Bonded Bitesize – Your Midweek Roundup

Pinterest Outlines AI Background Generation Process for Product Shots

Pinterest is developing its own AI text-to-image generation process, called the “Canvas” model, which focuses on creating background options for product images without altering the main product shot. Unlike other apps, Pinterest’s approach involves training models to separate and isolate the background and foreground, facilitating background generation with simple commands. The process includes using a segmentation model to generate product masks, incorporating detailed captions from a visual language model, and fine-tuning with a curated set of high-engagement images to align with Pinterest’s aesthetic. This enables brands to request specific background styles for their product images, potentially enhancing their appeal. Pinterest is currently testing this system with selected advertising partners.

Netflix Shifts Focus To Ad-Supported Tier As Subscriber Growth Surges

Netflix is eliminating its cheapest ad-free plan in Canada and the UK, with plans to do the same in the U.S. and France. This follows a significant rise in subscribers, with 8 million added globally in Q2, largely due to the ad-supported plan, which now accounts for over 45% of new signups in available markets. Q2 2024 results showed strong growth: $9.56 billion in revenue (up 17% YoY), $2.15 billion in net income (up 44% YoY), and 277.65 million global subscribers (up 16.5% YoY). Netflix’s ad revenue is growing, but the company faces challenges in scaling ad inventory monetisation. Starting next year, growth will be reported by revenue per region instead of subscriber numbers.

UK Unveils Vertical Meadows: Transforming Urban Spaces With Biodiversity-Boosting Green Walls

Out-of-home media owner, Clear Channel, has introduced the Vertical Meadow, a green wall system to boost urban biodiversity. This initiative responds to the UK’s severe biodiversity decline, where many species face extinction, and most wildflower meadows have been lost. Developed with The Wildlife Trusts and Buglife, the Vertical Meadow features 25 native wildflower and grass types and operates without a mains water connection. Supporting wildlife and improving urban environments, it traps pollutants, reduces heat, manages rainwater, and offers acoustic insulation. Part of Clear Channel’s sustainable projects, it aligns with the UK’s biodiversity goals and supports initiatives like the Big Butterfly Count. The Vertical Meadow aims to make living walls more accessible, promoting well-being and ecological resilience in cities. 

Find out more about Vertical Meadow here.

Meta Suspends AI Development In EU And Brazil Over Data Usage Concerns

Meta’s generative AI efforts have been scaled back in the EU and Brazil due to regulatory concerns over data usage. In the EU, Meta paused its multimodal AI models, crucial for AR glasses, citing unpredictable regulations following NOYB’s claims that Meta’s policies violate GDPR. UK regulators are also reviewing Meta’s data practices. Similarly, in Brazil, Meta withdrew its AI tools after facing questions about its privacy policy. The core issue is the need for human input to train AI models and the right for individuals to opt out. While this won’t significantly impact Meta’s overall AI development immediately, it could slow its rollout and raise broader questions about data permissions and regulatory compliance globally.

Google Abandons Plan To Phase Out Tracking Cookies

Google has reversed its decision to phase out third-party cookies, opting instead for a new approach to enhance data privacy by giving users more choice. Initially planned for 2022, the phase-out faced multiple delays due to industry and regulatory challenges. Google’s alternative, the Privacy Sandbox, aimed to replace cookies with user categorisation but faced pushback. Now, Google plans to introduce a system in Chrome allowing users to adjust their data sharing preferences. This shift comes after extensive industry feedback and regulatory consultations. While cookies will remain for now, Google will continue developing Privacy Sandbox APIs to improve privacy and utility, maintaining the status quo in data tracking for the time being.

Find out more about Google’s Privacy Sandbox here.

What Caused Last Week’s Major Tech Outage?

Last week, a global tech outage disrupted airports, banks, and healthcare systems, grounding flights across the U.S. The cause was a defect in an update to CrowdStrike’s Falcon Sensor, which led to crashes on Windows computers using the software. The issue started in Australia and spread worldwide as the workday began. While most personal devices were unaffected, CrowdStrike’s software is used by 29,000 corporate customers, including half of the Fortune 500, many U.S. states, and major tech companies. In the coming weeks, there will likely be extensive discussions as governments and companies investigate how a single software issue could have such widespread impact.

Snapchat Partners With Lincoln Center For Immersive AR Sculpture Exhibit

Snapchat has teamed up with Lincoln Center to enhance art with its augmented reality (AR) technology. The new exhibition, “Ghost Variations,” by Alexis Zerafa and digital artist Sophie Kahn, uses Snapchat’s AR lenses to bring sculptural works to life. The installation explores mental health through AR, featuring larger-than-life sculptures of historical figures like composer Robert Schumann. By integrating Schumann’s music and visual elements, the AR sculptures reflect the frequency of sound. Viewers can interact with these virtual artworks via Snapchat, experiencing them in a unique way. The exhibition runs at Lincoln Center and on Snapchat until August 10. This collaboration continues Snapchat’s trend of merging AR with the art world.

Judge Sides With Google In Fight Over Health Data

A federal judge has dismissed a privacy lawsuit against Google, which alleged that its analytics tool collected sensitive health data from healthcare sites. U.S. District Court Judge Vince Chhabria found that the plaintiffs did not prove Google intended to acquire or use personal health information. The judge ruled that the claims were too vague and failed to demonstrate Google’s intent or actions that would constitute a violation of privacy laws. Although the plaintiffs can amend their complaint for a final chance, the judge expressed scepticism about their ability to succeed. This decision contrasts with a similar case where Facebook was allowed to proceed with a lawsuit over alleged data tracking issues.

Meta Faces New Challenge Over Its Ad-Free Subscription Offering

Meta’s ad-free subscription service in Europe faces regulatory scrutiny from the Consumer Protection Cooperation Network (CPC), which has deemed the marketing of the option potentially misleading. Launched in November 2023, the subscription allows EU users to avoid ads and data tracking but has been criticised by privacy advocates as a monetisation of privacy that should be offered for free. The EU Commission previously found the service non-compliant with the Digital Markets Act (DMA) and may impose fines. The CPC’s investigation highlights issues with how Meta presents the service, claiming it pressures users into quick decisions and lacks clarity. Meta has offered to reduce the subscription price but must address these concerns by September 1, 2024, or face further regulatory challenges.

Microsoft’s AI-powered, Canva-Like Designer App Lands On iOS And Android

Microsoft has officially launched its AI-powered Designer app, now available on iOS, Android, and the web in over 80 languages. The app, similar to Canva, allows users to create a variety of designs—such as stickers, greeting cards, and collages—using text prompts. It offers “prompt templates” for inspiration and customisation, and supports image editing features like background replacement and style transformation. Designer will also be integrated into Word and PowerPoint through Copilot for Pro subscribers, enabling design creation directly within documents. Additionally, Microsoft Photos on Windows 11 now includes deeper integration with Designer, allowing users to edit photos with AI tools without leaving the app.

Find out more about Microsoft Designer here.