Snapchat Forms Internal Team To Improve The App’s Lagging Performance

There is a lot of competition in the digital world and every app is searching for ways on how it can better its performance against all others in the industry.

This is why Snapchat is on a mission to develop an internal team that can better gauge where the platform is lacking and how it can return to normal views.

Remember, Snap has really been at the top of its game but that’s when TikTok started stealing the overall market share and screen time. The immense popularity of the short form video app can’t be denied and we feel Snap isn’t going to give up without putting up with a fight.

But where is the lacking and why have user habits changed? These are just some of the many questions on Snapchat’s mind.

The new initiative is called Project Sunshine and it entails a few engineers from the app that are reportedly a part of its growing team. They are trying to diagnose the problem and help get the app back on track. And by that, we mean growing the number of users that are seen engaging on Stories and also posting them too.

The news comes to us thanks to those familiar with the ordeal. They spoke to Insider and said that TikTok has really risen in recent times and something needs to be done before it's too late. The app is working to up its game and combat all the dragging down that has occurred.

People used to post frequently in the past and even engage in stories of those they didn’t know personally. But now, it’s very different. People are returning to the app to see those on their contact lists like friends or loved ones. And as you can imagine, it’s affecting the viewership greatly.

This habit of hopping in and out of the platform after taking a sneak peek of what certain users have posted is not helping Snap. And since increased usage and engagement are the app’s biggest priority at the moment, they’re making leading efforts to get it back.

• Also read: The World Of AR Technology Is Years Away From Mass Consumer Adoption, Confirms IDC

This new project Sunshine may have witnessed a few ups like perhaps getting more views on Stories belonging to close friends but it’s just not been peaking like before. Meanwhile, one spokesman for the firm says the company is constantly evolving and it’s their Stories product that really has the greatest viewership.

This past summer proved how many people were interested in metrics and also usage. And in this year’s Q2 results, the screentime for stories peaked and achieved more success than the previous year.

Q2 proves how daily active users on the app have risen by a staggering 18% but that’s not as great as the previous year which showed a growth of 23%. So as you can see, it’s a YoY decrease in terms of time spent by users watching the app’s stories. And this was directly linked to a fall in the volume of daily Story posts.

Snapchat’s biggest archrival is definitely TikTok. But there is the growing influence of apps like Instagram and Facebook as well. The app that’s owned by Byte-Dance is exactly where people tend to go to get the most entertaining forms of content.

In case you didn’t know, Snap decided to roll out its first-ever revenue stream that came in the form of Snapchat+. This was a monthly subscription that provided users with the best features that weren’t relying on the growth of users or even on engagement. It was linked to ads directly.

But internally, the situation is bad. We’re talking about a huge reorganization of the firm where priorities are getting reconsidered. And recently, Insider shed light on a really sticky mess that had more than 1200 employees laid off.

Read next: 30% of US Adults Now Use Visual Search for Shopping
by Dr. Hura Anwar via Digital Information World

What Country Creates the Most Space Debris?

The space race ended after the dissolution of the Soviet Union, but it is now starting to rise up again because of the fact that this is the sort of thing that could potentially end up achieving a space travel related goal can bring a lot of prestige to countries. In spite of the fact that this is the case, the quest to conquer space is creating a unique new problem, namely that of space junk or space debris.

Every object that is launched into space and left there is coming together to create a massive debris field that might collide with active satellites and potentially trap humanity on earth for the foreseeable future. However, what country is most responsible for this debris? It turns out that there are three main culprits behind the massive increase in space debris, namely the US, Russia and China with all things having been considered and taken into account.

With all of that having been said and now out of the way, it is important to note that Russia is responsible for well over 7,000 spent rocket bodies and other types of junk that is now orbiting the planet. The number for the USA is around 5,216, and China is currently sitting at around the 3,850 mark.

This problem will become increasingly pertinent in the future as major corporations start trying to launch consumer oriented space travel in low orbit. These shuttles will be at risk of getting crashed into by orbiting debris. One might assume that the solution is to slowly bring these pieces of junk down, but that runs the risk of depleting the ozone layer, generating a lot of heat as well as whatever the damage at the crash site was look like.

This is an issue that has no easy fix, and major world leaders would need to come together in order to figure out how to handle it. Humanity is starting to look to the stars once again, but we will only reach them if we approach this new era of space travel in a responsible way with all factors having been considered.

Read next: The World Of AR Technology Is Years Away From Mass Consumer Adoption, Confirms IDC
by Zia Muhammad via Digital Information World

New Microsoft Index Shows the Dangers of Productivity Paranoia

The shift to working from home created a lot of opportunities for people because of the fact that this is the sort of thing that could potentially end up allowing them to maintain their careers and also have a better work life balance. In spite of the fact that this is the case, many middle managers and corporate executives have been skeptical about their employees truly being productive whilst staying away from the office.

