Tag

Social Networking

All articles tagged with #social networking

technology1 year ago

Farewell ICQ: Iconic Messaging App Shuts Down After 28 Years

After nearly 28 years, the pioneering messaging service ICQ will cease operations on June 26. Created by four Israeli developers in the late 1990s, ICQ laid the groundwork for modern direct messaging and social networking. Despite its early popularity, it eventually lost ground to competitors like AIM and MSN. Acquired by AOL and later by Russian company VK, ICQ has been kept alive as a niche service. The announcement has prompted nostalgic memories from users who recall its unique features and early online social interactions.

technology1 year ago

"Threads Beta Connects Users to Fediverse for Cross-Platform Sharing"

Threads, a social media app by Meta, has opened its beta experience for users to connect their accounts to the fediverse, initially available in the U.S., Canada, and Japan. This integration allows users to share their Threads profiles on interconnected servers like Mastodon, enabling interaction with users of alternative social networking apps. However, there are limitations such as not being able to see replies or likes from other servers on Threads, but Meta is working on addressing these issues.

social-media1 year ago

"How to Disable LinkedIn Profile Viewing Notifications"

LinkedIn's default setting notifies users when someone views their profile, which can be both useful and annoying for job seekers. However, users can change this setting by accessing their profile picture, clicking on Settings and Privacy, then selecting Profile viewing options. The options include "Your name and headline," "Private profile characteristics," and "Private mode," with the latter allowing users to view profiles in relative secrecy. Choosing to withhold sharing permissions also means not being able to see who views your own profile.

technology1 year ago

"Bluesky Social Network Removes Waitlist, Opens to Public"

Bluesky, a micro-blogging platform funded by Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey, has opened to the public after a year as an invite-only app. The platform, which operates on a decentralized infrastructure called the AT Protocol, allows users to have more control over their social media experience and offers open source code for transparency and customization. Bluesky aims to provide a good user experience while also introducing features such as open federation and customizable content moderation services. However, the platform faces the challenge of competing with established networks like Threads and Mastodon, and must address concerns about harmful content and bad actors in the decentralized space.

technology1 year ago

"Meta's Threads Surges to 130 Million Monthly Users, Outpacing Competitors"

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced that Instagram Threads now has over 130 million monthly active users, up from 100 million in the previous quarter, and expressed confidence in its potential for success. Meta's family of apps, including Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, and WhatsApp, saw a total of 3.19 billion daily users and 3.98 billion monthly active users in the fourth quarter. Threads experienced a surge in downloads, becoming the sixth most downloaded app in December, following a period of decline. Meta also reported strong earnings, with $40.1 billion in revenue for the quarter and announced its first cash dividend of $0.50 per share.

technology1 year ago

"Instagram Threads Surges to Top 10 as X Drops to No. 36 in December Downloads"

Instagram Threads saw a significant increase in downloads in December, reaching the top 10 most downloaded apps across both the App Store and Google Play. The app's growth has been attributed to Meta's advertising push and its move into the "fediverse." Meanwhile, Instagram became the most downloaded app in December, surpassing TikTok, which has faced criticism for its e-commerce push. In contrast, X, the company formerly known as Twitter, saw a decline in downloads, indicating ongoing challenges following its rebranding.

technology2 years ago

"X Launches Audio and Video Calls for Android Users"

Elon Musk's social network X is introducing audio and video calls for Android users, following the feature's rollout to iOS users in October. While any user can receive calls, only paid users can make them, and the option can be enabled or disabled in the app's settings. X is also planning to launch peer-to-peer payments and new AI-powered features, but reports suggest advertisers are leaving the platform after Musk's controversial remarks.

social-media2 years ago

Instagram Enhances Status Feature with Video Updates and Multimedia Replies

Instagram is introducing the ability to post two-second looping video Notes, expanding on its status feature. Users can now share short videos with their mutual followers or Close Friends for 24 hours. While video Notes may seem similar to Instagram Stories, they have some key differences, such as limited to front-facing camera use and content captured within the app. Users can respond to Notes with audio, photo, video, gifs, and stickers, which will be sent as direct messages. Initially seen as a competitor to Twitter, Instagram Notes has evolved into a distinct feature within the platform.

technology2 years ago

"Mammoth 2: Simplifying Mastodon Features for iOS Users"

Mammoth, a Mastodon client, has launched Mammoth 2 for Mac, iPhone, and iPad, introducing "Smart Lists" curated by Mammoth users, a series of suggested people and accounts to follow, and more personalized features. Mammoth aims to simplify the process of getting started on Mastodon and plans to incorporate AI to enhance curation. The app is free, with an option for paid features, and is open-sourcing its code to support the Mastodon community. Mammoth also envisions expanding beyond Mastodon to explore the entire fediverse.

gaming2 years ago

"Maximize Your Halloween Fun with StreetPass on Your 3DS"

Dedicated Nintendo 3DS players are reviving the StreetPass feature, which allows users to exchange Mii avatars and basic information wirelessly, by organizing StreetPass Halloween events. Despite the popularity of the Switch and Steam Deck, thousands of nostalgic 3DS fans have been meeting at various gatherings this year to trade StreetPass "tags." Participants are encouraged to carry their 3DS consoles while trick-or-treating, leaving them on near candy distribution doors, or even driving around town with a 3DS in the front seat. The events aim to recreate the sense of community and social interaction that was unique to the 3DS era.

technology2 years ago

Tinder's New Feature: Letting Friends and Family Play Matchmaker

Tinder has introduced a new feature called "Tinder Matchmaker" that allows users' friends and family to access the app and suggest potential matches. Matchmakers can view profiles and make recommendations, but they cannot send messages or swipe right. The feature aims to make it easier for singles to get help from their loved ones in finding a match. This is the latest addition to Tinder's efforts to engage users in new ways, following features like video selfies, incognito mode, and gender pronoun options.

social-media2 years ago

Mark Zuckerberg Optimistic About Threads Community's Future Despite Declining Users

Mark Zuckerberg expressed optimism about the future of Meta's social network Threads, despite a significant drop in its daily active user base since its launch. Data from Sensor Tower revealed an 82% decline in daily active users, from 44 million to 8 million. Zuckerberg acknowledged the challenges but stated that the community is on the expected trajectory for long-term success. He also mentioned upcoming features such as search and web capabilities. The head of Instagram, Adam Mosseri, previously mentioned plans to add missing features like hashtags and trending topics to Threads. Zuckerberg's follower count on Threads is currently lower than on Instagram.