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Musk Tells X Staff New Products Will Challenge YouTube, LinkedIn

LinkedIn and YouTube Days are Over? Musk Hints at New Video and Professional Platform

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In a landmark all-company meeting held to commemorate one year since Elon Musk’s takeover of Twitter, the social media site now known as X, both Musk and X’s CEO, Linda Yaccarino, unveiled ambitious plans that may put YouTube and LinkedIn on the defensive. This meeting, the first time Musk and Yaccarino jointly addressed the entire company, marked a significant shift in X’s strategic direction.

Musk Tells X Staff New Products Will Challenge YouTube, LinkedIn
Image Source: tech.hindustantimes.com

Musk, the world’s richest man, made headlines in October 2022 when he closed a $44 billion deal to take Twitter private, subsequently implementing sweeping changes within the platform, which led to the departure of numerous executives and staff. During the recent meeting, Musk and Yaccarino made it clear that their vision for X extends beyond being a mere social media platform.

The duo identified YouTube and LinkedIn as future competitors while hinting at plans to challenge them with yet-to-be-disclosed products. These products, shrouded in secrecy, have left industry experts and X users curious about what innovations Musk and Yaccarino have in store.

One striking revelation from the meeting was the mention of “XWire,” a news wire service that aims to rival Cision’s PR Newswire. While details about XWire remain scarce, this announcement underlines X’s expanding influence in the media and information-sharing landscape.

Linda Yaccarino, who assumed the role of X’s CEO in May after a distinguished career at NBCUniversal, has focused on nurturing relationships with advertisers. In contrast, Musk has been on a mission to revamp the platform. He introduced premium subscriptions, redefined account “verification,” and harnessed the power of crowd-sourced fact-checking through the Community Notes feature.

As X charts its course, the executives seem confident in their platform’s direction, emphasizing the rapid growth they’ve witnessed over the past year. They proudly point to an impressive user base of 500 million, although some third-party estimates cast doubt on the accuracy of this figure.

Although the specifics of X’s impending competition with YouTube and LinkedIn remain unclear, the message from Musk and Yaccarino indicates a determination to challenge the status quo. This news comes on the heels of their recent internal memo, where they stated that X is “now positioned for growth” and highlighted “a decade’s worth of innovation in just 12 months” on the platform.

Also Read: Apple Raises Prices of TV+ to $9.99 from $6.99 per Month

In addition to these plans, X is exploring opportunities in the payments sector, aiming to provide enhanced financial tools that will offer more opportunities to individuals and businesses. This expansion beyond social media into the realms of news wire services, video, and financial technology signals X’s ambitions to diversify and become a multifaceted player in the digital landscape.

The future holds exciting prospects for X and its users as they eagerly await the unveiling of Musk and Yaccarino’s groundbreaking initiatives that could reshape the digital world and redefine the competition with industry giants like YouTube and LinkedIn.

Will X’s Addition of Audio and Video Calling Create Stickiness in the App?

Will X’s Addition of Audio and Video Calling Create Stickiness in the App?

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Elon Musk’s recent announcement regarding the introduction of audio and video calling features on X, formerly known as Twitter, has sparked curiosity and speculation among users and tech enthusiasts. This move aligns with Musk’s ambitious plan to transform X into an “everything app” that encompasses a wide range of services, from online payments to news and even food delivery.

Will X’s Addition of Audio and Video Calling Create Stickiness in the App?
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While the new feature has generated excitement, not all X users currently have access to it, and the company hasn’t provided a clear timeline for a widespread rollout. Additionally, there’s been speculation, based on code discovered by tech veteran Chris Messina, that these audio and video calls may be reserved for subscribers, indicating a potential premium feature.

The introduction of premium features is not surprising in the tech world, but it raises questions about how these services will be managed. Some early users have reported that they can screen calls by specifying criteria such as verified users, people they follow, and contacts in their address book. This suggests that X aims to provide a level of control and privacy for its users.

