BuzzFeed debuts AI slop apps in bid for new revenue

BuzzFeed unveiled new AI-powered social apps at SXSW, but its demos drew muted reactions.

Google’s Personal Intelligence feature is expanding to all US users

Personal Intelligence allows Google’s AI assistant to tap into your Google ecosystem, such as Gmail and Google Photos, to provide more tailored responses.

Meet Vurt, the mobile-first streaming platform for indie filmmakers embracing vertical video

Micro-drama apps make billions in consumer spending, so VURT launched its streaming app to allow indie filmmakers to capitalize on the vertical video trend.

Gamma adds AI image generation tools in bid to take on Canva and Adobe

The company’s new product, called Gamma Imagine, will let users employ text prompts to create brand-specific assets like interactive charts and visualizations, marketing collateral, social graphics, and infographics.

Amazon adds 1-hour and 3-hour delivery options in the US

Amazon Prime subscribers will be charged $9.99 for one-hour delivery and $4.99 for three-hour delivery. If you don’t have a Prime subscription, you’ll pay $19.99 for one-hour delivery and $14.99 for three-hour delivery.

Picsart now allows creators to ‘hire’ AI assistants through agent marketplace

Picsart’s AI agent marketplace will launch with four agents, then add more agents each week.

Apple acquires video editing software company MotionVFX

The move could help Apple better compete with Adobe Premiere Pro, and the Adobe Creative Cloud suite.

The fast rise and epic fall of Clubhouse
The fast rise and epic fall of Clubhouse

In 2020 and 2021, the social media world seemed to be on the verge of complete change. A new app called TikTok was ascendant, bringing a whole new kind of vertical video to phones everywhere. And another app – not as popular, but growing fast, and already hugely influential among the tech set – looked […]

Wordle’s creator made a fun new puzzle game
Wordle’s creator made a fun new puzzle game

Hi, friends! Welcome to Installer No. 119, your guide to the best and Verge-iest stuff in the world. (If you’re new here, welcome, hope your agents are well, and also you can read all the old editions at the Installer homepage.) This week, I’ve been reading about Pixar’s future and flight MH370 and sports gambling […]

Digg lays off staff and shuts down app as company retools

Digg laid off a significant number of staff and shut down its app, but says it’s not giving up on the startup.