The latest news and trends in social media, tech and culture.

Social Media

Instagram's New Tools: Instagram has introduced new text tools to help creators personalize their content, both in Stories and Feed posts. And carousels can now have up to 20 photos and videos in a single post.

Snapchat for iPad: After over a decade without, Snapchat has finally launched an app for the iPad, giving users a (slighlty) better experience on larger screens.

TikTok Group Chats: TikTok has rolled out group chats for up to 32 people, making it easier for users to connect within the platform.

Meta's Spark AR Shutdown: Creators are outraged by Meta's sudden shutdown of Spark AR. The end of the platform, which allowed third parties to build augmented reality effects, branded and otherwise, will leave some creators without income and little time to adapt.

Tech

Google's AI Camera Features: Google has just released the new Pixel 9 series of phones which include hefty new generative AI photography features. The thought-provoking results are prompting discussions about the future of authenticity in visual media.

X Video Conferencing: In its continued, improbable attempt to become "the everything app," X (formerly Twitter) is testing Zoom-style video conferencing.

Marketing and Creativity

Polly Pocket Airbnb: To mark Polly Pocket's 35th birthday, Mattell turned the iconic doll into an Airbnb host.

A Living Logo: A new brand identity for Crucible, a creative hub for beverage enthusiasts, used nearly 25 samples of home-grown bacteria to literally come to life.

Allbirds' Brand Refresh: Allbirds' chief marketer says brand building is key to the company's plan for regrowth.

Best Rebrands of the 80s: Creative Bloq revisits some of the most iconic rebrands of the 80s, from IBM to IKEA.

Culture

Surveillance Pricing: The emerging tactic of surveillance pricing enables companies to set prices dynamically based on consumer behavior, raising questions about privacy and fairness.

Gen Z on LinkedIn: Gen Z is causing a generational divide on LinkedIn, as younger users bring a more personal and candid approach to the professional, traditionally stuffy platform.

Biden Era Culture: GQ hypothesizes that culture is finally heating up after an arguably stagnant phase, exploring how politics, social change, and pop culture intersect in the current American landscape.

—Peter Lansky, Associate Director of Strategy at space150