Openvibe, the cross-posting app that unites various social networks in one feed, has announced support for Threads, Meta’s decentralised Twitter alternative, allowing users to post and interact seamlessly across multiple platforms, including Mastodon, Bluesky, and Nostr, all from a single app.

What is Openvibe? 

Openvibe is an app based in Prague, Czech Republic, launched in mid-2024 with the mission of connecting the “open social web.” The app brings posts, interactions, and profiles from various decentralised social media platforms together in a single feed, allowing users to engage with these networks without having to switch between apps.

Openvibe supports several popular social networks, including Mastodon, Bluesky, and Nostr, platforms that are decentralised and operate independently of major corporations. Each network uses different protocols (e.g. ActivityPub for Mastodon and AT Protocol for Bluesky), which can make it difficult for users to keep up across platforms. Openvibe addresses this by offering a unified space for cross-platform interaction, simplifying engagement in a fragmented social media landscape.

Described by CEO Matej Svancer as “an easy-to-use gateway to the open social web,” Openvibe also aims to attract users who are exploring decentralised alternatives to mainstream networks. As Svancer says, “Our goal is to lower the barrier for users interested in decentralised platforms, offering a single, reliable app to manage them all.” 

What is Threads? 

Threads, introduced by Meta in 2023, is a social platform developed to offer a decentralised alternative to X (formerly Twitter). Built on the ActivityPub protocol (the same protocol that powers Mastodon), Threads aims to create an experience similar to X’s but with a greater focus on decentralisation and potential cross-platform compatibility. Although Threads is a Meta product, it aims to support federation with other networks in the ‘fediverse’, i.e., a group of decentralised social media platforms interconnected through open protocols. This allows users to follow and interact with profiles across various decentralised platforms.

Since its launch, Threads has quickly gained popularity, particularly among users seeking alternatives to traditional social media platforms. However, the app is still in development, with many features not fully realised or accessible across other networks. Meta has stated that it is “committed to building out the Threads API to enhance user experience and support further integration with the fediverse.” 

Addressing the Issue of Social Media Fragmentation

X’s (formerly Twitter’s) decline under Elon Musk has led many users to engage with alternative, decentralised social networks like Bluesky, Threads, and Mastodon. This has split their attention across multiple social networks, each with its own unique features, protocols, and audiences. This social media fragmentation has made it challenging for these new users to maintain engagement and follow conversations across different platforms, particularly as each requires separate logins, notifications, and apps.

This fragmentation is what Openvibe seeks to address. By integrating multiple decentralised networks into one app, Openvibe allows users to view and interact with content from various platforms in a single feed. “We saw the need for a tool that could unify the open social web,” says Svancer, “where users could connect across networks without feeling overwhelmed.” 

What Threads Integration Brings to Openvibe 

Openvibe’s support for Threads brings significant new capabilities for users. Through this integration, users can log in with their Threads account, post and cross-post content to Threads, reply to comments on Threads posts, and interact with other users, all within the Openvibe app. Those with federated Threads accounts can also view and interact with Threads content through Mastodon, enhancing the cross-platform experience.

For Openvibe, therefore, adding Threads to its platform strengthens its unified feed, where users can stay updated on posts and interactions from all supported networks, including Mastodon, Bluesky, and Nostr. For users, this integrated experience allows them to seamlessly share content, follow profiles, and engage across platforms, all of which aligns with Openvibe’s mission to make the open social web more accessible.

As Openvibe’s team puts it, “Threads was one of the most requested features, and we’re excited to bring it to our users in a way that enhances their social media experience.” 

User Benefits of the Threads Integration 

The integration of Threads should bring convenience and efficiency to Openvibe users. This is because, for those with accounts on multiple networks, Openvibe reduces the need for separate apps, allowing users to cross-post content and interact with a wide audience from a single interface. This streamlined approach helps users maintain a consistent presence across networks without the hassle of managing separate accounts.

