Jack Dorsey-Backed Twitter Alternative Bluesky Hits the App Store As An Invite-Only App (techcrunch.com) 89
Bluesky, the Twitter alternative backed by Twitter co-founder and CEO Jack Dorsey, has hit the App Store and more testers are gaining access. Though the app is still only available as an invite-only beta, its App Store arrival signals that a public launch could be nearing. TechCrunch reports: We haven't heard much from Bluesky since October 2022, when the team behind the project shared an update on the Bluesky blog, detailing the status of the social protocol that powers its new Twitter-like app, also called Bluesky. AT (originally called ADX, or "Authenticated Transfer Protocol,") is Bluesky's main effort while the Bluesky mobile app serves to showcase the protocol in action. [...]
We received an invite to the service and found it to be a functional, if still rather bare-bones, Twitter-like experience. Users create a handle which is then represented as @username.bsky.social as well as the display name that appears more prominently in bold text, as on Twitter. As a brand-new app, Bluesky's suggested user list didn't immediately impress with big names of public figures during onboarding. The app itself presents a simplified user interface where you can click a plus button to create a post of 256 characters, which can include photos. Where Twitter asks "What's happening?," Bluesky asks "What's up?" You can search for and follow other individuals, much like on Twitter, then view their updates in a Home timeline. User profiles contain the same sort of features you'd expect: a profile pic, background, bio and metrics, like the number of followers and posts a user has, as well as how many people they're following. Profile feeds are also divided into two sections, like Twitter: posts and posts & replies.
Bluesky users can share, mute and block accounts, but advanced tools, like adding them to lists, are not yet available. The discover tab in the bottom center of the app's navigation is useful, offering more "who to follow" suggestions and a running feed of recently posted Bluesky updates. The latter gives you the opportunity to find more people who you might like to follow, based on their posts rather than just a bio. Posts themselves can be replied to, retweeted, liked and, from a three-dot menu, reported, shared via the iOS Share Sheet to other apps, or copied as text. Another tab lets you check on your Notifications, including likes, reposts, follows and replies, also much like Twitter. There are no DMs. You can download the app here, but you're still going to need an invite code.
We received an invite to the service and found it to be a functional, if still rather bare-bones, Twitter-like experience. Users create a handle which is then represented as @username.bsky.social as well as the display name that appears more prominently in bold text, as on Twitter. As a brand-new app, Bluesky's suggested user list didn't immediately impress with big names of public figures during onboarding. The app itself presents a simplified user interface where you can click a plus button to create a post of 256 characters, which can include photos. Where Twitter asks "What's happening?," Bluesky asks "What's up?" You can search for and follow other individuals, much like on Twitter, then view their updates in a Home timeline. User profiles contain the same sort of features you'd expect: a profile pic, background, bio and metrics, like the number of followers and posts a user has, as well as how many people they're following. Profile feeds are also divided into two sections, like Twitter: posts and posts & replies.
Bluesky users can share, mute and block accounts, but advanced tools, like adding them to lists, are not yet available. The discover tab in the bottom center of the app's navigation is useful, offering more "who to follow" suggestions and a running feed of recently posted Bluesky updates. The latter gives you the opportunity to find more people who you might like to follow, based on their posts rather than just a bio. Posts themselves can be replied to, retweeted, liked and, from a three-dot menu, reported, shared via the iOS Share Sheet to other apps, or copied as text. Another tab lets you check on your Notifications, including likes, reposts, follows and replies, also much like Twitter. There are no DMs. You can download the app here, but you're still going to need an invite code.
ActivityPub support? (Score:3)
Re: (Score:2)
Naturally it uses its own protocol. Might be possible to make a gateway though.
Re: (Score:2)
Re: (Score:2)
Re: (Score:2)
But NOSTR's fatal flaw is that its being embraced by crypto heads. The great thing about Mastadon is most sane servers block those nutballs servers. I just join one and presto chango no more crypto crap on tim
What happened to "I should habe made ... (Score:3)
... Twitter a protocol", as he stated a year or two ago?
Which is - obviously - what should've happened.
Or has Dorsey just recently noticed that he isn't just quite rich enough yet?
