Digital Phablet

Tag: Instagram

  • Turkey Blocks Instagram Without Clear Reasons

    Turkey Blocks Instagram Without Clear Reasons

    Turkey’s Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK) announced today that it has banned the Instagram app across the country, though no specific reasons were given for this abrupt decision.

    Fahrettin Altun, Turkey’s Director of Communications, took to the X platform to explain that the decision was linked to censorship actions by Instagram and its parent company, Meta. He told that Instagram did not cite any policy violations as the cause. Meta has not yet commented on Turkey’s recent move.

    Altun had earlier criticized Instagram for blocking posts that offered condolences for the death of Ismail Haniyeh, a Hamas political leader, in Tehran on July 31st.

    The BTK published the ban notice on Friday, August 2nd, but provided no further details about the exact reasons or the duration of the app’s blockage.

    As a result, over 50 million users in Turkey are currently unable to access Instagram, and Meta has yet to respond to Turkey’s decision.

  • Most Used Android Apps in 2024

    Most Used Android Apps in 2024

    As we move further into 2024, the landscape of mobile apps continues to evolve with new and innovative applications gaining popularity. However, some apps have maintained their status as the most used and essential on Android devices, based on data from Statista.

    Social Media and Communication

    1. WhatsApp

    WhatsApp remains one of the most popular messaging apps worldwide. It offers end-to-end encryption, making it a secure option for communication. Features such as voice and video calls, group chats, and a user-friendly interface make it a go-to app for millions of users.

    2. Facebook

    Facebook continues to be a leading social media platform, allowing users to connect with friends and family, share updates, and join communities. Its integration with other apps like Messenger and Instagram enhances its usability and reach.

    3. Instagram

    Instagram is the preferred app for sharing photos and videos. With features like Stories, Reels, and IGTV, it caters to a wide range of content creators and consumers. The app’s continuous updates and new features keep it engaging and relevant.

    Entertainment

    4. YouTube

    YouTube is the top platform for video content, offering everything from music videos and vlogs to tutorials and live streams. Its algorithm recommends personalized content, making it easy for users to discover new videos based on their interests.

    5. Netflix

    Netflix remains a leader in the streaming industry, providing a vast library of movies, TV shows, and original content. The app’s user-friendly interface and personalized recommendations make it a favorite for binge-watchers.

    6. Spotify

    Spotify is the go-to app for music streaming, offering a massive library of songs, podcasts, and playlists. Its premium features include ad-free listening, offline playback, and high-quality audio, catering to music lovers worldwide.

    Productivity

    7. Google Drive

    Google Drive is essential for storing and sharing files in the cloud. Its integration with other Google services, such as Docs, Sheets, and Slides, makes it a versatile tool for both personal and professional use.

    8. Microsoft Office

    The Microsoft Office app combines Word, Excel, and PowerPoint into one application, providing powerful tools for productivity on the go. Its compatibility with desktop versions and cloud storage integration makes it indispensable for business and academic use.

    9. Zoom

    Zoom has solidified its place as a crucial app for video conferencing. It is widely used for virtual meetings, webinars, and online classes, offering features like screen sharing, breakout rooms, and recording capabilities.

    Shopping and Finance

    10. Amazon

    Amazon‘s app remains the leading platform for online shopping. With a vast selection of products, user reviews, and fast shipping options, it continues to dominate the e-commerce space.

    11. PayPal

    PayPal is a trusted app for online payments and money transfers. Its secure platform and ease of use make it a popular choice for both personal transactions and business payments.

    12. Google Pay

    Google Pay is a widely used app for contactless payments and financial transactions. It offers features like peer-to-peer transfers, bill payments, and rewards, making it a comprehensive financial tool.

    Health and Fitness

    13. MyFitnessPal

    MyFitnessPal helps users track their diet and exercise routines. Its extensive food database, integration with other fitness apps and devices, and personalized insights make it an essential app for health-conscious users.

