Instagram Launches Algorithm Customization Feature for Main Feed
Instagram has expanded its algorithm personalization feature to the main feed, allowing users to see and adjust topics the algorithm thinks they're interested in. The feature currently only works with interest-based topics like "rescue dogs" or "parenting humor," and notably does not allow users to request more posts from accounts they follow. The expansion gives users more control over their feed experience, though it highlights a persistent tension between algorithmic recommendations and user preferences for content from followed accounts.
Instagram has rolled out its "Your Algorithm" personalization feature to the main feed, building on previous implementations for Reels and the Explore page. The feature allows users to see which topics Instagram's algorithm believes they're interested in and to add or remove topics from their recommendations. According to Instagram head Adam Mosseri, the company is using large language models to make these personalization tools possible and plans to expand them to include requests for specific people, moods, vibes, and content types. However, the feature has a notable limitation: users cannot request to see more posts from accounts they follow, returning an error message when attempted. Mosseri acknowledged this frustration in a Threads post, explaining that as algorithmic recommendations became dominant, the "following" feed tool became less relevant, though Instagram maintains a separate dedicated following feed for users who prefer chronological content from accounts they follow.
How coverage differed
The Verge's headline emphasizes user agency and control ("you can just tell the algorithm"), while Engadget's headline leads with a limitation ("unless you want to see more posts from accounts you follow"), providing more critical framing of the feature's constraints.
What different sources said
Related
BYD Demonstrates Ultra-Fast 9-Minute EV Charging Technology at UK Headquarters
BYD showcased its Flash Charge technology at its West London headquarters, charging a Denza Z9 GT from 10% to nearly 100% in nine minutes using 1,500kW peak power. The system uses CCS 2 connectors compatible with most EVs and includes on-site battery storage to reduce grid demand. BYD plans to deploy 6,000 Flash Charging stalls globally by end of 2027, with 3,000 in Europe and 300 in the UK, potentially offering charging at under 50 pence per kilowatt-hour.
Anthropic's Claude Fable 5 Model Blocking Harmless User Requests with Overly Strict Safety Filters
Anthropic's newly released Claude Fable 5 AI model is refusing to respond to innocuous user prompts, including simple greetings like "hello," due to overly conservative safety guardrails. The company acknowledged the issue and stated that false positives occur in less than 5% of sessions, but has not provided exact refusal rates. The problem affects millions of users and has generated numerous bug reports and complaints from researchers and developers.
Open-Source Raspberry Pi Project Recreates Retro VCR Interface for Modern Media Playback
Developer Anthony Caccese has released 240-MP, an open-source Raspberry Pi project that creates a vintage VCR-style interface for playing local media files and Plex libraries on CRT or modern screens. The project runs on Raspberry Pi 4B, 3B+, and 3B models and supports navigation via remote control or keyboard. The tool addresses nostalgia for older display formats while enabling modern streaming functionality.