Re:What happened to "I should habe made ... (Score:4, Informative)
Re: (Score:3)
Has there been any comment here from the mastodon people? Seems to me that, if it's a proper protocol, an integration could be built almost no matter what either side things and that making a bridge between the two would be a really good start.
Just to be a good^Wbad Slashdotter I went away and actually googled here's Bluesky's [gitlab.com] own ecosystem overview. There are also some useful comparisons [substack.com].
Re: (Score:2)
Re: (Score:2)
Re: (Score:2)
Re: (Score:1)
Well he left a lot of his shares of Twitter in the company when Musk took over, so he's probably realizing at this point that Elon Musk is amazingly incompetent and will probably tank the company in a way that renders his share worthless.
Re: (Score:1)
Re: (Score:1)
Re: (Score:1, Troll)
So what is the compelling reason to sign up for this? Other than the fact that it isn’t owned and operated by someone who might take “free speech” to mean just that, and doesn’t offer a safe space?
The gaslighting [imgur.com] is strong [imgur.com] in this one [imgur.com].
You know how much "free space" that pedo guy is? He asks why something is happening and is told the truth, then fires the person [arstechnica.com] telling him the truth.
Re: (Score:1)
Re:That great Twitter flavour, now with 0% Elon. (Score:4, Insightful)
So what is the compelling reason to sign up for this? Other than the fact that it isn’t owned and operated by someone who might take “free speech” to mean just that, and doesn’t offer a safe space?
For starters, the fact that you'll not get ban-hammered on Bluesky for mocking King Elon of Mars and hurting his fragile feelings.
Re: (Score:2, Insightful)
A city doesn't have to be in rubble to be destroyed.
Once you get to the point where it is dangerous to go outside, visit a park, walk your dog, and generally just live your life, the city is destroyed. Rubble is not necessary. You can debate the meaning of the word destroyed if you like but the fact remains that large sections of most major US cities are not safe. Not for locals, not for visitors. Word games aside, this is not ok.
I'm neither white nor black but I've never been threatened or assaulted by
Re: (Score:1)
A city doesn't have to be in rubble to be destroyed.
Yes, it does. That is literally what destroyed means:
/d'str/
destroy
verb
to damage something, esp. in a violent way, so that it can no longer be used or no longer exists.
At best your accusation means that 'huge portions of every major city' in the USA have been rendered uninhabitable by African Americans and at worst that these cities have been reduced to rubble to the point where they literally do not exist any more. The kindest way to describe your statement is that it lies somewhere between 'com
Re: That great Twitter flavour, now with 0% Elon. (Score:2)
Yup you went for the word games double down as expected despite me calling that out twice.
I guess you win because the dictionary says so. Or something. Lol. You must be a riot at parties.
This isn't law school and you utterly failed to make a point with your dictionary double down. So silly. And btw that argument wouldn't get you anywhere in a courtroom either.
Re: (Score:2)
Re: That great Twitter flavour, now with 0% Elon. (Score:2)
I do t know what part of what cities you were in so uh ok.
I don't watch Fox News but thanks for the tip on that one.
How many of your leftist friends have any conservative friends that they're aware of?
My bet is almost none.
Re: (Score:1)
Seen this: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/... [wikipedia.org]
THAT's destruc
Re: (Score:2)
Yeah so you're late to the dictionary party. But welcome if you want to play word games.
This was already covered in full.
Re: (Score:2)
Hyperbole is a word game.
Re: (Score:2)
Pedantic dictionary quoting is a word game. And a stupid one for unserious people trying to score points like college freshmen instead of adults looking to have a serious discussion on a critically important topic.
But you pedants should keep quoting the dictionary. Big score! Yay! And cuties continue to fester and rot and turn into Detroit.
Re: (Score:2)
Wow, you really are just a total coward, aren't you?
Re: (Score:2)
Stop sniveling so much, you're embarassing yourself.
Re: (Score:2)
Is any part of that recommendation less insane than another?
Re: (Score:2)
I'm a coward because I've been threatened or assaulted?
Perhaps this word coward doesn't mean what you think it means.
Would you like to try again, tough guy?
