TikTok to Launch AI Avatars for Ads, Challenging Traditional Influencer Ad Space
- Written by Deep Shikha Content Writer
- Fact-Checked by
A recent The Information post suggests that TikTok is setting the stage for a major shift in digital marketing by creating AI-driven virtual influencers, potentially transforming how brands interact with audiences on the platform.
According to The Verge , these AI avatars — which are still in testing — could autonomously promote and sell products using the scripts generated by the advertisers.
If that’s true, this new move by TikTok will challenge the traditional role of human influencers in TikTok Shop.
As per the sources cited by The Information, early tests by TikTok’s staff suggest that these AI influencers have yet to match the commercial success of their human counterparts. Despite lower e-commerce sales figures, TikTok views these virtual creators as potential supplements rather than replacements for human content creators.
The Verge says it’s not yet known how TikTok will distribute earnings between AI and human influencers or how it will ensure that AI doesn’t steal deals from human creators. Many TikTok creators depend on such deals for income, especially since the platform ended its $1 billion creator fund, which was already considered insufficient.
TikTok must carefully introduce this feature to avoid upsetting its creators, particularly after urging them to help prevent a ban by Congress, The Verge added.
The Verge also pointed out that TikTok has a history of experimenting with AI. For instance, in January, a select group of users got access to a new “Song Generator” feature powered by the AI model Bloom, which let them create songs and lyrics.
In addition, TikTok started tagging its filters and effects with an AI label and made it mandatory last year for users to disclose when they use these AI-enhanced features.
As TikTok navigates the integration of these AI capabilities, it faces the dual challenge of maintaining creator income stability and addressing regulatory scrutiny.
Delta Emulator Brings Retro Nintendo Games to iPhone
- Written by Deep Shikha Content Writer
- Fact-Checked by
On April 17, the App Store welcomed its first Apple-approved emulator, Delta — a refined Nintendo emulator from developer Riley Testut. It’s available for free download on the App Store in many countries outside the European Union. In the EU, it can be downloaded through the newly launched third-party AltStore PAL app marketplace.
In an email to The Verge , Delta developer Riley Testut stated that the app’s version launching with AltStore PAL is identical to the original. It includes adaptive on-screen buttons that adjust their layout and design based on the system being emulated.
The emulator supports a broad spectrum of consoles — from the original Nintendo Entertainment System to the Nintendo 64 and even the Sega Genesis for titles unavailable on Nintendo platforms.
According to The Verge, Delta also supports unique Nintendo input methods, including the gyroscope in WarioWare: Twisted! and the microphone controls in Nintendo DS games like Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney .
The app is compatible with a wide range of controllers, including Nintendo Switch Pro controllers, Joy-Cons, and Nintendo Switch Online controllers for NES, SNES, and N64. It also works with PS4 and PS5 controllers, Xbox One S and Xbox Series X controllers, MFi game controllers, and both Bluetooth and wired keyboards.
In addition, the app automatically retrieves box art for games and allows customization with images from its database or your own. Creating original controller skins is also supported. Multiplayer is also supported for NES, SNES, and N64 games for up to 4 players and allows AirPlay streaming.
Delta emulator allows customizing the controller layout and adding extra buttons for functions like quick save states — for example, to pause and resume games at any point — and fast-forward through lengthy cutscenes or startup logos in old-school games.
The emulator supports a variety of cheat codes for each system it emulates, including:
- Game Genie codes for NES
- Game Genie and Pro Action Replay cheats for SNES
- GameShark codes for N64
- Game Genie and GameShark codes for Game Boy Color
- Action Replay, Code Breaker, and GameShark cheats for Game Boy Advance
- Action Replay codes to enhance gameplay for DS
According to The Verge, before Delta, a few emulators like iGBA and an NES emulator named Bimmy were released, but they lasted only a short time. iGBA, which copied code from Testut’s earlier GBA4iOS, was removed by Apple for violations, including spam and copyright issues, while Bimmy’s developer withdrew due to fears of Nintendo’s enforcement against emulators.
Delta itself is not a new entrant; Testut launched its first version in 2019 with AltStore, an alternative to jailbreaking, says the Verge. Having undergone 5 years of development, including feature enhancements and bug fixes, Delta is poised to offer one of the most refined emulation experiences available on the iPhone for some time.
