Would you pay to use Twitter? You might have to
Twitter occupies a strange place in the constellation of social media sites. On one hand, it’s not even the biggest platform you can use — that dubious honor goes to Facebook. On the other, it’s home to some of the most important public figures on the planet, such as industry leaders, celebrities and even the President of the United States himself.
That said, Twitter has been rightfully criticized for a number of unusual shortcomings, such as its lack of transparency on trends and algorithms. In fact, the recent site-wide hack exposed a bizarre back-end control panel that appears to show specific users can be removed from trends altogether. Tap or click here for more details on the hack heard ’round the world.
Between unusual back-end shenanigans and an infamous culture of trolls and harassment, there’s no doubt that Twitter has some work to do to reach its full potential. But a new proposal for the platform may end up changing it in unprecedented ways. Twitter is considering adding paid subscription options for users, and you might not have a choice but to participate.
A different kind of Twitter: Paywall considered
After a sizable downturn in ad revenue, Twitter is considering adding a paid subscription model to “complement” the existing free service on its platform. According to reports from CNN, job listings are already being posted by Twitter for a mysterious project codenamed “Gryphon,” which appears to relate to constructing new subscription services.
Following these reports, Twitter’s stock rose 4%, which shows investors are interested in new revenue options from one of the webs most popular platforms. As it stands, Twitter’s primary income stream comes from ad revenue, targeted ads and data collection.
Adding a subscription service would allow the company to collect money directly from users to further bolster its value. And following the recent string of high-profile hackings, the company needs all the value it can muster.
As of now, there are no hard details as to what the subscription service will include or exclude, but CEO Jack Dorsey emphasized that any subscription services would be available alongside the existing free services any user can access. He also mentioned that all of this development is in its earliest stages for the time being.
What would a subscription version of Twitter even look like?
Because there are no official details, any information on changes to Twitter are nothing more than pure speculation.
Still, it’s important to consider how adding a paywall can drastically reshape the platform as we know it. What services would free users be excluded from or potentially lose access to? How much would it all cost? What would encourage people to even consider paying for use?
AT&T warns customers their old phones will stop working, but there's a catch
It’s not an exaggeration to say that most tech isn’t built to last. The latest, greatest model of computer you can buy is typically outdated and tawdry in less than a decade, and the process is even faster with smartphones.
Amazon Prime scam: This phone call is conning people
It seems like scams are lurking around every corner these days. Even if an area code, email or website seems familiar, it never hurts to look a little closer to make sure it’s not a scam call or a phishing campaign in disguise.
9 brilliant things to do with that old cellphone you have lying around
Do you remember the days of mobile carriers upgrading your phone for free, or at least at a greatly reduced price? It typically happened every two years when you signed a new contract.
Unfortunately, those days are over and it couldn’t be worse timing. That’s because the latest and greatest smartphones can easily cost you over $1,000. Shelling out that kind of dough seems outrageous, especially if you only keep the gadget a short while before upgrading yet again. Which, believe me, happens a lot.
Free tool for designing your dream home office
From your imagination to browsing Amazon to the actual setup, there’s a lot that can get lost in translation when it comes to your home office. It’s easy to forget an accessory or two or not plan for enough space where you need it, but that’s no longer a worry when you can design your perfect setup online!
5 apps that free up space on your iPhone
Apple’s iPhones are powerful portable devices, but there can be some limitations. Processing power, storage, and the amount of data on your cellphone plan can all make you think twice about how you’re using your phone, especially if you have an older device. This is where the lighter version of an app can help you out.
What you should know about the toxic substance sold as a 'miracle cure'
It should go without saying that products claiming to be “miracle cures” are usually anything but, especially during this pandemic. Were it so easy to fix a range of health conditions like cancer, HIV or COVID-19 with a simple tonic or pill, doctors wouldn’t be making the kind of money they do, would they?
