January 27, 2025
Tech News
Meta Platforms announced it will start testing ads on its Threads app with select brands in the U.S. and Japan. The early phase, launching on January 25, will feature image ads displayed in users’ feeds, and Meta plans to gather feedback before broader deployment. Interestingly, this move arrives amidst turmoil at TikTok, prompting advertisers to explore alternatives.
As Threads aims to refine its advertising model, users will have options to control ad topics, report unwanted ads, and see a “Sponsored” label on promotions. The approach mirrors the company’s strategy to make ads feel as engaging as organic content. Despite Meta’s previous focus on user retention, leveraging Threads’ growing user base indicates a shift towards monetization.
In the realm of electric vehicles, EVPower has deployed a powerful 240kW DC charging station at Bloomsvale Shopping Centre. This facility, set along Jalan Puchong, features seven charging bays with both AC and DC options. The pricing structure includes 15% discounts for CIMB cardholders, boosting accessibility for EV users.
Meanwhile, Foyer, a new platform designed to assist individuals in saving for home down payments, has successfully raised $6.2 million in seed funding. The service, likened to a “401(k) for homeownership,” aims to alleviate the burdens faced by first-time buyers in a challenging housing market. The funding will be used to enhance its features and expand its reach beyond Michigan.
Tech Explained
Ads – In the context of Threads, ads refer to promotional content that brands pay to display on Meta’s social media platform. Threads is experimenting with integrating ads among organic posts, allowing users to have control over what type of ads they see while maintaining user engagement.
240kW DC Charger – This term refers to a high-capacity electric vehicle charger capable of delivering up to 240 kilowatts of power. It is designed to charge electric vehicles rapidly, allowing them to maintain an optimal battery level during longer trips and making EV charging more convenient for users.
Sponsored Content – Sponsored content in the context of Threads ads indicates that these promotions will prominently feature a label identifying them as paid advertisements. This helps maintain transparency with users, ensuring they can distinguish between organic and promotional posts in their feeds.
Seed Funding – Seed funding is the initial capital raised by a startup to develop its product and business model. Foyer’s recent $6.2 million seed round will support its platform aimed at assisting first-time home buyers by creating targeted savings principles and specialized guidance for navigating the housing market.
