Messenger Archives

AppWizard

October 4, 2026

Zoho launches business version of messaging app Arattai

Zoho has launched a business version of its messaging application, Arattai, designed for seamless communication between businesses and customers. Alongside this, the Arattai Business Platform has been introduced to integrate existing business software with Arattai, featuring a Mini-App capability for smooth AI integrations. Users can opt out of business promotions, and a dedicated business chat view has been added. Zoho positions Arattai as an alternative to WhatsApp, aiming to capture the Indian market. The platform will be free for government entities, public services, and healthcare and educational institutions.

AppWizard

October 4, 2026

Apple removes messaging app used by protesters to bypass internet restrictions in India

Apple removed the offline messaging application Bitchat from its India App Store following a request from the Ministry of Information Technology. This decision was influenced by reports that demonstrators at Jantar Mantar used Bitchat to communicate during protests against alleged irregularities in competitive examinations amid internet restrictions. Bitchat is an open-source, decentralized messaging app that allows communication without mobile data or Wi-Fi, using Bluetooth Low Energy technology and ensuring privacy through end-to-end encryption. The app's removal halts new downloads and security updates, although it remains accessible on existing devices. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology invoked Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000, to facilitate the takedown, citing national security and public order. The Internet Freedom Foundation criticized the removal as unconstitutional, arguing it infringes on free speech rights and called for transparency regarding the blocking order and rationale behind the action.

AppWizard

October 3, 2026

The latest planning applications in Trafford from last week

Trafford Council has received the following planning applications: - Land Off Bold Street, Old Trafford: Application for approval of details reserved by conditions of planning permission 114786/FUL/24, including landscape maintenance, remediation strategy, and sustainable drainage scheme. Ref. No: 120058/CND/26. - 170 Lostock Road, Davyhulme, Manchester M41 0TB: Certificate of proposed lawful development requested for the formation of a rear dormer. Ref. No: 120063/CPL/26. - 39 Green Walk, Timperley, Altrincham WA15 6JN: Application for the demolition of an existing garage and erection of a single-storey front extension, two-storey side extension, and part single/part two-storey rear extension. Ref. No: 120043/HHA/26. - Bridge Works, 2 Bridgewater Embankment, Altrincham WA14 4RL: Non-material amendment proposed to planning permission 111563/FUL/23 to vary wording of condition 4 and extend timescale to within 31 months. Ref. No: 120049/NMA/26. - White House, Booth Road, Altrincham WA14 4AU: Application for the demolition of an existing detached garage and construction of a single-storey rear and side extension with first-floor access, basement car parking with external car lift, and landscaping. Ref. No: 120044/HHA/26. - T G I Fridays, Cross Street, Sale M33 7JR: Application for approval of details reserved by condition 5 (landscaping) of planning permission 118058/FUL/25. Ref. No: 120053/CND/26. - 22 Oulton Avenue, Sale M33 2WA: Application for the erection of a single-storey rear and side extension, along with a new front porch. Ref. No: 120046/HHA/26. - 1 Bow Green Road, Bowdon, Altrincham WA14 3LZ: Proposal for the erection of a two-storey front extension and part single-storey/part two-storey side and rear extensions, with external alterations. Ref. No: 120036/HHA/26. - 54 New Street, Altrincham WA14 2QP: Application to demolish a conservatory and erect a rear extension with external alterations including replacement windows and a rooflight. Ref. No: 120038/HHA/26. - 1 Trafford Wharf Road, Trafford Park, Manchester M17 1BY: Non-material amendment proposed to planning permission 114818/FUL/24 to amend wording of conditions 3 and 4 and change the phasing plan. Ref. No: 120041/NMA/26.

AppWizard

October 2, 2026

Zoho launches Arattai-for-Business app; offers free messaging for healthcare, education

Sridhar Vembu, founder of Zoho, has launched the Arattai-for-Business app to improve business communications. This app is part of the Arattai Business Platform, which connects existing business software with the Arattai messaging service and is offered for free to government and public services, including the Railways. Zoho is also providing healthcare and educational institutions with a complimentary messaging allowance of up to one million messages per month. The Arattai-for-Business app is now live, but details on pricing for other businesses and a timeline for integrations with public services were not provided.

