Bluesky Introduces Chat Reactions and Enhanced Explore Page, Drawing Parallels to X
▼ Summary
– Bluesky’s latest software update includes chat reactions within direct messages and a revamped search function called “Explore.”
– The chat reactions feature allows users to react with common emojis and access a full range of emojis, similar to X’s functionality.
– The updated Explore page highlights trending topics and allows users to personalize content by entering their interests.
– Explore also offers account suggestions across various categories and curated lists known as Starter Packs for newcomers.
– Bluesky’s CTO credited the improved Explore page to a recent hire, emphasizing the importance of having a designer on the team.
Bluesky, the open social network, has unveiled the latest version of its software, incorporating features that former X users have been yearning for. Although it’s not the much-anticipated edit button, the updates include chat reactions within direct messages and a revamped search function, now called “Explore,” which guides users to trends, suggested accounts, Starter Packs, and more.
These features draw inspiration from X, which has allowed users to react to direct messages with emojis since 2020. Over the years, X expanded this capability, enabling users to choose from a broader range of emojis beyond the default set.
Bluesky has now adopted a similar approach. Users can click an emoji button next to a message to add a reaction. The initial selection includes common emojis such as a heart, thumbs up, eyes, sad face, and laughing face. Additionally, users can access a three-dot menu to choose from the full range of emojis as their reaction, mirroring the functionality available on X.
Significantly, Bluesky’s search page has become more functional with this update. It now highlights trending topics on the platform, which is increasingly relevant as Bluesky’s user base exceeds 34 million. This feature allows users to spot emerging trends within the numerous conversations taking place.
For example, current trends might include discussions on recent events like Trump’s tariffs and their impacts, or active communities such as BookSky, where readers congregate. Trends are marked with labels such as “New” or “Hot,” and the time they started trending is indicated, such as “5h ago.”
The new Explore page also enables users to personalize their content by entering their own interests. It provides account suggestions across various categories, including Art, Sports, Music, Comics, Politics, Science, News, Animals, Books, and Video Games.
Moreover, the app offers curated lists of users, known as Starter Packs, which newcomers can follow with a single click. It also suggests other popular custom feeds, such as NFL+, connecting users to American football discussions on Bluesky.
Earlier this week, Bluesky’s CTO, Paul Frazee, attributed the updated Explore page to the company’s recent hire, Darrin Loeliger, acknowledging that he demonstrated the value of having a designer on the team.
While these additions might seem minor, they could significantly enhance the experience for former X users migrating to Bluesky. The familiar tools for engaging with friends, discovering discussions, and exploring interests are likely to ease their transition.
(Source: TechCrunch)
