Overview Of A Strategic Acquisition

Meta has strategically acquired Limitless, the AI startup formerly known as Rewind, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of AI-powered wearables. The company, which pioneered an innovative pendant that records conversations, announced via its website that it will cease selling its hardware devices while providing one year of dedicated support for its existing customer base.

Transitioning Business Models And Product Lines

In a transformative move, Limitless will transition its customers to the Unlimited Plan without the need for an ongoing subscription fee. The tech firm will also wind down additional functionality, including its legacy desktop software, Rewind, which innovatively converted desktop activity into a searchable record. This strategic pivot highlights the evolution from early-stage hardware experimentation to a more integrated software and service-oriented model.

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Leadership And Market Dynamics

Founded by Brett Bejcek and Dan Siroker – the latter of whom previously led Optimizely – Limitless successfully navigated a competitive landscape marked by rising investments and market pressure from tech giants like OpenAI and Meta. As indicated by the company’s founders, the market has transformed from an era where AI and hardware were viewed as a remote possibility to today’s inevitable future of integrated personal superintelligence.

Meta’s Vision For The Future

Meta’s acquisition of Limitless reinforces the company’s commitment to bringing AI-enabled wearables to a broader audience. Currently, Meta is focused on evolving its portfolio with products such as AR/AI glasses, including the notable Ray-Ban Meta and Oakley Meta, as well as in-lens displays in the Meta Ray-Ban Display series. While Limitless will likely act as a support mechanism for existing Meta products, its expertise is a clear indication of Meta’s intent to accelerate innovation in the wearable space.

Data Autonomy And Financial Backing

Existing customers of Limitless are offered robust data options, with capabilities to either export or delete their personal data directly from the app. The startup, backed by over $33 million in funding from prominent investors including a16z, First Round Capital, and NEA, has positioned itself at the intersection of hardware and AI technology.

Conclusion

This acquisition not only underscores Meta’s expanding vision in AI-enabled wearables but also signals a broader industry shift towards integrated personal intelligence devices. As Limitless’ seasoned team merges with Meta’s Reality Labs, the coming years are poised to witness rapid advancements in how technology interweaves with daily life.

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EU Mercosur Agreement Sparks Political Battle Over Cyprus Agriculture

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

January 16, 2026

A political battleground emerged in the Parliamentary Agriculture Committee’s latest session, as fierce debates broke out over the controversial trade deal between the European Union and Latin American nations under the Mercosur framework. Lawmakers voiced deep concerns regarding food safety and the prospects for local agriculture, particularly following the high-profile absence of the Minister of Trade.

Minister Absence And Parliamentary Integrity

Committee Chair Giannakis Gabriel expressed strong disapproval over the Minister’s no-show, noting that the extraordinary session was scheduled at midday at the Minister’s own request. “His absence undermines the authority of the parliament,” Mr. Gabriel declared. Given that the Minister is not abroad, it was expected that he would be present to clarify why Cyprus supported an agreement widely criticized as disadvantaging the agricultural sector.

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Trade Deal Under Scrutiny

In his address, A.C.E.L General Secretary Stefanos Stefanos described the pact as a “dangerous agreement” imposed under the pressure of multinational conglomerates. He especially critiqued the contrasting sanitary standards whereby, while the EU bans our farmers from using certain pesticides and antibiotics, the Mercosur deal appears to allow imports produced with these very substances. His remarks underscored the possibility of double standards in safety measures and the potential long-term impacts on Cypriot agriculture.

Economic And Safety Concerns

Legislators questioned the basis of government studies that justified backing the agreement, even as Cyprus’ agricultural sustainability is increasingly threatened by water scarcity and soaring production costs. Representatives from various political factions pointed to insufficient controls over import volumes and tariff structures. For example, Christos Orphanidis (DIKO) demanded precise data on imports from Latin America, citing honey as a case in point, and pressed for clear explanations regarding the tariff regime.

Legal And Health Implications

Questions about legal authority were raised by Elias Myriantounos (EDEK), who inquired whether parliament can reject or amend the agreement should economic studies forecast negative outcomes. Environmental advocates, like Haralambos Theopemptou of the Movement of Ecologists, emphasized the need to safeguard traditional products such as halloumi, highlighting concerns over how rigorous food safety controls will be maintained. Meanwhile, Linos Papagiannis (ELAM) cautioned against unfair competition, drawing parallels with challenges posed by lower-standard goods from occupied territories.

Protecting Local Interests

The overarching message from lawmakers was clear: the future of Cyprus’ farming community and the well-being of its citizens should not be sacrificed at the altar of commercial trade. Agricultural organizations have voiced alarm over the importation of goods potentially contaminated with banned substances, the risk of market distortion by low-quality products, and the lack of localized impact studies. They argue that the agreement is biased in favor of select corporate interests, ultimately undermining consumer safety and the livelihood of European farmers.

As this debate continues to unfold, the outcome of these deliberations will be pivotal in determining not only trade policy but also the long-term economic and food security landscape of Cyprus.