Twitter Blue Labs: Early Access to New Features
Twitter Blue Gains New Features Through “Labs”
A novel feature, designated “Labs,” is being implemented for Twitter Blue subscribers. This premium subscription service will now offer early access to experimental functionalities currently under development by Twitter.
Initial Availability and Feature Set
Currently, the “Labs” program is accessible only to users in Canada and Australia. Subscribers to Twitter Blue are now empowered to upload video content from their desktop computers with a maximum duration of ten minutes.
This represents a significant increase compared to the standard upload limit of two minutes and twenty seconds for general Twitter users. Furthermore, Twitter users on iOS devices can now utilize a swipe gesture to pin preferred conversations to the uppermost section of their direct message inbox.
Feature Evolution and Feedback Integration
Twitter clarifies that features initially launched through “Labs” are subject to change. They may ultimately be integrated into the core Twitter experience, become permanent additions to Twitter Blue, or be discontinued entirely.
This decision will be guided by the feedback received from subscribers during the testing phase. The company emphasizes that “Labs” also serves as a platform for internal teams to introduce new features and gather valuable data.
Embracing Experimentation
Twitter announced last month its intention to adopt a more experimental approach to product development. Progress will be shared publicly, and unsuccessful concepts, like the recently discontinued Fleets, will be abandoned.
Twitter Head of Consumer Product, Kayvon Beykpour, stated the importance of regularly discontinuing projects to ensure the company is pursuing ambitious innovations. He believes that a lack of project cancellations indicates insufficient risk-taking.
Subscription Costs and Existing Benefits
A Twitter Blue subscription is currently priced at $3.49 CAD in Canada and $4.49 AUD in Australia. Subscribers gain access to a range of premium functionalities.
These include enhanced bookmark organization tools and the “Undo Tweet” feature, which provides a functionality similar to the frequently requested “edit” button. A reader mode is also included as part of the Twitter Blue subscription package.
Key Benefits Summarized
- Extended video upload length (up to 10 minutes for desktop uploads).
- Conversation pinning in direct messages (iOS).
- Early access to experimental features.
- Access to premium features like Undo Tweet and Reader Mode.