From a broader perspective, Openvibe’s support for Threads also reflects a shift towards interoperability in social media, where platforms are becoming more interconnected. As users increasingly explore decentralised networks, Openvibe’s centralised solution simplifies access, enabling them to interact with various communities from one place.

Technical Issues and Challenges 

Although the Threads integration in Openvibe offers several benefits, it should be noted that there have been some technical challenges. For example, some users have reported issues logging in with their Threads accounts due to complications with OAuth, an authentication protocol that is not fully stable on Threads yet. Openvibe’s support team has said that it is actively working to address these issues, providing troubleshooting steps that include clearing browser caches, adjusting settings, and even reinstalling the Threads app when necessary. For example, Openvibe’s support team says, “We’re aware of the challenges with Threads login and are committed to resolving them,” and that, “Users should expect improvements as we work with Meta to stabilise the process.” 

Also, it should be noted that the Threads API remains limited in its current form, which restricts some features within Openvibe. For example, users can perform basic actions, such as posting and commenting, but certain advanced features available on the native Threads app are not yet accessible through Openvibe. However, Openvibe has committed to expanding its Threads functionality as the API evolves, assuring users that new features will be added as they become available.

Criticisms and Concerns 

While Openvibe’s integration of Threads has generally been well-received, it has not been without criticism. One concern among users is that integrating a Meta-owned platform like Threads might compromise Openvibe’s commitment to decentralisation. Although Threads operates on an open protocol, Meta’s involvement has raised questions about privacy and corporate control, particularly among users who prefer truly independent networks like Mastodon and Nostr.

Another concern is that adding support for mainstream platforms like Threads could dilute Openvibe’s focus on the open social web. Some users worry that by expanding its platform to include a Meta product, Openvibe could lose its appeal as a decentralised alternative and shift towards catering to a more mainstream audience. However, Openvibe has reassured users that its primary mission remains focused on providing a unified tool for decentralised networks, regardless of the platforms it supports.

What Does This Mean for Your Business? 

The integration of Threads into Openvibe marks a significant moment in the social media landscape, with implications not just for Openvibe itself but for other platforms like Meta, Threads, and X (formerly Twitter). For Openvibe, supporting Threads aligns with its mission to connect the decentralised social web, which it hopes will position it as a leading cross-platform app that caters to users looking for interoperability across networks. By offering a seamless, unified interface, Openvibe hopes to strengthen its reputation as a powerful tool for decentralised communication and an attractive option for those wary of relying solely on major platforms.

For Meta and its Threads, this integration serves as a strategic advantage. It opens the door for Threads to tap into a broader, decentralised audience beyond Meta’s ecosystem, allowing the platform to expand its reach within the so-called “fediverse.” As Threads evolves, Meta stands to benefit from the added legitimacy of interoperability with decentralised platforms, which could attract users disillusioned by X and seeking alternatives to corporate-run networks. The move highlights Meta’s intent to build Threads as a decentralised alternative in the spirit of the open social web, albeit under its corporate umbrella.

For X, however, the Threads-Openvibe integration signals increased competition. Since Elon Musk’s acquisition, X has faced criticism for policy changes and a more closed approach, driving some users towards alternative platforms. The availability of cross-posting on Openvibe from Threads and other decentralised networks may contribute to an exodus of users who desire greater connectivity and fewer restrictions, challenging X’s once-dominant position as the go-to platform for real-time communication.

The social media market as a whole may see more fragmentation as decentralised, user-controlled networks continue to grow in popularity. Openvibe’s approach of uniting these platforms could alleviate some of the strain caused by users splitting time and content across multiple networks. By providing a single entry point, Openvibe is looking to enable a more integrated experience, which could encourage growth in decentralised networks and help them compete with the more established, corporate-run social media giants.

For businesses that rely on social media platforms for marketing, Openvibe’s integration of Threads presents new opportunities. It could allow brands to maintain a consistent presence across multiple networks without the time and resource investment required to individually manage each one. This may not only save time but also broaden a brand’s reach to audiences who may be concentrated on specific networks. As cross-platform engagement becomes easier, businesses may be able to focus on delivering cohesive messaging that reaches diverse user bases, giving them flexibility in an increasingly fragmented social media environment.

