Tag: meta

  • WhatsApp to introduce animated avatars for video calls soon

    WhatsApp to introduce animated avatars for video calls soon

    Meta’s messaging application, WhatsApp, is reportedly gearing up to introduce animated avatars for video calls. This anticipated feature, reminiscent of Apple’s Memoji, has been in development since the previous year.

    According to WABetaInfo, an independent source for real-time WhatsApp updates, the Messenger app has now unveiled the capability to use animated avatars during video calls in its latest Android beta version 2.23.19.14.

    WhatsApp is actively informing its users about this innovation through a pop-up notification. This notification provides the option to “utilise your avatar during calls,” offering the choice to either “switch to avatar” or defer the decision with a “not now” button.

    To employ this new video call avatar feature, users must select the “Switch to avatar” option. This function will replicate their facial movements and expressions in real-time through the use of an avatar character. Importantly, users retain the flexibility to disable this feature at any time through the settings, allowing them to reveal their true selves. Crucially, the introduction of the avatar feature will not compromise WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption, ensuring the preservation of user safety and privacy.

    It’s worth noting that some data usage will be necessary to enhance the Avatar experience on the app. Additionally, WhatsApp is actively developing avatars for status updates, although there is no official information regarding their release at this time.

  • Sharing posts with ‘Close Friends’ on IG might happen at long last

    Sharing posts with ‘Close Friends’ on IG might happen at long last

    Instagram is currently testing a feature that will allow its users to share feed posts with their ‘Close Friends’ group.

    Reportedly, a number of users have noticed the feature.

    TechCrunch reached out to the company which confirmed that it is testing the feature in a few countries, but didn’t specify which ones.

    “We’re testing the ability for people in select countries to share feed posts with their Close Friends. We’re always exploring new ways for our community to express themselves and connect on Instagram,” a Meta spokesperson said in a statement.

    If this feature gets officially launched, users will no longer have to create alternative accounts known as ‘finsta’ accounts.

    In 2018, users were introduced to the option of sharing Instagram Stories with a private list of ‘Close Friends’.

  • WhatsApp now lets users share videos in HD resolution

    WhatsApp now lets users share videos in HD resolution

    Shortly after introducing support for high-definition photos, Meta’s messaging app, WhatsApp, has now incorporated the capability for users to send videos in high-definition resolution as well. This enhancement has been made available to both iOS and Android users.

    Much like the previously launched high-definition photos feature, the inclusion of high-definition videos empowers users with the option to share videos in superior quality through WhatsApp. 

    Prior to this update, videos of high-definition quality would undergo compression, limiting them to 480p resolution. With the recent update, users are now afforded the choice to transmit videos in high-definition, although this is restricted to a maximum resolution of 720p.

    The process for sharing high-definition videos mirrors that of sharing high-definition photos. Upon selecting the desired video or videos for sharing, users will encounter a newly integrated HD button positioned atop the screen. Subsequently, a dialogue box will emerge, affording the user the decision to opt for Standard Quality or HD Quality. This dialogue box also provides insight into the associated file sizes. The sharing procedure is then finalized by selecting the “send” option, consistent with standard sharing practices.

    It is noteworthy that all images and videos exchanged on WhatsApp remain safeguarded through the company’s robust end-to-end encryption protocols. 

    According to Meta, this feature is currently being rolled out, indicating that users who have yet to access it will likely do so in the coming days.

  • Meta set to unveil web version of Threads, challenging X

    Meta set to unveil web version of Threads, challenging X

    Meta is getting ready to launch the web version of Threads, which is its rival to X (previously known as Twitter). This launch is expected to happen early this week, according to a report from The Wall Street Journal. Threads, which offers short-form posts, has been missing a web version since its start.

    Mark Zuckerberg, who is the CEO of Meta, mentioned that they’re working on adding this feature along with a better search function. Right now, the search function is quite limited; you can only search for usernames. These changes are expected to be ready in a few weeks.

    However, The Wall Street Journal’s sources say that the exact launch plans are not set in stone and could change. Adam Mosseri, who posted on Threads, shared that they’ve been testing an early version internally for a short time. But before it’s released widely, some more work is needed.

    Threads started as a basic version similar to Twitter just about a month and a half ago. Surprisingly, it quickly gained over 100 million users and attracted celebrities and brands. However, it has been missing some important features. The company has been slowly adding improvements, like a follow feed and the ability to verify a link using a Mastodon profile. This suggests that Meta might be considering integrating with the decentralised social network protocol Activity Pub.