With all of that having been said and now out of the way, it is important to note that 87% of employees reported that they are being productive according to a new analysis that was performed by Microsoft. This index was based off of data collected through Microsoft’s various work related platforms, and it should be mentioned that this statement is not just self reported. Rather, it is backed up by productivity signals that Microsoft collects through the same platforms with all things having been considered and taken into account.

However, 85% of managers said that it is difficult for them to confirm whether or not employees are truly being as productive as they say they are. 81% of employees agreed that they needed guidance to help them optimize their work flows, but only 31% said that they received this kind of assistance from their managers.

This wide gap between actual productivity and what managers are concerned about highlights the need for improved synergy among all members of an organization. Managers have no other role to play other than to ensure that people are productive, and their job is quickly getting automated. It turns out that employees don’t need someone cracking a whip to make them work harder.

Rather, they need to be given the freedom to complete their work on their own time, and they should only be penalized if their work ends up getting delayed. Remote work is showing that people can be perfectly responsible for their own work flows, and it is not surprising that managers would be fearful of that since it puts their jobs in peril and senior leadership could become aware of that.

Read next: The World Of AR Technology Is Years Away From Mass Consumer Adoption, Confirms IDC
by Zia Muhammad via Digital Information World

WhatsApp Won’t Be Just A Texting Platform As The App’s Video Capabilities Set To Increase

When it comes to making a video call, WhatsApp isn’t usually the first app that comes to mind. It’s either Google Meet, Zoom, or Skype that has the world at its fingertips. They’re quick, convenient, and oh so reliable. You don’t need to move an inch for your conference calls.

WhatsApp, on the other hand, is usually restricted to being many people’s first preference for texting. And you may occasionally utilize it for getting in touch with contacts through calls. But wait, we may have spoken too soon as Meta has some other major plans in store.

Meta is on the move to raise the bar in terms of its video call utilities. And that’s when we saw Meta’s CEO go public to announce some exciting new functionalities that are sure to excite many users.

Meta is looking forward to providing more support for shareable video links where up to 32 people can be included through a single tap. So as you can see, the app is trying hard to catch up with Telegram in more ways than one.

It’s going to be including Communities, provide some great support for features like large file sharing, and even allow for multiple devices to come ahead and be guaranteed support here.

At the moment, the app has been providing support for around 8 users at one time. But seeing that jump to a maximum limit of 32 is definitely huge news. Moreover, at the start of this week, the firm will also be seen generating links for video calls. This way, users can easily pass on a link that they would like others to join.

For now, we don’t have any specifics on who can share such call links or how it can be done. Similarly, there is no news on who the feature will be limited to if any. So, yes, plenty of unanswered questions are there.

Whatever the case may be, it’s clear what approach the app is taking. They really wish to deliver big this time and produce a feature that’s awfully similar to Google Meet. All you’ll need to do is share a link so your participants can tap into and join.

Google, on the other hand, has definitely come up with plenty of confusion on the matter when it chose to merge both Duo and Meet together. It wants to blur the line seen between one-on-one calls and group calls.

WhatsApp may be doing something similar, expanding its tiny group video call efforts into something that’s much bigger. Remember, Meta taking help from other apps through inspiration or the borrowing of various functionalities is not always a bad thing. But innovation in today’s modern digital world is key, we feel.

With the sharing of links, people would be allowed to join in on video calls, despite not being inside your contact list. It’s very much like how Google Meet. We’re not sure if WhatsApp will be including other features like call scheduling or more, but it wouldn’t hurt.

The mystery won’t be there for much longer and we hope to see more questions answered soon after the link begins rolling out over the next few days.

Seeing WhatsApp turn into a Google Meet clone isn’t the idea. Meta says it really wishes to add more convenience to people’s lives and we can’t see why it won’t be successful. After all, you’ll no longer need to rely on other utilities to get the job done. Simply allow WhatsApp to do all your tasks, be it phone calls, sending out texts, or having meetings.

Read next: Meta Is Working On A New Profile ‘Switching Tool’ That Allows Users To Jump Between Instagram And Facebook
by Dr. Hura Anwar via Digital Information World

Meta Is Working On A New Profile ‘Switching Tool’ That Allows Users To Jump Between Instagram And Facebook

Meta is on a mission to add more simplicity to the lives of its users and that entails making it easier to switch between apps like Facebook and Instagram.

The company is busy working on a switching tool for profiles created on both platforms. Therefore, anyone working on one profile can jump to another on the other app, provided they’ve linked them through the company’s centralized hub called the Accounts Center.

