Technology Platform Policy Highlights - Digest 7
The March scorecard as of now: Meta 2, Microsoft 2, TikTok 2, Bybit 1, Epic Games 1, Google 1, Tencent 1
This post is part one of a series documenting policy changes and feature improvements introduced by platforms in March 2023.
TL;DR → To attract new generation of users,
To accommodate changes in existing users' preferences:
Policy Change to accommodate a new generation of users
Bing Chat allows users to choose a “skin” to suit current task
The customization feature will allow users to choose between creative, balanced, and precise modes. The hope is that users will find their optimal balance of accuracy and creativity from the chatbot for a given task. Though popular, the new Bing chatbot has developed a penchant for becoming “unhinged” and being prone to outbursts. This policy provides users a choice of accuracy, which presumably translates to choosing the mix of internet and an outcome from the pre-trained large language model (LLM) (link).
With its Bard AI, Google cautiously joins the LLM race
Let’s not forget: Google researchers played a crucial role in developing the transformer architecture, which is the basis of the T in GPT. Yet, it seems like Google is playing catch-up to ChatGPT or Bing Chat, with the early access launch of “Bard”, a chatbot powered by Google’s LaMDA language model. Some believe that this “catchup” is the result of Google’s strategy to not rush out an under-tested product. However, as more players challenge Google’s dominance in search, the guardrails may come off sooner than later (link) (link).
Metaverse has a new “campus”: the BIBF Campus
The Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance (BIBF) plans to provide a comprehensive and immersive learning experience for students and professionals in the financial and business sectors on the Metaverse. The BIBF Metaverse is a virtual representation of the BIBF building that allows users to interact with each other in a simulated environment. Even though Meta, the flag-bearer of metaverse vision, seems to have scaled down its metaverse ambitions, the BIBF’s initiative shows that many organizations still hold hope for virtual shared space (link).
Policy change to accommodate changes in existing users’ preferences
TikTok Introduces Screen Time Limit Feature
TikTok has automatically enabled a 60-minute screen-time limit for users under 18. Though they can bypass the limit by entering a passcode, TikTok claims that the passcode requirement will need them to make “an active decision to extend that time”. While research supports the claim that extra “nudges” work, it is unclear if it works for teenagers. Also, what is TikTok’s motive for this? It might be because of the threat of regulation, poor earning from this segment, an attempt to extend the usage lifecycle by minimizing the “burnout” or a genuine concern about teenagers’ online obsession (link).
TikTok launches paywalled “up to 20 minutes long” content
TikTok’s new “Series” feature lets users sell access to collections of videos up to 20 minutes long. The feature adds another way for content creators on TikTok to monetize their content to fend off competitors like YouTube, who are themselves improving monetization options for creators. The 20-minute limit is interesting, as TikToks are known primarily for their brevity and usually last a few seconds. This may also indicate a growing desire for TikTokers to consume ALL sorts of content on the same platform (link).
Epic Games Store Launches Self-Publishing Tools
Epic Games will now allow developers to self-publish games in its store and promises to offer better revenue sharing than the market leader, Steam. The catch is that developers have to follow Epic’s rules, like supporting cross-play and achievements, and avoiding porn and hate speech (Steam, on the other hand, has much more relaxed rules).Since Epic has not yet been allowed back to the iOS App Store after the 2020 lawsuits, it appears to have tapped into gamers’ preferences for a more “open” gaming platform for both players and developers (link).
Meta is wrapping up its Reels Play Bonus Program
Meta’s Reels Play bonus program paid creators for racking up views on their short videos on Instagram and Facebook and was part of Meta’s $1 billion pledge to woo creators. During the program’s existence, many creators complained that the payouts were shrinking, and the goals were getting harder to reach. Meta’s change comes as other video platforms are also updating their monetization policies to incentivize different content or simply pay out less money. The program seemed to incentivize creators to optimize on “clickability”, which app users no longer seem to prefer (link)
Tencent has its own “ChatGPT-style” solution for WeChat Users
ChatGPT and other off-the-shelf LLMs are banned in China (read here). Tencent’s own LLM-solution, named HunyuanAide, could be integrated into its popular WeChat app. Given WeChat’s popularity, this service has the potential to be “The chatGPT of China”. Tencent’s efforts show how major tech companies are gearing up to adopt AI chatbots as well as the challenges and opportunities caused by China’s stricter regulations on “guardrails” on generative AI systems (link)
iMessage now works on Windows via Microsoft’s Phone Link
Microsoft’s Phone Link app now allows Windows users to send and receive iPhone text messages directly from their PCs. While the Windows version of iMessage doesn’t support group messages, photos or video, it offers a taste of the conveniences afforded to consumers if ever the platform giants can play nicely together. This represents a breakthrough in Apple’s closely guarded iMessage platform. This shows a shift in user’s choice for using appropriate platforms that meet their needs well (for instance, making Windows and iPhone a suitable combination) (link)
Bybit Launches Web3 “Staking Pool"
Dubai based Bybit, the world’s third most visited crypto exchange, has launched its new Web3 Staking Pool. For those who understand Blockchain, the Staking Pool is the analogous of “mining pool” but in the Proof-of-Stake networks. The pool also reduces the steps and fees associated with adding liquidity to Curve Finance, a leading DeFi protocol. This seems to be a step in addressing growing user demand by consumers to “use” their existing Ethereum tokens for utility reasons, not just for investment reasons (link)
Research help from Anantesh Mohapatra, Melvin Jabamani, Yiran Liu (Thanks a ton, folks!)