Tooling

Facebook Spaces is a new VR app that allows Facebook friends to hang out in virtual reality, creating avatars and interacting with 360-degree content. via WIRED

Facebook's AI assistant, M, is super smart but relies on human trainers, making it too expensive to release widely yet. via MIT Technology Review.

Researchers from Princeton and Stanford Universities have developed a new ad-blocking method that leverages computer vision and legal disclosure requirements to identify and block ads.

Experts believe the YouTube ad boycott is pointless and won't significantly impact Google, as advertisers are becoming more selective in placements rather than abandoning Google. via The Drum

Seth Godin's blog seems to be implementing security checks and requires enabling Javascript and cookies. via sethgodin.typepad.com

FlowingData revisits Reddit's 2017 April Fool's experiment where users collaboratively colored pixels, exploring the categorization of participants as creators, protectors, and destroyers. via FlowingData

Deep learning AI presents a transparency challenge as its complex decision-making processes remain elusive, raising concerns about accountability. via MIT Technology Review

Google Brain researcher Ian Goodfellow developed AI technology called "Generative Adversarial Networks" or GANs that utilize two neural networks, one that creates realistic images and another that attempts to differentiate real images from fakes. via Wired.

Creative agency Deutsch is launching an AI team to help brands navigate virtual assistants, the Internet of Things, and bots. via Adweek.

Microsoft is acquiring Deis, a company that specializes in cloud-based application development. via WIRED

Samsung released a visually stunning spot called "The New Normal" showcasing their latest technology, including the Galaxy S8 and Gear VR, through the eyes of children. via The Drum.