In the end, Openvibe’s support for Threads highlights a growing trend towards interoperability, reflecting the desires of users and businesses alike to interact across platforms freely and easily. As social media continues to evolve, the demand for connectivity without corporate boundaries will likely grow, creating a dynamic ecosystem where platforms that embrace openness and decentralisation may gain an edge in the increasingly competitive market.

Apple has unveiled its latest Mac mini as its first carbon-neutral computer, a compact desktop powered by M4 and M4 Pro chips, and a significant step towards sustainability.

The new Mac mini, with a 5×5-inch footprint, combines high performance with a small design. Powered by M4 and M4 Pro chips, it offers up to 1.8x faster CPU and 2.2x faster GPU performance than the M1 model. The M4 Pro version, suited to creative and technical users, includes hardware-accelerated ray tracing and Thunderbolt 5 for faster data transfers, enhancing productivity in graphics-intensive tasks.

This release marks a milestone in Apple’s sustainability strategy, reducing the Mac mini’s carbon emissions by 80 per cent through over 50 per cent recycled materials and renewable energy. Apple has also invested in clean energy projects to offset customer energy use, providing businesses with a high-performance, eco-friendly option.

Starting at £599, the Mac mini is one of Apple’s more affordable business options. The base model includes 16GB of memory and a 256GB SSD, while the M4 Pro version, priced at £1,399, features 24GB of RAM and higher CPU and GPU power, appealing to small businesses and media companies alike.

The Mac mini also introduces Apple Intelligence, a personal AI system for enhanced productivity through advanced text and image processing. With privacy-focused on-device processing and Apple’s Private Cloud, Apple Intelligence will expand its capabilities in the coming months.

This launch reinforces Apple’s position in the growing mini-PC market and highlights its commitment to sustainability, setting a potential benchmark for the tech industry as demand for eco-conscious devices rises.

The BBC has reported that its own investigation has uncovered a number of X users profiting substantially by sharing US election misinformation, AI-generated images, and conspiracy theories. The investigation reportedly revealed networks of accounts amplifying each other’s content, boosting both reach and earnings potential.

The BBC reports finding that dozens of accounts that regularly re-share each other’s posts, are creating an engagement cycle that drives revenue. It alleges that some claim earnings from hundreds to thousands of dollars, with payouts based on premium user engagement (likes, shares, and comments) following changes to X’s payment model in October. In one example (from the BBC), an X content creator with the user account “Freedom Uncut,” reportedly garners millions of views for its account holder (known as ‘Free’) and earns thousands monthly by sharing provocative AI images and satirical depictions of political figures.

X has faced criticism for what some say is a lenient stance on misinformation. For example, unlike other platforms that restrict earnings from misleading content, X appears to lack strong guidelines on misinformation, raising concerns about whether it incentivises provocative, often false, content. False claims about election fraud and defamatory allegations against candidates are spreading, with some content reaching wider audiences on Facebook and TikTok.

Politicians are increasingly turning to influencers on X for visibility. “Freedom Uncut” reportedly (by the BBC) claimed that local politicians have approached him, while another account, “Brown Eyed Susan,” a Kamala Harris supporter, noted that her account, too, has attracted political campaign requests. Many of her most viral posts appear to involve conspiracy theories, illustrating how rapidly misinformation can spread.

To counteract misinformation networks, businesses and users should practise critical fact-checking before engaging with or sharing content. Social media platforms could implement stricter monetisation rules and transparent misinformation policies to limit the profitability of sensationalist content. For organisations, promoting media literacy and responsible digital interaction can help shield against the destabilising impact of online disinformation.

In this article, we look at how ‘green software’ can be used to enable devices, such as phones, to run longer and can make them more carbon-efficient when in operation.

