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Instagram Adds New Digital Message Board Feature For Creators
The addition is known as Broadcast Channels and will function as a one-way messaging tool.
Yesterday, Instagram users received an unusual notification from Mark Zuckerberg himself. The random invitation from the head of Meta heralded the arrival of a new feature, urging users to “join their broadcast channel: Meta Channel.”
The new addition, known as Broadcast Channels, is a “public, one-to-many messaging tool for creators to engage with their followers directly.”
In essence, Instagram creators can message all their followers simultaneously in the form of a one-way group chat. Followers can react to broadcasts and participate in polls but can’t write back directly. Finally, Broadcast Channels can be muted at any time or notifications turned off entirely.
Meta is currently testing the new feature on 14 celebrity and influencer accounts, including Olympian Chloe Kim, skier Mikaela Shiffrin, and gamers Valkyrae and FaZe Rug. The Zuckerberg-led company will also be bringing the tool to both Messenger and Facebook over the coming months, as well as adding extra features such as question prompts.
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Google To Launch AI Hub In Saudi Arabia, Aiming For $71B GDP Boost
The tech giant also plans to develop local AI solutions, and train regional talent to foster innovation and entrepreneurship.
Google has announced plans to set up a cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) hub in Saudi Arabia, a move aimed at accelerating technological growth and economic development across the wider gulf region. The ambitious project aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, an initiative that champions technology and innovation as central to economic diversification away from the oil industry.
According to Google, the hub has the potential to contribute as much as $71 billion to Saudi Arabia’s economy. The initiative will likely speed up the adoption of AI across industries such as healthcare, retail, and financial services — not only within Saudi Arabia but also throughout the wider MENA region and beyond.
Yasir Al Rumayyan, Governor of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), highlighted the importance of the project for the Kingdom: “This partnership demonstrates PIF’s dedication to fostering an AI-friendly environment through investments in human capital and technology, upskilling thousands with cutting-edge tools to support our sustainable and innovative infrastructure goals,” he explained. Al Rumayyan also emphasized that Saudi Arabia’s combination of sector knowledge and long-term investment strategies makes it an ideal environment for global technology partnerships.
Also Read: Top Free AI Chatbots Available In The Middle East
A central aim of Google’s initiative is nurturing local talent. The AI hub will offer a range of training, research, and collaboration opportunities for developers, researchers, and entrepreneurs within Saudi Arabia. Google envisions training “millions” of people, helping to create a robust innovation ecosystem that supports entrepreneurship and ensures economic benefits reach all segments of society.
As international technology giants increasingly look to develop solutions tailored to regional needs, Google’s initiative reflects a progressive approach that leverages the strengths of local markets. With the potential to inject billions into the economy and strengthen digital capacities, Saudi Arabia could soon emerge as a prominent center for AI innovation in the Middle East.
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