    14. Fitbit

    The Fitbit app works with Fitbit devices to track physical activity, sleep patterns, and overall health. Its detailed analytics and community features help users stay motivated and reach their fitness goals.

    Utilities

    15. Google Maps

    Google Maps remains the top app for navigation and local discovery. It provides accurate directions, real-time traffic updates, and information on nearby businesses and attractions.

    16. Adobe Acrobat Reader

    Adobe Acrobat Reader is the go-to app for viewing, editing, and signing PDF documents. Its robust features and compatibility with various devices make it an essential tool for managing digital documents.

  • NASA Launches 3D Instagram Filters

    NASA Launches 3D Instagram Filters

    NASA has rolled out new Instagram filters that let you virtually explore space.

    But these aren’t your run-of-the-mill filters. They are three-dimensional (3D) augmented reality filters, built with data from NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory and other telescopes.

    NASA released these filters to mark the 25th anniversary of its Chandra X-ray Observatory.

    The filters display three-dimensional images of astronomical phenomena like the Vela Pulsar, Tycho’s Supernova Remnant, the Helix Nebula, and the Cat’s Eye Nebula. According to NASA, they used mathematical modeling and new techniques to create these cosmic visuals.

    The best part is, that you can start using these fun filters immediately, with no Instagram update needed.

    How to access Nasa’s 3D Instagram filters

    1. Open Instagram
    2. Search “NASAChandraXray” profile
    3. Tap on the effects icon next to the “Reels” icon.
    4. You will see five different AR filters. Choose one and tap on “Try it”.

    Once you select the filter, Instagram will open its in-app camera with the filter already applied on the screen. Play around and enjoy your virtual trip through space!

    Remember, NASA’s 3D filters are limited edition and will be available free of charge for at least six months. So be sure to check them out while you can!

  • Instagram to Introduce Unskippable Ads

    Instagram to Introduce Unskippable Ads

    Instagram might introduce Ad Breaks that will pause you from scrolling for 3-5 seconds.

    Instagram has been testing a new feature that’s causing quite a buzz: unskippable ads. Called Ad Breaks, these ads will pause your scrolling for 3-5 seconds before you can continue.

    Android Authority noticed this after several users started complaining on social media. Meta might be doing this to make more money, especially with Apple’s privacy features limiting how apps can track users and TikTok growing in popularity.

    Instagram is already packed with ads, but this new feature could make it even more frustrating. After viewing three stories, you’ll see up to two ads. The same goes for your feed, the search tab, or even someone’s photos. Now, an unskippable ad could stop you from seeing your feed for up to five seconds.

    Right now, we don’t know how wide this test is or how many users and countries are affected. It’s similar to what YouTube does: if you’re not a premium subscriber, you have to watch a bunch of ads before your video plays, and even during the video.

    Unlike Meta, Google offers YouTube Premium, which lets you skip ads and enjoy other perks. In Europe, Meta has an ad-free subscription, but it’s not clear if they’ll roll this out to other regions. One would rather pay to avoid ads than deal with a frustrating platform experience. Individuals who don’t use Instagram enough will not be affected by this possible change, but hardcore users are pretty upset.

    On Reddit, one user said: “This’ll be the last straw for me regarding Instagram. I could stand the plethora of ads sprinkled throughout the entire app already, but unskippable?” Over on X, people are saying this will make them stop using the app. One user wrote: “Oh my god, Instagram has added ‘ad breaks’ where they won’t let you scroll past an ad until you wait 3 seconds. I guess they’ll be my ‘get off Instagram’ notifications.”

  • Anthropic Hires Instagram Co-Founder Mike Krieger

    Anthropic Hires Instagram Co-Founder Mike Krieger

    In his new role, Krieger will spearhead product engineering, management, and design initiatives, with a particular focus on expanding the reach of Anthropic‘s AI chatbot, Claude, to a broader audience, according to the company.