AppWizard

October 1, 2026

X’s Standalone Messaging App XChat Disappears From App Store

The XChat application, launched in April 2026, has been removed from the ‌App Store‌ by X, and users cannot locate the app through searches or access it via web links due to an "unavailable" error message. The reasons for its removal remain undisclosed.

AppWizard

September 30, 2026

Why is Spotify not working? Thousands of users report issues

By 3:20 PM on September 29, over 4,000 users reported issues with the Spotify app, particularly in the UK. Spotify acknowledged the situation on its X page, stating they were checking out the issues. Users expressed confusion and frustration on X, questioning whether the app was down and reporting difficulties in listening to music. Downdetector is a platform that allows users to report service disruptions for various popular services, and it monitors interruptions by collecting problem indicators from social media and other online sources.

AppWizard

September 29, 2026

AI-powered app maker Wabi pivots to a messaging experience

Wabi, an AI startup, has launched Wabi 2.0, a platform that serves as a sophisticated AI messenger while maintaining app-building capabilities. The founder, Eugenia Kuyda, describes Wabi 2.0 as a "personal agent" that enhances user experience by integrating conversation and task management. The platform distinguishes itself by targeting AI agents with conversational and productivity features, rather than competing with traditional coding tools. Users can request tasks that the agent fulfills by generating a tailored user interface for specific needs, such as health tracking or family management. Access to Wabi 2.0 is currently limited to invite codes distributed via X.

AppWizard

September 24, 2026

Russia’s state-backed messaging app Max can secretly change how it surveils individual users, researchers at InterSecLab find

The Max messenger, developed by VK, has significant user tracking capabilities. A report from InterSecLab revealed that: - Max's features can vary for individual users without app updates. - It lacks end-to-end encryption, allowing VK access to messages, even in "secret chats." - Each account can be configured to perform specific actions, such as decrypting messages on VK's servers and blocking messages if a VPN is detected. - Upon launching, Max reports the user’s network environment to VK, including their public IP address and mobile carrier. - The app uploads users’ entire address books unencrypted to VK's servers, accessing contacts of non-registered individuals. - A phone number query can reveal extensive user information without notification. - Max stops functioning if it detects a VPN, requiring users to disable it to send messages, although workarounds exist. - New users receive a curated list of recommended channels, primarily featuring state media and pro-government figures.

AppWizard

September 24, 2026

Ando wants to take on Slack with a team messaging app that lets humans and agents work together

In 2025, Sara Du identified challenges in integrating AI agents within communication platforms like Slack while assisting companies with MCP servers. She criticized the design of these platforms for treating AI agents as separate applications rather than team participants. Du proposed a solution to eliminate intermediaries between AI agents and teams, envisioning a system where agents could engage directly in conversations, understand decisions, ask questions, and autonomously notify humans when necessary. Du's startup, Ando, launched as a messaging platform that allows both human and AI workers to communicate seamlessly, featuring channels, direct messages, and live calls. Ando has raised a million in pre-seed and seed funding from firms like Accel and Index Ventures. Despite existing competition from platforms like Slack and Microsoft, Du sees potential for Ando to disrupt the market by focusing on AI agent integration. Currently, Ando works with clients in software, real estate, and finance across 15 countries, primarily small teams, and aims to expand its capabilities with the new funding.

AppWizard

September 22, 2026

Govt.nz app’s secure messaging feature delayed

Users have experienced difficulties validating their credit cards due to restrictions from card providers, highlighting the need for clear communication and support. During registration, users must enter their cardholder's name and credit card details, with a feedback mechanism in place to alert them to any errors. Users can view various subscription plans with transparent pricing, including taxes and promotional offers. Subscriptions auto-renew, but users can cancel easily. A prominent button facilitates access and provides visual cues during processing. User feedback is essential for refining the registration and billing processes to enhance the onboarding experience.