Microblogging site Twitter is testing a new feature to let some users double the number of characters allowed in a tweet. The social media service will start testing an expanded 280 character limit which is double the existing cap, in most languages around the world.
Initially, the 280 character limit will only be available to a couple of its 328 million users who will be “randomly chosen.” Jack Dorsey, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Twitter, had announced last year that the company’s famous 140 character count will not be changed. But, Twitter will be trying the newly extended limit to allow people from around the world to easily express themselves.
According to a blog post by Aliza Rosen, a Product Manager at Twitter, only 0.4% of the tweets sent in Japanese use all the 140 characters whereas 9% of the tweets sent in English use all the characters. Therefore, a small group of people will be allowed to use the extended character limit from whom data and feedback will be collected.
However, the company declined to comment on how these people will be chosen or what brought on this change of mind. The 280 character test will be rolled out in multiple languages except for Chinese, Japanese and Korean as they allow for greater expression in fewer characters. Last September, the microblogging site unveiled a new feature which no longer counted the additional media against that total number of characters including photos, videos, GIFs, and polls.
CEO Dorsey also tweeted about the update, calling the latest feature a big move which maintains their brevity, speed, and essence.
This is a small change, but a big move for us. 140 was an arbitrary choice based on the 160 character SMS limit. Proud of how thoughtful the team has been in solving a real problem people have when trying to tweet. And at the same time maintaining our brevity, speed, and essence! https://t.co/TuHj51MsTu
The new feature will help the company make its service more user friendly and battle disappointed user growth. 328 million people have used the site on a monthly basis in the second quarter of 2017, which was the same as their first quarter report. The company shares also took a plunge over the stagnant user growth.
Twitter does expect some backlash over the latest feature as there may be an “emotional attachment” to 140 characters. “But we tried this, saw the power of what it will do and fell in love with this new, still brief, constraint,” Aliza Rosen added on the blog.
We expected (and ❤️!) all the snark & critique for #280characters. Comes with the job. What matters now is we clearly show why this change is important, and prove to you all it’s better. Give us some time to learn and confirm (or challenge!) our ideas. https://t.co/qJrzzIluMw
PhonePe’s PINCODE app has launched a 24×7 online medicine delivery service in Bangalore, Mumbai, and Pune, promising delivery of both prescription and over-the-counter medicines within 10 minutes from nearby local medical shops. Unlike conventional e-pharmacies that use dark stores, PINCODE partners exclusively with neighborhood pharmacies, enabling faster deliveries and supporting local businesses in the digital economy.
Customers without prescriptions can select a “no prescription” option when ordering; a qualified doctor then provides a free teleconsultation and issues a digital prescription compliant with telemedicine guidelines, ensuring seamless access to medicines. The app offers competitive pricing by passing discounts from local pharmacies directly to customers and charges no delivery fees.
PINCODE’s hyperlocal model enhances healthcare accessibility and convenience while empowering local pharmacies, helping them remain integral to their communities and stimulating local economic growth. Launched in 2023, the app focuses on quick commerce with an emphasis on speed, reliability, and supporting local sellers.
In summary, PhonePe’s PINCODE app is transforming medicine delivery in major Indian cities by combining ultra-fast 10-minute delivery, free doctor consultations, and a hyperlocal sourcing model that benefits both consumers and neighborhood pharmacies.
Cashfree Payments has appointed Piyush Anchliya as its new Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective April 15, 2025. Anchliya brings over 15 years of experience in investment banking, corporate finance, strategy, and mergers and acquisitions, with senior roles at Barclays, Bandhan Group, and most recently as CFO of Bandhan AMC. He holds an MBA from IIM Ahmedabad and a B.Tech. from IIT Kharagpur.
In his new role, Anchliya will lead Cashfree’s financial strategy, optimize operations, and support the company’s next growth phase. He will report to CEO and Co-founder Akash Sinha, who highlighted Anchliya’s expertise as vital for sustainable scaling and strengthening the company’s financial foundation. Anchliya succeeds outgoing CFO Vikas Guru, who will assist during the transition.
Founded in 2015, Cashfree Payments processes over $80 billion annually for more than 800,000 businesses. The company recently raised $53 million in funding led by KRAFTON and Apis Growth Fund II and secured key RBI licenses, positioning it for accelerated growth in India’s fintech sector. Anchliya’s appointment comes at a pivotal time as Cashfree aims to expand its leadership in digital payments.
Jeyandran Venugopal, the outgoing Chief Product and Technology Officer of Flipkart, is set to become the CEO of Reliance Retail Ventures (RRV), the retail arm of Reliance Industries. His appointment, expected to be finalized in May after his exit from Flipkart, signals Reliance’s push to strengthen its retail business with a technology-first approach.
Venugopal brings extensive experience from leading roles at Flipkart, Myntra, Yahoo, Snapdeal, and Amazon, where he focused on scaling technology platforms and driving innovation. At Flipkart, he managed product, engineering, data science, and more, helping build robust systems and improve user experience.
His move comes as Reliance Retail undergoes transformation, including cost-cutting and a renewed focus on digital growth. Venugopal’s leadership is expected to accelerate Reliance’s ambitions in omnichannel and tech-driven retail, positioning the company for continued dominance in India’s evolving market.