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Meta’s Threads Is Here. What It Is and How to Use It

Meta, the parent company of Instagram, has recently unveiled Threads, a new app that aims to compete with Twitter by offering a text-based conversation platform.

Users can sign in to the app using their Instagram credentials, ensuring a seamless transition and allowing them to keep their existing username, followers, and verification status intact.

Threads offer users the ability to post text, videos, and photos, fostering real-time conversations and interactions. In an impressive feat, the app garnered 2 million signups within its first two hours, followed by an additional 10 million signups within seven hours, according to Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg. These numbers highlight the initial interest and potential popularity of Threads among users.

Also Read: Has Xbox really lost the console wars?

The app allow users to publish short posts or updates with a character limit of up to 500. Additionally, users can include links, photos, or videos of up to 5 minutes in length. The app is tightly integrated with users’ Instagram accounts, enabling easy sharing of Threads posts to Instagram stories or as links on other platforms, as per Meta’s claims.

The Threads feed includes posts from both people and accounts that users follow on Instagram and Threads, providing a consolidated view of content from their network. Additionally, the app offers recommendations for undiscovered content, expanding users’ exposure to new and interesting posts.

To further personalize the experience, users can filter specific words from their feed and have control over who can mention them, ensuring a tailored and comfortable environment.

Threads is available as a free download on both the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store. To join Threads, users must have an Instagram account and log in using their Instagram credentials.

While the app carries over users’ Instagram usernames, it also allows users to create customizable profiles. Users under 18 years old in the UK will have a default private profile, ensuring their privacy and safety.

Transitioning to Threads is made convenient for Instagram users as they can easily follow the same accounts they already follow on Instagram with just a few clicks. This feature eliminates the need to start building their following list from scratch. When creating a post or “Thread,” users can choose the desired visibility, whether it’s shared with their entire audience or limited to their followers.

Also Read: Is Spotify considering full-length music videos on its app?

Threads include several essential features that users have come to expect from social media platforms. Users have the ability to unfollow, report, block, or restrict profiles, and these options can be accessed through the three-dot drop-down menu.

Furthermore, the app ensures that profiles blocked on Instagram are automatically blocked on Threads as well. Other notable features include screen reader support and AI-generated image descriptions, enhancing accessibility and inclusivity.

Meta has expressed its commitment to making Threads compatible and integrative with other apps supporting the ActivityPub protocol, such as WordPress and Mastodon. The company envisions a future where Threads posts can be accessed by users of compatible apps, irrespective of whether they have a Threads account, enabling broader connectivity and engagement.

Sandhya Gupta

I am a law graduate from NLU Lucknow. I have a flair for creative writing and hence in my free time work as a freelance content writer.

Has Xbox really lost the console wars?

Microsoft recently made statements in a legal filing indicating that it believes “Xbox has lost the console wars” and that Sony and Nintendo are poised to continue dominating the gaming market for years to come.

These remarks were presented as part of Microsoft’s defense in an ongoing trial with regulators in the United States, following the FTC’s lawsuit to block Microsoft’s planned acquisition of Activision Blizzard in December.

The proposed $69 billion buyout of Activision Blizzard by Microsoft would be the largest acquisition in gaming industry history, surpassing Take-Two’s purchase of Zynga by $57 billion.

However, Sony and regulators have consistently voiced concerns about the potential concentration of power in the gaming industry if the acquisition were to proceed. In response, Microsoft has argued that the move would actually level the playing field rather than consolidate power.

Microsoft’s legal filing reveals that Xbox currently holds only 16% of console sales and a slightly higher share of the global console install base as of 2021. The company admits that it has been the least successful console manufacturer in terms of sales for the majority of the past 22 years.

Also Read: What does Twitter ‘rate limit exceeded’ mean for users?

Microsoft even acknowledges that Sony’s gamer base in the US is currently larger than its own, although the exact difference has been redacted from the court documents.

