Even the Collapse of Twitter Might Not Be Enough to Save Threads

The controversial tenure of Elon Musk as the owner and CEO of Twitter has led to some drastic changes on the platform, not the least of which is the questionable rebranding to X. The sudden upheaval of one of the most fundamental social media platforms on the internet prompted several companies to try to launch so called Twitter killers. Perhaps the most notable example of all is Threads, which is basically Meta’s answer to Twitter.

Threads became the fastest app to reach 100 million users in history, but in spite of the fact that this is the case, many of these were just migrants from Meta’s various other social media platforms. With all of that having been said and now out of the way, it is important to note that Threads has seen its traffic decline dramatically ever since its launch, which seems to suggest that it is not offering users enough to make them stick around.

Reports indicate that Threads will close off the year with 23.7 million users in the US, which is a paltry amount compared to the 135 million American users that Instagram can rely on. Furthermore, Twitter is expected to end the year with around 56.1 million users in the US. This is a strong indication that Threads has failed to attract enough users to maintain a sustainable trajectory in the future, and data seems to suggest that there is not all that much that can be done to turn the sinking ship around.

If we were to take a look at all of the social media platforms operating in the world right now, Threads would be dead last if not for Tumblr which is widely considered to be a dying platform. Tumblr has 20.4 million US based users, and Threads has not been able to surpass this by much despite the enormous influx of users it received from its widely successful other platforms. The most Threads can hope for based on reports is reaching 33.9 million users by 2025, which will potentially eliminate any chances for the platform’s future as a Twitter killer.

Read next: YouTube Mastermind MrBeast Becomes Highest-Earning Digital Creator After Making $82 Million In Revenue This Year
by Zia Muhammad via Digital Information World

YouTube Mastermind MrBeast Becomes Highest-Earning Digital Creator After Making $82 Million In Revenue This Year

MrBeast is a huge name in the world of digital creators and to help give you a bigger and better idea of how much fortune he makes, you might want to read on further.

The leading mastermind of the popular video-sharing app YouTube proved to the world that he is the king of making content that users love. And that’s when he topped the Forbes list to become the world’s highest-earning digital creator.

Think along the lines of generating a sum of $82 million in estimates in the past year. And that includes all the hugely popular stunts and mega giveaways that fans cannot get enough of. Furthermore, that’s nearly double the earnings generated for any other creator on the web as per the latest Forbes statistics.

The amount outlined by MrBeast became a part of the Forbes 2023 Creators List. The latter is the media outlet’s second yearly ranking for the top 50 most paid and influential individuals on the YouTube app as well as many other popular ones including Instagram and TikTok.

Forbes rolled out the estimates for every creator’s earnings taking place between June of this year as well as that generated last year.

Today, MrBeast is the world’s most famous YouTube with fans hitting the 186 million mark and as days go by, the figure outlined for subscribers continues to increase. He not only generates videos that are super popular but he’s got other means by which he keeps on making money while he’s even sleeping.

If that was not enough, he’s hailed for his routine efforts regarding various charitable causes. And some rumors are speaking about how he just might be turning into a board member for Forbes after the company finishes its respective 82% share sale to another leading business tycoon in the world of auto-tech.

But if you feel everything is as picture-perfect as can be for MrBeast, well, think again. He’s also being dragged into a huge lawsuit with a firm running as a virtual catering enterprise. The latter is currently handling his top-of-the-line fast food restaurant called MrBeast Burger.

While the billionaire did sue the company to end this deal, and added how the food produced was far from what he or customers had ever imagined, including naming it disgusting and inedible. He similarly added how that ruined his reputation and to fight back, VDC launched its own lawsuit worth a massive $100 million, calling it a sheer breach of contract.

Forbes also included other names on the list who took over the second place and others. And some of the names entailed talk-show host couple Rhett & Link, young YouTube sensation Ryan Kaji, and even top gamer PrestonPlayz. Each of those had earnings featuring an estimated figure of $35 million.

