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Among massive shifts in Meta's policies, the company said on Thursday that it fixed an error that resulted in a flood of violent and graphic content on some users' Instagram Reels pages.

"We have fixed an error that caused some users to see content in their Instagram Reels feed that should not have been recommended. We apologize for the mistake," a Meta spokesperson told CNBC.

SEE ALSO: Leftist meme creators are undeterred by Meta’s rightward shift

The aforementioned content, according to one Reddit user, was a stream of Reels videos "full of street fights, school shootings, murder, and gore accidents." Another user on Reddit described a feed that switched from "planes, watches, miniature painting, and cats" to "body horror and videos with descriptions in Russian."

In a different Reddit post about Meta's apology, the comments section is flooded with posts blaming AI, Meta's recent layoffs, and misguided policy changes. One user commented, "Okay Meta but I saw a guy get executed." Another user said they were done with Instagram altogether after the platform's error. "I’m still not going back after their 'mistake' decided to show me child p*rn as soon as I opened the app. Never again."

SEE ALSO: Meta offering 200 percent bonuses to execs after laying off thousands

While Meta allows some graphic content on its site, its guidelines say it protects users from prohibited content like "videos depicting dismemberment, visible innards or charred bodies" and "imagery depicting the suffering of humans and animals."

This comes just a few weeks after Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg eliminated fact-checkers in favor of community notes, lifted prohibitions on certain forms of hate speech, scrapped DEI initiatives, removed trans-inclusive features from its apps, and reinstated political content recommendations. As CNBC pointed out, in 2022 and 2023, Meta cut 21,000 employees, many of which were part of its civic integrity and trust and safety teams.

Amazon stole the show with its Alexa+ AI announcements on Wednesday, but OpenAI isn't waiting around for another chance in the spotlight.

The company behind ChatGPT announced on X on that it would livestream...something at 3 p.m. ET on Thursday. The livestream will be...somewhere, presumably, at that time. The tweet features zero other usable information of any sort, like a link or even a reference to which website the stream will be on. It could be on OpenAI's X account, or OpenAI's website, or maybe even OpenAI's YouTube page. None of them say anything about an upcoming livestream at the time of writing.

SEE ALSO: OpenAI GPT-4.5 launch imminent, report suggests. What we know. Tweet may have been deleted

We actually have more information about what might be in this mystery livestream than we do about where to watch it. Various reports point to OpenAI announcing GPT-4.5 imminently.

Apple's PowerBeats Pro 2 offer a landmark feature—heart rate monitoring. Unfortunately, early reviews show that this feature is flawed in ways that may not be resolved through firmware updates.

SAVE $580: The DJI Power 1000 portable power station is on sale at Amazon for $419 with the on-page coupon, down from the usual price of $999. That's a 58% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Power 1000 portable power station $419.00 at Amazon
$999.00 Save $580.00 with on-page coupon Get Deal

Surprise power outages can be rough. Instead of going without power during a storm, or even while out camping, get a great deal at Amazon on a portable power station that can charge all your devices.

As of Feb. 27, the DJI Power 1000 portable power station is on sale for just $419, down from the usual price of $999, with an on-page coupon at Amazon. That's a major 58% discount that'll save you $580 on the power station.

SEE ALSO: Grab the EcoFlow Delta 2 portable power station for 59% off and stay charged up anywhere

The DJI Power 1000 focuses on ultimate convenience when you're not connected to power. It comes with high-capacity stable output of 2,200 watts with peak output getting up to 4,400 watts.

In real-life terms, when on the go, DJI says the Power 1000 is capable of recharging a mobile phone 57 times, or keeping a car refrigerator powered for 19 hours. If you're using the DJI Power 1000 as a home backup, it'll keep the refrigerator on for about 45 hours, a lamp for 93 hours, and a WiFi router for almost 77 hours.

The convenience also extends to the charging ports with two USB-A, two USB-C, and two AC ports. The DJI Power 1000 is also compatible with solar power, coming with one SDC port and one SDC lite port.

Once you're back connected to the power grid, the DJI Power 1000 will take just 70 minutes to get back to 100% if the battery has run dry. Getting to 80% power takes only 50 minutes.

