the second-generation Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses in India, priced at Rs. 39,900, marking a significant step toward mainstreaming AI-powered wearable technology in the country. The updated model features a redesigned camera system, improved audio hardware, and integrated Meta AI capabilities that enable hands-free interactions. With enhanced recording quality, better comfort, and a broader focus on content creation and real-world productivity, the new lineup aims to appeal to tech-savvy consumers and early adopters seeking an immersive wearable experience.