chat Archives

AppWizard

May 6, 2025

Mike Waltz’s Cabinet Messaging App Goes Dark After Massive Hack

TeleMessage, an encrypted messaging application, has temporarily suspended its services following a security breach. The platform was used by dismissed national security adviser Mike Waltz during a Cabinet meeting, and a leaked image of his inbox showed conversations with notable figures such as Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The breach, reported by 404 Media, did not access messages among Cabinet members but compromised data from Customs and Border Protection, cryptocurrency firm Coinbase, and various financial institutions. The hacker claimed the breach was easy, completing it within 15-20 minutes. Signal, the platform from which TeleMessage archives messages, stated it cannot guarantee the security of unofficial versions. TeleMessage was acquired by U.S. company Smarsh last year for archiving communications. Following controversies, including Waltz's accidental inclusion in a group chat discussing a military operation, he was removed from his position, and President Trump expressed skepticism about using Signal for government communications.

AppWizard

May 6, 2025

TeleMessage suspends services after hackers claim breach

TeleMessage has temporarily suspended all services due to a reported security breach, with the parent company Smarsh investigating the incident. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has discontinued using the app as a precaution. A hacker claimed to have accessed a centralized TeleMessage server and downloaded data, including a screenshot of the contact list for employees at Coinbase, which confirmed the authenticity of the screenshot but stated that customer data remained secure. Multiple U.S. government agencies have contracts with TeleMessage or related entities. Another hacker also claimed to have breached TeleMessage, providing evidence of their claims. The investigation into the breach is ongoing, and it is unclear if sensitive communications from U.S. officials were compromised.

AppWizard

May 5, 2025

Microsoft shuts down Skype — messenger worked for over 20 years

The Skype app officially ceased operations on May 5. Microsoft announced that all Skype accounts and users' chat histories will be transitioned to the Microsoft Teams app. Skype users can upgrade to the complimentary version of Microsoft Teams, which retains most of Skype's features and introduces new functionalities. Users can sign in to Microsoft Teams Free using their existing Skype credentials, with contacts and chat histories automatically transferred. A notification will guide users through the migration process. Users who do not adopt Microsoft Teams Free can save their Skype data. Skype was launched in 2003 by Niklas Zennström and Janus Friis and was acquired by Microsoft in 2011 for .5 billion. Microsoft introduced Teams in 2017 as a collaboration platform based on Skype.

AppWizard

May 3, 2025

Photo appears to shows Mike Waltz using Signal-like app that can archive messages

White House Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly confirmed that the encrypted messaging application Signal is officially sanctioned for government use and installed on government-issued devices. The National Security Council has not commented on the related app, TeleMessage, which is derived from Signal and designed to help government entities comply with records retention laws. TeleMessage was founded in 1999, acquired by Smarsh in 2024, and has been involved in government contracts, including a .1 million contract with the Department of Homeland Security and FEMA that began in February 2023 and will conclude in August 2025. Tom Padgett, Smarsh’s president for enterprise business, stated that like Signal, messages sent through TeleMessage are encrypted, but the app does not address security issues raised by a recent incident involving Signal. The specifics of how government officials utilize TeleMessage remain unclear, and five cybersecurity experts admitted they were unfamiliar with the app prior to recent developments. TeleMessage licenses parts of its technology, including its encryption protocol, to other companies, but Signal clarified there is no formal agreement with TeleMessage and expressed concerns about the privacy and security of unofficial versions of their app.

Tech Optimizer

May 2, 2025

McAfee+ Premium antivirus review

McAfee+ Premium offers comprehensive antivirus protection without device restrictions under a single account. It includes features such as an unrestricted VPN, True Key password manager, file shredder, and cleanup tools. The pricing is higher compared to some competitors, with an Essential subscription available for .99 annually, covering five devices. The Advanced package costs .99 and includes fraud protection and a credit bureau scan, while the Ultimate package is .99 and offers three credit bureau scans. Ransomware protection is included only in the Advanced and Ultimate packages. Performance tests show a malware detection accuracy of 99.96%, although it has a higher number of false positives compared to Bitdefender. The interface is user-friendly, and customer support is available 24/7 via chat, but email support is not offered.

AppWizard

May 2, 2025

The PC game releases we’re most excited about in May

In May, several notable games are set to release, including Among Us 3D, Revenge of the Savage Planet, and Elden Ring Nightreign. Events include Gamescom Latam in São Paulo until May 4, PAX East in Boston from May 8 to May 11, EVO Japan in Tokyo from May 9 to May 11, and the Six One Indie Showcase on May 22. Steam Fest sales will feature themed events: Wargames Fest (April 28 - May 5), Creature Collector Fest (May 12 - May 19), and Zombies vs. Vampires Fest (May 26 – June 2). Upcoming game releases include: - May 5: Drop Dutchy - May 8: Captain Blood, Creature Keeper, Empyreal, The Midnight Walk, Yes, Your Grace: Snowfall - May 9: Anoxia Station - May 15: Capcom Fighting Collection 2 - May 21: JDM: Japanese Drift Master, Fantasy Life: The Girl Who Steals Time, Gundam Seed Battle Destiny, Bonaparte - A Mechanized Revolution - May 22: Deliver At All Costs, TMNT: Tactical Takedown - May 23: Onimusha 2 - May 28: To a T, As We Descend - May 29: A Nice Day for Fishing - May 30: F1 25

AppWizard

May 1, 2025

How to schedule WhatsApp messages on Android

Users can schedule messages on WhatsApp for Android by following these steps: 1. Open WhatsApp on the Android device. 2. Select the chat for the scheduled message. 3. Compose the message. 4. Access the scheduling options, usually indicated by a clock icon. 5. Set the desired date and time for sending the message. 6. Confirm the schedule to finalize the process.

AppWizard

April 30, 2025

AI Inside the Messenger: How Gem Space Helps with Everyday Tasks

Gem Space is a multifunctional super app that integrates messaging, news feeds, AI tools, and various features to enhance productivity. It allows users to manage tasks from a single platform, utilizing AI for tasks like drafting emails, translating messages in real-time, and transcribing voice messages. Users can create content quickly within the app and receive curated news tailored to their interests. Additionally, it offers gift suggestions through its built-in AI and is testing a marketplace for delivery across Russia. The app aims to simplify daily tasks and improve work-life balance.

AppWizard

April 29, 2025

How to archive Facebook messages on Android

To archive a conversation in the Facebook Messenger app, scroll through your chat list to find the specific chat, press and hold on it to bring up a menu, and select the "Archive" option. This moves the conversation to an archived folder, helping to organize your inbox while keeping messages accessible.

AppWizard

April 29, 2025

Gemini preps a ‘Saved info’ rebrand as work on chat history search continues (APK teardown)

- The Gemini name is being phased out from headers, indicating a potential rebranding effort. - The "Saved info" feature may be renamed to "Memory" to enhance its functionality in remembering user preferences. - Improvements are being made for accessing and viewing chat history to enhance user interaction and navigation. - The latest beta version, 16.16.39.sa.arm64, reveals upcoming features, although they are not yet visible to the public. - The removal of the Gemini label from model headers is a prominent change, accompanied by a new blue background effect and a reorganization of model names and descriptions. - A search tool for chat history is being introduced, with various layouts being tested, including one that prioritizes Gems at the top. - Enhancements to the compose box are planned, potentially offering suggestions for research topics and Canvas projects.