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Threads Unveils Live Chats To Transform Real-Time Cultural Engagement

Meta is introducing Live Chats on Threads, a feature designed to support real-time conversations during live events. The update reflects a broader push to increase engagement and position Threads more competitively within the social media landscape.

Real-Time Engagement During Key Events

The feature will debut within the NBA Threads community during the NBA Playoffs. Live sessions are expected to be hosted by media figures, including Malika Andrews, Rachel Nichols, and Da Kid Gowie, offering commentary and audience interaction tied to live games. The format aims to replicate real-time discussion typically seen across live sports coverage.

Interactive Features And Community Building

Live Chats allow users to share messages, images, videos, links, and reactions. Participation is limited to 150 active contributors per session, while additional users can join in a view-only mode. Entry points include community feeds, shared posts, and live indicators on user profiles. This structure is intended to balance active discussion with broader audience participation.

Enhanced Moderation And Safety Measures

Threads incorporates automated moderation systems to detect and remove policy-violating content. Hosts are also given real-time controls to manage conversations, including the ability to move users into spectator mode or remove participants when needed. These tools are designed to maintain discussion quality during high-traffic events.

Future Roadmap And Broad Applications

Meta plans to expand Live Chats beyond sports to other cultural moments, including music releases, television events, and global broadcasts such as the FIFA World Cup and major award shows. Upcoming features include co-hosting, live updates, lock-screen integrations, and tools for sharing chat highlights across the platform. These additions are expected to strengthen Threads’ role in real-time content engagement.

Conclusion

The introduction of Live Chats signals a shift toward more immediate, event-driven interaction on Threads. With additional features in development, the platform is positioning itself to compete more directly with real-time social platforms such as X.

Robust Cyprus Construction Activity Bolsters Vassilico Cement’s 2025 Performance

Vassilico Cement Works Public Company Ltd reported a net profit of €35.52 million for 2025, supported by strong construction activity in Cyprus. Company profit reached €34.99 million, reflecting higher revenues and improved operating performance.

Domestic Market Growth Driven By Cyprus Construction

Group revenue rose to €152.75 million, while company revenue reached €152.66 million, up 11% year on year. Growth was driven by increased sales volumes in the domestic market, where construction activity remained strong throughout the year.

Enhanced Production Efficiency And Cost Management

Gross profit increased to €50.30 million at group level and €50.21 million at company level, compared with €42.49 million in 2024. The improvement reflects gains in production efficiency and cost control, supported by higher use of alternative fuels and improved electricity efficiency. These measures reduced unit costs while supporting environmental targets.

Executive Insights And Macroeconomic Outlook

Executive Chairman Antonis Antoniou said strong domestic demand supported production volumes, with the company maintaining focus on the local market and managing exports selectively. He added that favorable economic conditions in Cyprus contributed to performance, despite regulatory pressures in Europe and broader geopolitical uncertainty.

Navigating Energy And Regulatory Challenges

Future performance will be influenced by energy market volatility and European climate policy, including carbon pricing and the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism. Rising fuel and electricity costs continue to affect energy-intensive industries.

The company is expanding its renewable energy capacity, with a photovoltaic park reaching 16MW and plans for an additional 8MW, subject to grid connection. The investments aim to improve cost stability and energy efficiency.

Shareholder Returns And Strategic Investments

The board approved an interim dividend of €0.15 per share, totaling €10.79 million, on September 25, 2025. A final dividend of €16.55 million, or €0.23 per share, will be proposed. Combined, total dividends amount to €27.34 million, or €0.38 per share.

Management said the company will continue focusing on efficiency, cost control and sustainability as it navigates energy market pressures and regulatory requirements.

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