If you'll be heading on outdoor adventures that won't keep you in normal power grid range, the DJI Power 1000 is the perfect way to keep charged up. Thanks to today's deal at Amazon, the portable power station is on sale for under $420. The convenience that staying powered up affords is pretty close to priceless.

TP-Link has released the Archer GE650, a tri-band gaming router that uses Wi-Fi 7 technology. It's on the cheaper side compared to other gaming routers, but it does offer a lot for the price.

The Windows Settings app is great, but it can sometimes feel overwhelming because of the number of options it offers. To make things easier for me, I installed Wintoys, which is my go-to platform for uninstalling apps, fixing performance issues, and making tweaks to my computer.

SAVE $18 & $17: As of Feb. 27, get Pokémon Scarlet for $42.99 and Pokémon Violet for $41.99 at Woot, down from their original price of $59.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Woot Pokémon Scarlet $42.99 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $17.00 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Woot Pokémon Violet $41.99 at Woot
$59.99 Save $18.00 Get Deal

Pokémon Trainers have a lot to look forward to. Today's Pokémon Presents revealed a release date for the upcoming Pokémon Legends: Z-A as well as a brand new game called Pokémon Champions in addition to other exciting news for fans. Since Pokémon Legends: Z-A is debuting this year, what better time than now to jump into the most recent titles and get ready for what's to come?

As of Feb. 27, Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet are on sale at Woot for $42.99 and $41.99 respectively, down from their usual price of $59.99. These prices are for physical Nintendo Switch copies rather than digital codes, so they'll be shipped to you.

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet take you to the region of Paldea, where you'll be partnered with one of three new starters: Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly. You'll attend either the Naranja or Uva Academy depending on which version you buy, and you'll be tasked with exploring the region after encountering legendary Pokémon Koraidon or Miraidon.

It's an open-world Pokémon adventure that lets you choose which path you'll use to tackle the game, whether that means tackling the Victory Road challenge to defeat Gym Leaders or helping characters like Arven and Penny tackle different story-related missions. All three paths can be completed, so there's plenty to see and do, no matter where you decide to start.

Beyond the content already in-game, there are DLC expansions to complete and plenty of post-game content to satisfy you. Now's a good time to jump in and catch 'em all, especially with more Pokémon goodness on the way.

Hybrids are currently swarming the market in just about every segment, and it makes sense why. They can run on the same infrastructure that has powered ICE vehicles for ages while saving you tons of money on fuel. Another added bonus is that some of them use their electric power to become insanely quick.

When looking at VR headsets, many people look first at headsets such as the Meta Quest 3, but there are definitely other good options. The PlayStation VR2 is one alternative that works on both PCs and PlayStation consoles, and now Sony has given it a much-appreciated price cut.

I've used Apple's earbuds for as long as I can remember, but I also use an Android phone. Unfortunately, it's no secret that Apple prioritizes the iPhone, which means using AirPods on Android isn't an ideal experience. I sought a decent alternative and I found it in Samsung's Galaxy Buds 3.

So you’ve played through both open-world Zelda games, Mario Kart and Odyssey and cozy favorites like Stardew Valley and Animal Crossing. Here are some games that you might not have experienced yet.

DirecTV is now offering three new genre-based streaming options for customers who want to access more content without paying a high subscription fee, the company said Thursday. Instead of getting an entire bundle of channels you'll never watch, you can choose from low-cost news and entertainment tiers.

Mozilla has introduced a Terms of Use agreement for Firefox, alongside an updated Privacy Notice. This marks the first time the browser has included such a legally binding document, but it doesn't seem like there's anything to get upset about yet.

SAVE $100: As of Feb. 27, get the Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 for $599, down from its usual price of $699, at Best Buy. That's a discount of 19%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Best Buy Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 $599.00 at Best Buy
$699.00 Save $100.00 Get Deal

If you need a new laptop but you spend a lot of your time out and about, a Chromebook might be just what you're looking for. They're perfectly portable options that do a lot more than facilitate work, especially the Acer Chromebook Plus line. There's one in particular that you'll want to pay attention to right now, since it's on sale at Best Buy.

As of Feb. 27, get the Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 for $599, down from its usual price of $699 at Best Buy. That's $100 off and a discount of 19%.