Other names that made it to the highest-earning digital creator list are the Jake & Logan Paul brother duo and sisters Charli & Dixie, not to mention the popular superstar on the TikTok app, Khaby Lame.

As a whole, the leading 50 names for highest-earning digital creators generated close to $700 million in 2023 alone. And that’s a massive 23% rise from the year 2022.

Forbes claims such rankings depend on the top three leading factors such as earning, engagement, and even entrepreneurship. Moreover, the firm aligned with another leading marketing company to produce the results called Influential. The latter is known for handling top-of-the-line social media marketing.

You can find out more about who made the list and who didn’t by visiting the Forbes website for more insights.

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by Dr. Hura Anwar via Digital Information World

Google's Hiccup Started as Bard's Chats to Vanish from Google Search

In a rather peculiar twist, Google is poised to perform a digital disappearing act on Bard's shared conversations, ensuring that they vanish from Google Search. This strange situation unfolded after Google introduced shared conversations within Bard, allowing users to flaunt their chats with the ever-mysterious Bard publicly. However, this innocuous feature triggered an unexpected series of events.

Google Search set out on a vast adventure, scanning and indexing those supposedly public but not entirely public talks. The result? Bard's secrets were on the verge of becoming general knowledge, buried deep within Google's index.

The problem was discovered when Gagan Ghotra uploaded a screenshot on X, indicating that issuing a site command for site:bard.google.com share would result in Bard results. It was as if Google Search had worn a Sherlock Holmes hat and determined to disclose Shakespeare's most intimate conversations for all to see.

After more investigation, the researchers contacted Google's Search Liaison, the always-knowledgeable Danny Sullivan, about this strange scenario. Danny's remark, given with a touch of Google's trademark brevity, was highly illuminating. He casually mentioned X, noting that Bard allows users to share chats of their choice. He further stated that these shared discussions were intended to be outside of Google Search and that they were actively striving to prevent them from being indexed.

In essence, Google found itself in an unintentional confrontation with Bard's shared chats, and Danny Sullivan promised us that they were on the job to correct this digital gaffe.

You may be wondering why such a seemingly trivial flaw should even raise an eyebrow. So, here's why it's crucial. You should be reassured if you happen to come upon Bard's shared dialogues while browsing the enormous expanse of Google Search. According to Google's great aim, these digital squabbles should soon disappear from Google Search's index. In other words, Google's digital curtain is going to fall on Bard's public discussions, saving us all from inadvertently intruding into Bard's private matters.

So, the next time you come across Bard's remarks while exploring the web, remember that it's only a brief digital blip. Google's search index, like a conscientious magician's assistant, is erasing Bard's standard talks. Rest assured, Bard's enigmatic allure remains intact, and his secrets will soon be secure from Google Search's prying eyes.

We can see the delicate balance between technology and privacy in this strange digital tango. Even behemoths like Google are occasionally caught in the crossfire between maintaining a searchable internet and protecting user privacy. The Bard's shared chats elegantly exit the stage of Google Search, reminding us of the intricacies and occasional surprises that await us in the ever-changing digital realm.

Google's quick action to remove Bard's private talks from Google Search indicates the internet giant's dedication to upholding privacy boundaries. While this brief encounter between Bard and Google Search may have raised an eyebrow or two, it ultimately reinforces the need to strike the correct balance between technology's capabilities and user privacy amid the digital world's ever-watchful eyes.

Read next: A Closer Look at Apple's Choice of Default Search Engine
by Rubah Usman via Digital Information World

Amazon Under Fire as US Accuses Online Behemoth of Illegal Monopoly

Amazon, the colossal online marketplace, has found itself in hot water as US regulators accuse the tech giant of maintaining an illegal monopoly. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has fired the first shot, alleging that Amazon employs a series of interlocking anti-competitive strategies to drive up prices and stifle competition, leaving consumers with limited choices and higher costs.