The filing goes on to state that Microsoft believes aggressive acquisition strategies, such as the proposed Activision Blizzard deal, are necessary for Xbox to effectively compete with its Japanese rivals.

It specifically points to Sony and Nintendo’s ability to leverage exclusive content as a key factor in their ongoing dominance of the global gaming market. Microsoft previously made a similar argument to UK regulators in late 2022, conceding that PlayStation has better exclusives than Xbox.

While the outcome of the ongoing trial with the FTC remains uncertain, it is worth noting that the agency does not have the authority to outright block the Activision Blizzard acquisition. The UK’s rejection of the proposed deal, which Microsoft is currently appealing, poses a more substantial obstacle to the acquisition.

In summary, Microsoft’s legal argument in the ongoing trial suggests a recognition of the current state of the console market and the challenges Xbox faces in competing with Sony and Nintendo.

The company acknowledges its lower market share and emphasizes the importance of strategic acquisitions to level the playing field. Whether these arguments will be successful in the trial and ultimately impact the Activision Blizzard acquisition remains to be seen.

Sandhya Gupta

I am a law graduate from NLU Lucknow. I have a flair for creative writing and hence in my free time work as a freelance content writer.

What does Twitter ‘rate limit exceeded’ mean for users?

Leave a Comment / Story, Tech Story / By Sandhya Gupta

Twitter has implemented a temporary limit on the number of tweets users can view each day, causing some controversy and potentially affecting the platform’s advertising prospects.

The move is aimed at addressing excessive data scraping and system manipulation. Elon Musk, who acquired Twitter in a $44 billion deal last year, has made several changes to the platform since then.

Under the new restrictions, users must log in to view tweets. Verified accounts are permitted to read up to 6,000 posts daily, unverified accounts are limited to 600 posts, and new unverified accounts are restricted to 300 posts. Once users reach these limits, they receive a message stating that they have exceeded the rate limit.

However, Musk has announced plans to increase the limits to 10,000 for verified accounts, 1,000 for unverified accounts, and 500 for new unverified accounts in the near future.

Musk’s objective is to make Twitter’s revamped verified service more appealing. He introduced paid subscriptions for verified badges, which were previously awarded to notable profiles. Different tiers of badges, including gray, blue, and golden, were also introduced.

Musk claims that these limits will help combat the extensive data scraping conducted by a wide range of entities, from AI companies and startups to large tech companies. He expressed frustration at having to allocate significant resources to accommodate the valuation demands of certain AI startups.

Also Read: Is Spotify considering full-length music videos on its app?

Generative AI tools like ChatGPT, which utilize massive amounts of internet data to generate various outputs such as poems and images, rely on training data from platforms like Twitter. Consequently, several Twitter users expressed their discontent with the limits, leading to hashtags like “#TwitterDown” and “RIP Twitter” trending on the platform in recent days.

These restrictions disproportionately impact accounts operated by information agencies, journalists, and monitoring services, as they rely on reviewing thousands of tweets daily.

The backlash against the limits stems from concerns about hindering the flow of information and impeding the work of these entities. However, Musk’s aim is to strike a balance between addressing data scraping concerns and ensuring a functional and valuable platform for users.

Following Elon Musk’s announcement of limits on Twitter, alternative platforms such as Bluesky and Mastodon experienced a significant increase in user activity. Bluesky, a platform initiated by Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey and currently in beta mode, reported a surge in traffic, reaching “record high” levels on Saturday. As a result, Bluesky temporarily halted new sign-ups to manage the influx of users.

Similarly, Mastodon, another alternative platform, witnessed substantial growth in its active user base. Eugen Rochko, the creator and CEO of Mastodon, stated that the platform saw a rise of 110,000 users on the same day.

In summary, the limitations imposed on Twitter prompted a notable migration of users to alternative platforms like Bluesky and Mastodon, resulting in increased activity and engagement on those platforms.

Sandhya Gupta

I am a law graduate from NLU Lucknow. I have a flair for creative writing and hence in my free time work as a freelance content writer.