The fact is I've traveled the world and been in bad places in many counties as well as the US. I'm fearless but not stupid. When I have to go into bad places I don't go bare handed.
You, otoh.... have you ever left your mom's basement? I mean other than when she kicks you out to clean up your Cheetos mess.
Re: (Score:2)
Well that's nice for you. I routinely have white people abuse or spit at me just waling through majority white areas in Melbourne.
Re: (Score:2)
https://www.statista.com/stati... [statista.com]
Given that the statement is not true, it looks like you'd get banned for making an outright false, seemingly racist comment.
If you wanted to write something that was true that would get you banned, you could write something like, "
Re: (Score:2)
Will it ever occur to them to just fucking live life without hating on others?
Re: (Score:2)
Clicked on the link, says you need exclusive premium access, I am not paying 39 USD per month to follow your link.
Tried to find some free statistics got some here:
https://cde.ucr.cjis.gov/LATES... [cjis.gov] seems as authoritative as possible since its from the FBI, not a page that wants to send me notifications for some reason (urgent stats needed)
Went to All Violent Crime Offender vs. Victim Demographics section clicked on % and race, and it says 43% of crime is committed (2021) by Black or African Americans.
From a
Re: (Score:2)
So what is the compelling reason to sign up for this? Other than the fact that it isn’t owned and operated by someone who might take “free speech” to mean just that, and doesn’t offer a safe space?
For starters, the fact that you'll not get ban-hammered on Bluesky for mocking King Elon of Mars and hurting his fragile feelings.
So if that is the only criteria for selecting a social network, then yes, this is for you.
Echo chamber much?
Re: (Score:2)
Well I haven't looked into this, but a protocol may be open enough to not be censorable. You could have multiple apps accessing the data via the protocol pushing censorship and moderation to the apps, but leaving the data intact. Then 'offended' people can have their v-chip app but in practice nobody will use it, instead opting for apps that can spam, but leave discussion in place - basically giving users choice results in free speech.
However I have no idea if this BlueSky is like that or not.
Also having
Re: (Score:2)
So before it was the leftmbanning the right, now it's the right banning the left. And blue sky will be any different? I guess it'll be like old Twitter banning the right. So both teams can have a place to yell and screech into the dark void, heard by no one, and be happy.
Re: (Score:2)
Re: (Score:1)
Nice try Jared. We know what you're really saying is that you like the safe space Musk gives you where he censors things you don't like to hear and boosts the things you love.
https://arstechnica.com/tech-p... [arstechnica.com]
https://www.theguardian.com/te... [theguardian.com]
Re: (Score:2)
> someone who might take âoefree speechâ to mean just that
If only.
They have new, contradictory rules out yesterday about offending people (aka "violence").
He won't let Alex Jones back on because something he said reminds him of a lost child.
Anti-war lefties are constantly getting banned.
It's become even more arbitrary and capricious, not a free (legal) speech platform. And it's a constantly-moving target.
And, yes, some people prefer such a thing.
Invite Only? (Score:3)
Guess no one is going to show up.
Re: (Score:2)
Guess no one is going to show up.
Guess ...
Grate n00z! (Score:3, Insightful)
We only hear about it because there's a "big name" attached.
Lesson: Want your "app" to succeed, make sure you get someone's "big name" to wave around. Of course, you can only do that for a price. Thus, the "big names" get richer just for having a "big name".
So much for the egalitarian intertubes.
Two non-policy reasons Twitter is broken (Score:2)
1. You cannot combine real, verified identities with legions of anons without trolling mayhem.
2. The retweet without quote is designed to amplify often the worst messages on the platform, with no context, causing all sorts of things that shouldn't be amplified to be cheaply amplified.
If it doesn't address those issues, it's going to be somewhere between Twitter and Gab and by that I mean "rancid shithole that selectively tolerates ToS violations" and "free speech within the law maximalism with equal opportu
Nice Timing (Score:2)
Today I loaded up Twitter and all I see under following is
"Welcome to Twitter!
This is the best place to see whatâ(TM)s happening in your world. Find some people and topics to follow now."
So I checked, and yes, I'm still following 68 people.
