Meta Platforms plans to launch a Twitter-rivalling microblogging app called Threads, days after Twitter boss Elon Musk attracted criticism by announcing a temporary cap on how many posts users can read on the social media site. Threads is expected to be released on Thursday and will allow users to retain followers from photo-sharing platform Instagram, and keep the same username, a listing on Apple's App Store showed. The rollout represents a direct challenge to Twitter, which has faced numerous controversies since Musk bought the company for $44 billion US in 2022. Twitter ad revenue drops, defections riseWhile alternative microblogging sites — such as Mastodon and Blue Sky — have reported an uptick in user numbers since Musk's acquisition, neither has been able to challenge Twitter. Meta did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment on a similar launch on the Google Play Store.

Source: CBC News July 04, 2023 21:37 UTC