The Carbon Cost of the Upgrading Cycle

A significant environmental impact of mobile phones comes not from their daily usage but from their production. For example, around 80 per cent of a phone’s total carbon emissions are generated during its manufacturing process, with only 20 per cent linked to its operational use. This means that the frequent cycle of upgrading devices has a substantial carbon cost. Each time a new phone is produced, considerable energy and resources are expended, increasing overall carbon emissions. This highlights an urgent need for more sustainable technology practices.

Green Software 

One solution lies in green software, which aims to prolong the lifespan of devices by keeping them efficient for longer. By improving software to use fewer resources and run smoothly on older hardware, green software can reduce the pressure to upgrade, ultimately decreasing the environmental footprint associated with constant hardware production. It’s hoped that this approach not only helps conserve resources but also represents a meaningful way to minimise the carbon impact of our increasingly technology-driven lives.

The Environmental Cost of Technology and the Role of Software 

With the growth of the information technology and communications (ICT) sector, the carbon footprint of technology is expected to escalate. In 2020, ICT accounted for around 1.4 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions, and by 2040, that share is projected to rise to 14 per cent. This trend highlights an urgent need for sustainable practices in tech. Software efficiency can play a significant role in this, not only enabling devices to consume less energy but also extending their life through optimised performance. This approach may reduce carbon emissions, both by lowering the demand for new hardware and by making existing technology operate more efficiently.

The Difference With Green Software 

While traditional software is often designed with user experience and functionality in mind, green software prioritises energy efficiency and carbon-conscious practices. Developed by companies such as the Green Software Foundation, tools like the Software Carbon Intensity (SCI) metric offer a way to measure software’s carbon footprint, covering both the direct emissions of the software and the embedded carbon of the hardware on which it runs. This approach is a step towards creating transparent, trackable measures of software’s environmental impact.

Extending Device Life with Green Software 

Extending the lifespan of electronic devices can significantly reduce the need for new hardware production and its associated emissions. /e/OS is an example of a notable player in the green software sphere, designed to provide extended support to older Android devices, long after manufacturers have ended their support. Unlike traditional operating systems that may introduce unnecessary features or “bloatware” that can slow down a device, /e/OS minimises resource use and runs efficiently on older hardware, even on devices over ten years old. By offering regular security updates and optimised performance, /e/OS helps users maximise the lifespan of their phones, reducing the need to upgrade prematurely.

It should also be noted here that, beyond its environmental benefits, /e/OS is marketed very much as privacy-centric and emphasises the fact that it offers a “deGoogled” experience, where users can avoid data tracking while using essential smartphone features. This appeals to users who value both sustainability and data privacy, possibly making it a well-rounded solution in the green software landscape (other green software is also available). That said, the /e/OS system’s impact on reducing electronic waste is noteworthy. For example, each phone kept in use for an extra year prevents an estimated 55kg of CO₂ from being emitted due to avoided production.

Carbon-Efficient Operations Through Green Coding Practices 

Efficient coding practices are another core aspect of green software. Many modern applications run on cloud servers, where energy consumption is often unmonitored or underestimated. As highlighted by Asim Hussain, Executive Director of the Green Software Foundation, developers rarely seem to consider energy use in server applications due to a lack of monitoring tools. To tackle this, the Green Software Foundation (US-based, founded in 2021 as a global initiative launched by Microsoft, Accenture, GitHub, and ThoughtWorks) developed the SCI metric to measure the carbon intensity of software, allowing developers to track and optimise their applications. The Foundation’s Impact Framework enables developers to estimate emissions based on observable server resource usage, providing actionable insights to improve energy efficiency.

