Threads users say Meta’s new app is DRAINING their battery – what to do if your phone is affected

What is Thread?

Threads is a new microblogging app launched by Meta Platforms at 7pm EST and midnight in the UK.

It is a text-based conversational platform tied to Instagram that allows users to follow accounts they are already interested in on the photo-sharing platform.

Users can share their thoughts in thread-like posts that closely resemble tweets.

“Threads is where communities come together to discuss everything from the topics you care about today to what will be trending tomorrow,” the App Store description reads.

“Whatever you’re interested in, you can follow and connect directly with your favorite creators and others who enjoy the same things, or you can build a loyal following yourself to share your ideas, opinions, and creativity with the world. ‘

The app is available in 31 different languages, including but not limited to English, Traditional Chinese, Russian and Spanish.

Location and browser history are used to make Threads work, according to Meta’s terms of service.

What does it mean for Elon Musk?

Mark Zuckerberg’s Threads comes just days after Elon Musk announced a temporary limit on the number of messages a user can read on Twitter.

Now Twitter users who shell out the $8 a month to become a verified user can view up to 6,000 daily tweets.

Unauthenticated users can see up to 600 tweets per day and new unauthenticated accounts can see up to 300 tweets per day.

Threads is likely to become a huge source of competition between Zuckerberg and Musk, with the pair already agreeing to a physical fight last month.

In a tweet earlier this week, Musk appeared to be taking a swipe at the new platform.

“Thank goodness they are run so sensibly,” he wrote in response to a group of Thread screenshots.

Users can share their thoughts in thread-like posts that closely resemble tweets

What personal data does Threads collect?

Threads collects 14 different types of data that can be linked to your identity.

In addition to location and browser history, this includes financial information, purchase history, and even health data.

The App Store also suggests collecting identifiers and “sensitive information” in addition to personal contact information.

But the data usage may vary depending on your use of the features offered.

A full list of the data collection can be found below:

• Health and fitness
• Financial information
• Contact details
• User Content
• Browsing history
• Usage data
• Diagnostics
• Purchases
• Place
• Contacts
• Search history
• Identifications
• Sensitive information
• Other data

How and when can you download it?

Threads is free and currently available for pre-order for users 12 and older on Apple’s App Store.