Meta announced a major restructuring of Facebook aimed at competing with platforms like TikTok and Reddit. The changes include a centralized full-screen video experience, new tools for merchants and communities, and the introduction of a free option for the verification badge.
Tom Alison, who is responsible for the platform, presented these modifications this Friday (24). Tests of this new interface will begin later this year in regions where video consumption is highest. If the initiative achieves the expected results, the company plans to extend this novelty to the United States next year.
This strategy aims to increase user engagement against competition from specialized video platforms, forums, and peer-to-peer transactions. This move comes after Meta reported a drop of 20 million users across its application suite during the first quarter of 2026.
The main test announced predicts that a group of users will see a screen dominated by videos immediately upon opening the app, replicating the TikTok model. Meta communicated that this feature will first be released in countries where this format is most relevant, before a possible expansion to the North American market.
Detailing the change, Tom Alison justified that the decision reflects the evolution of user behavior on social networks. He stated that interactions occur through videos, communities are formed, and commercial activities are beginning to gain prominence.
In addition to reforming the main experience, the company launched Seller, a specific application for Marketplace sellers. This tool gathers functionalities to monitor ad performance, manage listings, and maintain dialogues with buyers in an environment distinct from the main application.
Another addition mentioned was Forum, an existing application created to offer an exclusive space for Facebook Groups communities. The goal of this feature is to bring navigation closer to models used by dedicated forum and discussion platforms organized by topics, similar to Reddit.
Meta will also adjust its profile authentication policy. In addition to the paid version associated with Meta Verified, the company will start offering a free badge through a selfie confirmation process. According to the company, this aims to simplify the identification of profiles belonging to real individuals.
These transformations integrate the company's tactic to preserve Facebook's importance in a context of intense competition. Despite the platform being considered the largest global social network, the advancement of services focused on video consumption has forced Meta to accelerate adaptations in various areas of its product.
Representatives of the Ladakh Apex Body (LAB) expressed approval of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk's decision to end his 26-day fast, which concluded on Thursday evening at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram.
Co-chairman of LAB, Chering Dorjai Lakruk, stated that they had previously urged Wangchuk to stop the fast, as their main goal was to see him alive. He noted deep concern over the activist's deteriorating health and expressed relief regarding his decision. Lakruk reported that he and four other LAB representatives were at Medanta when Union Ministers J.P. Natta and Jitendra Singh arrived, and Wangchuk ended his fast in their presence.
LAB Convenor Gelek Punchok mentioned that a delegation led by Lakruk traveled to New Delhi to meet with Wangchuk, but they had to wait several days before receiving permission for the meeting. It should be noted that Wangchuk himself is a member of LAB. Earlier this month, LAB had appealed to Wangchuk to end his fast and return to Ladakh, emphasizing that his presence was necessary as negotiations with the Central government reached a critical phase.
Previously, on May 22 of this year, Wangchuk participated in the Ladakhi delegation negotiating with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) subcommittee regarding regional demands. However, on July 3, Wangchuk could not participate in discussions between Ladakhi leaders and the MHA because he was fasting at Janthark Mantar in New Delhi.
Solarigraphy is a photographic technique that allows capturing the movement of the Sun over several days, weeks, or even months using crudely made instruments.
The result is an image that demonstrates a static environment, as well as luminous arcs crossing the sky indicating the Sun's trajectory. In regions where seasons are clearly defined, gaps can be observed in these arcs, caused by cloudy days, as well as changes in the Sun's height relative to the horizon.
Professor Angela Cristina Cararo was invited to study this topic in detail within the 'Olhar Espacial' program. She holds bachelor's and specialist degrees in physics from UFPR (in 1987 and 1989, respectively), as well as a master's degree in Geodesy Sciences (2006) and a doctoral degree in the same field (2010).
The professor's main activities are focused on areas such as GPS and the theory of relativity, the GPS time system, and teaching physics. Since March 2010, she has been working as a lecturer at PUCPR, teaching undergraduate students in physics, mathematics, and chemistry courses, including subjects such as modern physics, electromagnetism, classical mechanics, experimental physics, general physics, and introduction to astronomy.
The 'Olhar Espacial' program, led by Marcelo Zurita, President of the Paraíba Astronomy Association (APA), member of the Brazilian Astronomical Society (SAB), Technical Director of Bramon, and National Coordinator of Asteroid Day Brazil, is broadcast live every Friday at 9:00 PM Brazilian time through the publication's official channels on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, and TikTok.
Casa da Mel, a project developed by Francisco Lang Arquitetura, is located in the municipality of Cavalcante, in the heart of Chapada dos Veadeiros. The residence was conceived amidst the preserved Cerrado biome and offers a panoramic view of the Santana mountain range.
The emergence of this architectural project was directly linked to the pregnancy of the architect's own daughter. Casa da Mel was specifically planned to welcome the family with the birth of the child, named Mel.
