Fizz Expands Marketplace and Personalization with New Leadership from TikTok

Fizz, a fast-growing college social app, is taking major steps to enhance its platform by bringing on David Vasquez, a former TikTok executive, as its new Head of Product. Vasquez, who previously led creator monetization and TikTok Shop, will play a key role in developing Fizz’s recommendation engine, marketplace, and content strategy.

Enhancing Personalization and the Recommendation Engine

One of Vasquez’s primary objectives is to refine Fizz’s recommendation system, ensuring users receive content that aligns with their interests. Drawing from his experience at TikTok, he aims to replicate the highly effective content curation strategies that helped TikTok dominate social media.

“One of TikTok’s greatest strengths is putting the right content in front of the right user at the right time,” Vasquez told TechCrunch. “I want to bring that level of personalization to Fizz.”

Fizz plans to leverage AI-driven insights to analyze user engagement and surface trending content across different topics. This approach will enhance content diversity while ensuring that users receive highly relevant posts. For example, a user frequently engaging with sports discussions will see more related content while still being introduced to new, engaging topics.

Expanding the Fizz Marketplace Beyond Peer-to-Peer Transactions

Vasquez is also focused on expanding Fizz’s peer-to-peer marketplace, applying insights from his time at TikTok Shop. The company is exploring integrated payments and expanding marketplace offerings to include brand partnerships.

“Right now, transactions happen purely via DMs,” Vasquez explained. “We see an opportunity to introduce in-app payments and even integrate e-commerce brands into the platform.”

This shift could transform Fizz into a social-driven commerce hub, allowing users to buy not only from peers but also from established brands. By streamlining transactions and onboarding retailers, Fizz is positioning itself as a Gen Z-friendly shopping destination.

Pushing Further into Video Content

Recognizing Gen Z’s preference for short-form video, Vasquez has already increased Fizz’s maximum video length from 15 seconds to 30 seconds. This simple change has resulted in a 350% surge in video content creation on the platform.

Fizz plans to continue investing in video, potentially extending the maximum duration to one minute in the future. The goal is to make video content more engaging and interactive, ensuring users stay connected and actively contribute to the platform’s growth.

Opening the Platform to Brand Partnerships and Advertising

Fizz is now welcoming brand partnerships, with a growing interest from generative AI companies looking to advertise. As the platform scales, integrating sponsored content and branded campaigns could unlock new revenue streams and further solidify its position in the social media space.

Strong Growth and Competitive Positioning

Fizz is entering 2025 with significant momentum, boasting a 245% increase in daily posts and a 61% rise in daily active users (DAUs) since the start of the year. Vasquez attributes part of this growth to the uncertainty surrounding TikTok’s future in the U.S., a trend that has also benefited platforms like Snapchat.

“With the changing social media landscape, we’re seeing more users looking for authentic, community-driven platforms,” Vasquez noted.

Fizz’s Expanding Reach

Founded in 2021, Fizz is now available at more than 300 colleges and universities, with over 18 million posts on the platform. Backed by $41 million in funding, the company is rapidly evolving from a college-exclusive social app into a next-generation social commerce and content hub.

With Vasquez at the helm of product innovation, Fizz is poised to redefine social media engagement, blending personalization, commerce, and video into a seamless user experience. As the platform scales, it could emerge as a key player in the evolving social media ecosystem.

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Mobile

Tecno Spark Slim: Could This Be the World’s Thinnest Smartphone with a Massive Battery?

by George Mensah 2025-03-01

The smartphone industry is no stranger to innovation, and 2025 is shaping up to be the year of ultra-slim devices. Leading the charge is Tecno, a brand known for pushing boundaries in mobile technology. At MWC 2025 (Mobile World Congress), Tecno is set to unveil its latest concept device, the Spark Slim, which could potentially claim the title of the world’s thinnest smartphone. But that’s not all—this sleek device also packs a surprisingly large battery, defying expectations for such a slim profile. Let’s take a closer look at what makes the Tecno Spark Slim a potential game-changer.

The Tecno Spark Slim: A Marvel of Engineering

The Tecno Spark Slim is designed to be a trailblazer in the ultra-thin smartphone category. Here are the key specs that make it stand out:

1. Unmatched Thinness

The Spark Slim boasts a jaw-dropping thickness of just 5.75mm, making it over 33% thinner than the Galaxy S25 Ultra (8.6mm) and nearly 2mm slimmer than the iPhone 16 (7.6mm). If released, it could easily claim the title of the world’s thinnest smartphone—at least until competitors like Apple potentially unveil the rumored iPhone 17 “Air” with a thickness of 5.5mm.

