What You Need to Know
Microsoft recently made waves by announcing its move to join Bluesky, a notable social platform, alongside Elon Musk’s X (formerly known as Twitter). Microsoft’s leap into Bluesky was unveiled by their Chief Communication Officer, Frank X. Chaw, on LinkedIn. He explained, "We aspire to be where our customers, partners, and even competitors gather, engaging with them in the places they call home." Microsoft sees Bluesky not just as another social network, but as a "connected digital ecosystem" that elevates user experience and spurs innovation.
"Bluesky’s decentralized model resonates deeply with us. Microsoft has long championed the idea of giving users control over their digital experiences… you’re not a passive observer; you’re an active participant in sculpting your digital world. This platform represents a new frontier in social engagement, and we are eager to contribute to its growth and vibrancy."
— Frank X. Chaw, Microsoft’s Chief Communication Officer
The tech giant further pointed out that Bluesky fosters inclusivity, aligning perfectly with its core values of inclusivity and empowerment. Although the platform hasn’t introduced ads yet, it’s on the cards. Bluesky is considering a subscription-based model as a funding strategy to cover server costs. Whether this model will differentiate between businesses, brands, and standard users remains uncertain. Expected perks might include options like enhanced video uploads and customizable profile details.
X’s Tumultuous Journey
Over the recent months, X (formerly Twitter) has seen a noticeable decline in users, many of whom have migrated to platforms like Bluesky, CounterSocial, Discord, LinkedIn, Mastodon, Reddit, and Threads. The social media landscape has shifted notably since Elon Musk’s acquisition of Twitter in October 2022, followed by significant transformations in its structure.
Musk’s takeover led to the integration of Twitter into X Corp, with changes at the executive level, notably the dismissal of CEO Parag Agrawal. This rebranding effort extended to eliminating the traditional bird-themed elements.
User feedback has not been favorable, with widespread dissatisfaction over X’s downgraded user experience, marked by toxic interactions and stringent new terms that involve using personal data to train AI models. The departure of high-profile figures from the platform seems to have encouraged others to follow suit. Many users are now exploring other platforms that promise a similar experience to what Twitter once offered.
For instance, Meta’s Threads made headlines by amassing over 100 million users in less than a week after launch, especially at a time when X had enforced drastic limitations, like capping the rate at which users could view tweets to just 600 per day.
Stay tuned for more updates on Microsoft’s adventures in the digital social world, as well as all the latest news, reviews, and guides for the dedicated fans of Windows and Xbox.
