Instagram owner set to unveil Twitter rival this Thursday

Meta, the owner of Facebook, is set to launch its new app called Threads, aiming to compete with Twitter. The app, which can be pre-ordered on the Apple App Store, will be integrated with Instagram. Screenshots of the app reveal a dashboard similar to Twitter, and Meta describes Threads as a 'text-based conversation app.' This development adds to the ongoing rivalry between Meta's CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, and Elon Musk, the owner of Twitter. Last month, the two engaged in a public spat, even agreeing to a physical fight, although the seriousness of their intentions remains unclear. In response to a tweet about Threads, Musk took another jab at Zuckerberg, stating, 'Thank goodness they're so sanely run.' Meanwhile, Twitter has announced that its popular user dashboard, TweetDeck, will become a paid service in 30 days, as part of Musk's efforts to promote Twitter Blue, the platform's subscription service. Meta's Threads app appears to be free and unrestricted, allowing users to view an unlimited number of posts. The app's description on the App Store highlights its purpose as a platform for communities to discuss various topics. It's worth noting that Threads, being a Meta app, will likely collect data from users' devices, including location data, purchase history, and browsing activity. In recent years, several apps with similarities to Twitter, such as Donald Trump's Truth Social and Mastodon, have emerged. Another app, Bluesky, reported increased traffic following Musk's decision to limit Twitter usage. However, Threads could pose the most significant challenge to Twitter yet. Mark Zuckerberg has a track record of adopting successful ideas from other companies, as seen with Meta's Reels (competing with TikTok) and Stories (resembling Snapchat). With its vast resources and integration with Instagram, Threads will have a head start by tapping into hundreds of millions of existing accounts. While Musk has received praise for his support of free speech, he has also faced criticism and alienated some users. Zuckerberg hopes to attract enough dissatisfied Twitter users to create a compelling alternative with Threads.