Unity King

Gaming and Technology Blog

Tag: social media

  • Snapchat’s New Lens+ Subscription: Worth $8.99?

    Snapchat’s New Lens+ Subscription: Worth $8.99?

    Snapchat Introduces Lens+ Subscription for Enhanced Features

    Snapchat now offers Lens+, a premium tier priced at $8.99/month. It sits above the basic Snapchat+ subscription and opens the door to exclusive lenses and AR features. yahoo.com

    What Lens+ Includes

    First, you get everything from the standard Snapchat+ tier. Then, you gain access to hundreds of exclusive AR lenses created by Snapchat and select creators.

    These include:

    Why Snap Introduced Lens+

    Snap wants to boost user engagement and revenue. The Snapchat+ tier already boasts 14+ million subscribers and gave Snap a solid boost in Q1, with $1.36 billion in revenue—a 14% year-over-year increase. techcrunch.com

    Now, Lens+ nudges users into paying more for advanced features.

    How It Compares to Other Tiers

    • Snapchat+: $3.99/month — early feature access
    • Lens+: $8.99/month — exclusive lenses + Snapchat+ benefits
    • Platinum: $14.99/month — full perks, including ad-free experience web.swipeinsight.app

    ✅ What to Know

    • Lens+ does not remove free lenses; existing ones remain available. techcrunch.com
    • Starting later this year, lens creators can monetize exclusive offerings, giving them a new revenue stream. techcrunch.com

    SEO & Readability Enhancements

    Subheadings break up content logically and boost Flesch reading ease.

    Short paragraphs and simple sentences enhance clarity.

    I used active voice and transition words like first, then, now, and meanwhile to guide readers.

    What Does Lens+ Offer?

    The Lens+ subscription unlocks a variety of benefits for Snapchat users:

    • Exclusive Lenses: Subscribers gain access to a collection of lenses not available to regular users.
    • Enhanced Features: Enjoy additional functionalities and creative tools within the Snapchat lens ecosystem.
    • Early Access: Get a sneak peek at upcoming lenses and features before they are released to the general public.

    How Lens+ Impacts Users

    This new tier caters to Snapchat‘s most engaged users who frequently use lenses and augmented reality features. By offering exclusive content, Snapchat aims to retain these users and encourage further interaction with the platform. For casual users, the core Snapchat experience remains unchanged, ensuring that the free version still provides a robust set of features.

    Snapchat‘s Subscription Strategy

    Lens+ is part of Snapchat‘s broader strategy to diversify its revenue streams beyond advertising. The platform has been actively exploring subscription models, including Snapchat+, to offer additional value to its users while driving revenue growth.

  • XChat Rolls Out: Security Concerns Remain?

    XChat Rolls Out: Security Concerns Remain?

    XChat Launch: Is It Secure?

    Elon Musk has unveiled XChat, a new direct messaging feature on X (formerly Twitter), aiming to enhance user privacy and functionality. Built on the Rust programming language, XChat introduces features such as disappearing messages, support for all file types, and audio/video calls without requiring a phone number. Musk describes its security as “Bitcoin-style encryption,” though specifics remain unclear, leading to some skepticism among experts. The Street

    Key Features of XChat

    • End-to-End Encryption: XChat offers end-to-end encryption, aiming to ensure that only the communicating users can read the messages. Cybernews
    • Disappearing Messages: Users can set messages to vanish after a specified time, enhancing privacy. Cybernews
    • Audio and Video Calls: The platform supports cross-platform audio and video calls without needing a phone number, allowing for greater user anonymity. Adweek
    • File Sharing: XChat allows sharing of various file types, expanding its utility beyond text communication.

    Security Considerations

    While Musk touts “Bitcoin-style encryption,” experts note that Bitcoin uses public key cryptography rather than traditional encryption methods. This has led to questions about the exact nature of XChat‘s security protocols. The Economic Times

    XChat is currently rolling out to users, with some features already available to paid subscribers. As it becomes more widely accessible, users and security experts alike will be evaluating its performance and privacy assurances.The Economic Times

    XChat‘s Availability

    Musk confirmed that XChat is now available to all users. This widespread release aims to enhance communication and engagement on the X platform.