Is Spotify considering full-length music videos on its app?

Leave a Comment / Story, Tech Story / By Sandhya Gupta

According to a report by Bloomberg News, Spotify is considering the addition of full-length music videos to its app.

This move would allow the popular music streaming platform to compete with TikTok and YouTube, owned by Alphabet Inc. Spotify aims to tap into the lucrative market of streaming video content, which has proven to be more profitable than audio in the streaming media era.

Spotify has been gradually incorporating video into its platform, and this new feature would further solidify its commitment to making video a core part of the app. Currently, artists can upload short looping GIFs called “canvases” that appear on the screen while music is playing.

Earlier this year, Spotify introduced “clips,” which are brief videos under 30 seconds in length. These clips serve as a storytelling tool for artists to communicate about their music, similar to the format popularized by TikTok.

Also Read: AI and robotics are transforming healthcare. But How?

While Spotify has not yet responded to requests for comment from Reuters, it is reported that the platform is engaging in discussions with potential partners regarding this new video product. The streaming giant already hosts over 100,000 podcasts with video content, further highlighting its interest in expanding its video offerings.

It is worth noting that Spotify recently announced a plan to reduce its podcast workforce by cutting 200 jobs. This move comes as part of the company’s restructuring efforts following years of significant investment in the podcasting sector. Despite this, Spotify remains committed to developing and improving its podcast platform.

By adding full-length music videos to its app, Spotify aims to keep up with the growing popularity of platforms like TikTok and YouTube, which have become go-to destinations for music discovery and consumption.

Music videos have long been a significant part of the music industry, serving as a visual medium for artists to express their creativity and enhance their songs’ impact. By incorporating music videos into its app, Spotify aims to provide users with a more immersive and comprehensive music streaming experience.

While Spotify’s primary focus remains on audio content, the introduction of music videos would enable the platform to offer a broader range of entertainment options to its users.

Additionally, it would provide artists with a new avenue to engage with their audience and showcase their visual artistry. With its extensive user base and established presence in the music streaming market, Spotify has the potential to become a formidable competitor in the video streaming space.

Overall, Spotify’s consideration of adding full-length music videos to its app demonstrates the company’s ongoing efforts to diversify its offerings and adapt to the evolving demands of its users.

By incorporating video content, Spotify aims to strengthen its position as a leading platform for music discovery and consumption, while also venturing into the realm of short-form video entertainment.

Sandhya Gupta

I am a law graduate from NLU Lucknow. I have a flair for creative writing and hence in my free time work as a freelance content writer.

AI and robotics are transforming healthcare. But How?

Leave a Comment / Story, Tech Story / By Sandhya Gupta

AI and robotics are revolutionizing the healthcare industry, bringing about transformative changes that enhance patient care, streamline operations, and empower healthcare professionals.

From diagnosing diseases to assisting in surgeries and managing patient data, these technologies are playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of healthcare.

One of the significant contributions of AI and robotics in healthcare is in the field of diagnostics. AI algorithms can analyze large volumes of medical data, including patient records, lab results, and imaging scans, to assist in the detection and diagnosis of diseases.

These algorithms can quickly identify patterns and anomalies that may be missed by human observers, leading to earlier and more accurate diagnoses. This not only improves patient outcomes but also helps in optimizing treatment plans and reducing healthcare costs.

Also Read: Why is Congress limiting the use of Chatgpt in the offices?

Robotic technology is also revolutionizing surgical procedures. Robotic surgical systems allow for minimally invasive surgeries with enhanced precision and control. Surgeons can perform complex procedures with smaller incisions, reducing post-operative pain, scarring, and recovery time for patients.

The robotic arms can provide greater dexterity and range of motion than human hands, enabling intricate procedures in hard-to-reach areas. Surgeons can also benefit from augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies, which provide real-time guidance and 3D visualization, further enhancing their accuracy and efficiency.