    Backed by tech giants Amazon.com and Alphabet, Anthropic has garnered significant investment as major players in the industry strive to narrow the gap with Microsoft-backed ChatGPT maker.

    In March, Anthropic introduced Claude 3, a suite of AI models that reportedly surpasses competing models like OpenAI’s GPT-4 and Google’s Gemini 1.0 Ultra across various benchmark tests.

    Dario Amodei, CEO of Anthropic, emphasized Krieger’s expertise in developing intuitive products and user experiences, highlighting their potential application in enhancing Claude’s interaction capabilities, especially in professional settings.

    Recently, Anthropic launched a business-oriented version of Claude 3 priced at $30 per user per month, aiming to capture corporate market share.

    Meanwhile, Krieger’s previous venture, the AI-driven news platform Artifact, was acquired by Yahoo last month, following a decision based on market analysis indicating limited growth opportunities.

    Krieger’s departure as chief technical officer of Meta-owned Instagram in 2018 was met with minimal explanation, leaving speculation about the underlying reasons.

  • Instagram Generates More Revenue From Ads Than YouTube

    Instagram Generates More Revenue From Ads Than YouTube

    Meta submitted a request on Friday to reject the FTC’s monopoly charges, which contains information about how much advertising money Instagram generated in recent years.

    With $32.4 billion in revenue for 2021 alone, it outperformed YouTube, which earned $28.8 billion that year. Business Insider has noted its advantage over Google’s video operation, stating that YouTube gives away 55% of each advertising dollar it generates to content owners who submit films, whereas Instagram gives up far less.

    Composite of filings from District Court, District of Columbia, and Alphabet's 2021 Annual Report
    Composite of filings from District Court, District of Columbia, and Alphabet’s 2021 Annual Report

    Even looking back, the disparity remains. In 2020 and 2019, Meta cites Instagram’s ad income as $22 and $17.9 billion, respectively, but YouTube’s ad revenue is recorded in its annual report as $19.7 and $15.1 billion for both years.

    According to Bloomberg, Meta’s income derived from Instagram increased from 26 percent in 2020 to around 30 percent in the first six months of 2022. The data in the filing provide more information than Meta’s quarterly financial reports, which do not break out Instagram. Still, we now have a much better notion of how important Adam Mosseri’s area is to Meta.

    Unlike YouTube, Instagram does not pay the content creators. However, Facebook might pay in some regions but freelancers have always complained about their tough and more rigid sign-up and payout process issues. While YouTube carries a simple sign-up and quick payout process with clear information.

    When it comes to Instagram, no matter how famous one becomes, even if you have 1 follower or 1 million followers, it doesn’t matter, because it doesn’t pay you, unless you do some sort of affiliate, which is still not a useful source if you just want to create an informative content.

  • Mark Zuckerberg Loses $3 Billion in Facebook and Instagram Global Outage

    Mark Zuckerberg Loses $3 Billion in Facebook and Instagram Global Outage

    Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Meta, experienced a colossal loss of nearly $3 billion. This financial blow followed an hour-long global outage of Facebook, Instagram, and Threads, among the popular social media platforms under his corporation.

    How the Global Outage Impacted Zuckerberg’s Wealth

    Following the temporary shutdown of Facebook and Instagram, Zuckerberg’s net worth plummeted by $2.79 billion. Greater than the GDP of many small countries, the loss, while it may seem insurmountable, brought Zuckerberg’s net worth down to $176 billion, according to comprehensive financial reports from India Today.

    Despite the steep descent, Zuckerberg remains unscathed as the world’s fourth richest person, as per the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. Even in the face of adversity, the resilience of the tech tycoon continues to inspire.

    The prevalence of the outage instigated a 1.6% drop in Meta’s shares and precipitated this depreciation of Zuckerberg’s net wealth. Meta shares concluded the overnight trading session on Wall Street at $490.22 per share.