Code Smells 

A further initiative, ecoCode (a France-based collaborative project that helps developers create energy-efficient code), identifies “code smells,” or signs that software could run more efficiently. By identifying inefficient code, such as unnecessary database queries or overly complex algorithms, ecoCode encourages developers to create lighter, more efficient applications. For example, as highlighted in a recent article on Yahoo by Tariq Shaukat, CEO of Sonar, “A lot [of code smells] would fall under the umbrella of overly complex code. The second [type] is things that run in an inefficient way: You’re updating or pulling data more frequently than you need to. Another one is bloat. How do you make your app as lean and streamlined as possible?”. Simplifying such code not only improves performance but also reduces the carbon footprint associated with the software’s operation. Companies that adopt ecoCode principles can potentially cut their operational emissions, creating software that uses fewer server resources without compromising functionality.

Examples of Green Software Companies and Their Impact 

The green software landscape has seen a growing number of organisations committed to sustainability, each bringing unique solutions. Besides /e/OS (previously mentioned), other companies leading the charge in sustainable software and hardware solutions include:

– Fairphone. This company stands out for its ethical approach to mobile phone production. Though primarily focused on hardware, Fairphone’s software practices contribute to a longer device lifespan. Fairphone’s modular design allows users to easily replace or upgrade components, while its operating system is built to avoid bloatware, resulting in extended device functionality. The Fairphone 3, for example, received software updates for five years post-launch, significantly longer than many mainstream smartphones. This approach aligns with the company’s mission to reduce electronic waste, a priority for its environmentally conscious customer base.

– Mycroft AI. Headquartered in Kansas City in the US, this green software company takes a sustainability-focused approach to AI. The open-source voice assistant, for example, focuses on resource-efficient operation and privacy. Unlike typical AI systems that constantly transmit data to central servers, Mycroft AI allows users to run the software locally, thereby reducing energy consumption and eliminating the need for large data centres. This minimises Mycroft AI’s overall carbon footprint and provides users with a privacy-friendly alternative to more data-intensive virtual assistants.

– Murena, the company behind /e/OS, also complements its mobile OS with a suite of privacy-focused applications, from email to cloud storage. The company’s commitment to open-source practices ensures transparency, allowing users to inspect and verify that the software prioritises minimal resource use and respects data privacy. Murena’s ecosystem, powered by low-impact services, is designed for users who want a comprehensive, privacy-respecting experience without the environmental impact of conventional, high-energy digital services.

– Sailfish OS, developed by the Finnish company Jolla, is a Linux-based mobile operating system designed to be energy-efficient and adaptable. Its lightweight architecture ensures that devices operate smoothly without excessive resource consumption, thereby extending battery life and reducing the need for frequent hardware upgrades. Sailfish OS supports a range of devices, including older models, promoting device longevity and reducing electronic waste. Additionally, its open-source nature allows for community-driven development, fostering transparency and continuous optimisation for energy efficiency.

– PostmarketOS, an open-source project based in Switzerland, aims to provide a sustainable alternative to traditional mobile operating systems. It is designed to run on a wide array of devices, including those no longer supported by their manufacturers, effectively extending their usable life. By offering a streamlined and bloatware-free experience, PostmarketOS reduces the energy consumption of devices, contributing to a lower carbon footprint. The project emphasises privacy and user control, aligning with the principles of green software by minimising resource use and maximising device longevity.

The Growing Importance of Software Sustainability 

While the demand for sustainable tech solutions is increasing, the adoption of green software practices remains limited. For example, Gartner estimates that only 10 per cent of large companies currently include sustainability as a criterion in their software procurement, although this is expected to reach 30 per cent by 2027. This shift in priorities reflects a growing recognition among businesses of the importance of reducing their digital carbon footprint.

What About Big Tech Companies? 

Microsoft, Google, and Intel could be considered green software companies in so much as they are members of the Green Software Foundation, actively working on reducing the environmental impact of their digital services. Microsoft, for example, has committed to becoming carbon negative by 2030 and is working on tools to help developers reduce energy consumption. By making their software more carbon-efficient, these big companies hope to lead the charge in digital sustainability.