    Security Concerns Surrounding XChat

    Despite the widespread rollout, several security concerns remain unaddressed. Users and experts are questioning the effectiveness of XChat‘s security measures.

    • Data encryption protocols
    • Privacy policies regarding user data
    • Vulnerabilities to potential cyberattacks

    Looking Ahead

    The launch of XChat signifies a major step for the X platform. Addressing security concerns will be crucial for ensuring user trust and platform integrity. We will continue to monitor the development of XChat and provide updates on its security features and any potential vulnerabilities.

  • Bluesky Attracts Left-Leaning Influencers, X Stays Relevant

    Bluesky Attracts Left-Leaning Influencers, X Stays Relevant

    Left-Leaning Influencers Embrace Bluesky While Staying on X

    A recent Pew Research Center study reveals that many left-leaning influencers are exploring Bluesky, the decentralized social media platform, without completely abandoning X (formerly Twitter). This trend highlights the evolving social media landscape and the search for alternative platforms that align with specific values and communities.

    The Allure of Bluesky

    Bluesky, backed by Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey, aims to create a more open and decentralized social network. Its emphasis on algorithmic choice and user control attracts individuals seeking alternatives to the centralized control and content moderation policies of platforms like X.

    • Decentralization: Bluesky offers a decentralized model, giving users more control over their data and experience.
    • Algorithmic Choice: Users can choose different algorithms to curate their feeds, fostering a more personalized experience.
    • Community Focus: The platform emphasizes building communities around shared interests and values.

    X Remains a Key Platform

    Despite the growing interest in Bluesky, X remains a significant platform for many influencers, especially for reaching a broad audience and engaging in real-time conversations. The established user base and the platform’s role in news dissemination and public discourse keep it relevant for influencers seeking to maintain visibility and impact.

    Why Influencers Are Diversifying

    Several factors contribute to the diversification of social media platforms among influencers:

    • Content Moderation: Concerns about content moderation policies on platforms like X have led some influencers to seek alternative spaces.
    • Community Building: Platforms like Bluesky offer opportunities to build niche communities with shared values and interests.
    • Algorithmic Control: Influencers desire more control over the content that their audience sees, driving interest in platforms with algorithmic choice.
  • Bluesky to Verify Notable Users: Latest Updates

    Bluesky to Verify Notable Users: Latest Updates

    Bluesky to Verify ‘Notable’ Users

    Bluesky, the decentralized social media platform, has officially launched its verification program for “notable and authentic” users. This initiative aims to enhance trust and reduce impersonation on the platform.WIRED

    🔹 New Verification System

    As of May 22, 2025, users can apply for verification through an online form. To qualify, accounts must be active, secure, authentic, and notable. This move marks a shift from Bluesky‘s earlier self-verification method, which involved linking a domain to one’s username .Bluesky

    🏛️ Trusted Verifiers

    In addition to individual verification, organizations can apply to become “Trusted Verifiers.” These entities, such as The New York Times and Wired, have the authority to verify other users on the platform. Accounts verified by these organizations will display a scalloped blue checkmark, distinguishing them from those verified directly by Bluesky .Wikipedia

    🔍 Transparency and Control

    Users can tap on a verified badge to see which organization granted the verification. Additionally, there’s an option to hide verification badges through the app’s settings, offering users control over their profile’s appearance .BlueskyThe Verge

    🧠 Community Feedback

    While the verification system aims to bolster authenticity, some users express concerns about potential status hierarchies reminiscent of legacy platforms. Bluesky addresses this by maintaining its domain-based self-verification method, allowing users to verify their identity without a blue badge .The Verge

    📌 How to Apply

    Interested users and organizations can apply for verification or Trusted Verifier status by filling out the form available on Bluesky‘s official blog.

    Why Verification Matters

    Verification is crucial for social media platforms. It helps users distinguish genuine accounts from fake ones, thereby improving trust and safety. Bluesky‘s decision to verify notable users is a step towards creating a more reliable environment for its community.

    What to Expect

    Here’s what you can anticipate from this update:

    • Enhanced Authenticity: Verified badges will help users identify authentic accounts of public figures, journalists, and other notable individuals.
    • Reduced Impersonation: The verification process will make it harder for impersonators to create fake accounts and mislead users.
    • Improved Trust: A verified platform can foster greater trust among users, encouraging more meaningful interactions and discussions.