    User Experience During the Outage

    During the duty hour on Tuesday night, Facebook, Instagram, and Threads users were confronted with problems when trying to access their accounts. This unusual occurrence wasn’t limited to Meta’s applications. Meta Quest users had difficulty logging into their headsets, and quite a few YouTube users reported errors.

    Throughout this hour-long outage, Facebook and Instagram users were met by “failure to load” error pages. While some users could still view older stories, many Facebook accounts were automatically logged out.

    Public Reaction to the Outage

    During the turmoil, frustrated users resorted to Elon Musk’s platform, X, formally known as Twitter, venting about the inconvenience caused by the shutdown.

    Elon Musk, a long-standing rival of Zuckerberg, seized the moment to mock the unfortunate outage faced by Meta platforms. This incident served as a sharp reminder of the unpredictable nature of the tech world and the potential vulnerabilities even at the summit of the digital pyramid.

  • Meta to Launch Ad-Free Plan for Instagram and Facebook at €9.99 Per Month

    Meta to Launch Ad-Free Plan for Instagram and Facebook at €9.99 Per Month

    In January 2023, Meta faced significant backlash from the European Union, resulting in a hefty €377 million fine for the tech giant. Since then, Meta has made substantial adaptations to its applications to align with EU regulations. These changes have culminated in the introduction of their ad-free subscription service.

    This move is in accordance with the European Union’s Digital Marketers Act legislation, which mandates that companies must obtain user consent before tracking them for advertising purposes—an aspect Meta had previously overlooked.

    To comply with this rule while maintaining its ad-supported business model, Meta is rolling out an ad-free subscription service. This service caters to users who prefer not to see targeted ads on their Instagram and Facebook feeds, all while bolstering the company’s revenue.

    Subscription Cost

    • For Desktop: €9.99 per month.
    • For Android or iPhone: €12.99 per month.

    The subscription price varies based on where you make the purchase. If you opt for the ad-free plan via Meta’s desktop platform, it will cost €9.99 per month. However, if you choose to subscribe on your Android or iOS device, the price increases to €12.99 per month. This difference is likely due to fees imposed by Apple and Google, with Meta passing those costs on to users rather than absorbing them.

    Availability

    Starting in November 2023, users will have access to the subscription service. However, Meta has not specified an exact launch date. It will be available in the following countries;

    1. Austria
    2. Belgium
    3. Bulgaria
    4. Croatia
    5. Republic of Cyprus
    6. Czech Republic
    7. Denmark
    8. Estonia
    9. Finland
    10. France
    11. Germany
    12. Greece
    13. Hungary
    14. Iceland
    15. Ireland
    16. Italy
    17. Latvia
    18. Lichtenstein
    19. Lithuania
    20. Luxembourg
    21. Malta
    22. Norway
    23. Netherlands
    24. Poland
    25. Portugal
    26. Romania
    27. Slovakia
    28. Slovenia
    29. Spain
    30. Switzerland
    31. Sweden.

    Can You Use Instagram and Facebook Without Subscribing to Meta’s Ad-Free Plan?

    According to Meta’s statement, they firmly believe in an ad-supported internet, providing personalized products and services to users, regardless of whether they subscribe to the ad-free plan or not.

  • How To Enable Quiet Mode On Instagram (iOS and Android)

    To declutter your Instagram notifications, you can easily enable quiet mode on Instagram. We’ll show you how to turn on, customize, and manage quiet mode.

    Over 1 billion people use Instagram every month, making it one of the most popular social media platforms. It’s difficult to keep up with all the photos, videos, and stories you see on your feed. The quiet mode comes in handy for that.

    Instagram’s quiet mode lets you hide notifications for certain accounts and posts. The notifications from those accounts and posts won’t show up in your tray anymore. Quiet mode is a helpful way to declutter your notifications and take a break from the constant stream of messages.

    Enable Quiet Mode on Instagram (Android/iOS)

    Open the Instagram app.

    Before opening, make sure it is fully updated.

    Then navigate to your profile.

    Tap on your profile to go to your profile interface.