Mashable's Kim Gedeon praised the Chromebook Plus Spin 714 for its "wallet-friendly price tag", "flexible design", and "military-tested durability" as well as its accessibility for anyone who's firmly entrenched in the Google ecosystem. It also features Google Gemini AI features, so it moves far beyond what you can expect from a typical Chromebook's feature set.

This model packs an Intel Core Ultra 5 Wqq5U processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD. Its 14-inch touchscreen display boasts a 1920 x 1200 display as well, which you can bend backward to use as a tablet or in its usual laptop form factor. Its Steel Gray aluminum chassis is lightweight as well, with a flexible hinge that make it a great pick for anyone who likes to see their favorite tech in different orientations. It also supports a stylus if you have one, so you can use it to navigate.

This is a great opportunity to bring home a laptop that moves with you so you can get a whole host of things done, and at an excellent price, under $700.

Walk into any Home Depot and you'll see brightly colored Ryobi power tools everywhere. They're incredibly popular, reasonably affordable, and often on sale, which is why I own a bunch of them for all my DIY projects. So, who makes Ryobi tools, and are they worth buying?

Check out the best Amazon deals of the day as of Feb. 27: OUR TOP PICK Sony Bravia 7 65-inch Mini-LED Google TV $1,198 (save $801.99 with Prime) Get Deal BEST SPEAKER DEAL JBL Authentics 500 $499.95 (save $200) Get Deal BEST TRAVEL DEAL Eufy Security SmartTrack Link $11.99 (save $8) Get Deal BEST APPLE DEAL Apple Pencil Pro $99 (save $30) Get Deal

While the deals this week aren't as abundant as they've been in the past, there are still discounts to be found. We've done a little digging at Amazon — our specialty — and hand-picked a few deals we think are worth grabbing on Feb. 27. So, before you ride off into the weekend sunset, check them out for a little retail therapy on a budget.

Here are our picks for the best Amazon deals of the day. If none of these are your cup of tea, be sure to check out our picks from Feb. 25 and Feb. 26. A few of those deals are still live, including a four-pack of Apple AirTags and 43-inch 4-Series Fire TV at their best prices ever.

Our top pick: Sony Bravia 7 65-inch Mini-LED Google TV Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony Bravia 7 65-inch Mini-LED Google TV $1,198.00 at Amazon
$1,999.99 Save $801.99 with Prime Get Deal

In need of a TV upgrade? Prime members can score 40% off a 65-inch Sony Bravia 7 mini-LED Google TV as of Feb. 27. That knocks the price down to just $1,198, its lowest on record. While it's not quite as impressive as the Bravia 9, it's also about $1,000 cheaper at full price and comes with many of the same features. And most people won't notice much of a difference between the two. It packs mini-LED backlighting for captivating brightness, an XR processor that enhances scenes in real time, gaming optimization with exclusive features for PS5, and the Google TV experience to simplify your streaming setup.

JBL Authentics 500 Opens in a new window Credit: JBL JBL Authentics 500 $499.95 at Amazon
$699.95 Save $200.00 Get Deal

While the controls can be a bit finicky, overall the JBL Authentics 500 speaker delivers impressive sound with deep bass and crisp highs. Our friends at PCMag (also owned by Ziff Davis) tested it out and noted "The lows are robust, while the vocals and higher-register brass and strings have plenty of treble edge." You can stream through Bluetooth and WiFi and even use Google Assistant or Alexa to play your favorite tunes. The price is one of its downfalls at $699.95, but as of Feb. 27, you can save nearly 30% and pick it up at Amazon for just $499.95.

Eufy Security SmartTrack Link Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Eufy Security SmartTrack Link $11.99 at Amazon
$19.99 Save $8.00 Get Deal

Like the Eufy Security SmartTrack Card we featured yesterday, the SmartTrack Link is essentially an AirTag dupe with a different shape. And as of Feb. 27, it's a whole lot more affordable at Amazon. Pick one up for only $11.99 and save 40%. The SmartTrack Link is small enough to slip onto your key ring or luggage and utilizes Bluetooth and Apple's Find My network to locate your stuff. It also features free left-behind alerts and allows you to find your phone even when it's in silent mode through the Eufy Security app.

