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Twitter

Twitter says users must be verified to access TweetDeck

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Twitter recently made an announcement stating that users will soon be required to verify their accounts in order to utilize TweetDeck, a widely-used social media management tool.

This new policy is set to take effect within the next 30 days. In the same tweet, Twitter also unveiled an enhanced version of TweetDeck, showcasing various new features and functionalities. However, it remains uncertain whether Twitter intends to charge users for both the upgraded and previous versions of TweetDeck.

Twitter
Image Source: techcrunch.com

The introduction of fees for TweetDeck, which was previously free and extensively utilized by businesses and news organizations for content monitoring, could potentially provide a substantial revenue boost for Twitter. This is particularly relevant as the company has encountered challenges in retaining advertising revenue since Elon Musk took ownership.

This move comes shortly after Elon Musk’s recent announcement that both verified and unverified users would face limitations on the number of daily posts they can read. Musk’s intention behind this limitation was to address concerns related to extensive data scraping and system manipulation.

Also Read: Google to block news in Canada over law on paying publishers

However, Musk’s statement received significant backlash from Twitter users, while advertising experts expressed concerns about the potential negative impact on the new CEO, Linda Yaccarino, who assumed the position just last month.

To acquire verification on Twitter, individuals will now be required to pay a monthly fee of $8, whereas organizations will need to pay $1,000 per month. Verification badges serve as a means of establishing authenticity and credibility on the platform. Twitter’s decision to monetize this feature could potentially create a new revenue stream for the company.

By implementing mandatory verification for TweetDeck and introducing fees for account verification, Twitter aims to enhance user trust and combat issues such as spam, misinformation, and fake accounts. These measures align with the broader industry trend of prioritizing platform security and authenticity.

However, the reception of these changes and their impact on user experience and adoption remains uncertain. It remains to be seen how users will respond to the introduction of fees for TweetDeck and whether the potential benefits for Twitter’s revenue will outweigh any negative impacts on user satisfaction and platform usage.

TweetDeck is a widely used social media management tool that allows users to effectively monitor and manage their Twitter accounts. It was initially launched as an independent application in 2008 and was later acquired by Twitter in 2011.

TweetDeck offers a range of features designed to streamline the Twitter experience for individuals, businesses, and organizations. Users can view multiple timelines in a single interface, making it easier to follow and engage with conversations across different accounts. The platform supports the management of multiple Twitter accounts, allowing users to switch between profiles seamlessly.

Twitter

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

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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.

Twitter
Image Source: belfasttelegraph.co.uk

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.

Spotify

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

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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
Image Source: verdict.co.uk

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.

Waze

Google lays off staff at its mapping app Waze

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Alphabet child company, Google, disclosed that it is reducing staff at mapping software Waze since it integrates the program’s ad network with its Google Ads infrastructure but it did not provide the exact number of layoffs that will be done.

A Google division called Waze, originally known as FreeMap Israel provides GPS-enabled satellite apps for navigation for mobile devices and other computing platforms.

Waze
Image Source: financialexpress.com

It integrates user-submitted journey times along with route details as well as turn-by-turn guidance while collecting location-dependent data via a cell phone network. Waze advertises the application as an entirely free download and usage driven by communities project.

 “In order to create a better, more seamless long-term experience for Waze advertisers, we’ve begun transitioning Waze’s existing advertising system to Google Ads technology. As part of this update, we’ve reduced those roles focused on Waze Ads monetization,” Google, which acquired Waze for about $1.3 billion in 2013, said.

Source: indianexpress.com

In order to streamline operations, Google confirmed in December that it was going to combine the Waze & Google Maps departments. As a result, Waze would become an entity of the Google Geographic section, which manages Google Maps as well as Google Earth, including Street View among other real-world mapping tools.

