Introduction

In an exciting development for Bluesky users, the platform just rolled out its latest update, version 1.96, which introduces a dedicated mentions tab in the notifications section. This new feature simplifies the way you track replies and discussions in which you have been tagged, significantly enhancing user interaction on the platform.

User Experience Customizations

The update doesn’t stop there! Users will now have the ability to customize their experience with replies to posts. In version 1.96, you can choose between linear and threaded replies. The linear format presents replies sequentially, while the threaded format organizes responses into indented conversations, reminiscent of Reddit's style. Additionally, users can filter replies based on criteria such as newest, oldest, most liked, 'hot,' and even the intriguing 'random' option dubbed 'Poster’s Roulette' by Bluesky.

Username Reservation Feature

Another noteworthy enhancement is the new feature that allows users who set a custom domain for their username to reserve their old .bsky.social name. This means that once you claim a custom domain, your previous username won't be available for others to snatch up—a pleasant change that many users wished had been available earlier.

User Growth and Future Plans

Bluesky has witnessed a remarkable surge in user registrations, especially in November, crossing the 25 million user mark last week. However, the platform’s growth has shown signs of stabilizing recently. Looking ahead, Bluesky is set to launch a subscription service early next year, along with plans for its own payment system.

Competitive Landscape

Yet, it’s worth noting that Bluesky finds itself in a highly competitive landscape, facing fierce competition from Meta’s Threads. With Threads rapidly rolling out features and boasting a significantly larger user base, Bluesky will need to keep innovating to maintain its momentum and attract new users.

Conclusion

Stay tuned for more updates as Bluesky continues to evolve and reshape the social media landscape!