Meta is bringing AI ads to their products

Every day, something in tech leaves us stunned.

Today, I want to talk about Meta ads, Perplexity, and Microsoft and what they’re all up to. Let’s dive in.

In today’s post:

• Meta AI ads

• Perplexity coming to Samsung

• Microsoft bold move

• Trending AI tools + Free resource to master AI

What’s Trending Today

Ads

Meta wants to automate the ad industry from top to bottom

By the end of next year, Facebook and Instagram ads may look very different and they won’t be made by agencies. Meta’s rolling out tools to fully automate ad creation and targeting with AI.

• The new system will let brands create entire ad campaigns from a product image and a budget.

• AI will generate copy, visuals, video and handle audience targeting, including geolocation.

• Meta already offers basic AI tweaks; this pushes into full automation. The company says the goal is to help small businesses compete, but agencies are feeling the heat.

• Stocks in WPP, Publicis, and Havas dropped up to 4% after the news broke.

• Meta plans to invest up to $72B next year, much of it going toward AI infrastructure.

• While Meta says it supports agencies, it’s clear the ad creation “middle layer” is being redefined.

Here’s what I think:

This move doesn’t just change who can advertise, it changes how advertising works. If Meta succeeds, creative and strategic control will shift from agencies to platforms. It’s not just media buying on autopilot, it’s storytelling too. That’s a power shift the ad industry hasn’t fully reckoned with yet.

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Deals

Samsung’s bet on Perplexity could reshape mobile AI

Samsung is closing in on a deal with Perplexity AI; one that could shift the balance of power in mobile search and AI assistants. The plan? Make Perplexity the new default on Samsung devices.

Here’s everything you need to know:

• Samsung is in talks to preload Perplexity’s app and assistant on upcoming phones.

• The Galaxy S26, expected in early 2026, could launch with Perplexity built in.

• Discussions include integrating Perplexity into Samsung’s web browser and even Bixby.

• Samsung would also invest in Perplexity’s next $500M funding round, valuing it at $14B.

• For Samsung, it’s a chance to reduce reliance on Google and diversify its AI stack.

• For Perplexity, it would be the company’s biggest mobile win yet; bigger than its recent Motorola deal.

• Apple has also been in talks with Perplexity, eyeing it as a possible Siri or Google Search alternative.

Here’s what I think:

Perplexity is quietly becoming the most sought-after AI partner in big tech. If this Samsung deal goes through, it could mark the beginning of a post-Google search era on mobile; one built around assistants, not keywords.

Growth

ZeniMax QA workers just made history

Microsoft just reached its first-ever U.S. union contract and it’s with video game QA testers at ZeniMax, the studio behind titles like Elder Scrolls and Fallout. It’s a labor milestone two years in the making.

• About 300 ZeniMax QA testers announced plans to unionize in late 2022.

• They've now secured a tentative contract with Microsoft, pending a June 20 ratification vote.

• The deal includes a 13.5% across-the-board pay raise starting July 1. It also formalizes how AI will be used in the workplace, per earlier agreements.

• Page Branson, a QA tester and union rep, called it “a monumental victory” for game workers.

• Microsoft acquired ZeniMax in 2021 and opted not to interfere with the union drive.

• The Communications Workers of America now represents over 2,000 Microsoft game employees.

Here’s what I think:

This isn’t just a win for ZeniMax. It’s a signal that the once-fragmented world of game labor is starting to organize in real, structural ways. With Microsoft on board and AI in the mix; this contract could become a template for the industry.

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