Connect with us

SOCIAL

Meta Launches New Metaverse-Aligned Ad Campaign for its Quest 2 VR Headsets

Published

on

Meta Launches New Metaverse-Aligned Ad Campaign for its Quest 2 VR Headsets

While Facebook’s daily user count may have stalled, parent company Meta is already looking towards the next stage, by shifting its attention to the theoretical ‘metaverse’ and how we’ll all be interacting in fully digital environments in the very near future.

Which is the focus of Meta’s latest ad campaign, which it launched this week.

As you can see, amid the Super Bowl hype train, Meta’s looking to promote its Quest 2 VR headsets, with the story of an out of work dog mascot who rediscovers his old friends in Meta’s version of the metaverse – which, at least based on this example, will exist within VR.

Which is not the whole metaverse story, as Meta is keen to point out. Indeed, Meta has repeatedly noted that the metaverse, as per its vision, will incorporate AR, VR, machine learning, AI, advancing wearable devices, and more.

Advertisement

Essentially, every evolving tech of any kind will tie back into the metaverse, according to Meta’s growing PR campaign. Which is interesting, because by switching its name to ‘Meta’, and placing that umbrella term over every type of tangentially related tech, Meta actually is taking ownership of the metaverse conversation, to the point that it’s gradually building more association with the term, which doesn’t necessarily mean anything in a broader sense.

I mean, a ‘metaverse’ can be many things, but it’s now coming to be known as this new, all-encompassing digital connection space. But AR will work independently of any metaverse, as will AI functions, so it’s interesting to see how Meta is re-shaping the broader narrative, which will ultimately place it in the driver seat in pushing the next stage of tech innovation.

Which, of course, will include its VR headsets. And while sales of the Quest 2 are rising (Meta’s Reality Labs division brought in $877 million in revenue last quarter, $160 million more than its previous best quarterly mark), there is still a way to go before we end up like this dog here, all hanging out with friends in this immersive world, full of limitless opportunities.

But it does seem like that is the way we’re headed. It’s just not clear, from all the various fragmented parts that Meta’s trying to pull together, how we’ll get there exactly.

Really, Meta’s vision of the metaverse, as it’s shown in various video clips and presentations, is just its VR world, which it’s looking to develop into a social alternative via Horizon Worlds and other platforms.

Advertisement

Which looks impressive (if you really like The Lego Movie and don’t mind floating around like the genie from Aladdin), but it’s still some way off being a fully interactive, immersive space.

And it doesn’t necessarily require linkage to AR tools or other functions, it’s just VR, which Meta has been developing for years, under a different name.

Of course, that will eventually facilitate other opportunities, like trading digital items and shopping in VR spaces. All of these elements will collide, making a broader ‘metaverse’ experience. But I can tell you from experience, spending all day in VR is currently not the most enticing prospect, and it will take some time and adjustment to facilitate more intuitive controls that don’t leave you feeling queasy and stunted in the space.

But there is huge potential there, and huge value in the next shift. It’s just interesting to see how Meta’s trying to dominate a range of broader tech conversations and developments by putting them all under one ‘metaverse’ banner, while also innocently claiming that ‘no one company will run the metaverse’.

Because it’s quite possible that one company will run this version of the metaverse, and establish the rules for all others that wish to take part. That company is Meta, formerly Facebook, which is gradually shaping the next stage of digital interaction.


Source link
Advertisement
Keep an eye on what we are doing
Be the first to get latest updates and exclusive content straight to your email inbox.
We promise not to spam you. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Invalid email address

SOCIAL

Snapchat Explores New Messaging Retention Feature: A Game-Changer or Risky Move?

Published

on

By

Snapchat Explores New Messaging Retention Feature: A Game-Changer or Risky Move?

In a recent announcement, Snapchat revealed a groundbreaking update that challenges its traditional design ethos. The platform is experimenting with an option that allows users to defy the 24-hour auto-delete rule, a feature synonymous with Snapchat’s ephemeral messaging model.

The proposed change aims to introduce a “Never delete” option in messaging retention settings, aligning Snapchat more closely with conventional messaging apps. While this move may blur Snapchat’s distinctive selling point, Snap appears convinced of its necessity.

According to Snap, the decision stems from user feedback and a commitment to innovation based on user needs. The company aims to provide greater flexibility and control over conversations, catering to the preferences of its community.

