
Virtual reality, artificial intelligence and drones will enable Facebook to create a more lifelike and useful social network, the company said at its annual developer conference.

The Messenger now allows developers to create apps and for shoppers to communicate directly with retailers.

The high-tech smartwatch, which will range in price from $350 to $17,000 for an 18-karat gold model, is Apple's first major new product in five years.

The 1.39 billion-member social networking website updated its "community standards", providing specific examples of content prohibited under its general rules.

Apple's first new device since Cook became CEO will be available for order on April 10 and in stores on April 24.

Chief Executive Tim Cook said last month that the company plans to launch the smartwatch in April.

Chief Executive Dick Costolo said that quarterly specific factors, including seasonality and the launch of Apple's new mobile operating system, slowed additions in Q4.

The internet giant's revenue rose but fell short of Wall Street's target on declining online ad prices and unfavorable foreign exchange rates.

Mobile ads for smartphones and tablets accounted for 69 per cent or $2.48 billion of advertising revenue in the fourth quarter.

The company said it had introduced an option to allow Facebook users to flag a story as "purposefully fake or deceitful news" to reduce the distribution of news stories reported as hoaxes.





