Alessandro Paluzzi, a developer known for uncovering unreleased features through app code exploration, recently shared on Twitter that Meta’s Twitter clone, Thread, had been released on the Google Play store. However, it appears that the app has since been removed. Paluzzi accompanied his tweet with screenshots showcasing some of the app’s user interface elements, such as the login screen that allows users to sign in with their Instagram accounts and a screen displaying a list of followed accounts from the image and video site, enabling users to choose whom to follow on Threads. Take a look at the screenshots in this gallery.
The resemblance of Threads to Twitter is not surprising. From the screenshots, it is evident that a new post will display character counts, with a paperclip symbol indicating the possibility of attaching various types of media to posts. When viewing posts, familiar icons for liking, reposting, replying to, and sharing them are present, and user profile images are represented as circular thumbnails. Additionally, the app features Instagram’s blue verification checkmarks.
Threads has been in development at Meta since January, initially under the name “Project 92.” The Verge confirmed this name and provided an exclusive first look at the app based on an internal companywide meeting. During the meeting, Meta’s chief product officer Chris Cox previewed Threads and mentioned that the company had been receiving feedback from creators and public figures who desired a platform that is “sanely run,” unlike Twitter.
Interestingly, this leak of the app’s existence sparked a potential showdown between Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Twitter CEO Elon Musk. When Musk became aware of Cox’s statement, he tweeted that he was “up for a cage match” if Zuckerberg agreed. In response, Zuckerberg accepted the challenge, fueling speculation about the actual occurrence of this highly anticipated event.
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While Meta has not officially announced a release date for Threads, its accidental appearance on the Google Play store suggests that its release is imminent. We have reached out to Meta for comment and will provide updates once available.
In conclusion, the inadvertent release of Meta’s Twitter clone, Threads, on the Google Play store has caused a stir among tech enthusiasts and social media users. With its familiar Twitter-like interface and integration with Instagram, Threads promises to offer a unique experience for users seeking an alternative to existing platforms. The anticipation of a potential cage match between Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk adds an element of excitement and speculation to this story. As the official release of Threads approaches, all eyes are on Meta to see how it will shape the future of social media.
