Meta Platforms, the company behind social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, is reportedly considering major job cuts that could impact up to 20 percent of its global workforce. According to a Reuters report, the potential layoffs could affect about 16,000 employees, based on the company’s workforce of roughly 79,000 as of December 31, as Meta looks for ways to manage the rising costs linked to its growing investments in artificial intelligence.

The company is evaluating the possibility of large scale layoffs as it prepares for a future where AI powered tools could significantly improve productivity and reduce the need for large teams. However, the plans are still under consideration and no final decision or timeline has been confirmed. Senior executives at Meta have recently discussed the possibility of workforce reductions with other leaders and have asked them to explore ways to simplify operations and improve efficiency.

Responding to the report, Meta spokesperson Andy Stone said the claims were speculative and described them as reporting about theoretical approaches. If the company proceeds with layoffs at the scale being discussed, it would represent the largest round of job cuts since the restructuring carried out in 2022 and 2023, which Chief Executive Officer Mark Zuckerberg had described as the company’s “year of efficiency”.

During that earlier restructuring period, Meta laid off around 11,000 employees in November 2022 and followed it with another 10,000 job cuts in early 2023 as part of efforts to reduce costs and reorganise the business. The current discussions come as Meta sharply increases spending on generative AI, which has become a central focus for the company. The tech giant plans to invest as much as 600 billion dollars in building data centres by 2028 to strengthen the computing infrastructure required to train and run large AI models.

Meta has also been actively recruiting leading talent in the AI sector, offering compensation packages worth hundreds of millions of dollars over four years to build a specialised superintelligence team aimed at accelerating AI development. Along with hiring researchers, the company has also been pursuing acquisitions and partnerships in the AI space. It recently acquired Moltbook, a social networking platform designed for AI agents, and is reportedly spending at least 2 billion dollars to purchase the Chinese AI startup Manus. Zuckerberg has suggested that advances in AI could bring significant efficiency improvements within the organisation. Earlier this year, he said that projects that once required large teams are increasingly being completed by a single highly skilled individual using AI tools.

The developments at Meta reflect a broader trend across the technology sector, where companies are reshaping their workforces while increasing investments in AI. For example, Amazon confirmed in January that it would cut around 16,000 jobs, while fintech company Block, led by Jack Dorsey, recently reduced nearly half of its workforce, citing the growing capabilities of AI systems. Meta’s renewed focus on AI also comes after challenges with earlier versions of its Llama 4 models. The company faced criticism over benchmark results linked to early releases and eventually cancelled the launch of its largest planned version, known as Behemoth. Its AI research team is now working on a new model called Avocado, although reports suggest that its performance has not yet met expectations.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Business Standard.

The Nothing Phone 4a is set to launch globally on March 5. Ahead of this release, the device was previewed at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2026 in Barcelona, Spain, showcasing four color options: White, Black, Pink, and Blue. In India, Nothing will host an exclusive first sale at its newly opened store in Bengaluru on March 7, offering early buyers a chance to purchase the phone before it becomes available in other markets. The company has announced special perks for the first 100 customers, including an engraved edition of the Phone 4a and Ear (a) earphones at no extra cost, with the option to add CMF Buds 2 Plus for Rs 999.

Alongside the Phone 4a series, Nothing will also launch the Nothing Headphone (a), although details about the Phone 4a Pro remain undisclosed. The company had earlier released a teaser video titled “Phone (4a): A New Chapter”, where CEO Carl Pei mentioned the use of more premium materials and new color options for the refreshed design. The Phone 4a retains Nothing’s signature transparent aesthetic and features a horizontal triple-camera module. A new “Glyph Bar” has been added to the right of the cameras, consisting of nine individually controlled mini LED lights. This system is designed to deliver notifications clearly while reducing distractions and is said to be 40% brighter than the previous A-series.

The Phone 4a series will be powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset, though the exact model has not been revealed. Reports indicate that at least one variant will include UFS 3.1 storage and a slightly larger battery of around 5,000mAh, without adopting the newer silicon-carbon battery technology. Overall, the Phone 4a combines Nothing’s distinctive design with upgraded features, offering early buyers in India a unique opportunity to experience the device before its wider release.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Nothing.

Vodafone announced on Monday that it has signed a partnership with Amazon Leo, the low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite network operated by the U.S. tech giant, to connect 4G and 5G mobile towers in remote areas across Europe and Africa. The agreement aims to extend mobile coverage to locations that are difficult to reach with traditional infrastructure, providing an alternative to costly fibre installations.

Through this collaboration, Amazon Leo will deliver high-speed connections of up to 1 Gbps for downloads and 400 Mbps for uploads, linking Vodafone’s network directly to base stations in underserved regions. The solution is expected to reduce deployment costs while expanding the reach of mobile services in areas where building fibre networks is challenging or economically unviable.