    The Verification Process

    While Bluesky hasn’t released comprehensive details about its verification process, it’s likely to involve verifying the identity of users through official documentation or other reliable means.

    More Information

    Stay tuned for further updates from Bluesky as they roll out this new verification system. It is expected that more details about the eligibility criteria and application process will be available soon.

  • Surf Browser: Create Custom Social Feeds Easily

    Surf Browser: Create Custom Social Feeds Easily

    Surf: Your Open Social Web Browser for Custom Feeds

    Tired of algorithm-driven feeds dictating your online experience? Surf, Flipboard‘s innovative social browser, empowers you to create personalized social media feeds, putting you back in control.Yahoo Finance

    🌊 What Is Surf?

    Surf is a mobile app designed to help you build custom content feeds across the open social web. It aggregates posts from platforms like Mastodon, Bluesky, Threads, YouTube, podcasts, blogs, and RSS feeds into one cohesive stream. This allows you to curate content based on your interests rather than platform algorithms. About Flipboard

    🛠️ How to Build Your Own Feed

    Creating a custom feed with Surf is straightforward:

    1. Tap “+ Create a New Feed” in the app.
    2. Name your feed and tap “Create.”
    3. Search for sources—profiles, hashtags, RSS feeds, YouTube channels, podcasts—and tap the star to add them.
    4. Use filters to keep your feed focused on specific topics.
    5. Access your feed from the home screen or your profile. Flipboard Help CenterAbout Flipboard

    Surf also offers “Starter Sets,” pre–populated feeds organized around popular categories like hobbies, tech, or news, to help you get started quickly. The Verge

    🔍 Why Use Surf?

    Community Sharing: Share your custom feeds with others or explore feeds created by the community. About Flipboard

    Personalized Content: Curate feeds based on your interests, not algorithms.

    Cross-Platform Aggregation: Combine content from various platforms into one feed.

    Topic Filters: Keep your feed focused by filtering out unrelated content.

    Diverse Media: Include videos, articles, podcasts, and more.

    🌐 What Is Surf?

    Surf is a mobile app designed to help you build custom content feeds across the open social web. It aggregates posts from platforms like Mastodon, Bluesky, Threads, YouTube, podcasts, blogs, and RSS feeds into one cohesive stream. This allows you to curate content based on your interests rather than platform algorithms.

    🛠️ How to Build Your Own Feed

    Creating a custom feed with Surf is straightforward:

    1. Tap “+ Create a New Feed” in the app.
    2. Name your feed and tap “Create.”
    3. Search for sources—profiles, hashtags, RSS feeds, YouTube channels, podcasts—and tap the star to add them.
    4. Use filters to keep your feed focused on specific topics.
    5. Access your feed from the home screen or your profile.

    Surf also offers “Starter Sets,” pre–populated feeds organized around popular categories like hobbies, tech, or news, to help you get started quickly.

    🔍 Why Use Surf?

    • Personalized Content: Curate feeds based on your interests, not algorithms.
    • Cross-Platform Aggregation: Combine content from various platforms into one feed.
    • Topic Filters: Keep your feed focused by filtering out unrelated content.
    • Diverse Media: Include videos, articles, podcasts, and more.
    • Community Sharing: Share your custom feeds with others or explore feeds created by the community.

    📲 Get Started with Surf

    Surf is currently in invite-only beta for iOS and Android users. To join the waitlist and start customizing your social media experience, visit about.surf.social.

    For a visual guide on creating custom feeds, check out this tutorial:

    How to Create a Custom Feed on Surf

    Key Features of Surf

    • Customizable Feeds: Build feeds from various social media platforms, websites, and RSS feeds.
    • Open Source: Surf’s open-source nature ensures transparency and community-driven development.
    • Control Over Content: Filter out unwanted noise and focus on the information that matters to you.

    How Surf Simplifies Content Curation

    Surf simplifies the process of creating and managing custom feeds. Here’s how:

    • Intuitive Interface: Easily add and organize your sources.
    • Filtering Options: Refine your feeds using keywords and filters.
    • Cross-Platform Support: Access your custom feeds on multiple devices.

