Is anyone else's neck sore? Mine's absolutely aching from a week of watching Instagram going back and forth over whether or not it's releasing the features that sparked widespread backlash.
I'm your host, Jordan Parker Erb, and I'd love to know: How did you feel about the changes to the app? Email me your thoughts.
Now, let's dive in.
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1. After mounting criticism, Instagram is killing a major product overhaul. In an attempt to compete with TikTok, the platform had been leaning into video, testing full-screen videos and photos, and showing users more content from strangers. The internet was not stoked, and the overhaul has been nixed.
- Kylie Jenner and Kim Kardashian were among the biggest voices to speak out against the proposed changes, warning the platform to "stop trying to be TikTok."
- Three days after that warning, Instagram pulled the plug — a stunning admission, columnist Linette Lopez writes, that Zuckerberg basically has no idea what he's doing.
- And while he was right to heed their advice, she continues, Zuck needs to figure out how to make Meta cool again before it goes the way of Yahoo.
Read Linette's full column here.
In other news:
2. Tinder wants you to start swiping from your work computer. The dating app relaunched "Desk Mode," a feature that lets users swipe through matches while at work — then quickly hides their activity. Here's how it works.
3. The inside story of how a 29-year-old failed his way to creating an app now valued at over $100 million. Alex Ma, cofounder of the popular photo-sharing app Poparazzi, spoke with Insider about how he and his brother struggled their way to success. He explains the backstory of the buzzy, Gen Z-favored app.
4. The FTC sued to stop Meta from buying a VR fitness app. The lawsuit is meant to keep Meta from acquiring Supernatural and its developer, a company called Within, a move the FTC said could "create a monopoly" in the VR fitness market. More on that here.
5. VCs shared the biotech startups they think will take off in the next year. The investors' picks include companies using AI to find new drugs, exploring genetic technologies, and developing new platforms. Meet the 23 startups poised to take off.
6. Ford's electric F-150 is coming to a police station near you. The company just unveiled an electric pickup truck built for "specialized departmental needs," like helping out at a crash scene or towing a boat. Check it out here.
7. Amazon's drone delivery ambitions are delayed once again. Amazon must complete 7,000 flights of its autonomous delivery drone to meet a federal licensing requirement — but so far, not a single flight has counted toward that goal. What we know about the latest roadblock.
8. A creative assistant at Netflix explains how he landed the role. Sam Gilliland landed the Netflix interview, which he said felt like a "vibe check," through a connection. He shares how he nailed the interview and moved up in Hollywood.
Odds and ends:
9. Mini just showed off a funky, futuristic electric SUV. With a bold, chunky design, a circular touchscreen, and a projector, the concept SUV is a glimpse at what Mini's future electric car will look like. Check out the Mini Aceman.
10. This 3D-printer built the walls of a 400-square-foot concrete tiny home in just 22 hours. Though the tiny house took a total of five weeks to complete, the printer was only running for less than a day. See the huge printer in action.
The latest people moves in tech:
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Curated by Jordan Parker Erb in New York. (Feedback or tips? Email jerb@insider.com or tweet @jordanparkererb.) Edited by Hallam Bullock (tweet @hallam_bullock) in London.
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