Latest news with #authentic
TechCrunch
5 days ago
- Business
- TechCrunch
Photo-sharing app Locket is banking on a new celebrity-focused feature to fuel its growth
Locket, the photo-sharing app that allows users to share images with friends that are then displayed on their home screens as widgets, wants to stay on your radar, and it's enlisting the help of celebrities. Locket emerged as a competitor to BeReal when it launched in 2022, offering a more authentic way to connect with others. The app places a widget on iPhone home screens that updates with the latest pictures added by friends. Users can select up to 20 close friends, creating an intimate space to share unfiltered selfies and updates on their lives. The app claims to have over 80 million total downloads, more than 9 million daily active users, and its users have shared more than 10 billion photos to date. Notably, the company also shared with TechCrunch that it achieved profitability in 2024, a significant accomplishment given its relatively modest fundraising efforts of just $12.5 million. To drive additional growth, Locket has been quietly testing a feature called 'Celebrity Lockets' for the past six months, which the app officially announced on Wednesday. Image Credits:Locket Celebrity Lockets mostly focuses on music artists, letting them engage with fans by sharing details about upcoming shows, new album releases, and other news. Locket has already tested this feature with Sukie Waterhouse and JVKE, with more artists to be announced soon. To use the feature, celebrities can share a link on their social media platforms, or fans can look them up in the app to add them, and they can then send photos directly to their fans' home screens. 'With posts going straight to fans' home screens, it offers the kind of immediacy and intimacy that other platforms can't replicate, turning passive followers into active participants,' founder Matt Moss told TechCrunch. Techcrunch event Tech and VC heavyweights join the Disrupt 2025 agenda Netflix, ElevenLabs, Wayve, Sequoia Capital — just a few of the heavy hitters joining the Disrupt 2025 agenda. They're here to deliver the insights that fuel startup growth and sharpen your edge. Don't miss the 20th anniversary of TechCrunch Disrupt, and a chance to learn from the top voices in tech — grab your ticket now and save up to $675 before prices rise on August 7. Tech and VC heavyweights join the Disrupt 2025 agenda Netflix, ElevenLabs, Wayve, Sequoia Capital — just a few of the heavy hitters joining the Disrupt 2025 agenda. They're here to deliver the insights that fuel startup growth and sharpen your edge. Don't miss the 20th anniversary of TechCrunch Disrupt, and a chance to learn from the top voices in tech — grab your ticket now and save up to $675 before prices rise. San Francisco | REGISTER NOW Locket allows artists to choose a number of fans to connect with, ranging from 1,000 to 15,000 slots. For instance, Suki has 5,000 fans on the app and has helped Locket attract hundreds of new members. According to the company, 17% of these 5,000 fans were new to Locket. 'Fans feel special knowing they're one of just a few thousand rather than just another follower. This also preserves the same intimacy and brand of Locket as a product today … We knew our community used Locket to share music with their friends, so being able to also connect with their favorite artists is a natural evolution for the platform,' Moss said. Although Moss says the feedback from testers has been good, it's unclear whether this will help Locket grow its user numbers. BeReal tried something similar with a feature called 'RealPeople,' but the reception wasn't entirely positive, with some people saying that they preferred the anti-social media app as a way to escape from celebrities.
Times
02-08-2025
- Times
In search of the real Greece — one ginger tablet at a time
S omewhere between hour four and hour six, my complexion takes on the colour of week-old tzatziki. I begin to question all my life choices — especially the one where I decide to skip Greece's easy-living beach resorts and travel by bus to the southern Peloponnese. My goal? Somewhere authentic, somewhere that doesn't involve battling for a poolside lounger at 6am. But about 150 miles into the 200-mile journey southwest from Athens, I am suddenly struggling to keep my breakfast down. What I haven't anticipated is the bus driver, a chain-smoking oracle of rage, whose driving style could best be described as 'hell-bent with horn.' I tumble off the bus into an uninspiring modern sprawl, and drag my luggage — and dignity — across the bridge, grumbling to my partner about how we should've just gone to Mykonos.