2. Impressive Battery Capacity

Despite its ultra-slim design, the Spark Slim doesn’t compromise on battery life. Tecno has managed to fit a 5,200 mAh battery into the device, which is 200 mAh larger than the battery in the Galaxy S25 Ultra. This is a remarkable achievement, considering the Spark Slim’s significantly thinner profile.

3. Cutting-Edge Battery Technology

The secret behind the Spark Slim’s slim yet powerful design lies in its use of silicone-carbon battery technology. This advanced tech, also employed by brands like OnePlus and Oppo, allows for higher energy density, enabling manufacturers to pack larger batteries into slimmer devices. For example, OnePlus has used this technology to fit 6,000 mAh batteries into its flagship models.

Is the Tecno Spark Slim Too Good to Be True?

While the Spark Slim’s specs are undeniably impressive, there’s a catch: it’s still just a concept. Tecno has a history of showcasing groundbreaking concept devices at MWC, many of which never make it to market. For instance, last year, the company unveiled a rollable smartphone concept that has yet to see the light of day.

In a statement, Tecno described the Spark Slim as a “boundary-pushing concept device” that showcases “advanced technologies and revolutionary materials.” The company emphasized that the device is designed to lead the next wave of ultra-thin smartphone design without compromising on performance.

The Challenges of Ultra-Thin Smartphones

While the idea of an ultra-thin smartphone is appealing, it comes with its own set of challenges:

1. Durability

Thinner devices are often more prone to bending or breaking, especially under pressure. Tecno will need to ensure that the Spark Slim is robust enough to withstand everyday use.

2. Thermal Management

Slimmer designs can lead to overheating issues, particularly when paired with high-performance components. Effective thermal management will be crucial to maintaining the device’s performance and longevity.

3. Market Demand

While ultra-thin smartphones are impressive, consumers often prioritize features like battery life, camera quality, and durability over slimness. Tecno will need to strike a balance between aesthetics and functionality to appeal to a broad audience.

What This Means for the Smartphone Industry

The Tecno Spark Slim represents a bold step forward in smartphone design. If Tecno can bring this concept to market, it could set a new standard for ultra-thin devices, challenging industry giants like Samsung and Apple to innovate further.

Potential Competitors

Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge: Rumored to be 5.84mm thick, this device could be a direct competitor to the Spark Slim.
iPhone 17 “Air”: Apple’s rumored ultra-thin iPhone, with a thickness of 5.5mm, could steal the spotlight if it launches before the Spark Slim.

The Future of Smartphone Design

The Spark Slim highlights the growing trend of combining sleek designs with powerful performance. As battery technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see more devices that defy traditional size constraints, offering both style and substance.

Should You Be Excited About the Tecno Spark Slim?

For tech enthusiasts, the Spark Slim is an exciting glimpse into the future of smartphone design. Its combination of ultra-thin form factor and impressive battery capacity is a testament to Tecno’s engineering prowess. However, until the device moves from concept to reality, it’s best to temper expectations.

A Bold Vision for the Future

The Tecno Spark Slim is more than just a concept—it’s a statement. By pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in smartphone design, Tecno is challenging the status quo and inspiring the industry to think differently. Whether or not the Spark Slim makes it to market, its unveiling at MWC 2025 is a reminder that innovation is alive and well in the world of mobile technology.

As we wait to see if the Spark Slim becomes a reality, one thing is clear: the race to create the world’s thinnest smartphone is heating up, and Tecno is leading the charge.

Mobile

Is Starlink Internet Worth It?

by George Mensah 2025-03-01

In today’s hyper-connected world, reliable internet access is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. But for those living in rural areas, remote locations, or constantly on the move (like vanlifers), traditional internet options like cable or fiber-optic services often fall short. Enter Starlink, SpaceX’s satellite internet service, which promises to bridge the digital divide by delivering high-speed, low-latency internet virtually anywhere on the planet. While Starlink has been a game-changer for many, it’s not without its challenges. In this guide, we’ll explore whether Starlink is the right choice for you, weighing its benefits against its costs, limitations, and installation requirements.

What is Starlink Internet?

Starlink is a satellite internet service developed by SpaceX, Elon Musk’s aerospace company. Unlike traditional ISPs that rely on ground-based infrastructure like cables or fiber optics, Starlink uses a constellation of low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites to beam internet signals directly to users. This innovative approach allows Starlink to provide high-speed internet in areas where traditional ISPs like Comcast, AT&T, or Verizon don’t offer coverage.