Is it time to replace your Android battery? Signs, symptoms and fixes
Your Android phone is your everyday companion, so you notice when it’s not holding a charge as long as it used to. You’re starting to wonder if there’s a problem with the battery. That means it’s time to do a little sleuthing.
Tech-how to: Make phone calls to friends and family from Facebook
You may be familiar with Facebook messaging, which allows you to directly message someone when you want to have a conversation outside of Facebook’s public forum, but did you realize that you can also make voice and video calls through the social media platform? RELATED: Facebook Messenger tricks you’ll use over and over.
How to apply for new work from home job that's in high demand
Working from home became the go-to mode of labor for much of the job market during the COVID-19 pandemic. But now, as the pandemic shifts in new directions, many are wondering whether this remote work trend is here to stay.
Shocking texts from Chinese hackers fooling people out of their money
Android users are no strangers to malware. In fact, malicious apps are common enough on the Google Play store that browsing for new software can feel like walking through a minefield.
Of course, there are a few ways you can tell which programs are safe to download. A low amount of perfect reviews with very few comments, for example, can indicate a fraudulent app. Tap or click here to see how to spot the latest batch of Google Play malware.
Big change coming to YouTube - and you're not going to like it
YouTube is the web’s go-to destination for entertainment. But despite its fun facade, there’s a critical part of the platform that nearly everyone has gotten sick of at one point or another: advertisements.
It’s not unreasonable for YouTube to show ads, though. They’re what make YouTube free to use in the first place and give content creators a way to monetize their videos and support their own efforts. Tap or click here to see how one YouTuber made $40,000 in one month from product reviews.
Roku vs. Amazon Fire TV vs. Apple TV vs. Chromecast vs. the other TV streamer boxes
Millions of people have ditched overpriced TV plans and are turning to streaming options. The number of Americans that have said “so long” to cable” is estimated to triple in the next three years, from 25.3 million to 76 million.
Remove annoying political posts from Facebook with this trick
What a decade this year has been! Between global pandemics, social unrest and the confirmation that UFOs are real, many of us are starting to get whiplash already. But there are still surprises in store for 2020 — especially as election season draws near.
People are selling masks that provide 'little protection' against COVID-19
Wearing a mask is one of the easiest things a person can do to help slow the spread of COVID-19. The reason: Masks block particles exhaled by the wearer, which can prevent asymptomatic transmission of the virus in public areas.
Want free Netflix for life? Beat the high score on this online game
Nearly everyone uses Netflix, but how many of us actually pay for the accounts we use? Better yet, who among us are the ones to share our Netflix accounts with family and friends?
Don’t worry, nearly everybody shares Netflix accounts in one way or another. The important thing is making sure you share your account in a safe and secure way. Tap or click here to see the best way to securely share your Netflix password.
The one reason you shouldn't turn to YouTube with your health concerns
YouTube is one of the web’s most essential websites. In fact, it’s the second most popular social media platform in the world, with more than 1.9 billion registered accounts and about 500 hours of video uploaded every minute.
Don't miss Comet NEOWISE - it won't be back for another 6,800 years
Every so often, the people of Earth are treated to spectacular astronomical displays like solar eclipses and meteor showers. But views of these events are often limited to one area of the planet, and unless you live there, the sky will look totally normal.
This shocking flaw could allow your phone to watch you
When it comes to web browsers, it always pays to be picky. Not all browsers are the same in terms of privacy and security, and choosing one that works to protect your data will benefit you greatly in the long run.
But which browser is the right one to choose? Well, it depends on whether you want more options like extensions, better security or more robust privacy options. Tap or click here to see our top favorite web browsers.
How to watch NBC's new streaming service for free
It’s truly an exciting time for people who love streaming TV, and not just because of being at home more often. New streaming services are popping up all the time, which gives us a great selection of programming.
On the other hand, signing up for all of these services means a much bigger cost each month. That’s why it’s a good idea to look for deals that give you access to streaming services for free. For example, there’s a way to get a free year of Disney+. Tap or click here to find out how.