Currently undergoing trials in select markets, the new feature empowers users to adjust retention settings on a conversation-by-conversation basis. Flexibility remains paramount, with participants able to modify settings within chats and receive in-chat notifications to ensure transparency.

Snapchat underscores that the default auto-delete feature will persist, reinforcing its design philosophy centered on ephemerality. However, with the app gaining traction as a primary messaging platform, the option offers users a means to preserve longer chat histories.

The update marks a pivotal moment for Snapchat, renowned for its disappearing message premise, especially popular among younger demographics. Retaining this focus has been pivotal to Snapchat’s identity, but the shift suggests a broader strategy aimed at diversifying its user base.

Advertisement

This strategy may appeal particularly to older demographics, potentially extending Snapchat’s relevance as users age. By emulating features of conventional messaging platforms, Snapchat seeks to enhance its appeal and broaden its reach.

Yet, the introduction of message retention poses questions about Snapchat’s uniqueness. While addressing user demands, the risk of diluting Snapchat’s distinctiveness looms large.

As Snapchat ventures into uncharted territory, the outcome of this experiment remains uncertain. Will message retention propel Snapchat to new heights, or will it compromise the platform’s uniqueness?

Only time will tell.

Keep an eye on what we are doing
Be the first to get latest updates and exclusive content straight to your email inbox.
We promise not to spam you. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Invalid email address
Continue Reading

SOCIAL

Catering to specific audience boosts your business, says accountant turned coach

Published

on

Catering to specific audience boosts your business, says accountant turned coach

While it is tempting to try to appeal to a broad audience, the founder of alcohol-free coaching service Just the Tonic, Sandra Parker, believes the best thing you can do for your business is focus on your niche. Here’s how she did just that.

When running a business, reaching out to as many clients as possible can be tempting. But it also risks making your marketing “too generic,” warns Sandra Parker, the founder of Just The Tonic Coaching.

“From the very start of my business, I knew exactly who I could help and who I couldn’t,” Parker told My Biggest Lessons.

Parker struggled with alcohol dependence as a young professional. Today, her business targets high-achieving individuals who face challenges similar to those she had early in her career.

“I understand their frustrations, I understand their fears, and I understand their coping mechanisms and the stories they’re telling themselves,” Parker said. “Because of that, I’m able to market very effectively, to speak in a language that they understand, and am able to reach them.” 

“I believe that it’s really important that you know exactly who your customer or your client is, and you target them, and you resist the temptation to make your marketing too generic to try and reach everyone,” she explained.

Advertisement



“If you speak specifically to your target clients, you will reach them, and I believe that’s the way that you’re going to be more successful.

Watch the video for more of Sandra Parker’s biggest lessons.

Source link

Keep an eye on what we are doing
Be the first to get latest updates and exclusive content straight to your email inbox.
We promise not to spam you. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Invalid email address
Continue Reading

SOCIAL

Instagram Tests Live-Stream Games to Enhance Engagement

Published

on

Instagram Tests Live-Stream Games to Enhance Engagement

Instagram’s testing out some new options to help spice up your live-streams in the app, with some live broadcasters now able to select a game that they can play with viewers in-stream.

As you can see in these example screens, posted by Ahmed Ghanem, some creators now have the option to play either “This or That”, a question and answer prompt that you can share with your viewers, or “Trivia”, to generate more engagement within your IG live-streams.

That could be a simple way to spark more conversation and interaction, which could then lead into further engagement opportunities from your live audience.

Meta’s been exploring more ways to make live-streaming a bigger consideration for IG creators, with a view to live-streams potentially catching on with more users.

That includes the gradual expansion of its “Stars” live-stream donation program, giving more creators in more regions a means to accept donations from live-stream viewers, while back in December, Instagram also added some new options to make it easier to go live using third-party tools via desktop PCs.

Live streaming has been a major shift in China, where shopping live-streams, in particular, have led to massive opportunities for streaming platforms. They haven’t caught on in the same way in Western regions, but as TikTok and YouTube look to push live-stream adoption, there is still a chance that they will become a much bigger element in future.

Advertisement



Which is why IG is also trying to stay in touch, and add more ways for its creators to engage via streams. Live-stream games is another element within this, which could make this a better community-building, and potentially sales-driving option.

We’ve asked Instagram for more information on this test, and we’ll update this post if/when we hear back.

Source link

Keep an eye on what we are doing
Be the first to get latest updates and exclusive content straight to your email inbox.
We promise not to spam you. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Invalid email address
Continue Reading

Trending

Follow by Email
RSS