Apps
Instagram’s Threads vs. Twitter: A Clash of Text-Based Conversation Apps
The rivalry between social media giants Meta Platforms Inc.’s Instagram and Twitter has intensified with the launch of Threads, a text-based conversation app introduced by Instagram. With over 30 million users joining within its first hours, Threads aims to challenge Twitter’s dominance in the realm of concise, real-time communication. This article will explore the key features of Threads, Twitter, and Instagram, highlighting their similarities and differences.
Comparison between Threads vs Twitter
These are the following features of Threads and Twitter:
Character Limit:
Threads allow users to express themselves with up to 500 characters, surpassing Twitter’s 280-character limit for unpaid users. However, Twitter’s paid subscribers enjoy an extended character limit of 25,000, providing them with ample space for detailed communication. Instagram, on the other hand, offers a generous 2,200-character limit for posts.
Multiple Accounts:
All three platforms support multiple account usage, allowing users to switch between different profiles seamlessly. This feature enables individuals to manage various personal or professional identities efficiently across all platforms.
Verification:
As of now, Threads only grants verification to users who are already verified on Instagram. In contrast, Twitter offers verification to its users, albeit through a paid subscription model. Twitter’s verification service requires users to pay $11 per month for mobile access or $14.99 per month for mobile and desktop access.
Deleting Accounts:
Threads allows users to delete their account; however, if the associated Instagram account is deleted, the Threads account is also removed. Both Twitter and Instagram offer account deletion options, providing users with control over their online presence.
Private Account Option:
Privacy-conscious users can opt for a private account setting on all three platforms. This feature restricts the visibility of content to approved followers only, ensuring a more exclusive and secure online experience.
Usage Limits:
Threads does not impose any usage limits at present, allowing users to freely engage in conversations. However, Twitter recently implemented temporary usage limits to mitigate the spread of misinformation and spam. Instagram, for now, has no such usage restrictions in place.
Feed Options:
Threads focus on the main thread of conversations, emphasizing a streamlined approach. Twitter offers various feed options, including trending, chronological, and a feed consisting of content from people who follow you. Instagram’s feed showcases content from the accounts you follow, as well as favorites.
Editable Posts:
While Threads does not permit the editing of posts, Twitter offers this functionality exclusively to its paid subscribers. Instagram allows all users to edit their posts, ensuring flexibility in content sharing.
Direct Messages:
Threads currently lack direct messaging capabilities, which are an integral part of both Twitter and Instagram. Users on both platforms can engage in private conversations with individuals or groups.
Desktop Option:
Threads is primarily available as a mobile application, while Twitter and Instagram cater to both mobile and desktop users. This difference provides Twitter and Instagram users with the flexibility of accessing the platforms across various devices.
Ads:
Threads, at least for now, remains free from advertisements. In contrast, both Twitter and Instagram monetize their platforms through the inclusion of ads, allowing advertisers to reach their target audience effectively.
Hashtags:
Twitter and Instagram embrace the use of hashtags, enabling users to categorize their content and improve discoverability. Threads, however, currently does not support hashtags.
Android/iOS Apps:
All three platforms, Threads, Twitter, and Instagram, are available as applications for both Android and iOS users, catering to a wide range of mobile users.
NSFW Content Allowed:
None of the platforms, Threads, Twitter, or Instagram, permit the posting of explicit or NSFW (Not Safe for Work) content, prioritizing a safe and user-friendly environment.
Final Thoughts about Threads from Instagram
With the introduction of Threads, Instagram ventures into the territory of concise, real-time communication, posing a direct challenge to Twitter. While Threads exhibits certain similarities to Twitter, such as character-limited posts and text-based conversations, it also differentiates itself by incorporating features synonymous with Instagram. The battle for dominance in the social media landscape continues as these platforms evolve and seek to captivate users with unique offerings.
iOS 27 Beta 5 has started rolling out to eligible iPhone models, and this latest test build brings several small but useful changes across the system. While this is not a major feature-packed update, Apple has made noticeable improvements to Siri, screenshots, system icons, status bar behaviour and a few stock applications.
iOS 27 Beta 5 Update Size and Modem Changes
On the iPhone 17, the iOS 27 Beta 5 update weighs around 4.59GB. The update also includes a modem firmware change, moving from version 2.09.00 to 2.10.01.
