Photo by Soragrit Wongsa on Unsplash
Bluesky Is Developing a New Photo-Sharing App Called Flashes
- Written by Andrea Miliani Former Tech News Expert
- Fact-Checked by Justyn Newman Former Lead Cybersecurity Editor
The decentralized platform Bluesky is developing a photo-sharing app called “Flashes.” The new platform is not public yet, but a beta version will be released next week.
In a Rush? Here are the Quick Facts!
- Bluesky is developing a new photo-sharing platform called Flashes
- A beta version of the platform will be released next week and will run under the AT Protocol
- Developers expect to attack user fleeing TikTok, Instagram, Threads and Facebook, although many have complained about the new platform’s name
According to TechCrunch’s report , Flashes will also run under AT Protocol—the same as Bluesky but not ActivityPub, used by other platforms like Mastodon and Threads and the dominant framework in the fediverse . It will also compete with Pixelfed, another decentralized photo-sharing app, running under the ActivityPub protocol.
[image or embed] — Flashes App 📱 ( @flashesapp.bsky.social ) January 15, 2025 at 6:34 PM
Flashes expect to attract some of those users migrating from TikTok or deleting their Instagram, Threads, and Facebook accounts after Zuckerberg announced that Meta will end its fact-checking program and other policy changes.
The new Berlin-based platform is based on Bluesky’s codebase developed by its client Skeets—led by developer Sebastian Vogelsang. “I thought about the idea of having one base social graph and then having just different apps pick from that graph whatever they want to display,” Vogelsang told TechCrunch.
The developer explained that Flashes, even though it won’t be an Instagram clone, could be an attractive way to get more users connected to Bluesky, especially those who never considered themselves a “Twitter person.” Those who post on Flashes will also show on Bluesky and both platforms will share similar conditions: up to four photos per post, and a maximum of 1-minute videos.
Many users on Bluesky have shared their opinions on the new upcoming social media platform. “This is cool but Flashes is an all-time bad name,” said one user . “Given the type of photo that’s popular here, Flashes is the perfect name,” added another .
Decentralized apps are gaining more advocates as their leaders make decisions that challenge traditional platforms. Mastodon’s CEO will soon transfer ownership to a non-profit organization , setting the app apart from one-person-led business models like Elon Musk’s X and Mark Zuckerberg’s Meta.
Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash
Americans Are Learning Chinese and Turning to TikTok Alternative RedNote
- Written by Andrea Miliani Former Tech News Expert
- Fact-Checked by Justyn Newman Former Lead Cybersecurity Editor
The Chinese text and video platform Xiaohongshu—popularly known as RedNote—was the most downloaded app in the United States this week, and Duolingo just revealed a 216% increase in Mandarin learning on its platform. Just days before the TikTok app gets banned in the U.S., Americans are already preparing and turning to RedNote.
In a Rush? Here are the Quick Facts!
- RedNote was the most downloaded app in the United States this week.
- Duoling reported a 216% increase in Mandarin learning.
- Chinese users are welcoming over 700 million “TikTok refugees” from the U.S. on the platform.
Many RedNote users have been using the hashtag “TikTokrefugee” to interact on the platform. Chinese users have been sharing the message “Welcome TikTok refugees.”
According to Reuters , over 700,000 new U.S. members have joined the Chinese platform as TikTok—with over 170 million American accounts—approaches its possible ban in the territory on January 19.
Chinese users and American users have been interacting directly. Users have been exchanging information about their countries, Chinese users have been answering questions about China’s birth policies or city tourist sights, and Americans have been answering questions about popular video games. However, there’s a language barrier that Americans are trying to overcome.
According to TechCrunch , is not just about interacting with Chinese users, RedNote’s default language is Mandarin Chinese, so U.S. residents are learning the language—a significant peak of 216% in Mandarin learning on Duolingo.
Learning Mandarin out of spite? You’re not alone. We’ve seen a ~216% growth in new Chinese (Mandarin) learners in the US compared to this time last year. https://t.co/9hzwBxfTgD pic.twitter.com/qWM9f5oFYA — Duolingo (@duolingo) January 15, 2025
“Oh so NOW you’re learning Mandarin,” posted Duolingo on X on Tuesday, and later the graphics of the increased interest of Americans in learning the language on its platform.