However, X’s recent silence on the matter, responding to inquiries with automated messages after Musk’s takeover, leaves many wondering about the reasoning behind this new feature. Elon Musk has been vocal about his desire to transform X into a platform akin to China’s WeChat, a super-app that facilitates everything from shopping to communication. Yet, his initial vision for X.com, dating back to 1999, was primarily a financial services app, encompassing banking, digital transactions, and more.

The introduction of audio and video calling may appear incongruent with X’s financial services aspirations, raising concerns about potential disruptions to the user experience. Getting a phone call on a social media platform primarily designed for consuming information is an unexpected twist, particularly if it’s from an unfamiliar verified X user.

Nonetheless, Musk’s strategy might be to emulate companies like Uber and Amazon, creating stickiness within the X app by offering an expanding array of services. Uber evolved from a ride-hailing service to providing food delivery, boat charters, and more. Amazon used products like Alexa to drive additional revenue to its core business.

The big question is whether this approach will succeed for X. Users might initially be drawn to X for its signature content like live Spaces and entertaining posts. Still, they could stay for the convenience of internet-enabled phone calls, long-form content, and high-yield savings accounts, especially if these features are limited to subscribers. This approach could potentially become a revenue driver for X.

Also Read: Alphabet Shares Fall After Cloud Unit Misses Estimates

However, there’s a significant caveat to this strategy. Musk’s success in executing his grand vision hinges on both technical challenges and the regulatory environment. Unlike China, the U.S. maintains a close watch on tech companies to prevent monopolistic practices and protect competition.

In conclusion, while the addition of audio and video calling to X might seem unexpected in light of its financial services focus, it could potentially serve as a strategy to create user “stickiness” within the app. The ultimate success of this move will depend on how well Musk can execute his broader plans while navigating regulatory scrutiny. X users will have to wait and see how this ambitious transformation unfolds.

X Faces European Union Investigation for Israel-Palestine Content

X Faces European Union Investigation for Israel-Palestine Content

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The European Commission has initiated a thorough investigation into social media giant X amid escalating concerns over the proliferation of misinformation and illegal content related to the Israel-Palestine conflict. This move comes despite executives from the platform, previously known as Twitter, asserting their commitment to cracking down on such content following the recent attacks by the Palestinian militant group Hamas on Israel.

X Faces European Union Investigation for Israel-Palestine Content
Image Source: nationalheraldindia.com

Linda Yaccarino, the CEO of the platform, revealed in a post on X that the company had taken substantial measures to combat the surge in propaganda and depictions of violence on its platform. Yaccarino stated that hundreds of Hamas-linked accounts had been removed, showcasing the platform’s purported dedication to eradicating content that violates community standards.

Moreover, Yaccarino claimed that thousands of pieces of content had either been labeled or removed since the outbreak of the conflict around the Gaza Strip. This assertion aligns with the platform’s insistence that it is actively working to address the concerns raised by the European Union regarding the moderation of illicit posts, photos, and videos depicting the ongoing carnage.

In response to inquiries from a top European Union official regarding the steps X was taking to moderate the content, Yaccarino shared a letter on the platform. In the letter, she detailed the company’s intensified efforts, explaining, “In response to the recent terrorist attack on Israel by Hamas, we’ve redistributed resources and refocused internal teams who are working around the clock to address this rapidly evolving situation.”

Also Read: Microsoft’s $69 Billion Activision Blizzard Deal Cleared by Britain

Despite these assurances, the European Commission remains steadfast in its investigation, highlighting the growing pressure on social media platforms to adopt more stringent content moderation measures. The 27-nation bloc’s scrutiny reflects a broader international concern over the role of social media in disseminating potentially harmful content during times of conflict and crisis.

