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Metas Threads app now has more than 150 million monthly users, an increase of about 20 million new users since February. Mark Zuckerberg shared the latest user numbers during Metas first-quarter earnings call, saying that the app continues to be on the trajectory that I hope to see. The update suggests Threads is continuing to grow steadily, though at a slower rate than its initial explosive growth. The app racked up more than 100 million downloads in its first week, but later saw a drop-off in engagement. But over the last six months, Threads has seen more consistent growth and Zuckerberg has speculated the service could eventually be Metas next billion-user app. Notably, Threads seems to be out-performing X (formerly known as Twitter) by some metrics. Estimates from analytics firm Apptopia indicated Threads has more daily users in the United States than X, Business Insider reported earlier this week. (X has claimed 550 million daily users globally.) Threads also scored another significant win recently when Taylor Swift joined the platform to promote her latest album. Threads is, for now, unique among Metas apps in that it doesnt have advertising so the company doesnt make money from the app directly. That will likely change at some point provided Threads continues to expand its reach. Zuckerberg has previously said the company would focus on monetization only after the app has grown sufficiently.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/threads-has-150-million-monthly-users-215853190.html?src=rss
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The EU has effectively vanquished a TikTok feature that Europes digital commissioner described as toxic and addictive as cigarettes. Owner ByteDance said on Wednesday that TikTok Lites reward-to-watch feature would be suspended. Its been a brutal day for TikTok as President Biden signed a bill (also on Wednesday) forcing ByteDance to sell the platforms US operations or face a ban. TikTok Lite, launched earlier this month in France and Spain, lets users earn rewards by watching and liking videos. They can then exchange their points for real-world perks like Amazon vouchers or in-app ones like TikToks virtual currency, which is used to tip creators. The EU Commission said the task and reward feature can stimulate addictive behavior in children. Our children are not guinea pigs for social media, EU commissioner Thierry Breton posted on X (Twitter) on Wednesday. I take note of TikToks decision to suspend the #TikTokLite Reward Program in the EU. However, he added a parting shot to remind ByteDance it isnt out of the woods: The cases against TikTok on the risk of addictiveness of the platform continue. Statement on TikTok Lite: "TikTok always seeks to engage constructively with the EU Commission and other regulators. We are therefore voluntarily suspending the rewards functions in TikTok Lite while we address the concerns that they have raised." TikTok Policy Europe (@TikTokPolicyEUR) April 24, 2024 Breton fired a warning shot at ByteDance earlier this week, saying the EU had opened a formal investigation into TikTok for violating the Digital Services Act (DSA). The landmark legislation, adopted in 2022, gives European regulators the teeth to force significant changes in social media platforms to protect consumers. Companies that break the rules can risk fines of up to six percent of their global revenues enough to force compliance from even the richest companies. Wednesdays suspension marks the first concrete example of the EU using the DSAs enforcement powers to force significant changes on a social platform. The EUs formal investigation into TikTok Lite was its second targeting the platform this year. An earlier case, launched in February, opened proceedings against TikTok and Meta for their handling of the privacy and safety of minors. The Guardian notes that both cases remain active. TikTok always seeks to engage constructively with the EU Commission and other regulators, the platforms Policy Europe X account posted on Wednesday. We are therefore voluntarily suspending the rewards functions in TikTok Lite while we address the concerns that they have raised.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/tiktok-lite-axes-addictive-as-cigarettes-reward-to-watch-feature-under-the-eus-watchful-eye-211157092.html?src=rss
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PUBG: Battlegrounds is somehow old enough to evoke nostalgia. The pioneering battle royale game, which entered Steam Early Access in 2017, will borrow a page from Fortnites playbook and honor its first map. Erangel Classic will recreate the old-school battlefield from the games inception for a limited two-week run in May and June. Developer and publisher Krafton says the Erangel Classic map will reproduce the originals concepts, graphics, atmosphere and UI. However, it will blend those with modern tweaks to deliver the enjoyable gameplay experiences that players have grown accustomed to. In other words, much like remasters of other classic games, the goal is to feel as close to the original as possible without chucking out all of its subtle quality-of-life improvements from the games evolution. Krafton If the revamped map idea sounds familiar, Fortnite brought back its original 2018 island map late last year, breaking its records for player counts. (It peaked at 44.7 million players, marking its biggest day ever.) Its easy to see why Krafton would want a piece of that action. Specific nods to the original map include foggy and rainy weather to add an air of unpredictability. In addition, youll find bench weapons on the starting island (get ready to scramble for your favorite), and all weapons will have reduced recoil to match the original. It will also have a Tommy Gun in the care package, a vintage map UI and a charmingly tacky font and graphics. The tiered rollout will arrive on PCs and consoles at different times, extending the playtime for those who own the game on multiple platforms (perhaps helping Krafton sell a few extra in-game items). Erangel Classic will be available in PUBG: Battlegrounds on PC from May 14 to May 28 and on consoles from May 23 to June 6, replacing the modern Erangel map during those periods. Krafton says the May 14 patch notes will go into more detail about all the maps changes, so keep an eye out.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/pubg-will-take-a-nostalgia-infused-trip-back-to-its-first-map-in-may-194736249.html?src=rss
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