Apps
Twitter Launches New Conversation Settings
Twitter is officially rolling out new conversation settings that give people more control over their conversations. Now available to all people on Twitter, the control settings provide people on Twitter full control over their own conversations and the ability to have the meaningful discussions in the way they are most comfortable with.
The conversational controls allow people on the platform to choose who can reply to their Tweets in advance, with three easy options: 1. everyone can reply (the standard default setting), 2. people you follow can reply, or 3. people you tag within the Tweet can reply. When selecting the latter two options, Tweets will be labeled, and the reply icon will be grayed out for those not included. People who can’t reply will still be able to view, Retweet, Retweet with Comment, share, and like these Tweets.
The new feature was rolled out to a limited audience in May and, following testing, Twitter analyzed how people were using it, collecting feedback through interviews and surveys. The results of the testing phase highlighted how the settings helped enrich people’s experience on the platform in the following ways:
Safety
Following the testing phase, people on Twitter reported feeling more comfortable on the platform, as the controls helped protect them from spam and abuse, with those who have submitted abuse reports three times more likely to use the settings. Similarly, Twitter found that for every three potentially abusive replies prevented with these settings, there’s only a single additional potentially abusive Retweet with Comment and there wasn’t an uptick in unwanted Direct Messages. As a result, 60% of people who used this during the test did not have to employ Mute or Block.
Supporting an open dialogue
Twitter also found an increase in more meaningful conversations taking place on the platform, with Tweets using these settings about social issues such as Black Lives Matter and COVID-19 longer on average than those without the conversation controls. People felt more comfortable engaging in sensitive conversations about politics and social issues, while those with high followings employed the controls to share more personal thoughts, opinions and news.
Serving the public conversation
Throughout testing, Twitter saw continued interest in various points of views with the new Retweets with Comments timeline visited four times more often on Tweets using the settings. As a result, on several occasions a Retweet with Comment generated higher engagement than the original Tweet in spite of numbers of followers.
With a commitment to serving the public conversation, Twitter will continue to update and improve the settings in line with people’s feedback. Over the course of the coming months, Twitter will be testing a new label to make it more obvious when conversation settings are used, and there are plans to add-in an option to invite more people to the conversation after it starts, clear notifications indicating when you have been invited to join a conversation, and more ways to see the entire discussion.
Apps
Meta Expands Integration of WhatsApp with Accounts Center
Since its launch in 2020, Accounts Center has allowed users to manage their connected experiences across Facebook, Instagram, and Meta Quest with ease. In a significant expansion, Meta announced the rollout of a new option to add WhatsApp to the Accounts Center over the coming months.
The integration prioritizes user choice and privacy. WhatsApp accounts will remain separate from other apps, and only users can decide to link them. This integration is optional and off by default. However, those who opt in can enjoy added convenience. For instance, sharing updates from WhatsApp Status to Facebook or Instagram Stories will become seamless, eliminating the need for multiple posts. Additionally, a single sign-on feature will enable quick and easy access to WhatsApp accounts.
Meta plans to introduce more cross-app features over time. Future updates will allow users to manage their avatars, Meta AI stickers, and Imagine Me creations all in one place. The company commits to providing clear explanations for these updates within their apps to help users make informed decisions.
Privacy remains a priority, with personal messages and calls on WhatsApp continuing to be protected by end-to-end encryption. This ensures that no one, not even WhatsApp or Meta, can access this content. Integrating WhatsApp into Accounts Center does not change this standard.
The global rollout will take time. Users will see the new option in their WhatsApp settings or when prompted while performing cross-app actions, such as resharing their Status. Meta aims to enhance user experience by making digital interactions smoother and more intuitive.
Apps
Lamborghini Rolls Out Smart TV App
Lamborghini has launched Lamborghini TV, a smart TV app that offers fans and customers an immersive experience in the world of this iconic automaker.
The app delivers exclusive content, including in-depth model analysis, technical insights, motorsport highlights, event coverage, lifestyle features, interviews, and podcasts.
Available on Android TV (8.0 Oreo and above), Samsung Tizen (2018+ devices), and LG WebOS (2018+ devices), Lamborghini TV can be downloaded directly from smart TV app stores. With high-resolution visuals and curated programming, the app allows enthusiasts to explore behind-the-scenes stories.
From comprehensive looks into Lamborghini’s latest supercars to exclusive podcasts offering expert insights, Lamborghini TV is designed to provide a captivating experience tailored to every fan. The app is available for download now on compatible devices.
Apps
Elon Musk Teases Launch of ‘Xmail’ to Rival Gmail
Elon Musk has sparked speculation about the potential launch of ‘Xmail,’ an email service that could rival Google’s Gmail. The excitement began when the X account DodgeDesigner suggested that an X-based email service would be “cool.” Musk responded, stating, “Yeah. On the list of things to do,” confirming that the concept is being considered.
Interesting.
We need to rethink how messaging, including email, works overall. https://t.co/6wZAslJLTc
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 15, 2024
This announcement is in line with Musk’s usual method of revealing updates through casual interactions on X. Although no official timeline or details about ‘Xmail’ have been shared yet, the news has generated significant buzz on social media, especially among Musk’s followers.
As of September 2024, Apple Mail dominates the global email market with a 53.67% share, while Gmail holds 30.70%, according to recent data. Outlook, Yahoo! Mail, and Google Android combined account for less than 10% of the market. If Musk introduces ‘Xmail,’ it could potentially disrupt the current market dynamics, leveraging his influence as the world’s richest man and US President-elect’s ‘First Buddy.’
Supporters are already rallying behind the idea. One user expressed their enthusiasm, stating, “I’d drop Gmail so damn fast,” reflecting frustration with Google’s dominance.
The potential launch of ‘Xmail’ underscores Musk’s ambition to expand X’s ecosystem and challenge established tech giants. Whether ‘Xmail’ will succeed remains to be seen, but the anticipation and excitement are already high.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login