Apple Pencil Pro Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Pencil Pro $99.00 at Amazon
$129.00 Save $30.00 Get Deal

The new Apple Pencil Pro upgrades the simple stylus with vibration effects that match the actions performed on iPads, several new interactive features, pressure sensitivity, Find My support, and the ability to create customized interactions and shortcuts. If you use your iPad for photo editing, illustrating, or digital art of any kind, it'll be a game changer for enhancing your experience. For those who are more basic iPad users, we recommend the more affordable USB-C Apple Pencil (featured yesterday). It's usually $129, but as of Feb. 27, you can save 23% and pick up the Apple Pencil Pro for just $99 at Amazon. Just note that it's only compatible with the new M2 iPad Air and M4 iPad Pro.

None of these deals catching your eye? Check out Amazon's daily deals for even more savings.

SAVE 62%: As of Feb. 27, get Shark's 3-in-1 air purifier, heater, and fan for 62% off at Best Buy. Normally, $399.99, it's down to $149.99 saving you $250.

Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark 3-in-1 air purifier, fan, and heater $149.99 at Best Buy
$399.99 Save $250.00 Get Deal

Things are starting to warm up as spring nears. As the snow and ice melt away and life starts to return back to the earth, so comes seasonal allergies. If you've been feeling a little extra sneezy around the home, plagued by post-nasal drip, it might be time to consider an air purifier.

Right now, you can find Shark's 3-in-1 air purifier, fan, and heater on sale for $149.99 at Best Buy. Normally priced at $399.99, this deal saves you $250 on the device for 62% off.

The Shark 3-in-1 air purifier, fan, and heater really does it all. It's ideal for the in-between seasons, cleaning your home's air of allergens with a nano-sealed HEPA filter. While it sucks dust and dander out of the air, it also features purified heat and fan modes you can adjust as the temperatures heat up or unexpectedly drop. It's best suited for rooms up to 500 sq. ft. and auto-senses the air quality and adjusts its settings as needed.

Shop the Shark 3-in-1 air purifier, fan, and heater at Best Buy now to save 62%.

Apple has a new iPhone out. Let's talk about it.

The newly launched iPhone 16e is a bit of a strategy shift for Apple. Rather than doing a budget-friendly iPhone SE model every two or three years, Apple has set itself up to potentially do a slightly compromised version of each year's flagship a handful of months later, if it wants to. It's not as cheap as the SE was, but in this case, you get what you pay for.

If you've been rocking an older iPhone or even an SE for the last few years, the 16e is well worth the upgrade. Here's why.

SEE ALSO: Apple iPhone 16e review: Battery life king Apple iPhone 16e: 5 reasons to upgrade

For reference, the iPhone 16e is basically the body of an iPhone 14 with some newer stuff inside of it. Here's how that all shakes out.

Bigger display

The last iPhone SE model, which launched in 2022, had a 4.7-inch display. That was fine if you were used to older iPhones (I rocked an SE until very recently so I get it), but these days, it's possible to make a phone with a bigger screen that's also comfortable to hold. That's what the new iPhone 16e is.

Its 6.1-inch display is a big upgrade over the screen on the SE. It doesn't have 120Hz support or the Dynamic Island you would find on the more expensive flagship iPhones, but that's OK. The bezel is smaller than it was on the SE, too. It's just a nice enhancement over what the SE offered.

Better camera

What you shouldn't expect from an iPhone 16e is a camera array that's anything close to what the iPhone 16 Pro offers. However, compared to the SE, it's a huge upgrade.

You still only get one lens, but it's a 48MP model this time around, compared to 12MP on the SE. More importantly, some of the more advanced software features that Apple included on recent iPhones (but not the SE) are here, such as nighttime photography. This is a godsend, as when I owned an SE, the inability to take decent low-light photos annoyed the heck out of me.

Longer battery life

One big bonus with the iPhone 16e compared to older budget models is the inclusion of Apple's A18 chip, the same one found inside the iPhone 16. That means performance won't be a problem on this phone. More importantly, it also contributes to substantially longer battery life than what the SE had to offer, and surprisingly, even longer battery life than the iPhone 16.

