On Friday, an engineer from Meta announced a Threads beta program for Android users. This program will give users early access to new features and bug fixes. However, users should be aware that downloading an unstable build carries a certain level of risk.
”A few missing features, such as direct messages, a “Following” feed, a full web version, a chronological feed, and more, make the platform have a barebones structure. Therefore, users interested in new features may be tempted to join the beta program. However, the invitation for the program states that the developer will collect and share data about users’ use of the app to enhance the platform.
We caution anyone who signs up for beta access that testing versions may be unstable. With no waitlist, anyone with an Android device can join the program to try out future software builds. Threads by Instagram offers users the opportunity to post updates consisting of text (up to 500 characters), links, photos, and videos (up to 5 minutes long) by authenticating with their credentials.
Threads is now available for iOS and Android users in 100 countries, excluding the EU due to concerns about local data privacy regulations. Despite being released only two days ago, Threads has already drawn attention from Twitter, owned by Elon Musk, who has threatened legal action against Meta and accused them of poaching former Twitter employees to create the new platform. Meta has denied the accusations.
Meta has launched its Twitter competitor, Threads.
