Instagram has just launched its companion app called Threads, it is basically a standalone app through which users can interact more with your close friends on Instagram. Similar to the ‘Close friends’ option while sharing your Instagram Story. you can now add your list of close friends to communicate exclusively with them via the app while still using Instagram’s full suite of creative tools, such as text, photo/video messages, and emoji.
Threads is rolling out globally on Android and iOS starting today.
Let’s see what Instagram said about Threads in its blog:
“Threads will allow the user to easily add or remove people to and from your close friends’ list giving you a dedicated inbox consisting of only these friends. By default, the Threads app will open the camera and let you create shortcuts for people on your close friend’s list. If you think that this sounds familiar then you would be right because this is exactly how Snapchat works, but Instagram has never been shy of copying the features of its rivals on its apps.”
The new app Threads comes with the most interesting feature which is the auto-status update. When you enable it, this feature is going to allow Threads to request your smartphone’s location, movement, battery level, and network connection. Using this, Threads will be able to share relevant information with your close friends. An example of this would be that Threads can automatically update your status to ‘At a Cafe’ based on the location data shared and if it senses that you are on the move then your status will reflect that.
Regarding privacy concerns, Instagram has made it clear that the auto-status program is completely opt-in and can be turned off at any point. To explain the matter better, Instagram has put up a whole separate post explaining Thread’s privacy. However, given Facebook’s patchy history with handling user data, there are bound to be questions about this new auto-status feature.