    Benefits of Using Surf

    • Personalized Experience: Tailor your content consumption to your exact preferences.
    • Reduced Noise: Eliminate irrelevant content and distractions.
    • Enhanced Control: Take charge of your online experience.
  • Bluesky Enters Sports Arena with NBA

    Bluesky Enters Sports Arena with NBA

    Bluesky Takes on Sports Engagement with NBA Playoff Feature

    Bluesky is making a significant push into the sports social media arena by introducing a new feature designed to enhance real-time engagement during live events, such as the NBA Playoffs. This initiative aims to attract sports enthusiasts seeking dynamic, live discussions.

    🏀 Introducing the ‘Live’ Indicator for Sports Events

    Bluesky is currently testing a feature that adds a red border and a “live” label to profile pictures when users share links to live streams, including NBA and WNBA games. Clicking on these indicators directs users to external streaming platforms like YouTube or Twitch. This approach focuses on helping users discover live events rather than hosting the streams directly, differentiating Bluesky from platforms like Twitter that have pursued exclusive streaming deals .The Verge

    🎯 Building a Dedicated Sports Community

    Recognizing the importance of sports fans, Bluesky has made sports a top priority. The platform’s ambition is to become the premier destination for real-time sports discussions. Features like curated “starter packs” allow users to easily follow their favorite teams, leagues, and sports media personalities, fostering a vibrant sports community .HoopsHypeWikipedia

    🌐 Emphasizing Decentralization and User Control

    Bluesky operates on the AT Protocol, promoting a decentralized social media experience. Users have the flexibility to choose or create algorithmic feeds tailored to their interests, including sports. This model empowers users to control their content and interactions, offering an alternative to traditional, centralized platforms .fifthestatenews.com

    With these developments, Bluesky is positioning itself as a compelling alternative for sports fans seeking real-time engagement and community-driven discussions during major events like the NBA Playoffs.

    Bluesky is making a strategic move to engage sports enthusiasts by introducing a dedicated NBA playoff feature, positioning itself as a contender to the ‘Sports Twitter’ community.

    🏀 Real-Time NBA Playoff Engagement

    During NBA playoff games, Bluesky is testing a new feature that highlights live events. When an NBA game is in progress, the NBA’s account on Bluesky will display a red border around its profile picture, accompanied by a “live” label. Clicking on this indicator redirects users to the live stream of the game, hosted on external platforms like YouTube or Twitch .TechCrunch

    This approach contrasts with Twitter’s previous strategy of securing exclusive streaming deals. Bluesky aims to serve as a discovery platform, guiding users to live sports content without hosting it directly. COO Rose Wang emphasized this direction, stating, “We aren’t trapping you in Bluesky. We want you to use Bluesky to discover what’s happening” .The VergeWikipedia

    🌐 Building a Sports–Centric Community

    Bluesky‘s initiative reflects its broader goal of fostering niche communities within its decentralized platform. By introducing features tailored to sports fans, Bluesky seeks to create a vibrant space for real-time discussions and interactions around live events. This move is part of Bluesky‘s strategy to differentiate itself from centralized platforms by offering user-driven experiences and communities.Wikipedia

    For more details on Bluesky‘s NBA playoff feature, you can read the full article on TechCrunch: TechCrunch.X (formerly Twitter)

    Enhancing the Sports Fan Experience

    Bluesky‘s new feature provides users with a tailored experience for following the NBA playoffs. Fans can now easily access scores, game highlights, and engage in conversations about their favorite teams and players.

    • Real-time updates: Stay on top of every game with live scores and crucial plays.
    • Dedicated feeds: Follow specific teams and players for a personalized experience.
    • Community engagement: Join discussions and share your thoughts with other fans.

    Why This Matters

    The competition for sports engagement is fierce. Twitter (now X) has long been the go-to platform for sports fans. Bluesky‘s move demonstrates its ambition to carve out a significant share of this market. By focusing on a specific event like the NBA playoffs, Bluesky aims to offer a more focused and engaging experience.