This could be particularly relevant for users who have been experiencing connectivity-related problems. While the update may help with modem or network stability, its real-world impact will depend on the device and network.
Siri Gets Several Interface Changes
Siri receives some of the more noticeable changes in iOS 27 Beta 5. Apple has updated the Siri icon in different parts of the system, including the Siri settings page and interface.
The Siri interface also gets subtle animation improvements. A new pill appears towards the bottom of the Siri interface, replacing the previous “Show More” option. The animation when opening, pulling down or closing the Siri pop-up also feels slightly refined.
Apple has also changed some Siri settings. Users can now choose between Spoken Response and Silent Response, while a new Automatic Visual Lookup option has been added. The update also introduces additional suggestion controls.
More Screenshot Markup Changes
The screenshot editing interface has received another small redesign. In iOS 27 Beta 5, the Markup tools can appear inside a compact pill instead of taking up the same amount of space as before.
The pill can be moved around the screen, and positioning it in the centre expands the available controls. It is a small change, but it makes the screenshot editing interface feel cleaner.
Changes to Status Bar and Stock Apps
Apple has also changed how network information appears in the status bar. Previously, users could see both 5G and Wi-Fi information. In this build, when Wi-Fi is connected, only the Wi-Fi indicator is shown. When Wi-Fi is disconnected, the 5G indicator appears instead.
There are also minor visual changes to several Apple apps, including Safari, Settings, App Store, Preview, Remote and Siri. Some stock applications also receive updated splash screens.
Clock App Gets a Font Update
The Clock app now features slightly larger and bolder text in areas such as the Alarm and Timer sections. The difference is subtle, but it is noticeable compared with the previous build.
Overall, iOS 27 Beta 5 focuses mainly on refinements rather than major new features. Apple has made several interface adjustments that improve consistency and usability while also changing some system behaviour.
Also Read: OPPO Find X9 Ultra Long-Term Review: Why ColorOS Became My Favorite Android Experience
OxygenOS
OxygenOS 16.1 July Update: Every New Feature, Eligible Devices, and Missing Features Explained
The OxygenOS 16.1 July Update has started rolling out to several flagship OnePlus smartphones, introducing a range of new AI features, UI refinements, camera improvements, and gaming enhancements. While the update delivers noticeable improvements across supported devices, not every OnePlus smartphone receives the same set of features.
OxygenOS 16.1 July Update Brings Several New Features
OnePlus has introduced a refreshed experience with the July update. One of the most noticeable additions is the Contact Poster feature, allowing users with the OnePlus Dialer to create customized caller images with depth effects and adjustable positioning. Devices using Google’s Phone app will not receive this functionality.
Notification management has also improved. Users can now simply swipe down on supported notifications to expand them instantly without opening the application. In addition, Quick Settings tiles now automatically switch to a darker appearance whenever Dark Mode is enabled, creating a more consistent user interface.
AI Features Expand Inside the Photos App
The Photos application now includes a dedicated Create section that houses several AI-powered tools. These include AI Portrait Glow, AI Eraser, AI Detail Boost, AI-powered collage recommendations, video editing tools, and slow-motion playback suggestions.
Another useful addition is App Call Identification, which can identify unknown callers from supported third-party applications. However, this feature is only available on devices using the OnePlus stock dialer.
Camera and Gaming Receive Meaningful Upgrades
The Camera app now introduces two new filters—Prime Rose and Bold B&W. However, these filters are limited to select devices including the OnePlus 13, OnePlus 13S, and OnePlus 15, while the OnePlus 12 and OnePlus 15R miss out on them.
Gaming enthusiasts also receive improvements. Depending on the device, users can access Gaming Filters for enhanced visuals, Sound Boost for better footstep detection, and Equalizer controls for supported games such as BGMI. Feature availability varies between different OnePlus models.