RNZ News
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- RNZ News
Tourism agency enlists Bollywood couple to woo Indian tourists
Actors and real-life couple Rajkummar Rao and Patralekhaa appear in a Tourism New Zealand campaign set in the country's top tourism sites. Photo: Supplied / Tourism New Zealand Tourism New Zealand has launched a #BeyondTheFilter campaign in India to promote the South Pacific nation as an "authentic, less-crowded" destination for tourists. Featuring Hindi actors and real-life couple Rajkummar Rao and Patralekhaa, the campaign comprises a five-part cinematic mini-series. "The mini-series taps into the Indian consumer's growing appetite for authentic, unfiltered travel experiences that prioritise genuine connection and rejuvenation over curated social content," said a spokesperson for Tourism New Zealand, the agency responsible for promoting the country as a travel destination. "The content showcases New Zealand's landscapes, unique experiences and culture, wellness offerings and cuisine while demonstrating the ease and appeal of autumn travel - highlighting cosy weather, settled conditions and fewer crowds - perfectly addressing the digital fatigue amongst our target audience. "This aligns seamlessly with our global 100% Pure New Zealand brand focusing on connection and fulfilment." Tourism New Zealand has engaged trade partners such as Thomas Cook to enhance package conversion, releasing the mini-series across all its channels and on partner platforms. "To date, it has performed very well, with the launch event in Mumbai being attended by 33 media outlets, generating 379 million reach and 100 percent positive sentiment," the agency said. It had earlier unveiled a winter marketing campaign in March in Mumbai that targeted Indian visitors. Indian actor Rajkummar Rao Photo: Supplied / Tourism New Zealand India is New Zealand's fifth-largest market. According to Tourism New Zealand data, 81,400 visitors travelled from India in the year to 31 May. "This was down 5.5 percent year on year but represents a 122 percent recovery compared to 2019 (pre-Covid) arrivals," the spokesperson said. "Indian visitors are important to year-round visitation with 75 percent arriving outside the December-February summer period. On average, Indian visitors have a strong length of stay at 17 days, and 40 percent visit four or more regions." Tourism New Zealand has identified India as a market that has a strong opportunity to convert into real visitation. "India represents one of [Tourism New Zealand's] markets with enormous potential, with 14 million people in Mumbai, New Delhi and Bengaluru actively considering a trip to New Zealand," the spokesperson said. "However, the conversion to booking is low. "The alignment between the Indian holiday period and our shoulder seasons creates a year-round tourism opportunity that benefits both destinations and visitors seeking authentic, less-crowded travel experiences. "As part of our ongoing strategy to increase arrivals to New Zealand ... Rajkummar Rao and Patralekhaa were identified as relevant key opinion leaders within the market who can reach a significant number of people actively considering a trip to New Zealand," the spokesperson said. In 2015, Bollywood actor Sidharth Malhotra was appointed as Tourism New Zealand's first ambassador for India. Asked how the agency chose its ambassadors, the spokesperson for Tourism New Zealand said it "strategically selected high-profile advocates or influencers to support campaigns to grow the sector in New Zealand" from time to time. "Advocates are trusted, liked and well-known people who share stories on our behalf and support authentic destination storytelling," the spokesperson said.
