News

In A Shock Move, Twitter Adds An Edit Button To Tweets

The social media giant has finally backtracked after years of pressure and will first roll out the new Edit Tweet feature to premium subscribers.

Published

2 years ago

September 2, 2022

Nour Nasir

in a shock move twitter adds an edit button to tweets

It’s taken years of complaints and thousands of desperate pleas from a vocal portion of Twitter’s 237 million active users, but now, the social media giant has finally caved under pressure. After nearly 16 years of sticking to a tried and tested format, Twitter will finally allow users to edit Tweets after posting them.

If it were any other platform, adding such a tiny, seemingly inconsequential feature would largely go unnoticed. Yet, because we’re talking about Twitter here, the move represents one of the most significant changes to the social media landscape since the company doubled the character limit of posts from 140 to 280 way back in 2017.

Many would argue that the lengthier Tweets and new addition of an edit button will change the platform into something it was never meant to be. Certainly, the entire atmosphere of the site will (and already has) changed since its niche beginnings — though it’s always been a place for spicy takes and online brawls.

So why the sudden change of direction? Here’s what the company had to say about the controversial matter:

“We’re hoping that with the availability of Edit Tweet, tweeting will feel more approachable and less stressful. You should be able to participate in the conversation in a way that makes sense to you,” says Twitter in an official statement.

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We should mention at this point that not everyone will be granted access to this mythical new feature. Employees will first test the edit button; then, it will be added to the accounts of Twitter Blue subscribers. Eventually, Twitter plans to roll out the Edit Tweet feature to its entire user base, though we don’t have any formal word on a date for that.

Users will be allowed to edit Tweets within a 30-minute window of posting, and any changes will trigger a label to be displayed, notifying readers that a change has been made. If the label is clicked, you’ll be able to see a list of edits, so the new feature won’t entirely save you from embarrassing spelling mistakes or attempts to tone down poorly judged online rants.

News

Viasat Satellite Messaging Tech Showcased In Saudi Arabia

The direct-to-device (D2D) demonstration highlighted the technology’s potential to revolutionize remote communication.

Published

3 days ago

November 28, 2024

Nour Nasir

viasat satellite messaging tech showcased in saudi arabia

Satellite communications firm Viasat announced yesterday that it had completed its first demonstration of direct-to-device (D2D) satellite connectivity technology in Saudi Arabia. The live broadcast took place during the “Connecting the World from the Skies” event in Riyadh, organized by Saudi Arabia’s Communications, Space & Technology Commission (CST) alongside the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

Attendees witnessed successful satellite-based two-way messaging and SOS alerts sent using commercial Android smartphones and a combination of Viasat’s robust L-band satellite network and the Bullitt over-the-top messaging app. Signals were transmitted using the company’s L-band spacecraft positioned over the Indian Ocean, while the infrastructure for 3GPP NTN services was deployed by Viasat’s partner Skylo.

Sandeep Moorthy, Viasat’s Chief Technical Officer, emphasized the significance of the demonstration, explaining, “By expanding our direct-to-device innovation to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, we’re showcasing the potential for D2D services in the fast-growing Gulf and Asia-Pacific region. D2D could help reduce barriers to connectivity in regions where terrestrial services are spotty and unavailable to help transform industries and supply chains, enable new opportunities, and to become more efficient, sustainable and safer. We’d like to thank the CST for their support in carrying out this exciting demonstration”.

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D2D technology allows devices like smartphones, vehicles, and industrial equipment to connect seamlessly to both satellite and terrestrial networks. Unlike traditional satellite setups, D2D eliminates the need for extra hardware, thanks to emerging global standards that are gaining traction among satellite operators, mobile network providers, and tech manufacturers.

What makes this approach particularly promising is that Viasat uses a licensed, dedicated satellite spectrum to deliver its D2D services. This avoids any interference with existing terrestrial networks, allowing smooth integration with mobile network operators in the future.

The demonstration clearly showed the potential of D2D technology to bridge connectivity gaps in remote regions while opening up opportunities for innovation, improved safety, sustainability, and efficiency.