As the investigation unfolds, X faces the challenge of proving the effectiveness of its content moderation policies and responding adequately to the European Union’s apprehensions. The outcome of this inquiry could have significant implications not only for the platform but also for the broader debate surrounding the responsibilities of social media companies in the face of global conflicts.

Ex-Twitter Executives Win $1.1 Million Legal Fees From Musk’s X

Ex-Twitter Executives Win $1.1 Million Legal Fees From Musk’s X

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A judge ordered that X Corporation, previously known as Twitter, must pay a total of 1.1 million dollars in legal costs accrued by a number of the social networking site’s former senior executives.

Ex-Twitter Executives Win $1.1 Million Legal Fees From Musk’s X
Image Source: www.hindustantimes.com

Parag Agrawal, the former chief executive officer of Twitter, and Vijaya Gadde, a former top lawyer, directed the group’s legal team in convincing Delaware Chancery Court Judge Kathaleen St. J. McCormick on Tuesday that Twitter had broken its obligation to pay the legal costs associated with their work for the firm.

The ex-executives said that by refusing to pay the amounts despite the fact they were connected to inquiries into the activities of the social networking site, Twitter violated its own rules. When Elon Musk, a billionaire, acquired the business for the price of $44 billion last year, they were fired.

Due to his inability to pay Twitter providers for services like rent and consulting costs, Musk has been the target of several lawsuits.

Company representatives didn’t respond to an email seeking comment on McCormick’s decision on Tuesday right away. She presided over the court case involving Musk’s bid to have his $54.20 per share deal to purchase the social media company dismissed. In October 2022, he gave up trying to have the buyout declared invalid.

According to court documents, the business has reimbursed roughly 600,000 dollars of its debt but kept $1,158,427 in fees for attorneys’ work defending its previous executives in a congressional investigation into the impact of social media on elections in the United States, which required Gadde to testify before the House Committee on Reform and Oversight.

One of the business’s attorneys, Michael Blanchard, said that X executives had sticker shock after receiving the cost from Gadde’s lawyers, which they deemed to be quite unreasonable.

Also Read: Zoom Adds Features Like Document Editing in Bid to Compete With Microsoft

The expenses, as stated by Blanchard, were for a single day of testimony, not multiple years’ worth of dispute. Officials from X believed the proposal to be an absolute exploitation of the business’s legal obligation to compensate employees for work done on its behalf.

McCormick stated Delaware courts inclined in favor of allowing CEOs’ requests for legal cost reimbursement when connected to their representation of firms after considering the arguments. She claimed that she didn’t see any justification for departing from the usual in this instance.

X to Get Rid of Ability to Block Accounts, Owner Elon Musk Says

X to Get Rid of Ability to Block Accounts, Owner Elon Musk Says

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As the platform change continues, Musk is presently making his first trip to Japan in more than nine years. Particularly, it has undergone significant branding adjustments, moving away from Twitter and evolving into X. Now providing a significant modification to its features and services.

X to Get Rid of Ability to Block Accounts, Owner Elon Musk Says
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A number of the richest people in the world have had a very fascinating few months. He has announced a legal war with fellow internet billionaire Mark Zuckerberg and implemented a temporary makeover to the social media network he possesses. He is now promising that the application will shortly be discontinued without a long-held functionality.

Elon Musk has specifically said that blocking accounts would no longer be an option on X, formerly known as Twitter. Tesla’s chief executive officer reacted to a message asking whether it is ever appropriate to mute or block someone else. The function would thereafter, according to Musk, quickly be deleted since it makes absolutely no sense.

“Block is going to be deleted as a ‘feature,’ except for DMs,” Musk tweeted in response to a question by Tesla Owners in Silicon Valley. “It makes no sense.”

forbes.com

“These individuals do not seek discourse; they aim to inflict pain,” the organization said in a response to Musk. “Blocking is a necessary step to ensure that these harmful voices don’t persist in their repetitive attacks on memory.”

forbes.com

The Auschwitz Memorial’s X profile instantly argued against this claim, claiming that the association censors those who incite hate as well as holocaust denial.