  • Threads’ hype cools as user activity drops by 79%

    Threads’ hype cools as user activity drops by 79%

    Threads, Meta’s social media application, burst onto the scene in early July, making an impressive debut with an astonishing 5 million user registrations mere hours after its launch. This rapid uptake established it as the most swiftly downloaded app, with a staggering 100 million individuals signing up within the span of just one week.

    However, the initial excitement surrounding Threads has since fizzled out, as evidenced by the declining daily usage of the app.

    Despite its promising start, Threads is grappling with a marked reduction in user engagement. Data from Similarweb shows a notable drop of 79 per cent in active users from its peak of 2.3 million in July to 576,000 by August 7. This waning user activity raises concerns for Meta, given the initial buzz and rapid user acquisition.

    Moreover, significant brands such as Wendy’s, Anthropologie, and Rare Beauty are scaling back their presence on Threads, with reports of “Threads fatigue” indicating dissatisfaction with the platform’s performance.

    Threads’ struggle to compete with Twitter is evident, as even at its peak, Threads had less than half the daily users of Twitter, which boasts over 100 million active users. This discrepancy underscores the challenge Threads faces in unseating Twitter as the leading text-based social media platform.

    Threads was initially positioned to capitalise on the turmoil at Twitter following Elon Musk’s takeover. However, Twitter’s substantial changes, including layoffs and policy shifts, have negatively impacted user satisfaction and advertising revenue.

    Despite the rivalry between Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk, the concept of a cage fight has been abandoned. Zuckerberg expressed scepticism about Musk’s seriousness, signalling a shift in focus.

    The declining user engagement raises questions about Threads’ long-term viability. While Meta has refrained from commenting on the app’s performance, the departure of prominent brands and the downward trend in engagement suggest a struggle for Threads to regain its initial momentum.

    Threads’ explosive entry into the social media landscape has been followed by a notable decline in daily usage. The challenges faced by Threads, combined with changes at Twitter, highlight the difficulty of disrupting the text-based social media sector. The fate of Threads as a contender in the industry remains uncertain.

  • WhatsApp rolls out live screen sharing feature

    WhatsApp rolls out live screen sharing feature

    Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Meta, recently unveiled a new enhancement for WhatsApp, introducing screen-sharing functionality within video calls. This innovative feature boasts cross-platform compatibility, enabling seamless sharing of a real-time screen view with one or multiple participants engaged in the call.

    WhatsApp’s official press release articulates, “Whether sharing documents for work, browsing photos with family, planning a vacation or shopping online with friends, or just helping grandparents with tech support – screen sharing lets you share a live view of your screen during the call.”

    To access this feature, users are required to have the latest version of WhatsApp installed. While engaged in a video call, a novel ‘Share’ icon will be conspicuously positioned at the base of the screen. Upon activation, users will be prompted to authorise screen-sharing access. Subsequently, the content of their screen will be relayed to the other participant(s).

    It’s important to acknowledge that the deployment of this feature is being carried out in a phased manner. While a subset of users may already have encountered the feature within their WhatsApp interface, others may encounter a slight delay in its availability.

    Moreover, this advancement accommodates landscape mode for video calls, ensuring an expansive and immersive viewing experience. This capability proves particularly advantageous when sharing content from desktop platforms, providing a broader perspective.

    WhatsApp’s screen-sharing functionality extends its utility to group video calls as well, amplifying its relevance in professional scenarios. Users who previously relied on alternative platforms such as Google Meet and Zoom for screen-sharing purposes can now seamlessly integrate this function within the WhatsApp ecosystem.

  • TikTok introduces text posts to compete with Threads and X

    TikTok introduces text posts to compete with Threads and X

    In an unexpected twist, TikTok, the leading platform for short videos, is stepping up to compete with Meta’s Threads and X (previously known as Twitter) with its latest addition: text posts. This innovative new format breaks through conventional boundaries, offering TikTok’s dynamic community an exciting new medium to flaunt their stories, poems, recipes, and a treasure trove of written content.

    TikTok has always been at the forefront of nurturing creativity in all its forms. With a diverse array of content formats, such as videos, photos, Duets, and Stitch, the introduction of text posts adds yet another dimension to the content options, enabling creators to effortlessly share their written brilliance and captivate audiences.