Daily Mail
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Cancer survivor who shouted 'I love you, Kate' at the Princess of Wales during Wimbledon final reveals he'd had 'too much Pimm's' before his emotional outburst
The man who shouted 'I love you, Kate!' to the Princess of Wales on the day of the Wimbledon final has said the beloved royal is clearly 'authentic' and exudes 'class' and 'kindness'. On July 13, Princess Kate, 43, in her role as patron of the all England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, appeared on Centre Court to present the trophies for the men's singles final. During a spell of quiet, Father Jim Sichko, a Catholic priest from Lexington, Kentucky, US, took the opportunity to express his admiration for the royal when he cried out: 'I love you, Kate!' The mother-of-three burst out laughing, clearly taken aback by the unexpected outburst - but Father Sichko didn't notice Kate's heartwarming reaction until he saw the now-viral footage of the event. Royal fans had already given the Princess a standing ovation when she first appeared earlier that day as a spectator, but her reaction delighted the crowds anew. Father Sichko, who admitted he had 'too much Pimm's', told People: 'Let me tell you, you can tell if someone is authentic and she is authentic. 'What you see is what you get. You can't make up those types of emotions and conversations and exchanges.' The priest added that Kate radiated 'such class, such kindness' when the time came to present the prizes to the winners. The 58-year-old said that when Kate emerged with husband William by her side, he was pleasantly surprised, before other audience members informed him they were watching as a family. Kate brought her two eldest children George, 11, and Charlotte, ten, to watch the final at SW19 from the Royal Box, alongside their father Prince William, 43. Louis, who is only seven, was notably absent, but his parents made sure not to leave him out and asked the men's champion Jannik Sinner to sign an extra tennis ball for the youngster so he wouldn't get 'upset'. Father Sichko noted how Kate stayed 'until the end' of the day, and took her time to greet and speak to all the children on the court. When Kate stepped out to present trophies to winner Jannik Sinner and runner-up Carlos Alcaraz, there was a moment of silence - before Sichko called out. At the time, he didn't know if anyone had heard him, and was not even aware that the royal had reacted. 'Then I was worried, because I didn't hear anything afterwards,' Sichko added, 'and I was like, "Oh my goodness, did anyone hear that? Did it fall on deaf ears?"' Sichko, a priest from the Roman Catholic Diocese of Lexington and a Missionary of Mercy for Pope Leo XIV - then posted to his large social media following to apologise if it was 'inappropriate', saying he had been caught in the moment. A cancer survivor of both kidney and prostate cancer, Sichko expressed his great respect for the Princess who attended the sporting event just six months after she shared she was in remission from cancer. He noted that Kate could have easily ignored him, or even been disdainful, but her reaction was the opposite, and proved what Sichko's 'intuition' told him about the Princess's 'heart' and love for her role. The priest made note of the royal's professionalism and calm demeanour, despite the very public nature of the role, adding that she seemed truly comfortable when conversing with the ball boys and girls. He praised the air of awe and admiration by the crowds directed at Kate, who he feels emanates a much-needed sense of hope in a time of global despair. But Sichko only found out about Kate's joyous response when friends and social media followers began sending him headlines from the event. Of Kate's transparency about her cancer journey, Sichko spoke highly, adding that her story resonates with others because she is open - sending the message that everyone is vulnerable and can be affected. The priest also understands how tiring cancer treatment or surgery can be, he said, adding that he relates to the sense that work must be done, even if you do not feel like doing it.
Yahoo
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Justin Bieber His ‘Authentic Self' in New Album After Scooter Braun Split, ‘Source' Claims
is reportedly his 'authentic self' in his new album, 'Swag,' following his split from Scooter Braun. The singer made his surprise comeback on July 11 and dropped his latest project, which is already making waves on the internet. Beliebers have been basking in the Canadian musician's fresh music, and the early reactions are full of praise. A new report has now suggested the reason behind this album sounding 'so honest and vulnerable.' Justin Bieber's latest album, 'Swag,' is already a hit among fans, as the internet is full of positive reviews. According to new claims, the music sounds especially different because it comes after the 31-year-old singer's split from his longtime manager, Scooter Braun, in 2023. Rolling Stone exclusively learned from a source that 'Swag' is 'the most pure version' of Bieber that 'we've ever seen musically.' They stated the pop star was 'able to be his true, authentic self.' The source explained that he 'didn't have any additional voices trying to steer him in a certain direction' while working on his latest project. Bieber's new music reportedly is 'so honest and vulnerable' because it is the 'first time' in his career that he was 'able to have 100% creative freedom.' The Rolling Stone source also claimed that Bieber wanted to part ways from Braun and his team for 'so long.' After becoming 'fully free,' the 'Baby' hitmaker reportedly was able to 'create the best body of music he's ever made.' According to the source, this is because Bieber did not have to 'stress about creating the perfect single, or perfect album.' Meanwhile, Braun, too, praised Bieber's new musical work. Following the album's release, the 44-year-old businessman took to his Instagram Story to gush over the project. Billboard reported that Braun wrote, 'This is without a doubt, the most authentically Justin Bieber album to date.' He added, 'It's beautiful, raw, and truly him.' Braun continued to recall working with Bieber and 'witnessing his growth for almost two decades.' The investor wrote, 'He's poured his soul into this project, and you can feel it in every single run.' The post Justin Bieber His 'Authentic Self' in New Album After Scooter Braun Split, 'Source' Claims appeared first on Reality Tea.
