Meta is making changes to Instagram’s recommendation algorithm that it hopes will boost “original content” for photo and carousel posts on Instagram. The company changed Instagram’s algorithm in 2024 to penalize accounts that recycle other accounts’ Reels posts, but did not extend similar protections to photo and carousel posts at that time. (Not that I’ve personally noticed any difference in churn on my Reels.) Re-sharing to accounts without “content” editing may reduce their reach. The question is, where is the line when it comes to content editing?
Also, you may have noticed some changes as Engadget moved to its new home in Static Media. Expect to hear more about everything soon, including some adjustments to this newsletter – we’ll be back in your inbox very soon. Thank you for your continued support and readers and have a great weekend!
– Matt Smith
The biggest stories you may have missed
Samsung’s rumored smartglasses may be revealed soon
Android Headlines Shares renders of Samsung’s upcoming smart glasses “Jingu”. Reportedly, Samsung’s first pair of smartglasses won’t have a display, but it’s likely to arrive with another pair in 2027. The specs will run on the Android XR wearables platform and will likely have heavy integration of Google’s Gemini. Samsung has scheduled a major Unpacked event for July, so we might get some official details then. The glasses can cost between $380 and $500 — even when privacy concerns have never been front and center in people’s minds
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The new Resident Evil movie looks really (really) scary
Directed by Zach Krieger, Oscar winner WeaponWe have the first teaser for a new (non-Paul WS Anderson) Resident Evil movie. It depicts a medical courier fighting for his life in a rural farmhouse, somewhat like Resident Evil 7: Biohazard. It is a standalone story based in the Resident Evil universe, in which Milla Jovovich does not appear. Maybe she will be a dictator.
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Minimalist Lite Phone III will get some minimalist apps
Lite has announced a developer program for the Lite Phone III, which allows people to create tools for the minimalist device. In addition to providing an SDK, Lite will also provide a platform to share and distribute the tool. “The idea is to provide a curated, non-commercial, open-source platform of user-created tools that expand the usefulness of the device – without compromising the light mission to create technology that doesn’t want your constant attention.”
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