Amazon, on the other hand, is not taking these allegations lightly. The e-commerce behemoth responded quickly, asserting that the complaint is "wrong on the facts and law" and expressing a desire to present its position in court. Indeed, this news is not stopping you from your online shopping. But you may want to know more before adding something to your cart.

You might have heard of a lot of classical fights and legal battles, but this one has taken the internet by storm, and nobody was ready for it. This is the latest in a string of high-profile legal disputes between US regulators and tech titans. For years, the FTC, led by Lina Khan, has been keeping a tight eye on Amazon. Khan, then 29, released an essential academic study in 2017 emphasizing Amazon's unregulated rise and probable anti-competitive activity. She claimed that Amazon's insatiable quest for customer pleasure has driven it to monopolistic domination.

Khan's selection as FTC Chair in 2021 indicated the beginning of the end for Amazon. Many see this litigation as a litmus test of her leadership and resolve to take on the tech behemoths.

The concentration of power among a few tech behemoths has spurred US senators to push for steps to boost competition in internet search, shopping, and social media. Despite loud rhetoric against Big Tech, the FTC's efforts to reign them in have met with obstacles. It failed to halt Meta's acquisition of VR business Within in February, and it also was unable to prevent Microsoft's acquisition of the Call of Duty developer in July.

The Amazon lawsuit provides the FTC with an ample opportunity to make a strong argument against Big Tech. The agency, together with 17 state attorneys general, claims that Amazon's monopoly hinders competitors and sellers from offering lower pricing, which ultimately affects consumers. Amazon's practices, according to the regulator, degrade product quality, overcharge vendors, impede innovation, and stifle fair competition.

This legal struggle, in essence, revolves around the impact of Amazon's apparent monopoly on consumers' wallets, with the goal of proving that consumers have been financially injured. Although US antitrust rules are complicated, prosecutors must generally show that a company's actions caused financial loss to consumers.

In this aspect, Big Tech poses a unique problem because many of its services are free. Companies such as Google give services such as their search engine, while Meta provides platforms such as Instagram without charging customers directly. Because consumers aren't paying out of cash for these services, demonstrating financial loss becomes more difficult.

Another legal dispute recently erupted between the US government and Google, this time over allegations that the internet giant has a monopoly on advertising technology. This lawsuit exemplifies ongoing efforts to hold Big Tech accountable for market dominance and suspected anti-competitive activity.

The Amazon lawsuit will be widely followed as it progresses, not just for its possible impact on the e-commerce behemoth but also for the more significant ramifications it may have on the regulation of computer sector titans. The outcome could serve as a model for future anti-monopolistic practices in the digital era, with implications for competition and consumer choice. While the legal battle may be far from over, it is clear that the era of Big Tech scrutiny and accountability has firmly arrived.

Photo: Joshua Brown / Pexels
Read next: Facebook's Legal Battle as Allegations of Biased Ad Algorithm Emerge
by Rubah Usman via Digital Information World

A Humorous Farewell to Simplicity as Google to Bid Farewell to Basic HTML Version of Gmail

Ladies and gentlemen gather 'round as we embark on a whimsical journey into the world of Gmail. Google, the benevolent gatekeeper of our emails, has some exciting news for us. It's time to bid adieu to Gmail's beloved Basic HTML version. Yes, you heard it right! The digital minimalist's dream is about to come to an end. The time has come to say goodbye to simplicity in this era of grand features and dazzling interfaces.

Consider this: You're sitting in front of your old computer, which has been through more Windows updates than you can count. Your internet connection is as sluggish as a sloth taking a coffee break. You open your computer, go to Gmail, and there it is, the Basic HTML version, a digital paradise for people seeking a respite from modernity's bells and whistles.

But alas, Google has decided that it's time to move on. In a digital era where even your fridge can send you emails (thanks, IoT), the humble Basic HTML Gmail is being gently nudged into retirement. According to Google's official support page, this relic of simpler times will be accessible until January 2024. After that, it's off to the 'Standard' view for you, my friend.