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Nevertheless, as others have pointed out, X cannot simply decide to stop allowing users to be blocked if Musk & CEO Linda Yaccarino desire to continue using well-known international distribution platforms like the App Store for iOS or the Android platform’s Google Play. Apps that provide user-generated material must provide blocking as a functionality, according to Apple’s App Store safety rules.

The wealthy owner has referred to himself as an ardent supporter of free expression, but some have criticised his attitude as being reckless. Since he became over, analysts have discovered a rise in offensive content and discriminatory material on the site, and several governments have charged the firm with failing to act properly to control its content.

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Twitter has launched new initiatives to tackle misinformation related to the Indian Assembly Elections.

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With the Assembly Elections of India knocking at our doors, Twitter has launched very thoughtful initiatives to tackle misinformation related to the election. These new initiatives will protect public conversation and will also encourage healthy and informed conversations between candidates, political parties, media, citizens, and society (Gadgets 360). There are a total of three new initiatives taken by Twitter ahead of the Assembly Election in India and all these will be available in six different languages, namely, English, Hindi, Tamil, Bengali, Assamese, and Malayalam.

The Assembly Election 2021 in India will be taking place in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry. Twitter through these new initiatives will be primarily devoted to facilitating healthy political debates and enhancing civic participation in the election. Every citizen of India has a right to true facts and information. This will also enhance participation and enlighten citizens about every political party and the candidates who are representing them.

The New Initiatives by Twitter

The first initiative taken by Twitter ahead of the Assembly Election 2021 is an information search prompt. This search prompt is connected with the Election Commission of India and state election commissions which will make the path easier for users to receive appropriate information regarding the election. The users can find correct information about the candidates, polling booths, voting dates, EVM voter registration, and every other election-related query.

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The next initiative is a custom emoji to encourage more civic participation. This initiative is mainly launched to initiate and simulate election-related discussions and will be available on the platform until 10th May 2021. Young Indians are expected to actively participate in these discussions and share their ideas and opinions about everything regarding the election. For making the election-related discussions more pronounced and active, Twitter is also launching a youth discussion series called #DemocracyAdda aimed at voter literacy and civic participation among young Indians for the upcoming elections (Deccan Herald).

The third initiative is the series of pre-bunks and de-bunks to eradicate the misinformation as much as possible on Twitter. This will appear on the Home page of every user and also in Search. There will also be information and guidance on how to register to vote and details on EVMs and VVPATs. Misinformation is a very damaging factor during the time of election and Twitter will make sure to tackle this misinformation with great caution. If every citizen receives the correct fact about any election-related topic, it will be easier for them to make a decision.

Spotlight on Women

Apart from these initiatives to enhance the overall political culture in India, Twitter is also bringing back a video series called #HerPoliticalJourney. This video series mainly focuses on women in politics, their political journeys along the leading women news journalists. Sharing personal stories and their struggles in the political journey will inspire several young Indian women to get actively involved in politics and journalism. This will also improve the voting ratio in terms of gender in our country.

Other Important Information

The voting for the Assembly Election will start on 27th March 2021. The counting of the votes in these five assembly elections will take place on 2nd May 2021. In response to these new initiatives taken by Twitter, Payal Kamat, Manager Public Policy and Government, Twitter India, said that public conversation is critical during elections, and “Twitter is where this unfolds” (Deccan Herald).

She also further added that India is gradually accelerating in the digital era, and thus with correct measures more people in India will now have access to credible information in the right time span. The main motive of Twitter through this bunch of new initiatives is to make more Indian people engage in election-related talks. Twitter has more than 1 crore Indian users and together by using these new Twitter features can initiate and maintain a healthy dialogue and active participation in the Assembly Elections 2021. And, to attract each and every Indian user, Twitter has decided to put the content in regional language as well so that no users can feel left out and keep themselves from participating.