call quality Archives

AppWizard

November 29, 2025

WhatsApp Blocked in Russia: Messaging App Faces Crackdown

Roskomnadzor, Russia's communications regulator, plans to impose stricter restrictions on WhatsApp due to allegations of its use in activities that violate Russian law, such as organizing terrorist acts and fraud. WhatsApp has not met compliance standards, leading to extended limitations and the possibility of a complete ban if violations continue. Users have experienced a decline in call quality since August, prompting a recommendation to switch to domestic messaging apps. Andrey Svintsov, a deputy chairman in the State Duma, anticipates a potential shutdown of WhatsApp in Russia within four to six months, attributing restrictions to the app's owners' unwillingness to cooperate with Russian authorities and concerns over data security.

BetaBeacon

September 29, 2025

5 game-changing features coming to the Android phones of the future: From AI advancements to console-quality gaming

- The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor has a new, faster Hexagon NPU with more AI accelerators and an upgraded Sensing Hub for on-device AI learning features and agentic AI assistants. - The phones confirmed to have the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 include OnePlus 15, Xiaomi 17 Pro, Xiaomi 17 Pro Max, and the Honor Magic 8 Series, with other brands also planning to use it. - The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 offers more power and battery savings, with 35% more power efficiency and 16% overall power saving compared to its predecessor. - The processor is designed to offer better gaming performance and efficiency, with a 23% increase in overall performance and 20% reduction in power consumption. - The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 also enhances video capabilities with features like Advanced Professional Video Codec and Snapdragon Audio Sense for professional-quality audio recording. - The processor improves connectivity with AI-powered mobile connectivity, faster AI inferencing speeds, and lower gaming latency.

AppWizard

July 16, 2025

All signal, no substance VK’s Max app aims to replace WhatsApp, but the Russian celebrities paid to promote it have found just one selling point: it works

VK is promoting its new messaging app, Max, by enlisting internet personalities and celebrities to enhance its visibility. The app is currently in beta testing and is positioned as a potential alternative to WhatsApp, especially if Russian authorities restrict access to foreign messaging platforms. Notable figures like Daria Zoteeva and Valentina Karnaukhova have praised Max for its voice call quality, sharing positive personal experiences. As of June 30, VK reported one million registered users within three months, and by early July, user numbers reportedly exceeded two million following the introduction of group video calls.

AppWizard

June 10, 2025

Android 16 is officially here, and Pixels get first dibs on new features

Android 16 has been officially launched, with Google Pixel phones being the first to adopt this stable version. Key features include live notifications for real-time updates, a "desktop windowing" feature for larger screens, and custom keyboard shortcuts. The stable version was released on June 10, earlier than previous years. Enhanced communication capabilities for users with hearing aids allow clearer call quality and volume control from the phone. Security improvements include Advanced Protection against scam apps and online threats. Android 16 will roll out to Pixel 6 and newer models, with updates for other brands expected later this year. The Google Pixel 9 features a Tensor G4 chip, a 6.3-inch Actua Display, a dual-camera system, a 4700mAh battery, 12GB of RAM, and a commitment to seven years of OS and security updates, along with an IP68 water-resistant design.

Winsage

February 14, 2025

Microsoft makes another tweak to Windows 11’s taskbar – but it’s probably not the change you were hoping for

Microsoft has introduced a new icon on the Windows 11 taskbar that provides access to AI-driven Windows Studio Effects, which enhance video call quality with features like background blurring, simulated direct eye contact, improved lighting, and user centering. The icon appears when compatible applications are using the webcam, allowing users to see which application is accessing it, thus enhancing privacy. However, the feature is limited to devices with specific hardware requirements, including 16GB of RAM and a CPU with a neural processing unit (NPU), potentially restricting access for many users. This initiative is part of Microsoft's strategy to promote AI features, but user feedback has been mixed, with some expressing disappointment over the lack of traditional taskbar functionalities and questioning the necessity of these enhancements for professional use.

AppWizard

December 26, 2024

Recap: Pixel updates, Feature Drops, and new apps in 2024

In 2024, Made by Google released multiple updates for the Pixel phone, introducing new features and enhancing existing functionalities across six updates. - January Feature Drop: Launched with the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro, it included the Pixel Thermometer app for forehead temperature readings, Circle to Search, and the rebranding of Quick Share from Nearby Share. - March Feature Drop: Introduced with Android 14 QPR2, it featured an expandable Bluetooth Quick Settings Tile, a Material You volume slider, new casting options, and a "Hello?" button for the Call Screen feature. The Pixel Tablet received the Gboard Voice Toolbar. - June Feature Drop: Marked by the early launch of the Pixel 8a, it introduced Audio Emoji, Display Port Support for external screens, Gemini Nano technology, and camera improvements for various Pixel models. The Android 14 QPR3 update focused on minor tweaks. - Pixel 9 Series Launch: Debuted alongside Android 14, backporting features from the Android 15 Beta. Introduced three new applications: Pixel Screenshots, Pixel Studio, and Pixel Weather, along with Gemini Live and on-device Call Notes. - Android 15/October Drop: Introduced Android 15 with a Private Space option, Predictive Back functionality, a redesigned screenshot interface, underwater photography capabilities for the Pixel 9 series, and an enhanced Adaptive Vibration feature. - December Drop: Included Android 15 QPR1 with a Material You redesign for Settings, charging optimization, enhancements to the Pixel Screenshots app, a clear voice feature for the Pixel Recorder, broader rollout of contextual replies for Gemini, and Dual Screen Portrait Mode for foldable devices. Google extended Android OS updates for the Pixel 6 and 7 series.

AppWizard

November 21, 2024

Meta Brings Massive Messenger Upgrades Including AI Backgrounds, Siri Integration, and MORE

Meta has released a comprehensive update for Facebook Messenger, introducing several new features aimed at enhancing user experience. Key updates include the introduction of AI Backgrounds for video calls, allowing users to customize their environments with prompts or pre-made options. Improvements have also been made to audio and video call quality, including HD quality, advanced noise suppression, and voice isolation. Users can now leave audio or video messages for unanswered calls and use Siri for hands-free call initiation. Additionally, Messenger now has default end-to-end encryption for enhanced security, the ability to edit sent messages, and the introduction of a dedicated chatbot powered by Meta AI.

AppWizard

November 21, 2024

New Messenger Features Can Create HD Video Calls, AI Background, And More

Meta Platform Inc. has updated its Messenger app to enhance user experience during calls. Key features include the ability to personalize call backgrounds using AI-generated images, the introduction of HD video calls for clearer visuals over WiFi, background noise dampers, and voice isolation features to improve audio quality. Users can leave audio or video messages when calls are unanswered. Additionally, voice assistance integration allows users to request Siri to make calls or send messages hands-free.

AppWizard

November 21, 2024

Facebook Messenger adds new HD calling features, AI video backgrounds, more

Facebook Messenger is introducing several innovative features to enhance the calling experience for users, including AI-generated backgrounds for video calls, high-definition (HD) video calls, background noise suppression, voice isolation, the ability to leave audio and video messages, and Siri integration for hands-free calling and messaging. These updates aim to improve communication quality and user engagement on the platform.