Google is not heartless. They provide options, such as installing the Gmail app on your mobile device or using third-party email programs. But let's face it: who needs votes when you can have nostalgia?

The Basic HTML version, you see, was the embodiment of digital minimalism. It was like a '90s sitcom in the age of high-budget blockbusters. Sure, it didn't have all the fancy features like chat, spell check, or keyboard shortcuts, but it had something that all those modern versions lacked—simplicity. It was the Marie Kondo of email interfaces, decluttering your digital life one pixel at a time.

But hold on, there's more! Google cautions us that the Basic HTML view does not support "full Gmail feature functionality." In a world of laser printers, it's like using a typewriter. It's like riding a horse to work when everyone else drives Teslas. It's like...you get the picture.

Now, don't get us wrong; we're all for progress and innovation. But there's something endearing about an email interface that's as straightforward as a handshake. It's like Google saying, "Hey, we know you don't need all that fancy stuff. Here's a stripped-down version for your minimalist soul."

And let's not forget our dear friend Pratik Patel, the tech-savvy individual who happens to be visually impaired. Pratik, like many others, relied on the Basic HTML view. He expressed his dismay in an emotional Mastodon post, stating that he knows many visually impaired folks who use Gmail's HTML view, and they will not only be confused but also dissatisfied.

You see, even in its simplicity, Google had a special place in the hearts of many.

As we bid adieu to the Basic HTML Gmail, let's raise our digital glasses to the era of minimalism and simplicity. It was a quaint corner of the internet where less indeed was more. And while we embrace the future, complete with all its chat features and keyboard shortcuts, let's not forget the humble beginnings of our digital journey—a journey that started with a basic, no-frills version of Gmail.

Finally, Basic HTML Gmail, you will be missed. In the world of high-tech fashion, you were the digital equivalent of a warm sweater. So here's to you and all the ease you've given to our digital lives. May your retirement be as quiet and understated as your interface. Goodbye, old friend. Farewell.

Read next: New Study Proves How The NFT Bubble Has Burst With 95% Being Worthless
by Rubah Usman via Digital Information World

New Study Proves How The NFT Bubble Has Burst With 95% Being Worthless

An interesting analysis was recently conducted and it shed light on how the majority of NFTs were worthless- a clear reminder to us all about how the NFT bubble has burst.

The study took into consideration a whopping 73,257 collections and out of those, 95% were said to be of zero value in today’s day and age.

For those who may not be aware, the market and trend for Non-Fungible Tokens really came down to crashing as per a new report from experts at dappGambl.

Thanks to data outlined by the reliable NFT Scan, it was proven that out of the figure outlined above, a whopping 69,795 entailed a market cap featuring 0 Ether.

This particular report highlighted how 95% of those interested in collecting such tokens must be aware of their zero worth so there is no point in this.

Out of the respective tokens that are rumored to be worth a small figure, 41% of those cost as low as $5 and as high as $100. And you’ll be amazed to learn how 1% and even less than that figure had sales at a price tag of $6000. So in case you were searching for that million-dollar era where the NFT was once booming, that’s very much over.

This report highlights something very important and that is linked to how unpredictable and risky this entire NFT market has turned into in today’s day and age. Moreover, it also proves to us how there is a much stronger need to be careful and practice diligence, right before you take the leap and make a huge buy especially one of greater value.

As experts mentioned, the daunting reality that we’re highlighting is a huge reality check for the world about the euphoria linked to NFTs and how the space is far from what many had once predicted or perceived it to be.

It’s actually really disappointing when you come to think of it. Who knew that such stories about digital art being sold for millions and many getting rich overnight would ultimately end with this final outcome?

Yes, today’s market continues to shift as we speak. Trends are never stagnant but the pitfalls and losses seen here are worth a mention.

Today, researchers feel that one out of five NFT collections are under the ownership of someone else. Moreover, they reflect the real demand for such assets in today’s ever-changing landscape.