Device-Specific Limitations
While OnePlus has added customizable fingerprint icons, fingerprint animations, PC Unlock support, and Backup Face recognition to several devices, not every smartphone receives the complete package.
The OnePlus 12, for example, does not receive the Backup Face feature or the latest gaming enhancements. Meanwhile, older devices including the OnePlus 11 series and Nord lineup continue receiving July security updates but do not receive the OxygenOS 16.1 feature set.
Final Thoughts
The OxygenOS 16.1 July Update is one of the most feature-rich monthly updates from OnePlus in recent months. Although feature availability differs depending on the device, supported smartphones gain several quality-of-life improvements, smarter AI tools, camera enhancements, and better gaming capabilities. Users should verify their device eligibility before expecting every feature included in the latest rollout.
Also Read: OnePlus ColorOS Update: Everything OnePlus Users Will Gain and Lose After OxygenOS
OnePlus
OxygenOS 16.1 June Update Brings AI Features, Audio Sharing and Useful Upgrades for OnePlus Users
OxygenOS 16.1 June Update is rolling out to eligible OnePlus smartphones with several practical features that improve the overall user experience. Instead of introducing major visual changes, this update focuses on AI-powered tools, better connectivity, gaming enhancements, improved privacy, and system optimization.
OxygenOS 16.1 June Update Introduces AI Sports Widget
One of the biggest additions in the June update is the new AI-powered Sports Widget. Users can enable it from the OnePlus AI settings and place it on the home screen. The widget displays live football scores, upcoming fixtures, tournament standings, and match results without opening a separate sports application.
This feature is especially useful for sports fans who want real-time updates directly on their home screen.
OxygenOS 16.1 June Update Brings Layer 2 Audio Sharing
The update also introduces Layer 2 Audio Sharing, allowing two wireless earbuds to connect to a single OnePlus smartphone simultaneously. Users can stream music or videos together while independently controlling the volume for each connected earbud.
This feature makes sharing entertainment much more convenient without requiring additional accessories.
OxygenOS 16.1 June Update Improves Outdoor Mode
Outdoor Mode has also received a useful improvement. Users can now customize the dock by adding their preferred applications, including communication, navigation, entertainment, and utility apps. This makes switching between essential apps much faster while using the phone outdoors.
OxygenOS 16.1 June Update Enhances Gaming Experience
Gamers will notice a welcome addition inside Game Space. The Game Capture feature now supports 2K resolution screenshots, allowing players to capture sharper in-game moments compared to the previous standard resolution.
Although it’s a small feature, it benefits users who frequently share gaming content on social media.
Weather and App Drawer Improvements
The Weather application now displays additional information such as moonrise, moonset, and moon phases. While minor, it adds more detailed weather insights.
Meanwhile, the App Drawer has been improved with properly working Suggested Apps, making frequently used applications easier to access.
OxygenOS 16.1 June Update Adds Better Privacy Protection
Another important addition is an enhanced privacy feature. If a third-party application attempts a potentially risky action, OxygenOS now displays a warning and allows users to revoke sensitive permissions with a single tap. This provides better protection, especially for users who install apps from outside the Play Store.
OxygenOS 16.1 June Update Delivers Performance and Battery Improvements
Besides the visible features, the June update also includes better system optimization. Many users have reported smoother performance, improved battery backup, and noticeable camera enhancements after installing the latest software update. While improvements may vary by device, the overall experience appears more refined than previous builds.
Should You Install the OxygenOS 16.1 June Update?
The OxygenOS 16.1 June Update may not be a massive redesign, but it delivers several practical improvements that enhance daily usability. From AI-powered sports updates and dual audio sharing to gaming, privacy, and performance optimizations, the update offers meaningful additions that OnePlus users are likely to appreciate. Users with eligible devices are recommended to install the latest update to enjoy these new features and system improvements.
Also Read: OnePlus Nord Buds 4 Review: Big Bass, Strong ANC and Excellent Battery Life at Rs 3,299