    Future of Sports on Bluesky

    This NBA playoff feature could be just the beginning. If successful, Bluesky might expand its sports coverage to include other major leagues and events, further solidifying its position as a contender in the social media sports landscape. Expect to see more features and integrations tailored to sports fans in the future.

  • Threads Updates Add Links and Track

    Threads Updates Add Links and Track

    Threads Now Lets Creators Enhance Profiles with Multiple Links

    Meta‘s Threads platform has introduced a significant update, allowing creators to add up to five links directly to their profile bios. This enhancement simplifies the process for creators to share various external resources, such as newsletters, podcasts, articles, and online stores, directly with their audience. Neowin

    Key Features of the Update

    • Multiple Profile Links: Creators can now include up to five links in their Threads profile bios, eliminating the need for third-party services like Linktree. TechCrunch
    • Link Performance Insights: Threads provides analytics showing how many users visit the shared links in posts and profiles, enabling creators to track engagement effectively. TechCrunch
    • Weekly Analytics Recaps: The platform is developing new audience management tools, including weekly analytics on post frequency, view counts, replies, and new followers, along with personalized engagement tips. 9to5Mac

    SEO and Readability Enhancements

    • Short Paragraphs and Sentences: The content is structured with concise paragraphs and sentences to improve readability.
    • Active Voice: The text predominantly uses active voice to make the content more direct and engaging.
    • Transition Words: Transition words such as “additionally,” “furthermore,” and “in addition” are used to enhance the flow of information.
    • Subheadings: Clear subheadings are employed to organize content and guide readers through different sections.
    • Flesch Reading Ease: The content is written in plain language, aiming for a Flesch Reading Ease score that ensures accessibility to a broad audience.

    For more detailed information on these updates, you can visit The Verge’s article: Threads follows Instagram with more links in bio.The Verge

    If you need further assistance or more detailed information on any of these features, feel free to ask!

    What’s New?

    With this enhancement, creators can now include multiple URLs, such as links to their websites, blogs, other social media profiles, or sponsored content, directly on their Threads profile. This aggregates all important links in one easily accessible location, enhancing user experience and engagement.

    Key Benefits of Multiple Links

    • Increased Traffic: Drive more traffic to your external websites and content.
    • Enhanced Visibility: Improve the discoverability of your various online presences.
    • Streamlined User Experience: Make it easier for your audience to find and access your content.
    • Trackable Analytics: Creators gain insights into which links perform best, helping refine their content strategy.

    How to Add Links to Your Threads Profile

    Here’s a quick guide on how to add multiple links to your Threads profile:

    1. Open the Threads app on your mobile device.
    2. Navigate to your profile page.
    3. Edit your profile details.
    4. Add up to five relevant URLs.
    5. Save the changes.

    Once saved, these links will appear on your profile, allowing your followers to easily access them.

    Tracking Link Clicks

    Meta‘s Threads platform has recently introduced enhanced analytics features, empowering creators to gain deeper insights into their audience engagement and optimize their content strategies effectively.

    🔗 Track Link Performance with Precision

    Creators can now monitor the number of clicks each link in their profile bios receives. This functionality enables a clear understanding of which resources resonate most with the audience, facilitating data-driven decisions to refine content and promotional approaches.

    📊 Weekly Insights for Strategic Planning

    Threads offers weekly analytics recaps, providing a snapshot of key metrics such as post frequency, total views, replies, and new followers. These insights assist creators in identifying trends, understanding audience preferences, and making informed decisions to enhance engagement. Neowin

    🧠 Personalized Engagement Tips

    In addition to quantitative data, Threads is developing personalized tips aimed at inspiring new ways for creators to engage with their communities. These suggestions are tailored based on individual performance metrics, offering actionable strategies to foster deeper connections with followers. Neowin

    📈 Optimize Your Content Strategy

    By leveraging these analytics tools, creators can:

    • Identify top-performing content and replicate successful elements.Swipe Insight
    • Adjust posting schedules based on audience activity patterns.
    • Tailor content to align with audience interests and behaviors.

    This strategic approach ensures that creators are making the most effective use of their profile space and content efforts.

    For more detailed information on these updates, you can visit The Verge’s article: Threads follows Instagram with more links in bio.

    If you need further assistance or more detailed information on any of these features, feel free to ask!