Apple rates the 16e for 26 hours of video playback, compared to 22 on the 16. Our reviewer Stan Schroeder noted that he was able to get about two days of heavy use out of the 16e on a full charge, which is incredible. My old SE couldn't make it through a day on a charge.

Face ID beats thumb print sensors

Personally, I never had much luck with the biometric thumb print sensors on older iPhones, including the SE. For whatever reason, they just didn't work consistently for me. Now, I have an iPhone with Face ID, and even though that has problems of its own, I find it faster and more convenient regardless.

Needless to say after that preamble, the iPhone 16e ditches the home button in favor of Face ID. That's a good thing, in my opinion. Just remember you need to be looking at the camera with your eyes for it to work most of the time.

USB-C means saying goodbye to the Lightning cable

Last but definitely not least, anyone who buys an iPhone 16e can hurl their Lightning cables into a river. Like every new iPhone, the 16e uses USB-C for charging. That not only enables you to use pretty much any cable you have lying around, but it means charging speeds should be faster, too. This has been my favorite thing about owning an iPhone 16, and now 16e owners can get in on the fun, too.

RESERVE ADVANCE TICKETS NOW: Grab tickets to the March Katniss movie event at select Cinemark locations across the U.S. between March 12 and 16, showing all films from The Hunger Games saga.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lionsgate March Katniss movie event at Cinemark March 12 - 16 Pre-Order Here

We're volunteering as tribute between March 12 and 16. That last day overlaps with major March college basketball tournaments, but we're dedicated to freeing Panem. If you feel the same, you'll want to block off those dates and reserve tickets at your local Cinemark theater. Here's everything you need to know.

Tickets are on sale now for Cinemark's March Katniss movie event that brings all four films from The Hunger Games series back to theaters between March 12 and 16. In chronological order, the movie event shows all four films, with the fifth and final day serving as The Hunger Games marathon, screening will all four films in succession. Ticket prices vary depending on theater location and event day.

SEE ALSO: How to watch all of the 2025 Best Picture Oscar nominees

Sure, we've been rewatching The Hunger Games films at home for years, but there's something special about seeing them on the big screen again. While much of the U.S. will be jazzed about the major college basketball events in the middle of March, we're cheering for March Katniss.

Thankfully, Cinemark understands our love of the series. Here's what the movie schedule looks like:

• March 12: The Hunger Games

• March 13: The Hunger Games: Catching Fire

• March 14: The Hunger Game: Mockingjay Part 1

• March 15: The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2

• March 16: The Hunger Games marathon (all four films back-to-back)

Yes, on March 16, you can snag a seat to spend nine hours and eight minutes watching all four of The Hunger Games films. Grab some friends, pre-order snacks, and make an incredible day of reliving every moment from the series.

If you've never seen the series, this event is truly the best possible introduction to the epic world of The Hunger Games.

Reserve your seats now for the March Katniss event at Cinemark while there's still time to choose your ideal seat.

SAVE $30 WHEN YOU SPEND $100: At Amazon, stock up on pet supplies for your furry friend. Spend $100 on qualifying items and receive a $30 credit.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Pet Supply deal Get a $30 Amazon credit when you spend $100 on pet supplies Get Deal

We all love our feline and canine companions. They keep us active on walks or cozy on the couch when they're cuddled up by our side. Keeping them well-fed and cared for is an easy exchange for all they give us. If you already need to buy them their favorite treats and food, you may as well save a little money while doing so. Luckily, Amazon is running a sweet deal for pet owners.

Right now, when you spend $100 on qualifying pet supplies at Amazon, you'll receive a $30 credit. To get this deal, all you have to do is add the items to your cart, and it will be automatically applied at checkout. There are a ton of items available in this deal — for both cats and dogs. Stock up on litter or big bags of dog food to get some extra savings. And the best part? The supplies are delivered right to your door, so you don't have to lug them from the store to the car to your home. And beyond the essentials, make sure to add some treats for your cart (your dog definitely didn't tell us to say that.)

Already have enough supplies at home? If you have some extra money to spend, purchase some pet supplies to donate to your local pet shelter.

Shop this pet deal at Amazon now and receive a $30 credit when you spend $100 on food, treats, and more.