Threads, described as a "text-based conversation app" by Meta, presents a dashboard similar to Twitter, as shown in screenshots. This move intensifies the ongoing rivalry between Meta's CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Twitter's owner, Elon Musk.
In a recent development, Zuckerberg and Musk jokingly agreed to engage in a physical fight, although it remains uncertain how serious they were about the proposition. Musk took a subtle swipe at Zuckerberg, responding to a tweet about Threads by expressing gratitude that both companies are reasonably managed.
Meanwhile, Twitter announced that its popular user dashboard, TweetDeck, will be placed behind a paywall in 30 days. This action aligns with Musk's efforts to drive users toward Twitter's subscription service, Twitter Blue. Musk previously limited the number of tweets visible to users due to concerns about excessive "data scraping."
In contrast, Meta's Threads app is expected to be free and unrestricted, allowing users to view posts without limitations. Described as a platform where communities can gather to discuss a wide range of topics, Threads bears a striking resemblance to Twitter, as seen in app screenshots.
Threads will also gather data from users' phones, including location, purchases, and browsing history. Similar apps, such as Donald Trump's Truth Social and Mastodon, have emerged in recent years, imitating Twitter's features. Bluesky, another comparable app, reported increased traffic following Musk's tweet restrictions.
Nonetheless, Threads poses the most significant challenge to Twitter thus far. Zuckerberg has a track record of adopting successful concepts from other companies, as seen with Meta's Reels, similar to TikTok, and Stories, resembling Snapchat. With Meta's extensive resources and Threads being integrated into the Instagram platform, connected to millions of accounts, it has a substantial advantage over other competitors starting from scratch.
While Musk receives praise for his commitment to free speech, he has also alienated some users. Zuckerberg aims to attract enough dissatisfied Twitter users to establish a genuine alternative through Threads.
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