We’re introducing new features that make it easier to create, switch between and get notified for multiple profiles on @facebook and @instagram.https://t.co/JN1GXSPrFv pic.twitter.com/nztXYOoCMf

— Meta Newsroom (@MetaNewsroom) September 26, 2022

When users are logged into one application, they can simply toggle into the other via a new profile menu and that’s where any of the linked accounts can be found.

Meta went public with the news today via a notification that signals how easy it has become to create, link, switch, and make the most of this new tool. Moreover, you’ll also be receiving notifications for several of your profiles too so it’s just so simple and we’re loving it.

For a while now, Meta says it always encourages users to come forward and make the most of their connected experiences. And we love how they’re doing this with the new Accounts Center. The whole idea is to become unified with identity across so many of its products.

For now, the feature is still in the testing phase but it won’t be long before we see it appear widely across devices for Android, iOS, and the web globally.

In the same way, Meta really wishes to add more simplicity by allowing users to rely on just one account that’s centralized all around these applications. Now, creating and managing various accounts simultaneously is as simple as can be.

Users will benefit from multiple account creation using their existing accounts on the app instead of beginning the entire sign-up process from scratch. We have to admit, that can really get annoying for some people. Now, users can avail of a new account creation functionality. While it’s a test, for now, you can find it globally across both iOS and Android devices.

In the past, Facebook was really against the thought of having a bunch of profiles. They insisted that a solo real identity took center stage but now, it’s definitely changing its tune with time.

Now, we could be seeing several reasons for that. For starters, Meta is aware that users’ digital identity has become multifaceted with time. Moreover, so many younger users are very keen on using all the popular platforms out there, and adding more convenience will surely motivate them to make an account and switch conveniently between them as well.

Meta is also well aware that its fellow archrival in the social media world, TikTok, is very keen on stealing away time that its users once used to spend on its apps. Hence, by motivating people to create multiple logins through several platforms, you may be increasing the figures linked to engagement. Moreover, things will surely be appearing positively in terms of the firm’s earnings call too. So, it’s a win-win situation.

Another point worth a mention is how Meta wishes all of its applications are as interconnected as possible. It’s very strategic so that if regulators ever plan on threatening the firm with a breakup, it will not be easily done as it would force selling all of the business linked to VR products, Instagram, and WhatsApp.

So if American regulators ever plan on hitting at Meta and throwing a series of perceived threats at the corporation, it’s definitely going to have its guards up to protect the company at every cost.

Read next: Investors are starting to lose faith in the Metaverse and it has gotten the company worried
by Dr. Hura Anwar via Digital Information World

TikTok Could Soon Be Forced To Pay Millions For Failing To Protect Children’s Privacy

Leading short video app TikTok could be landing itself in major trouble after failing to provide adequate protection for children’s privacy.

The popular platform that comes under the ownership of Chinese firm ByteDance seems to be outlined for having some major lapses for younger viewers. And to better safeguard their rights, they’re being penalized for failing to follow through with adequate measures mentioned in UK’s laws for data protection.

Meanwhile, the Information Commissioner’s Office has let out some recommendations on what it feels TikTok may have done to break data protection laws in the UK. This is an independent body that’s designed to uphold rights linked to public interest and information.

The watchdog reportedly issued the video platform with a professional document called ‘notice of intent’ which is another term reserved for a legal paper that arrives right before a company is slapped with a heft fine related to a breach.

The findings go on to suggest how the firm might have allowed information about young kids below the age of 13 on its app without any of them having any form of consent from parents. Similarly, they failed at showing to users through transparent means any proper information on the matter that was simple to understand. And if it’s believed to be true, well, TikTok may end up facing a loss of nearly $29 million

In the same way, this independent body could be seen mentioning how all of its decisions were provisional and that meant it might end up making some amendments later. Hence, no one needs to draw any conclusions about the breach of law too quickly.

For now, TikTok is remaining silent on the matter. Moreover, the watchdog was seen including more details on the possibility of listening to reps from the firm, right before they reached a final decision.

H/T: Telegraph

Read next: TikTok Announces Major Updates Including A Dislike Button And Bigger Video Descriptions
by Dr. Hura Anwar via Digital Information World

How to Properly Buy Shares in UK Companies

Individuals are trying to beat the historically low interest rates that are currently being offered in a number of different ways. One of these ways is by purchasing shares in a corporation. As a matter of fact, in a recent poll that was carried out, 43 percent of prospective investors stated that low interest rates were a primary factor in their consideration of purchasing shares. Increasing your savings by investing may be possible since the value of your investments may increase as the company expands and you may get dividends from the company. Investing in the stock market can be done in a variety of ways, one of which is to purchase individual shares of business stock.

If you want to be successful in investing, you need to have faith in cold, hard facts, and you can find some of this data on websites that are specifically dedicated to investing. If you are interested in how to buy shares uk, an external guide will assist you on how to choose a regulated stockbroker, the fees to expect, choosing the right shares, and more. Now let’s get into what you need to know to properly buy shares in UK companies.

