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Bluesky Expands Ecosystem with Upcoming Photo App, Flashes

Bluesky, the decentralized social network, is set to grow its app ecosystem with the launch of Flashes, a photo-sharing app developed by Berlin-based independent developer Sebastian Vogelsang. This new platform, expected to debut in the coming weeks, aims to provide an alternative for users seeking open, decentralized options outside of Big Tech’s dominance.

Flashes is built on the foundation of Vogelsang’s previous Bluesky client, Skeets, known for catering to iPad users and offering accessibility features for visually impaired users. Leveraging Skeets’ codebase, Flashes focuses on visual content, providing a dedicated platform for photo and video sharing within the Bluesky ecosystem.

At launch, Flashes will support features such as photo posts with up to four images, videos of up to one minute, and Bluesky’s direct messaging system. Posts shared on Flashes will seamlessly integrate with Bluesky’s broader network, appearing in users’ timelines and syncing comments across apps. The app reconfigures Bluesky’s timeline to emphasize photo and video content while retaining compatibility with the parent platform.

Vogelsang envisions Flashes as a gateway for users who might not identify as traditional “Twitter-type” users but are drawn to visual content. The app’s design is inspired by platforms like Instagram but stops short of replicating its features, aiming to provide a unique experience within the decentralized network.

Flashes aligns with the growing demand for alternatives to mainstream platforms like Meta’s Instagram – and, very likely, Tiktok, given the upcoming ban and the massive exodus of users seeking similar platforms. Flashes will launch without metadata options or subscription premium features, but a video-only app named Blue Screen is also already in the works. The official Flashes account has been providing teasers since the 15th, with more to follow as the app gets closer to full release.

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