    Creating and sharing text-based content on TikTok has never been simpler. Users now have the option of three choices on the Camera page: photo, video, and text. Opting for text opens the text creation page, providing creators with a user-friendly interface to pen their thoughts and ideas.

    Once on the Post page, users will find a suite of familiar customization options, ensuring that their text posts are just as dynamic and engaging as any video or photo. TikTok continues to stand out from the crowd by enabling sound addition, tagging locations, enabling comments, and inviting duets, all contributing to an immersive experience for users.

    The introduction of text posts comes with exciting features that aim to amplify creativity and captivate audiences like never before. One such feature is the collection of expressive stickers that complement the content and add an extra dash of personality to text posts, giving creators even more tools to make their posts stand out.

    As the platform evolves and adapts to the needs of its community, TikTok’s commitment to empowering creators remains steadfast. The addition of text posts demonstrates TikTok’s dedication to providing innovative tools that inspire self-expression and ensure that the TikTok experience continues to be engaging and exciting for users worldwide.

    Creators and TikTok enthusiasts alike are eagerly anticipating the release of text posts, ready to explore this new frontier of content creation and see how it sparks creativity within the community. With the power of written words combined with TikTok’s dynamic features, the possibilities for expression are limitless.

  • Taliban praises Twitter’s freedom of speech and credibility amidst Threads launch

    Taliban praises Twitter’s freedom of speech and credibility amidst Threads launch

    Twitter’s challenges in attracting advertisers, maintaining site functionality, and retaining users have been widely discussed. However, amidst these struggles, an unexpected endorsement has emerged from an unlikely source—the Taliban. Anas Haqqani, a prominent figure within the Taliban, recently expressed his appreciation for Twitter in light of Meta’s Threads, a rival platform that gained over 100 million users within a few days of its launch.

    Haqqani, in justifying his decision to remain active on Twitter, highlighted two key advantages the platform offered. “The first privilege is the freedom of speech,” he stated. “The second privilege is the public nature & credibility of Twitter. Twitter doesn’t have an intolerant policy like Meta. Other platforms cannot replace it.”

    Meta, the parent company of Threads, has made it clear that the new platform will adhere to the same content guidelines as its sister app, Instagram. This includes a stipulation that explicitly prohibits support or praise for terrorism, organised crime, or hate groups.

    Elon Musk’s involvement in Twitter’s operations has been marked by a series of seemingly arbitrary policy decisions, the loosening of moderation guidelines and enforcement capabilities, resulting in chaotic circumstances, and a focus on prioritising paying users. Under Musk’s leadership, instances of hate speech have surged, and ad sales for the platform have experienced a significant decline of 59% since the previous year.

    It is difficult to argue that having members of the Taliban celebrate the extent to which they can exploit the platform does not present a compelling case for potential ad buyers. Twitter, grappling with these challenges, must now confront the task of restoring confidence in its ability to provide a safe and appealing environment for both users and advertisers alike.

  • WhatsApp introduces high-quality video sharing and enhanced profile icons in latest update

    WhatsApp introduces high-quality video sharing and enhanced profile icons in latest update

    WhatsApp is introducing two exciting features in its latest version update. The first feature allows iOS users to send high-quality videos, similar to the previous HD photos feature.

    When a user sends a photo or video using this new feature, a tag is added to the message bubble to indicate that it is of high quality. Previously, this feature was automatically applied to photos, but now it is also available for videos after users update to the latest WhatsApp beta version on iOS.

    The new high-quality video feature is not the same as sharing videos in their original quality, as there is still some light compression applied. Nonetheless, it ensures a better quality compared to the standard option. To use this feature, users must select the high-quality option every time they send a video, as the default remains as “standard quality.”

    Once the high-quality video is sent, it will be marked as such in the chat bubble, making it easy for recipients to identify that it was sent in better quality. However, this feature does not apply to videos shared via status updates on WhatsApp.

    The second feature being introduced is related to group chats. WhatsApp is enhancing profile icons within group chats, specifically for contacts whose profile pictures are hidden or unavailable.

    Now, instead of showing a blank thumbnail, the updated version will display the initials of the respective group member’s name. This way, other participants in the conversation can quickly identify the person represented by the thumbnail.

    Currently, these features are available on the TestFlight app and will soon be rolled out to more users. It’s worth noting that further updates may be needed, as there are some discrepancies in the text descriptions related to videos, but these are expected to be resolved in future updates.