Top tech news of the week: March 11

This week, the tech industry learned about an exciting new development coming out of Meta. The company has quietly shared that it’s working on a text-based app similar to Twitter, but decentralized in a somewhat unexpected way. In the app space, TikTok launched a feature called Series, which gave creators a chance to pay for their content.

On the product side, meanwhile, Apple has shared an official look at the first “yellow” iPhone 14 and 14 Plus. According to a report by analyst Ming-Chu Kuo, the company is expected to launch a third-generation HomePod with a built-in 7-inch screen. As for accessories for Apple products, Daniel Arshem has teamed up with CASETiFY for a line inspired by his 1978 Porsche 928 special.

Below, Hypebeast has rounded up the best tech stories of the week so you can stay up-to-date on trends in the industry.

Daniel Arsham and CASETiFY launched the Nebula 928 line

For his new line with CASETiFY, Daniel Arshem took inspiration from his latest automotive endeavor, the NEBULA 928. In the year Reinventing the Porsche 928 in 1978, Arsham improved the front and rear fenders and finished the vehicle with a beautiful metallic paint job.

Bringing these design elements to CASETiFY, the line is emblazoned with the Arsham “A” logo and features a royal purple case with a matching metallic color palette. One case has a stainless steel finish and the other has a futuristic round blob body, matching the AirPods case. Available online starting March 17, the CASETiFY x Daniel Arsham Nebula 928 collection retails between $75 and $190 USD.

Meta is working on a decentralized Twitter alternative.

Meta has revealed that it is working on a new decentralized texting app. While the company revealed few details about the project, called P92, a representative confirmed to the platform that Meta is currently building an “independent, decentralized social network for sharing text updates.”

“We believe there is an opportunity for a dedicated space where creators and public figures can share real-time updates about their interests,” the company said.

Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri is said to be leading the development, and in the future users will be able to log into the app using their existing Instagram credentials.

Apple is rumored to release the HomePod with a 7-inch screen in 2024.

Apple launched the second-generation HomePod model last month, but the company is working on a new and advanced version. For the third generation, the company is introducing a 7-inch screen with a built-in HomePod screen, Apple analyst Ming-Chu Kuo said.

Per Cuo’s prediction, the third-generation HomePod is intended to “enable tighter integration with Apple’s other hardware products” and is expected to launch sometime in 2024. As Apple expands its smart product strategy, it has reportedly partnered with Chinese manufacturer Tianma. The screens show the two companies working together for the first time.

TikTok’s new ‘series’ feature allows creators to pay for the wall’s “premium” content

TikTok has released a new feature called Series, offering content creators another way to attract revenue. Creators with access to the feature can post multiple pieces of content in a paywall “collection.” They can set their own price to pay followers to access the content bundles.

A series can contain up to 80 videos, each video up to 20 minutes long. So far, TikTok has only made the series available to select creators, though it plans to roll out apps in the coming months for those who want to access the feature.

Apple has given a first look at the iPhone 14 and 14 Plus in “yellow”.

Apple is now offering a “yellow” colorway for the iPhone 14 and 14 Plus. After giving consumers a look at the new “Alpine Green” and “Green” finishes on the iPhone 13, the company is introducing a sunny edition to its lineup this spring.

The “Yellow” colorway is available on iPhones with 128GB, 256GB and 512GB storage capacities. Those interested can pre-order the model now ahead of its official launch starting March 14.