Showing posts with label Threads. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Threads. Show all posts

Wednesday, August 16, 2023

Twitter Throttling Links to Facebook, Threads, and More

Twitter Throttling Links to Facebook, Threads, and More

Twitter has reportedly begun throttling traffic to a number of websites and competing social networks. The company is using its long-standing t.co link shortener to slow down links to Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Substack, the New York Times, and more.

The common theme among all of the affected websites and services is that they are ones for which Elon Musk, the Tesla CEO and potential future owner of Twitter, has a strong and vocal disdain. Musk has been critical of Twitter's moderation policies, which he believes are too restrictive. He has also expressed support for platforms that allow for more free speech, such as Substack and Minds.

The throttling of links to these websites is likely seen by Musk as a way to reduce the visibility of his critics and competitors. It is also a way to discourage users from sharing links to these websites on Twitter.

The throttling is not immediately obvious to users. When you click on a link to one of the affected websites, there is a noticeable five-second delay before the actual website's URL starts to load. This delay is caused by Twitter's t.co link shortener, which is used to process all links posted to Twitter.

It is unclear how long Twitter will continue to throttle links to these websites. The company has not yet commented on the matter.

In the meantime, users who want to share links to these websites on Twitter can do so by copying and pasting the full URL into their tweets. This will bypass the t.co link shortener and prevent the throttling from taking effect.

Here are some additional steps that users can take to link a Twitter thread to Facebook:

  1. Find the tweet that you want to share.
  2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner of the tweet.
  3. Select "Copy Link to Tweet."
  4. Paste the copied link into a new Facebook post.
  5. Click on "Post."

This will create a new Facebook post that includes the Twitter thread. The post will also include a link that will allow users to view the Twitter thread on Twitter.

It is important to note that Twitter may still throttle the traffic to the Twitter thread on Facebook. However, this will not prevent users from viewing the thread.

Wednesday, July 19, 2023

Threads Social Network Receives First Major Update

Threads Social Network Receives First Major Update

Meta's Threads social network has received its first major update, which introduces a range of new features that improve the functionality of the app.

One of the most notable new features is a tab that allows users to see who follows them, so they can easily follow back those who are interested in their content. Additionally, users can now subscribe to unfollowed users, which will allow them to see the other user's Stories without having to follow them.

The update also includes improvements to the activity feed loading times, making it faster and easier to see the latest posts from your friends. Additionally, a new translation option has been added, which allows users to translate posts that are in a different language.

The Threads update is available now for iOS and Android.

Here are some of the key features of the new Threads update:

  • A tab to see who follows you
  • The ability to subscribe to unfollowed users
  • Improvements to activity feed loading times
  • A translation option

The Threads update is a welcome addition to the app, and it makes it more user-friendly and engaging. The new features, such as the ability to see who follows you and the translation option, are particularly useful, and they make Threads a more powerful social networking tool.

If you're a user of Threads, I encourage you to check out the new update and see how it can improve your experience with the app.

Sunday, July 16, 2023

Meta Confirms Blocking Europeans from Using Threads via VPN

Meta Confirms Blocking Europeans from Using Threads via VPN

Meta has confirmed that it is blocking users in Europe from accessing Threads, its standalone app for Instagram Close Friends, via VPN. The company said that this is because Threads is not yet available in most European countries.

Threads is currently unavailable in most European countries and we have taken further measures to prevent people from those countries accessing Threads, a Meta spokesperson said.

Europe continues to be a very important market for Meta and we hope to be able to bring Threads to more countries in the future.

The move comes as Meta faces increasing scrutiny from regulators in Europe. The Digital Markets Act (DMA), which is currently being negotiated by the European Parliament, would give regulators the power to block companies from using anti-competitive practices.

It is possible that Meta is blocking Europeans from using Threads via VPN in order to avoid violating the DMA. The DMA prohibits companies from using "unfair contractual terms" to prevent users from switching to competing services. By blocking Europeans from using Threads via VPN, Meta is ensuring that users in those countries cannot circumvent the fact that Threads is not yet available in their region.

It is unclear when Threads will be made available in more European countries. However, the company has said that it is "committed to bringing Threads to more people around the world."

Impact on Users

The blocking of Europeans from using Threads via VPN will impact users in a number of ways. First, it will prevent them from accessing the app altogether. Second, it will make it more difficult for them to stay in touch with their Instagram Close Friends. Third, it will send a signal to users that Meta is not committed to serving them in Europe.

Conclusion

The blocking of Europeans from using Threads via VPN is a significant development. It shows that Meta is willing to take steps to prevent users from circumventing its regional restrictions. It also raises questions about the company's commitment to serving users in Europe. Only time will tell how the DMA will impact Meta's business in Europe.

