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
CoRover has launched BharatGPT Mini, India’s first offline multilingual AI model, at VivaTech 2025 in Paris, with the event officiated by Union Minister Jitin Prasada. This innovative Small Language Model (SLM), featuring around 534 million parameters, is specifically designed for edge devices and low-compute environments, enabling robust AI capabilities without the need for cloud connectivity. Its ability to function entirely offline and support 14 Indic languages makes it a powerful tool for digital inclusion, particularly in rural and remote regions where internet access is limited.
BharatGPT Mini’s architecture is optimized for deployment across various sectors, including healthcare, education, banking, and governance, allowing citizens to interact with essential services in their native languages. The model can be integrated into small businesses, government offices, and other organizations through the CoRover Builder platform, which offers a no-code solution for deploying AI assistants across web, telephony, and IoT systems. By processing data locally and encrypting it on-device, BharatGPT Mini ensures strong privacy and data sovereignty, aligning with India’s strategic goal of developing indigenous AI solutions.
The launch has garnered strong support from both the Indian government and industry leaders, who see BharatGPT Mini as a catalyst for democratizing access to digital services. CoRover anticipates significant growth in the adoption of Small Language Models, with early feedback indicating a substantial increase in project demand. As CoRover looks to expand its expertise globally, BharatGPT Mini stands out as a scalable, multilingual, and privacy-centric solution, setting a new standard for inclusive and sovereign AI innovation in India’s diverse landscape.
Kerala-based startup E-Quark Molecule Innovations Pvt Ltd, headquartered in Thrissur, has introduced an innovative device called Keratin that combines a mobile phone holder with a built-in charger. This unique gadget is designed to offer users a convenient solution to hold and charge their smartphones simultaneously, addressing the common challenge of managing power supply while using mobile devices.
The device enhances user experience by integrating two essential functions into one compact design. It securely holds the phone while providing efficient charging, making it perfect for use on desks, bedside tables, or other personal spaces where easy access and power are needed. This innovation aligns with the growing trend of multifunctional mobile accessories that prioritize both convenience and practicality.
E-Quark Molecule Innovations is a key player in Kerala’s dynamic startup ecosystem, which has been rapidly expanding in tech-driven areas such as electric vehicle charging infrastructure. With the launch of this mobile holder-charger, the company is establishing itself as a leader in user-centric mobile accessories, further cementing Kerala’s position as a hub for cutting-edge technology development.
Instagram is rolling out two major features in June 2025 that promise to give users unprecedented creative control and privacy: grid rearranging and silent posting. The long-awaited grid rearranging tool allows users to freely drag and drop posts anywhere on their profile grid, breaking away from the traditional chronological order. This means users can now curate their profiles for a more visually appealing or thematic presentation, without the hassle of deleting and reposting content—an update especially welcomed by brands, creators, and anyone meticulous about their digital aesthetic.
In tandem, Instagram is introducing the “Post quietly to profile” feature, which lets users add photos and videos to their grid without notifying followers or pushing the content to their feeds. This silent posting option is ideal for those who want to document moments privately, experiment with new content, or maintain a cohesive grid without spamming their audience. It’s designed to reduce the pressure of public sharing, making Instagram a more comfortable space for personal expression and experimentation.
These updates reflect Instagram’s commitment to user empowerment and flexibility, responding directly to years of feedback. As Instagram head Adam Mosseri stated, the goal is to help users “create and share without added pressure,” giving them more freedom over how their content appears and how they engage with their audience.