    In the top right corner, tap the triple line icon.

    It must be on the top; in some cases or updates, it can be found below.

    Tap “Settings”

    Tap it.

    Open “Notifications”

    Tap the notification to get more options.

    Turn on Quiet Mode, then scroll up or down to set your hours.

    Set everything as per your convenience.

    You won’t receive notifications from the accounts and posts you’ve silenced once you enable quiet mode. To customize quiet mode settings, go back to the “Push Notifications” menu and select “Manage Quiet Mode.” From there, you can silence notifications for specific accounts and posts.

    You need to take breaks and use social media mindfully because it can be addictive. Taking a break from the constant influx of Instagram content can be as easy as enabling quiet mode. Taking control of your social media is easy with this feature.

    Quiet mode on Instagram can be very helpful for decluttering your notifications and getting a break from the constant stream of updates. We make it easy to silence notifications for your favorite accounts and posts. Use social media mindfully and take breaks.

  • Share TikTok Stories To Instagram And Facebook

    Creators can share their TikTok Stories directly to Facebook and Instagram Stories through TikTok.

    The popular video-sharing platform TikTok now allows content creators to share their stories on Facebook and Instagram, Meta’s social platforms.

    A pilot version of the feature has been available since last year, but it is now being rolled out to rival social networks as well.

    Due to Meta’s relentless effort to beat and outrank TikTok’s videos on Reels, this could increase TikTok’s visibility.

    Now, TikTok users can directly share their content on Meta platforms without posting it on Reels.

    Sharing Stories on Instagram and Facebook will now be possible with the same interface that lets TikTok users share them on their profile pictures. An additional option will display popular social media apps that can be used to share Stories.

    Watchful.ai provided the images of the interface, and TikTok confirmed them.

    TechCrunch reports that the company hasn’t yet confirmed when the feature will be rolled out globally, and TikTok Stories itself is still being tested.

  • Facebook, Instagram and Twitter Start Removing Shinzo Abe Assassination Videos

    Facebook and Twitter parent Meta said Friday they were deleting any videos of Shinzo Abe’s assassination that violated their rules.

    (more…)

  • Instagram NFTs Are Coming Soon! says Mark Zuckerberg

    Instagram is all set to feature NFTs on its platform. Mark Zuckerberg said at SXSW that Meta’s Instagram is bringing NFTs in the next “several months.” He said users would be able to mint new NFTs and bring over existing ones to their Instagram profiles.

    (more…)

  • Facebook Down: What Happened And How Many Billion Did The Company Lose?

    The blackout of over six hours that yesterday brought Facebook and the platforms connected to the Zuckerberg company – Instagram, Messenger, WhatsApp and OculusVR – to their knees at the end ended well for users who could return to use the services around midnight; less good for the company, which had to run for cover, trying to solve the problem in a reasonable time, apologizing to customers and suffering economic losses.

    (more…)

  • Instagram Is Discontinuing Swipe Up Link Feature From 30th August

    The Swipe Up link feature commonly used by influencers, content creators, and brands to link websites, online stores, and products on Instagram stories will be a thing of the past 30th August onwards, to be replaced by Line Stickers.

    (more…)

  • Instagram Kids App Download, First Social Media for Kids Under 13

    Instagram Kids app for children under the age of 13, the new version is being developed by Facebook, a photo-sharing tool. It is made to get its popular products into the hands of the next generation of internet users. 

    (more…)

  • WhatsApp and Instagram Are Down Globally

    A number of social media websites that includes Facebook, Whatsapp, and Instagram are suffering great downtime all around the world on early Friday hours.

    (more…)

  • Instagram Reels To Block TikTok Videos with Watermark

    Instagram has released its own version of TikTok called Reels, as some of you may have heard or noticed by now. However, the feature is available on Instagram. However, some of the users still prefer recording their videos on TikTok and then upload them on both platforms at once, which makes sense as far as social media is concerned.

    (more…)