Also Read: TikTok COO Pappas quits after five years in the role

The Verge highlighted that Waze had been purchased by Google for the sum of 1.3 billion USD in 2013 along with the fact it had stayed separate from Google Maps until 2021. The situation shifted, though, in September of the previous year after Sundar Pichai, the chief executive of Google, revealed that he was striving to increase corporate productivity in response to investor demand.

As reported by Bloomberg, Google’s owner firm Alphabet stated at the beginning of this year that it will be cutting off approximately 12,000 workers, or about 6 percent of its staff. Google has been attempting to cut expenses as income from online advertisements has been dropping.

“Google remains deeply committed to growing Waze’s unique brand, its beloved app, and its thriving community of volunteers and users,” Caroline Bourdeau, Waze’s head of PR, said in the statement.

Source: theverge.com

Job cuts are not a new thing nowadays. Many tech Giants such as Twitter, Amazon, etc are also laying off employees in the economic downturn caused by post covid situations. 

Chatgpt

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

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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.

chatgpt
Image Source: tech.co

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.

Also Read: Can the iPhone 16 be cheaper than the iPhone 15 Pro?

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.

Microsoft

Why Microsoft wants to move Windows fully to the cloud?

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Microsoft is making significant strides in moving Windows to the cloud, not only for commercial use but also for consumers.

Internal documents revealed in the ongoing FTC v. Microsoft hearing shed light on the company’s plans to leverage its Windows 365 service to stream a full version of the Windows operating system from the cloud to any device.

Microsoft
Image Source: windowscentral.com

The presentation, dated June 2022, highlights Microsoft’s long-term goal of shifting Windows 11 towards cloud-based deployment, offering enhanced AI-powered services and seamless digital experiences across devices.

Windows 365, which currently caters exclusively to commercial customers, is being deeply integrated into Windows 11. In an upcoming update, Microsoft plans to introduce Windows 365 Boot, allowing Windows 11 devices to directly log into a Cloud PC instance during boot, bypassing the local version of Windows.

Additionally, Windows 365 Switch will be incorporated into Windows 11’s Task View, enabling users to seamlessly switch between local and cloud-based virtual desktops.

Also Read: Why are Facebook and Instagram ending news access in Canada?

The idea of transitioning Windows to the cloud for consumers is coupled with Microsoft’s interest in forging custom silicon partnerships. The company has already ventured into this realm with its ARM-powered Surface Pro X devices.

Reports suggest that Microsoft has explored designing its own ARM-based processors for servers and possibly even for Surface devices. Furthermore, rumors indicate that Microsoft may be developing its own AI chips.

The presentation emphasizes the importance of solidifying the commercial value of Windows and responding to the threat posed by Chromebooks. One avenue to achieve this is by increasing the usage of cloud PCs through Windows 365.

In line with its AI-focused approach, Microsoft recently announced Windows Copilot, an AI-powered assistant for Windows 11. Windows Copilot resides alongside the operating system and offers features such as content summarization, rewriting, and explanations. Currently undergoing internal testing, Windows Copilot is set to be released to testers in June before being made available to all Windows 11 users.

Windows Copilot is just one aspect of Microsoft’s broader AI initiatives for Windows. Collaborations with AMD and Intel aim to enable more Windows features on next-generation CPUs. Speculation surrounding Windows 12 has been fueled by hints from Intel and Microsoft themselves.

At CES earlier this year, Panos Panay, the Windows chief, expressed his belief that AI will revolutionize the way users interact with Windows. The internal presentation emphasizes Microsoft’s commitment to incorporating improved AI-powered services into Windows to fulfill its ambitious vision.

In conclusion, Microsoft’s internal presentation reveals its intentions to advance the cloud-based deployment of Windows, both for commercial and consumer use. With Windows 365 as a foundation, the company seeks to leverage the power of the cloud and AI to provide enhanced services and seamless experiences across devices.

By expanding its custom silicon partnerships and exploring AI-focused developments, Microsoft aims to strengthen the value of Windows and address competitive challenges while empowering users with innovative features and capabilities.