Good work, Elon Cusk
Hundreds of words, zero substance. (Score:2, Interesting)
Wow, so many words in the summary and none that describe the reason/motivation for BlueSky to exist.
Hint: its about philosophy, decentralization, open standards, not about tweaking some twitter UI knobs.
Re:Hundreds of words, zero substance. (Score:4, Interesting)
Have they published a protocol spec?
Because without that, user experience is the only thing they have actually delivered so far.
I look forward ... (Score:2)
... to them briefly becoming the #1 downloaded app.
Just don't say anything (or let anybody on your site say anything) that your hosting provider doesn't like [nytimes.com], lol!
Twitter for elites (Score:2)
Another poorly-written post ... (Score:2)
How do I know? Just notice that TFA refers to "the App Store" as if there is only one.
Re: (Score:3, Informative)
Apple registered a trademark [uspto.gov] for the name "App Store", so yes: in practice, there is only one. Use it to describe something else and you might get a letter from Apple's lawyers. Persist, and they could sue you under the Federal Trademark Dilution Act. (The above applies in the US, but I expect most non-US Slashdot readers are covered by similar provisions in their country's laws.)
Re: (Score:2)
But sweet Jesus, save us from being owned by Apple. Slavery is supposed to be illegal.
Re: (Score:2)
Re: (Score:1)
How do I know? Just notice that TFA refers to "the App Store" as if there is only one.
Welcome to marketing 101
Google for example has an app store named the Play Store.
Amazon for example has an app store named the Amazon Appstore.
Apple has an app store that is named the App Store.
This is due to being the first one to be popularized to the general public, and the others copying the name to convey they offer the same thing.
No one wants to market a general purpose service as a business only service, so references to blackberry are avoided.
I don't think so (Score:3, Interesting)
Posts themselves can be replied to, retweeted...
Whoever wrote TFA seems unable to conceive of life beyond Apple and Twitter. Between repeated references to only the Apple ecosystem, and using the word 'retweeted' in connection with a new platform whose name has nothing at all to do with birds, it seems the author is living in a bubble inside an echo chamber.
He does raise an interesting question though, even if he's clueless about having done so. If Twitter subscribers "tweet", what do Bluesky subscribers do? "Blue-sky" already exists as a verb roughly equivalent to "brainstorm" - it's an uncomfortable fit at best, and it hardly rolls off the tongue. Oh, I know, maybe Bluesky subscribers can 'soar' or 'contrail'. O maybe they can "shout it to the sky". I dunno - I'm just blueskying here.
Re: (Score:1)
We make xeroxs, use kleenex, and google things. It will always be a tweet.
Re: (Score:2)
Bleet.
Re: (Score:2)
Bleet.
Thanks for that - I needed a good chuckle to end my day!
Re: (Score:2)
New App, Same Old Tricks (Score:5, Insightful)
Re: (Score:3)
Re:New App, Same Old Tricks (Score:4, Insightful)
I wonder if the moderation/executive team behind this Twitter replacement will continue the same manipulation and censorship tactics they did while running Twitter. Say what you will about Elon, but he's exposed election manipulation, shadowbanning, and all manner of really bad behavior for a platform that had seen itself as a free speech vehicle.
And Musk has engaged in arguably worse behaviour. I mean beyond all the other stuff he literally modified the platform to amplify his Tweets [salon.com]!!
The lesson is, running a social media platform is hard. Whatever rules you make, people will try to exploit them, whatever line you try and set, people will try to balance on it.
If you're too light on the moderation you're now a vehicle for election manipulation, harassment, terrorism, and you get a generally toxic atmosphere. And the moment you try to combat those things you're again accused of "election manipulation", censorship, bias, etc, etc.
Re: (Score:2)
Will Dorsey reinvent the wheel next? (Score:2)
We don't need another social media platform. Dorsey spending his time reimagining something he's already done - and that was done nearly 20 years ago - is boring to say the least.
Re: (Score:2)
Watching people try to reinvent the wheel is actually pretty amusing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gBqV0OpTo0o
*Former CEO (Score:3)
come to us (Score:2)
Come to us if you want to be censored.