Curated 2025-4-23 | ChatGPT personalize web searches, Amazon retreat AI data center, 37% of Americans under 60 have shopped on TikTok Shop

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News

ChatGPT will now use its ‘memory’ to personalize web searches

OpenAI is updating ChatGPT to use its memory for personalizing web searches. This means ChatGPT will remember your past questions and preferences to give better, more tailored answers.  For example, for a user that ChatGPT “knows” from memory is vegan and lives in San Francisco, ChatGPT may rewrite the prompt “what are some restaurants near me that I’d like” as “good vegan restaurants, San Francisco.” You can manage or delete this memory anytime.

Uncovered emails showed how Meta struggled to keep Facebook culturally relevant

Internal emails revealed Mark Zuckerberg’s concern that Facebook was losing its cultural relevance since 2022. He questioned the platform’s traditional “friending” model, suggesting it felt outdated compared to the “following” systems of rivals like Instagram and TikTok. Zuckerberg even considered drastic changes, such as deleting users’ friend lists to encourage a fresh start. By 2025, Meta introduced a revamped “Friends” tab, aiming to reconnect users and restore Facebook’s cultural significance.

Amazon Follows Microsoft in Retreat From Ambitious AI Data Center Plans

Amazon is pulling back on plans to build big AI data centers in Oregon, just like Microsoft did. The company faced pushback over high energy use and local water concerns. Amazon will now take more time to work with the community and plan better.

Meta is using AI to enhance teen safety

Meta is enhancing teen safety on its platforms by expanding “Teen Accounts” to Instagram, Facebook and Messenger. These accounts come with built-in protections like private settings, limited contact from strangers, and content filters. Meta is testing AI tools to identify teens who may have misrepresented their age, ensuring they receive appropriate safeguards.

Netflix is eyeing video podcasts as it expands beyond TV and film

Netflix is exploring video podcasts to expand beyond traditional TV and film content. Co-CEO Ted Sarandos noted that as the lines between talk shows and podcasts blur, some video podcasts may soon appear on the platform. With YouTube leading in podcast viewership, Netflix aims to attract creators by offering a strong monetization model and broader audience reach.

Swift’s New Initiative to Hasten Payment Investigations Leans on ISO 20022

Swift has introduced a new solution to speed up investigations of delayed cross-border payments, aiming to cut resolution times by up to 80% and save the industry over $600 million annually. By using ISO 20022 messaging and unique transaction references, the system provides clear, structured data, making it easier to track and resolve payment issues.

Survey: Americans Averaged Over $700 in TikTok Shop Purchases in the Last Year

A recent survey by PartnerCentric reveals that 37% of Americans under 60 have shopped on TikTok Shop, averaging 12 purchases and spending over $700 annually. Influencers play a significant role, with nearly half of these purchases driven by their recommendations. While Gen Z shows high trust in the platform, Gen X remains more cautious.

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Reads

South Korea’s AI Chip Champion Is Poised To Carve Out Global Niche

The story of South Korea’s first AI chip unicorn – Rebellions. Its head Sunghyun Park is readying the next generation of its power-saving chips—pitting the young company against the industry’s giants.

YouTube: Culture & Trends Report Virtual Creators

YouTube’s 2025 Culture & Trends Report spotlights the rapid rise of virtual creators—digital avatars and AI-driven personas reshaping online content. In 2024, 300 virtual creators amassed over 15 billion views globally, with one billion from the U.S. alone. These creators, ranging from VTubers to virtual musicians like Hatsune Miku, are forging deep connections with audiences, blending human creativity with digital innovation. As tools become more accessible, expect even more diverse and engaging virtual content ahead.

Transitioning your long-form content to YouTube Shorts

YouTube’s tips on how to transition your long videos to YouTube Shorts, to reach new viewers and revitalize your existing content.

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