Twitter killer: Meta launches new Threads platform, but how does it compare?

Plus: Toyota's solid-state battery breakthrough will reduce costs and size by 50 percent Sponsored by Threads, the new text-based conversation app from Meta, has made a powerful debut, amassing 10 million users within just seven hours of its launch. The app is now available in 100 countries on Apple and Google Play, with notable celebrities and brands already signing up. But will it succeed as a challenger to the established Digital Town Square, Twitter? Jump to today's [Must Read]( for the full story. But first, here’s [your video of the day]( . Good morning. I’m Tim, an Editor at IE. This is the Blueprint. Let’s get into it. Last Sunday, Blueprint subscribers learned about how low power photovoltaic cells could replace disposable batteries. Don't miss out — [subscribe to IE+]( today to receive exclusive interviews, features, and much more. VIDEO OF THE DAY [M982 Excalibur round]( [Why is the M982 Excalibur round a game changer in Ukraine?]( The Excalibur is a GPS-guided 6.1 inch (155mm) artillery shell which serves as an advanced alternative to conventional artillery ammunition. MUST READ [Twitter killer]( [Twitter killer: Meta launches new Threads platform, but how does it compare?]( Threads is now available in 100 countries, though not the European Union because of regulatory concerns. However, it has already surpassed other Twitter alternatives, including BlueSky and Mastodon, in terms of active users. Threads allows users to share posts up to 500 characters long, along with links, photos, and videos up to five minutes in length. It offers a separate space for real-time updates and public conversations, aiming to expand on what Instagram does best. Meta has decided not to monetize the app for at least a year, ensuring users won't encounter ads. Despite initial privacy concerns raised by users, Threads has gained significant traction and is shaping up to be a challenger to Twitter as the text-based town square. Click below for our full analysis. [Read More]( INNOVATION Toyota's solid-state battery breakthrough will reduce costs and size by 50 percent Toyota’s new solid-state battery architecture will reduce the weight, size and cost of batteries by 50 percent. Toyota aims to produce batteries with a range of 745 miles (1,200 kilometers), which can also be fast-charged in about 10 minutes. [Read More]( THE SPONSOR OF THE DAY [ERC Guaranteed]( [Average refund of $400,000 - ERC Guaranteed helps businesses reap real savings!]( At ERC Guaranteed, they believe that every business deserves the opportunity to maximize its tax savings. Our team of experienced professionals will help you navigate the complexities of tax credit programs, ensuring that you claim all eligible Employee Retention Credits and receive the maximum refund possible. [Join the countless satisfied businesses]( like Marriott & Hilton, Buffalo Wild Wings, and tens of thousands of small businesses who have chosen ERC Guaranteed for their tax credit needs. See your estimated refund in as little as 48 hours, with the average refund reaching $400,000. [LEARN MORE]( CULTURE Anxiety grips the world as Japan readies to release Fukushima radioactive water into the oceans Japan plans to dump treated radioactive water waste into the Pacific Ocean after getting an official nod from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The water is currently stored in over 1,000 tanks at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power station, which suffered multiple meltdowns after a massive earthquake and tsunami in March, 2011. [Read More]( SCIENCE Harvard professor Avi Loeb retrieves potential 'alien artifact' from Pacific Ocean Harvard professor Avi Loeb, who famously suggested the [Oumuamua interstellar object]( observed in 2017 was an alien spacecraft rather than a cigar-shaped space rock, believes he and his team may have recovered parts of an interstellar object from the bottom of the Pacific Ocean. [Read More]( YESTERDAY'S RESULTS Only 15 percent of you believe Twitter is certain to resist the challenge of Meta's new Threads app, while 38 percent of you are reserving judgement for now. 38% Too early to say 27% They will co-exist 21% Yes, Twitter is vulnerable 15% No, Twitter is unique QUOTE OF THE DAY Our vision with Threads is to take what Instagram does best and expand that to text, creating a positive and creative space to express your ideas Meta blog post THINGS WE LOVE [Pooboo Indoor Cycling Bike]( [YALANCHA Electric Bike Charger]( [Gskyer Telescope]( [W-KING Bluetooth Speaker]( AND ANOTHER THING - [European researchers design a metamaterial rubber block that can count to ten]( - [Scientists create highly conductive metallic gel for 3D printing at room temperature]( - [A supernova may have come very close to destroying the early solar system]( - [Low-light photovoltaic cell aims to replace disposable batteries]( [premium] - No landing required: [The Eiger drone makes deliveries with pin-point accuracy]( - Ad Astra: [The future of space propulsion technology (Part 1)]( [premium] - [Dinosaurs shared cognitive traits with dogs — and humans]( [premium] - ‘Life finds a way’: [Scientists study evolution in synthetic bacteria with limited genes]( - [Failed North Korean satellite was not fit for purpose, investigators find]( - [Israel kickstarts 93-mile-long undersea electric cable project linking Europe grid]( [Subscribe to IE+]( [About Us]( [Advertise]( [Contact Us]( [Privacy Policy]( [Term of Service]( © Copyright 2023 | The Blueprint is by Interesting Engineering, Inc. 530 Fifth Ave, 9th floor New York, NY 10036 | All Rights Reserved You are receiving this email because you have subscribed to our newsletter. 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