In addition to diagnostics and surgery, AI and robotics are transforming patient care and monitoring. AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants can provide immediate and personalized responses to patients’ queries, offering support and guidance.

Robots are also being utilized in patient care settings, particularly in elderly care and rehabilitation. Social robots can engage with patients, offering companionship and support. They can remind patients to take medication, encourage physical activity, and monitor vital signs. This not only improves the well-being of patients but also reduces the workload on healthcare providers.

Another crucial area where AI and robotics are making a difference is in managing and analyzing large volumes of healthcare data. AI algorithms can mine electronic health records, clinical trial data, and medical literature to identify trends, patterns, and potential correlations. This wealth of information can help researchers and clinicians make evidence-based decisions, identify risk factors, develop personalized treatment plans, and discover new therapies.

Furthermore, AI-powered predictive analytics can help healthcare systems anticipate disease outbreaks, allocate resources efficiently, and optimize preventive strategies. By analyzing historical data and real-time information, AI algorithms can identify populations at risk and predict disease progression, enabling proactive interventions and saving lives.

In conclusion, AI and robotics are transforming healthcare by enhancing diagnostics, revolutionizing surgery, improving patient care and monitoring, optimizing data analysis, and enabling predictive analytics. These technologies hold tremendous potential to improve patient outcomes, increase efficiency, and reduce healthcare costs.

As they continue to advance, it is essential to strike a balance between technology and the human touch, ensuring that AI and robotics augment healthcare professionals rather than replace them, and ultimately, provide better care for patients.

Sandhya Gupta

I am a law graduate from NLU Lucknow. I have a flair for creative writing and hence in my free time work as a freelance content writer.

Why is Congress limiting the use of Chatgpt in the offices?

Leave a Comment / Story, Tech Story / By Sandhya Gupta

According to a recent report from Axios, the House of Representatives has introduced new regulations concerning the utilization of ChatGPT in congressional offices.

The report states that non-ChatGPT chatbots are currently not authorized for use. In a memorandum released on Monday, House Chief Administrative Chief Catherine L. Szpindor specified that lawmakers and staff are now limited to employing ChatGPT Plus, the paid version of the chatbot, due to its advanced privacy features.

The usage of the product is strictly confined to “research and evaluation” purposes, with privacy settings enabled. Additionally, offices are prohibited from inputting any non-public text into the service.

Several private companies, including industry giants like Samsung and Apple, have already imposed restrictions or outright bans on the usage of generative AI tools such as ChatGPT. These companies have expressed concerns about the potential leakage of confidential data through these tools.

These concerns are reinforced by previous privacy mishaps by OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, such as a bug that temporarily exposed chat histories to other users.

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In the memorandum issued on Monday, Szpindor explicitly stated that no other versions of ChatGPT or similar AI software based on large language models are currently authorized for use in the House.

This announcement follows Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer’s recent call for Congress to expedite the enactment of new legislation aimed at regulating the artificial intelligence industry. Schumer has presented a framework that outlines Congress’ focus areas, including the potential risks of AI to national security and employment.

Schumer emphasized the significance of AI as an innovative force that can usher in technological advancements, scientific discoveries, and industrial growth. He stressed the need to encourage innovation while ensuring its safety. Failure to provide a sense of security around AI development could hinder progress in this field.

Lawmakers in both the Senate and the House have already introduced several bills aimed at regulating the AI industry this year. Sens. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Josh Hawley (R-MO) recently proposed a measure that seeks to exclude AI companies from the protections of Section 230, thereby exposing these companies and their products to legal liability.

Furthermore, Congress has initiated discussions with prominent figures from the industry. Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI and creator of ChatGPT, received a warm welcome from the Senate in May.

Other proposed measures include requesting federal agencies to review their AI policies and establishing a new commission tasked with studying and establishing regulations for the industry.

Sandhya Gupta

I am a law graduate from NLU Lucknow. I have a flair for creative writing and hence in my free time work as a freelance content writer.

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