Wednesday, July 12, 2023

Apple Threads Approaches 100 Million Users

Apple Threads Approaches 100 Million Users

Apple's new messaging platform, Threads, is on the verge of crossing 100 million users. The platform was launched in April 2023 as a way for close friends and family to communicate more easily. Threads is integrated with iMessage, so users can send messages, photos, videos, and more without having to switch apps.

Threads is also designed to be more private than other messaging platforms. Messages are end-to-end encrypted, and users can set their messages to disappear after a certain amount of time. Additionally, Threads does not allow users to add strangers to conversations.

The rapid growth of Threads is a testament to the popularity of Apple's messaging ecosystem. iMessage is already the most popular messaging platform in the United States, and Threads is likely to further solidify Apple's dominance in this space.

In addition to its privacy features, Threads also offers a number of other benefits. For example, users can see when their friends are online and typing, and they can share their location with each other. Threads also includes a number of fun features, such as the ability to send animated stickers and drawings.

Overall, Threads is a well-designed and secure messaging platform that offers a number of benefits for users. It is likely to continue to grow in popularity in the coming months and years.

Here are some additional details about Threads:

  • Threads is only available on Apple devices.
  • Users must be 13 years of age or older to create a Threads account.
  • Threads is not a replacement for iMessage, but rather a companion app.
  • Threads is integrated with the Messages app, so users can easily switch between the two apps.
  • Threads is designed to be more private than other messaging platforms.
  • Threads offers a number of fun features, such as the ability to send animated stickers and drawings.

I hope this is helpful!

Saturday, July 8, 2023

Instagram Introduces Threads, a New Text App for Sharing Updates and Joining Public Conversations

Instagram Introduces Threads, a New Text App for Sharing Updates and Joining Public Conversations

Instagram (6-6-2023) announced Threads, a new text app that allows users to share updates and join public conversations. Threads is built on top of Instagram's infrastructure, so users can log in using their existing Instagram account. Posts on Threads can be up to 500 characters long and can include links, photos, and videos up to 5 minutes in length.

Threads is designed to be a more personal and intimate way to connect with friends and family. Posts are only visible to the people you choose to share them with, and you can even set up different groups for different circles of friends. Threads also includes a number of features that make it easy to stay connected, such as real-time notifications, read receipts, and typing indicators.

In addition to private conversations, Threads also allows users to join public conversations. These conversations are open to anyone who wants to participate, and they can be about anything from current events to hobbies and interests. Public conversations are a great way to connect with people who share your interests, and they can also be a source of news and information.

Threads is currently available in select markets, but it will be rolling out to more countries in the coming weeks. To download Threads, simply visit the App Store or Google Play.

Here are some of the key features of Threads:

  • Personal and intimate: Posts on Threads are only visible to the people you choose to share them with.
  • Real-time notifications: You'll always know when someone has read your message or is typing a reply.
  • Read receipts: See when your friends have seen your messages.
  • Typing indicators: See when your friends are typing a reply.
  • Public conversations: Join open conversations about anything you're interested in.
  • Easy to use: Threads is designed to be simple and easy to use, so you can focus on connecting with the people you care about.

If you're looking for a new way to connect with friends and family, Threads is a great option. It's a simple, yet powerful way to stay in touch with the people who matter most to you.

  • Threads is a standalone app: Threads is not a feature of Instagram, but a standalone app that you download to your mobile phone. This means that you can use Threads even if you don't have an Instagram account.
  • Threads is connected to your Instagram account: When you create a Threads account, it will be connected to the Instagram account you logged in with. This means that you can use your existing Instagram friends list to communicate with people on Threads.
  • Threads posts are only visible to the people you choose: By default, your Threads posts are only visible to the people you follow. You can also choose to share your posts with specific groups of people, or even make them public.
  • Threads includes a number of features that make it easy to stay connected: Threads includes a number of features that make it easy to stay connected with your friends and family, such as:
    • Real-time notifications: You'll always know when someone has read your message or is typing a reply.
    • Read receipts: See when your friends have seen your messages.
    • Typing indicators: See when your friends are typing a reply.
    • Public conversations: Join open conversations about anything you're interested in.
  • Threads is designed to be simple and easy to use: Threads is designed to be simple and easy to use, so you can focus on connecting with the people you care about.

Here are some additional details about Threads:

  • Threads is currently available in select markets: Threads is currently available in a limited number of markets, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and Australia. It is expected to be rolled out to more countries in the coming weeks.
  • Threads is free to download and use: Threads is a free app to download and use. There are no in-app purchases or subscription fees.
  • Threads is a great way to stay connected with friends and family: Threads is a great way to stay connected with friends and family who use Instagram. It's also a great way to connect with people who share your interests, through public conversations.

If you're looking for a new way to connect with friends and family, Threads is a great option. It's a simple, yet powerful way to stay in touch with the people who matter most to you.