Unity King

Gaming and Technology Blog

Tag: DMs

  • TikTok Now Support Voice Notes Multiple Images

    TikTok Now Support Voice Notes Multiple Images

    TikTok Adds Voice Notes and Images to Direct Messages

    TikTok has introduced new DM features allowing users to send both voice notes and images directly in chats. The move expands beyond text-based messaging giving users more expressive and personal ways to communicate on the platform. By adding richer media options TikTok is positioning its DMs as a more engaging space for conversations and connections.

    Voice Notes in TikTok DMs

    1. Open a Direct Message
      Navigate to the Inbox tab and select a chat with a friend or a group available only for users 16 years and older.
    2. Access the Voice Note Option
      Tap the microphone icon next to the text input area to start recording. Social Media Today
    3. Record Your Message
      Hold down the microphone button to record up to 60 seconds of audio.
    4. Send or Cancel the Recording
      • Release the button to send immediately.
      • Swipe up to lock the recording so you don’t need to hold the button and then tap Send or Delete.
      • Swipe left to cancel the recording entirely.
    5. Optional: Delete After Sending
      If you regret sending a voice message you can delete it within 3 minutes of sending.
    • Open the direct message conversation.
    • Tap the microphone icon.
    • Hold the icon to record your message.
    • Release to send.

    Image Sharing in TikTok DMs

    Eligibility Note This feature is available only for users aged 16 and older and it may not be active in all regions yet.

    Step-by-Step Guide:

    Optionally add a caption or context then tap Send to share.

    Open the TikTok App and go to the Inbox tab to access your DMs.

    Select an Existing Chat or start a new conversation with someone you follow and who follows you depending on privacy settings.

    Look for a camera or gallery icon next to the message input field if visible tap it.

    Choose Images or Videos from your camera roll you can send up to nine at once.

    • Open the direct message conversation.
    • Tap the image icon.
    • Select the image from your gallery.
    • Send the image.
  • Threads’ DMs: Not a Hit With Everyone?

    Threads’ DMs: Not a Hit With Everyone?

    Threads’ Direct Messages: A Divisive Feature

    Meta’s Threads app, designed as a text-based conversation platform, recently introduced direct messaging (DMs). While some users embrace this feature, others aren’t quite sold on it. Let’s explore why Threads’ DMs are causing mixed reactions.

    User Concerns and Criticisms

    A primary concern is the perceived redundancy of DMs within Threads. Many argue that the platform’s strength lies in public conversations. Adding a private messaging function blurs the line with other Meta-owned platforms like Instagram and Messenger.

    • Feature Overload: Some users feel that DMs add unnecessary complexity to Threads.
    • Privacy Concerns: Introducing private messaging raises questions about data privacy and security within the app.
    • Fragmentation: Splitting conversations between public threads and private DMs might dilute engagement.

    Potential Benefits of Threads DMs

    Despite the criticisms, Threads’ DMs can offer advantages. They allow users to connect privately for more personal or sensitive discussions that aren’t suitable for public forums. The integration might enhance user retention by providing a familiar messaging experience.

    • Personal Connections: DMs allow for more private and intimate conversations.
    • Collaboration: Ideal for coordinating projects or sharing sensitive information with specific individuals.
    • Direct Support: Brands can use DMs to offer personalized customer support.

    The Future of Messaging on Threads

    The debate surrounding Threads’ DMs highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing public and private communication in social media. Meta will likely continue to refine the feature based on user feedback. Whether DMs become a core element of the Threads experience or remain a niche feature remains to be seen.

  • X Pauses Encrypted Direct Messages Feature

    X Pauses Encrypted Direct Messages Feature

    X Halted Encrypted Direct Messages Feature

    X (formerly Twitter) has temporarily suspended its encrypted direct messages (DMs) feature. The company announced that the pause is to facilitate improvements to the service. While users can still access their existing encrypted messages, sending new ones is currently disabled. Yahoo Finance

    Limitations of the Previous Encryption Feature

    Introduced in 2023, X’s encrypted DMs were available only to verified users who were mutual followers or had previously accepted messages from each other. The feature had several limitations: it did not support group chats, multimedia messages, or metadata encryption. Additionally, encrypted conversations did not carry over to new devices, and the encryption lacked protection against certain types of cyberattacks. Mezha.Media

    Speculations About a New Messaging Platform

    The suspension has led to speculation about the development of a new messaging platform, tentatively named XChat. Leaked information suggests that XChat may offer enhanced privacy features, including PIN-protected chats and more robust encryption. However, X has not officially confirmed these details or provided a timeline for the launch. TechTrendsKE

    Technical Issues and User Concerns

    The timing of the suspension coincides with technical issues following a fire at a data center in Oregon, which affected various parts of X’s infrastructure, including messaging services. While X has not directly linked the suspension to these issues, the overlap has raised questions among users. The lack of a clear roadmap for reinstating encrypted DMs has also led to concerns about the platform’s commitment to user privacy. TechTrendsKE

    As X works on improving its messaging features, users are advised to stay informed about updates and consider alternative platforms for secure communication in the interim.

    The exact reasons behind this pause remain somewhat unclear, though X officials are likely evaluating the implementation and security of the feature.

    What Happened?

    The encrypted DMs feature, aimed at providing end-to-end encryption for direct messages, was paused recently. We are still waiting for the official statement from X about the reason, but many users and experts assume the feature needs a security revamp.

    Why is Encryption Important?

    Encryption plays a crucial role in online security. It ensures that only the sender and recipient can read the content of a message, protecting it from eavesdropping by third parties. As privacy concerns continue to grow, encrypted communication tools are becoming increasingly important. Learn more about the importance of encryption in digital communication.

    Future of Encrypted DMs on X

    The future of encrypted DMs on X is uncertain. It remains to be seen whether the company will address the identified issues and re-introduce the feature. Users interested in secure messaging may need to explore alternative platforms like Signal or WhatsApp in the meantime.