How to Buy Stocks and Shares

Purchasing stock in a firm is a very uncomplicated process. In order to get started, just follow these seven easy steps. This guide contains in-depth explanations of each option.

Step 1: Choose an Online Share-Trading Platform

Buying and selling shares requires a broker. Most individuals use an online share-trading platform, also called as an online broker or stock brokerage app, however, in the UK, you can still find face-to-face or phone-based brokers.

The appropriate online share-dealing platform for you depends on how confident you are when investing, if you want to do it all by yourself, and what are the trading fees you're looking at.

To make your choice, ask yourself:

• Are you comfortable buying and selling stocks alone? If not, consider a robo-advisor.
• Have you utilised the ISA allowance that you were given? In each tax year, you are allowed to save a certain amount in an Individual Savings Account (ISA). This year's yearly tax-free allowance is £20,000. If you haven't spent your allowance, consider Free Trade or Trading 212..
• Is there anything else you need to know about this topic? Some providers have a lot of research that can be beneficial. Choose a supplier based on the information you require.
• Price structure? You can find flat fee, commission-only, and foreign exchange-only providers. Determine how often and how much you'll trade.

Your option may depend on what you're trading. Will you buy ETFs and individual stocks? Investment trusts? Make sure your online broker meets your demands.

Step 2: Sign Up

After choosing a platform, you must register an account. This step is normally free, however some suppliers may charge for extras like market research.

New customers must provide:

Confidential information. Name, email, birthdate, residence, national insurance number, and job status.

A photo for proof of ID, which may be a passport or driving license.

Payment information. You'll finance your share-trading account with a bank transfer, debit card, or credit card.

Step 3: The Next Step is to Select the Shares You Wish to Purchase

You've made it to the exciting part: picking which firms to invest in. Your favourite cereal brand or the manufacturer of your cell phone are good examples of well-known brands to choose from.

Instead of jumping right in, you may wait and see how the share price changes over time. If you're using a trading programme, you can set up watch lists to keep track of price changes for you. You might even utilise a virtual portfolio to evaluate how well you'd do investing in it before putting real money into it.

After a few months, re-evaluate the situation. You should ask yourself a few questions before deciding whether or not to invest in the stock market.

• Is the price of the stock different from when you originally saw it? If that's the case, are you satisfied with the new price?
• Are there any new dangers? Make sure there aren't any new dangers by keeping an eye on the news or recent company announcements.
• Is there a lot of swings in the stock price? If the stock price appears to be spiralling out of control, it could be due to an influx of new investors or even those leaving.
• Is it possible for you to afford the stock? Remember that the value of stocks can fall as well as rise, so only invest what you can afford. Taking out loans to fund your investing portfolio is a bad idea.

Step 4: Make a Purchase Order for Stock

Once you've determined which stocks to buy, the process of actually doing so is usually quite straightforward. In your online account, you'll see a price and the option to "deal now", if you're ready to buy. It is expected that you will be sent a contract notice soon after.

There isn't a limitless quantity of shares to choose from, unlike when buying milk at the grocery store. If you're buying stock on the "secondary market," you'll have to find someone willing to part with their stock before you can get your hands on it. This is normally a simple and quick process, but you may want to wait a little longer to see if the share price has changed.

Step 5: Make a Payment

In order to complete the transaction, you'll need enough money in your online share trading account to cover all the costs, including brokerage fees.

An introduction to dealing fees.

Buying and selling stock typically involves a one-time fee. On larger share purchases, this becomes more cost-effective if this is a constant amount (say £10).

As an alternative, you may be charged a flat fee or a percentage of your total assets. You'll have to do some maths to figure out which of them is the greatest fit for you.

You should additionally take into account a 0.5 percent Stamp Duty Reserve Tax on the value of the transaction. Foreign exchange fees, calculated as a percentage of the transaction value, may be required when purchasing international shares.

6. Keep Tabs on the Performance of Your Stock Investments

One way to make money from investing is to see the value of your shares rise, and the other is to see dividends paid out.

Depending on your investment plan, the frequency with which you monitor the performance of your shares will vary. With a long-term investing plan, you may only check in on your shares once a month to see how they're doing. It's a good idea to check in on a weekly or nightly basis if you're working on a medium-term strategy. Your online trading account can provide an overview of the progress you've made, regardless of the option you select.

You may also want to limit the amount of money you spend on stock trading. You could, for example, set an automatic sale whenever the shares' value drops by 10% or rises by 50%. As a result, you will have a limit on the amount of money you can lose, or you may be prompted to sell out when the shares go too high. These were briefly discussed in Step 4 of the process.
by Web Desk via Digital Information World