Furthermore, when you consider the changes arising nearly two years back, it’s huge. At that period of time, we saw the NFT market at its peak and the trading volume happened to be close to $2.8 billion.

Therefore, both artists, as well as other big names from the industry, saw users jump on the bandwagon linked to the latest tech trends where people were super eager in terms of capitalizing and making the most of this opportunity.

One firm started to launch frames and NFT enthusiasts really worked hard in terms of selling digital art that was unique and truly one of a kind.

Today, the figures prove to us how the entire block show comprising of traded values fluctuates on a daily basis. It’s at $80 million today, close to 3% of the height it attained two years back.

Whatever the case may and no matter how grim these facts and figures are in this new analysis, there was a conclusion made that perhaps a future does still exist for the world of NFTs. But we’re very skeptical about this front. What are your thoughts?

Read next: Metaverse Searches Decrease by 71 Percent In a Year
by Dr. Hura Anwar via Digital Information World

iOS 17 Strikes Back with a Privacy Adventure

What do you prefer the most, privacy or publicity? Sure publicity would keep some privacy along. Ladies and gentlemen, brace yourselves because iOS 17 is here to challenge your privacy settings! It's like the mischievous younger sibling of the iOS family, always up to some digital antics. Reports are pouring in about unexpected privacy shuffles, and Apple, the responsible older sibling, is trying to sort it all out.

According to the watchful 9to5Mac, a group of iOS engineers known as Mysk decided to spill the virtual beans on X (Twitter) over the weekend. "PSA: iOS 17 turns these sensitive location options back on," they announced nonchalantly. Assuming that you deactivated focal areas and added area information to your iPhone examination prior to moving up to iOS 17, iOS 17 will empower the choices as shown in the screen capture." Isn't that an impromptu get-together that nobody needed to join in?

🚨PSA: iOS 17 turns these sensitive location options back on. If you have disabled significant locations as well as adding your location information to your iPhone analytics before upgrading to iOS 17, iOS 17 will turn the options on as shown in the screenshot.

While significant… pic.twitter.com/ROVEgPqw08

— Mysk 🇨🇦🇩🇪 (@mysk_co) September 23, 2023

Let's decode this tech jargon for you: Significant Locations is like that overenthusiastic friend who always knows where you are and occasionally sends you location-based reminders, like, "Hey, you're near a grocery store, remember to buy milk!" On the flip side, iPhone Analytics is like Apple's undercover agent, where you occasionally spill the beans about how you use your iOS device.

Now for the main twist, as explained by Mysk: They expressed that while significant areas are held inside your iPhone, they might possibly be manhandled in light of the fact that they unequivocally record your routinely visited objections. Then again, iPhone investigation play an alternate game since they are imparted to Apple. Regardless of whether the reports uncover your name, remembering your area data for these investigation reports might have protection results. It's like discovering that your prized secret recipe collection drew more attention than you intended at the community bake sale.

In any case, pause; there's something else! In its standard mysterious style, Apple guarantees us that "your Huge Areas and assortments are encoded end‑to‑end so Apple can't understand them. What's more, when you share your estimated time of arrival with different Guides clients, Apple can't see your area." Indeed, that is soothing. Be that as it may, clutch your computerized caps since there's a contort in this protection plot!

As per a similar 9to5Mac story, Apple guarantees that these settings shouldn't change independently when you redesign from iOS 16 to the puzzling iOS 17. Maybe your dearest GPS concludes that a beautiful way through a corn labyrinth is the fastest way home.

So we're in the middle of a digital mystery, with Apple wearing its detective hat and magnifying lens and "investigating the issue." Who would have guessed that updating your phone's operating system could be a privacy nightmare?

Stay tuned, iPhone users, because the iOS 17 saga is unfolding, and it's likely where this privacy rollercoaster will take us next. Until then, keep an eye on those settings, and remember, Siri might be listening, but let's hope she's not planning any surprise parties of her own.

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by Rubah Usman via Digital Information World