Encouraging a Culture of Sustainability in Software Development 

The transition to sustainable tech solutions is not without its challenges. Encouraging developers to prioritise energy efficiency requires a cultural shift within organisations. In an article recently published by Yahoo, for example, Peter Campbell, Director of Green Software at Kainos, discussed the challenges of integrating sustainability into software development. He noted, “We thought that if we educated internally and externally, it would get magical adoption from all our teams. Turns out it doesn’t work as simply as that. The culture piece is really hard, not just to get people to act, but to keep prioritising it. There are so many priorities from our customers that sustainability sometimes isn’t the loudest one.” 

The Green Software Foundation’s free courses on sustainability in software aim to address this cultural challenge, equipping developers and engineers with the knowledge to build more efficient applications. These initiatives are important in making green software development a mainstream practice, ensuring that sustainability becomes an integral part of the digital landscape.

What Does This Mean For Your Organisation? 

Looking ahead, green software holds promise not only for environmentally conscious consumers but also for businesses aiming to reduce their carbon footprint. For business users, incorporating green software could offer a practical path to extend device lifespans, reduce operational costs, and align with growing environmental expectations from customers and investors alike. As tools like /e/OS and PostmarketOS demonstrate, using lighter, bloat-free software can mean fewer disruptions, improved device performance, and greater privacy control, all of which are key benefits for organisations seeking sustainable, reliable, and secure digital tools.

For green software companies, the path forward is both challenging and ripe with opportunity. As seen with Mycroft AI and ecoCode, sustainable solutions in tech are gaining traction, with businesses increasingly recognising that energy-efficient software can directly translate to lower emissions. However, these companies also face the dual challenge of innovating in ways that are both carbon-efficient and market-competitive.

Big tech players, meanwhile, are under mounting pressure to demonstrate leadership in digital sustainability. With members like Microsoft and Google spearheading initiatives within the Green Software Foundation, there is hope that their influence could accelerate wider industry adoption of green software practices. Their commitments to carbon reduction, as in Microsoft’s ambition to be carbon negative by 2030, appear to reflect a shift in priorities, yet achieving these goals demands that green principles are integrated deeply within all levels of software development and hardware lifecycle management.

As for phone manufacturers, some, like Fairphone, are already paving the way with modular, long-lasting devices, mainstream manufacturers are beginning to extend software support for their devices, a positive step but one that should really expand further. As consumer expectations for durability and sustainability grow, the pressure is mounting for manufacturers to adopt green software practices that can support hardware for longer periods. If big brands make this shift, they have the power to reshape the device industry, potentially reducing electronic waste at a global scale.

As well as the standard Cut & Paste (including formatting etc) functions, CoPilot enables you to dynamically enhance your clipboard text on the fly … it’s pretty neat!

[Note – To Watch This Video without glitches/interruptions, It’s best to download it first]

The Auto-Hide Taskbar option hides the taskbar when not in use, maximising screen space and creating a cleaner desktop environment, which can enhance focus and reduce distractions. Here’s how to use it:

How to Enable Auto-Hide Taskbar

Open Taskbar Settings:

– Right-click on the taskbar (at the bottom of your Windows screen) and select Taskbar settings.

Toggle Auto-Hide:

– For Windows 10, under “Taskbar,” check the box for ‘Automatically hide the taskbar in desktop mode’.

– For Windows 11, scroll to “Taskbar behaviours,” then check the box for ‘Automatically hide the taskbar’.

– When enabled, the taskbar will remain hidden until you move your mouse to the bottom edge of the screen, which is especially useful for smaller displays or a cleaner look.

How to Reverse It Back Again

Open Settings:

– Press Win + I to open the Settings app.

Search for Taskbar Settings:

– In the Settings search bar, type “taskbar settings”.

Select Taskbar Settings:

– Select ‘Taskbar settings’ from the search results.

– This takes you directly to the taskbar options where you can toggle Auto-hide on or off quickly.

– Alternatively, right-click any blank area on the taskbar itself (if it’s hidden, move your mouse to the bottom of the screen to reveal it) and choose Taskbar settings directly from the context menu.