News

Twitter Will Default To A For You Page, Just Like TikTok

Twitter is making the algorithmic feed the default option, and the star icon that lets you swap feeds is going too.

Published

2 years ago

January 11, 2023

twitter will default to a for you page just like tiktok

Twitter is rolling out changes to how users move between the algorithmically-driven timeline and the reverse chronological feed, making the former the new default.

iOS users will see the changes first, and the company has also removed the star button at the top right for switching between feeds. Instead, in place of the old controls, two tabs labeled “For You” and “Following” allow users to switch between timelines.

TikTok users will instantly notice that the “For You” naming convention follows the popular video platform’s lead. The new default view will show tweets from people that you follow out of order, interspersed with tweets from profiles the algorithm thinks you may like.

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While the changes make it easier to switch between the two feeds, unfortunately, you’re shown the default “For You” timeline every time you relaunch the app. The changes come after controversial new CEO Elon Musk tweeted that the “main timeline should allow for an easy sideways swipe between top, latest, trending, and topics that you follow” and said that Twitter would be “making this change soon”.

So far, there isn’t an option to swipe to trending and followed topics, though the trending page is only a few taps away in the search menu.

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

4 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.