Vodafone plans to begin implementing Amazon Leo connectivity for mobile base stations in Germany and other European countries within this year. Following this initial rollout, the company intends to gradually extend the service across Africa through its subsidiary, Vodacom. This phased deployment reflects Vodafone’s strategy to enhance mobile access in both densely populated and remote locations, leveraging satellite technology to overcome geographical constraints. Amazon Leo operates a constellation of over 200 satellites in orbit, with hundreds more constructed and awaiting launch. This growing network provides the capacity needed to support high-speed connections for mobile operators like Vodafone.

Vodafone also intends to offer satellite-based mobile connectivity directly to consumers using standard smartphones, in partnership with AST SpaceMobile. While the company has confirmed the collaboration, it has not yet announced a launch date for this service. This approach could allow individual users to access mobile networks via satellite, further expanding connectivity options in remote or rural areas. Through these initiatives, Vodafone is demonstrating a commitment to bridging connectivity gaps by combining terrestrial and satellite networks to reach underserved regions efficiently and cost-effectively.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.

Samsung unveiled the Galaxy S26 series at its Unpacked event on February 25, 2026. The latest models in the flagship S-series bring several new features, including a Privacy Display, an AI-powered Samsung Browser, and Now Nudge, an assistant inspired by Google Pixel’s Magic Cue. On the hardware side, the series features a redesigned camera module, with the Galaxy S26 Ultra standing out as the thinnest Ultra variant Samsung has ever produced.

The Galaxy S26 Ultra introduces a built-in Privacy Display that ensures only the user can see what’s on the screen. This feature protects sensitive information by hiding content from others, and users can choose specific apps or notifications to conceal. Another addition, Now Nudge, is an AI-powered assistant designed to support users subtly during conversations. It can surface relevant content, such as shared photos or calendar events, based on the context of a chat, allowing users to access and share information instantly without leaving the app.

Samsung has also revamped its Internet browser, adding an “Ask AI” feature powered by Perplexity. This tool allows users to ask questions in a conversational manner and gather information from multiple open tabs, compiling it into a single AI-generated summary. The Galaxy S26 Ultra also becomes the first Samsung phone to support APV (Advanced Professional Video), a pro-grade video codec that enables efficient compression while maintaining near-lossless quality, making it ideal for content creators.

Bixby has been upgraded with enhanced AI capabilities, enabling users to navigate settings and features using natural language commands, similar to Microsoft Copilot for Windows. The series also integrates multiple AI agents, including Gemini and Perplexity, allowing users to perform complex, multi-step tasks with a single voice command or button press. For example, booking a taxi can be done simply by asking, reviewing details, and confirming.

On the security front, the Galaxy S26 series introduces AI-powered call screening, which identifies unknown numbers and summarizes the caller’s intent. Privacy Alerts notify users when apps with device admin rights attempt to access sensitive data such as location, call logs, or contacts. Samsung has also enhanced its Photo Assist feature, allowing users to edit images through text prompts. The AI can transform a daytime photo into night, reconstruct missing elements, fix small details, or even modify clothing, with edits applied step by step and easily reviewed or undone for a more flexible experience.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Business Standard.

In Singapore, mental health professionals are noticing a small but increasing number of patients showing delusions, paranoia, or emotional dependence seemingly connected to frequent AI chatbot use. Although “AI psychosis” is not an official medical diagnosis, clinicians acknowledge that the issue is genuine. How does extensive interaction with AI blur the boundaries between reality and reinforcement? Who is most vulnerable, and what signs should families be aware of? Andrea Heng and Hairianto Diman discuss these questions with Dr. Amelia Sim, Senior Consultant at the Department of Psychosis, Institute of Mental Health.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.

With decisions delegated, chatbots replacing friends, and nature sidelined, Silicon Valley is shaping a life stripped of real connection. Escape is possible—but it will require a united effort.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.

Google has revealed plans for a significant increase in its AI investments in Singapore, featuring the launch of Majulah AI – a collection of training and innovation initiatives aimed at developing an AI-ready workforce. Daniel Martin speaks with Ben King, Managing Director of Google Singapore, about how these efforts will help Singapore achieve its goal of becoming an AI leader and accelerate AI adoption across the nation.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.

Artificial intelligence is rapidly making inroads into healthcare, offering tools that can answer medical queries, forecast risks, and support personalized health choices. But a new Singapore-based startup is challenging the notion that a single global AI model can safely cater to everyone. With structured screenings and national healthcare systems already in place, is there room for another AI health platform in Singapore? Hairianto Diman and Susan Ng explore this question with Hari V Krishnan, Co-founder and CEO of Genie Health.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.