Key features of Starlink include:

High-Speed Connectivity: Speeds of up to 200 Mbps, making it suitable for streaming, gaming, and remote work.
Low Latency: Latency as low as 20-40 milliseconds, comparable to many ground-based services.
Global Coverage: Available in over 100 countries, with plans to expand further.

Who is Starlink For?

Starlink is particularly appealing to three main groups:

Rural Residents: People living in areas without access to cable or fiber-optic internet.
Vanlifers and Travelers: Those who need reliable internet while on the road or in remote locations.
Urban Users Seeking Alternatives: Individuals in cities who want an alternative to traditional ISPs, though this comes with caveats (more on that later).

The Pros of Starlink Internet

1. Accessibility in Remote Areas

For rural and remote communities, Starlink is often the only viable option for high-speed internet. It eliminates the need for costly infrastructure projects, bringing connectivity to places that major ISPs have overlooked.

2. Portability

Starlink’s roaming service allows users to take their internet connection wherever they go, making it ideal for vanlifers, campers, and digital nomads.

3. High-Speed Performance

With speeds of up to 200 Mbps, Starlink outperforms many traditional satellite internet providers, which often struggle to deliver consistent speeds.

4. Ease of Setup

Starlink’s user-friendly design allows for DIY installation. The kit includes a satellite dish, router, and cables, with step-by-step instructions to get you online quickly.

The Cons of Starlink Internet

1. High Costs

Starlink’s pricing can be a barrier for many users:

Residential Service: 120/monthplusa120/monthplusa599 upfront hardware cost.
Roaming Service: 150/monthforunlimiteddataor150/monthforunlimiteddataor50/month for 50GB.
Additional Costs: Mounts and accessories can add to the expense.

Compared to the average U.S. internet bill of $72.58/month, Starlink is significantly more expensive, especially for urban users who have access to cheaper alternatives.

2. Weather Sensitivity

Starlink’s satellite-based service is vulnerable to weather-related disruptions:

Rain Fade: Heavy rain can scatter the satellite signal, causing slower speeds or outages.
Snow Build-Up: While the dish has a Snow Melt feature, significant snow accumulation can still block the signal.
Wind and Storms: High winds can misalign the dish, and lightning poses a risk of damage.

3. Limited Availability in High-Demand Areas

Despite its extensive coverage map, Starlink is currently sold out in several major U.S. cities, including Seattle, Portland, San Diego, and Austin. Users in these areas must join a waitlist, with no guarantee of when service will become available.

4. DIY Installation and Maintenance

Unlike traditional ISPs, Starlink requires users to handle installation and maintenance themselves. This can be challenging for those unfamiliar with setting up satellite equipment or mounting dishes on rooftops. Additionally, ongoing maintenance—like clearing debris and troubleshooting connectivity issues—falls on the user.

Is Starlink Worth It? A Decision Guide

For Rural and Remote Users

If you live in an area without access to cable or fiber-optic internet, Starlink is a game-changer. Despite its higher cost, the ability to access high-speed internet where no other options exist makes it a worthwhile investment.

For Vanlifers and Travelers

Starlink’s roaming service is ideal for those who need reliable internet on the go. While the upfront cost is steep, the flexibility and performance make it a top choice for mobile users.

For Urban and Suburban Users

If you live in a city with access to traditional high-speed internet, Starlink may be harder to justify. The higher costs and potential weather-related disruptions make it less appealing compared to cable or fiber-optic services.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Starlink

Optimize Dish Placement: Ensure your dish has a clear, unobstructed view of the sky for the best signal.
Prepare for Weather: Be aware of how rain, snow, and wind can affect your connection, and take steps to mitigate these issues.
Join the Waitlist Early: If you’re in a sold-out area, sign up for the waitlist as soon as possible to secure your spot.
Consider Accessories: Invest in mounts and other accessories to make installation and maintenance easier.

A Revolutionary Service with Room for Improvement

Starlink has undoubtedly revolutionized internet access for rural and remote users, offering a level of connectivity that was previously unimaginable. However, its high costs, weather sensitivity, and limited availability in urban areas mean it’s not the perfect solution for everyone. For those who can benefit from its unique capabilities, Starlink is a game-changing investment. For others, traditional ISPs may still be the better choice.

As SpaceX continues to expand its satellite constellation and improve its services, Starlink’s potential to reshape the internet landscape is immense. Whether you’re in a remote cabin, a bustling city, or a van on the open road, Starlink offers a glimpse into the future of global connectivity.

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