Breaking news

Meta Reinvents Facebook With New ‘Friends Tab’ Feature

by News Editor
April 2, 2025
In a move harking back to its early days, Meta is refreshing its Facebook platform with a new feature known as the Friends Tab. Announced just last week, this feature unveils a user-centric approach aimed at prioritizing real friendships over algorithm-driven content.

Key Highlights

  • Facebook’s latest Friends Tab aims to bring back the authentic connections by steering clear of algorithmically recommended content.
  • This feature is readily accessible through the main navigation bar and can be customized for ease of access, showcasing posts, stories, reels, birthdays, and friend requests from your contact list.
  • Initially rolled out in the United States and Canada, the global release timetable remains uncertain, indicating a potential phased introduction.

Impressive Figures

As of now, Meta stands with a market capitalization of a whopping $1.46 trillion.

Challenges Persist

Over the years, Facebook, under the stewardship of Mark Zuckerberg, has encountered significant scrutiny relating to privacy discrepancies, misinformation dissemination, and corporate governance. A notable step was taken in January 2025 when Zuckerberg announced Meta’s cessation of its fact-checking program, now favoring a new system called Community Notes, inspired by other social platforms like X.

Historic Context

The News Feed feature, a core component since 2006, has undergone various transformations with additions like the Like button, Timeline, and Pages. The evolution of Facebook into a public entity in 2012 brought about structural changes at valuations over $104 billion, marking its crescendo with acquisitions such as Instagram and WhatsApp. In 2021, Meta redefined its brand commitment by pivoting towards the concept of the Metaverse.

Price Shifts: Temu And Shein React To Upcoming Tariffs

by News Editor
April 27, 2025

The online shopping world experienced a jolt as Temu and Shein, popular e-commerce platforms, recently adjusted their prices due to impending tariff changes. These platforms, known for offering budget-friendly options, have echoed with changes that might surprise many shoppers.

What Sparked the Price Hike?

Effective next week, a significant tariff will impact goods imported from China. This tariff follows the expiration of the “de minimis” exemption on May 2. This exemption previously allowed American shoppers to skip tariffs on items valued under $800. The new tariff demands a 120% fee or a flat $100 per postal item, increasing to $200 come June 1.

For instance, Temu’s two patio chairs jumped from $61.72 to $70.17 overnight, while a bathing suit on Shein saw a 91% surge in price. Yet, the price landscape isn’t consistently upward; a smart ring on Temu dropped by $3.

Implications for Consumers

Due to economic shifts and evolving trade rules, both Shein and Temu emphasized their efforts to maintain quality and affordability despite costlier operational expenses. They advised consumers to shop before April 25 to dodge the upcoming hikes, though it’s uncertain if this timing affects the 120% tariff applicability.

Impact on Lower-Income Households

The discontinuation of the “de minimis” exemption is poised to hit lower-income families hardest. Reports indicate these households spend a higher income proportion on apparel, and this change could burden them further.

Further economic insights highlight how industries adjust to challenges, such as in the face of AI-driven changes, potentially offsetting emissions concerns with economic gains.

For buyers and businesses alike, the shifting sands of trade laws call for adaptability and forethought.

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