Meta Launches “Seller” App to Enhance Facebook Marketplace – DTH

Verizon Signs $1 Billion Fiber Infrastructure Deal With Google for AI Support, Xbox Insiders Test Free, Ad-Supported Game Streaming, and TikTok Faces Potential EU Fines Over Digital Services Act Violations.

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Show Notes

Meta Launches Dedicated Seller App for Facebook Marketplace

Meta has introduced Seller, a new app designed to professionalize Facebook Marketplace by offering dedicated tools such as AI-powered listing creation, unified inbox management, inventory tracking, and performance insights. The app, which syncs directly with existing Marketplace accounts, is currently available to users 18 and older in the United States on iOS and Android, with a web experience currently being tested, as Meta aims to support high-volume sellers and generate additional revenue.

Verizon Signs $1B+ Google Fiber Deal for AI Infrastructure

Verizon has signed a fiber infrastructure agreement with Google worth over $1 billion to support rising demand for AI data center connectivity. CEO Dan Schulman identified this deal as a consequential step in Verizon’s strategy to leverage its existing fiber network for AI infrastructure, with plans to announce additional, similar partnerships by the end of the year. The company is positioning itself to capitalize on this sector by repurposing its infrastructure, including converting central offices into edge data centers to meet the needs of hyperscalers.

Xbox Tests Free Ad-Supported Cloud Game Streaming

Xbox Insiders can now participate in a limited-time test to stream owned games for free via one-hour, ad-supported sessions, an initiative aimed at increasing accessibility. This development coincides with broader changes at Microsoft, including shifting Game Pass subscription structures and increased console prices, alongside recent organizational challenges such as studio closures and layoffs. Additionally, Microsoft views this cloud gaming expansion as a way to enable Xbox One owners to play newer titles designed for the Series X/S without requiring a hardware upgrade.

EU Charges TikTok Over Child Safety Violations

TikTok faces potential fines of up to 6% of its global annual turnover after EU regulators charged the platform with violating online content rules under the Digital Services Act. The charges, which mark the fourth allegation against TikTok in two years, center on design features that could expose children to cyberbullying or predators. In response, TikTok has committed to reviewing the findings and working constructively with regulators to address concerns, particularly regarding the need for stronger protections for minors.

OpenAI Rolls Out ChatGPT Health to All U.S. Users

OpenAI launched ChatGPT Health for U.S. users over 18 across all plans, integrating Apple Health data and medical records from Epic and Oracle directly into general chats. OpenAI stresses the feature is not for diagnosis or treatment. The rollout follows a recent lawsuit, and despite performance gains from the GPT 5.6-Luna model, OpenAI advises verifying information with medical professionals.

Meta Cracks Down on Secret Recordings with Smart Glasses

Meta has begun banning Instagram accounts that use Meta Glasses to secretly record and harass others, specifically targeting content creators who film individuals without consent. To address concerns regarding the misuse of its hardware, the company is enforcing stricter policies against harassment and has implemented software updates to disable the camera if the recording indicator light is tampered with, though challenges remain in ensuring these measures effectively deter non-consensual filming.

Meta Introduces Free Facebook Verified Badge

In other Meta news, the company, in an effort to combat the growing prevalence of AI-generated fake profiles, is introducing a new, free Facebook Verified badge. This security feature utilizes facial recognition technology to confirm human identity and establish account authenticity. Concurrently, the platform is launching a test for a “reimagined” full-screen video experience, giving users the autonomy to opt out if they prefer the standard interface.

Patreon Cuts 20% of Workforce Amid AI Restructuring

Patreon is laying off 20% of its workforce, totaling 93 employees, as part of a strategic restructuring to flatten its organizational chart and adapt to a tech industry transformed by AI. CEO Jack Conte emphasized that these cuts are not intended to replace human creativity with AI, but rather to adjust the company’s cost structure and focus on top priorities. Affected staff will receive significant severance packages, including 16 weeks of pay and healthcare coverage, as the company simultaneously moves to protect creators from unauthorized AI scraping through a new partnership with Cloudflare.

ChatGPT Desktop App Gains Advanced Voice Controls

OpenAI has updated its ChatGPT desktop app to include support for ChatGPT Voice, enabling users to interact via voice to control AI agents and execute multi-step tasks. Powered by the new ChatGPT-Live voice models, this feature integrates with ChatGPT Work and Codex, offers screen-reading capabilities via Appshots on macOS, and allows for complex command execution like debugging code. In a parallel development, Anthropic has also updated Claude’s voice mode, which leverages its Opus, Sonnet, and Haiku models to perform tasks across various productivity apps like Gmail and Slack.

UK Convention Organizer Bans Meta Glasses

Monopoly Events, a major UK convention promoter, has banned Meta Glasses and all other wearable recording devices at their events to address privacy concerns regarding secret filming. This policy, which applies to various gatherings including Comic-Cons, was implemented after feedback from celebrity guests and attendees who felt uncomfortable with the potential for non-consensual recording, with violators facing potential removal from the events.