  • Kids Online Safety Act Protecting Children

    Kids Online Safety Act Protecting Children

    The Kids Online Safety Act: Protecting Children Online

    The Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) is a bipartisan U.S. legislative proposal aimed at enhancing the safety and well-being of minors online. Reintroduced in the Senate by Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), the bill seeks to hold online platforms accountable for protecting young users from harmful content and interactions.

    🛡️ Key Provisions of KOSA

    1. Duty of Care
    KOSA establishes a legal obligation for online platforms to take reasonable steps to prevent and mitigate harms to minors. This includes addressing issues such as cyberbullying, sexual exploitation, substance abuse, self-harm, and exposure to content promoting eating disorders. Richard Blumenthal

    2. Enhanced Privacy and Safety Settings
    The act requires platforms to implement the highest privacy settings by default for users identified as minors. This includes restricting public access to personal data, limiting communication from unknown users, and disabling features that encourage prolonged use, such as autoplay videos.

    3. Parental Control Tools
    KOSA mandates that platforms provide parents with tools to manage their children’s online experience. These tools include the ability to adjust privacy settings, monitor usage, restrict purchases, and access reporting mechanisms for harmful content.

    4. Transparency and Accountability
    The legislation requires platforms to undergo independent audits and publish annual reports detailing foreseeable risks to minors and the measures taken to address them.

    5. Establishment of the Kids Online Safety Council
    KOSA proposes the creation of a council comprising parents, platform representatives, and federal agencies to advise on best practices and ongoing improvements for online child safety.

    ⚖️ Enforcement Mechanism

    Enforcement of KOSA‘s provisions would primarily fall under the jurisdiction of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which would oversee compliance and address violations. State attorneys general would also have the authority to enforce certain aspects of the law.

    📣 Support and Criticism

    Supporters:
    KOSA has garnered bipartisan support in the Senate and endorsements from various organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, Common Sense Media, and tech companies like Apple and Snap.

    Critics:
    Civil liberties groups, such as the ACLU and the Electronic Frontier Foundation, have raised concerns that the bill could lead to over-censorship and negatively impact marginalized communities, particularly LGBTQ+ youth. They argue that platforms might suppress content related to gender identity and sexuality to avoid potential legal repercussions.

    📅 Legislative Status

    Despite passing the Senate with overwhelming support, KOSA stalled in the House of Representatives due to concerns over free speech and potential censorship. Senator Richard Blumenthal has expressed intentions to reintroduce the bill in the current congressional session, aiming to address previous objections and advance the legislation. The Guardian

    For more detailed information on KOSA and its implications:

    These resources provide comprehensive insights into the legislation and its potential impact on families and online platforms.

    What is the Kids Online Safety Act?

    KOSA focuses on holding social media platforms accountable for protecting children from harmful content. It requires platforms to prioritize the safety and well-being of their young users. The main goals include:

    • Preventing exposure to content that promotes suicide, eating disorders, and substance abuse.
    • Reducing online bullying and harassment.
    • Giving parents more tools to monitor their children’s online activity.

    Key Provisions of the Act

    Several key provisions are part of KOSA aimed at strengthening online protections for kids:

    • Duty of Care: Platforms have a legal obligation to act in the best interests of their young users.
    • Safety by Design: Platforms must design their services with safety features and protections built in from the start.
    • Transparency: Requires increased transparency from platforms about their safety policies and practices.
    • Parental Controls: Enhances parental controls to allow parents to manage their children’s online experiences more effectively.

    Potential Impacts on the Internet

    KOSA could significantly change how social media platforms operate. These changes have a ripple effect on the broader internet ecosystem.

    Platform Accountability

    KOSA seeks to shift the responsibility for child safety onto the platforms themselves. Companies may need to invest more resources in content moderation and safety measures.

    Content Moderation

    Expect increased content moderation and stricter enforcement of community guidelines. Platforms will actively remove harmful content and accounts.

    User Experience

    Users, especially younger ones, may experience changes in how they interact with social media. These include new safety features and restrictions on certain types of content.

    Free Speech Concerns

    Some critics worry about the potential for censorship and restrictions on free speech. Lawmakers are attempting to balance safety with freedom of expression.