chats Archives

AppWizard

July 29, 2025

Twitter co-founder and former CEO Jack Dorsey’s Bluetooth messaging app now available on App Store – The Times of India

Jack Dorsey has launched BitChat, a Bluetooth-based messaging application now available on the Apple App Store, enabling offline communication without cellular or Wi-Fi connectivity. The app allows users to connect with nearby individuals by simply launching it, setting a display name, and messaging anyone within Bluetooth range (up to 100 meters). BitChat facilitates encrypted communication through local Bluetooth clusters, with messages relayed between devices and stored only on individual devices, ensuring privacy. It includes features such as optional group chats secured with passwords and a "store and forward" capability for offline users. Future updates may introduce Wi-Fi Direct to improve speed and range. BitChat operates on a peer-to-peer basis without accounts or data collection, distinguishing it from mainstream messaging platforms.

AppWizard

July 25, 2025

Instagram is mistakenly calling your friends AI in a new glitch plaguing users

On July 25, Instagram users experienced a glitch preventing them from sending messages to friends, with the app labeling contacts as "AI chats." Namerah Saud-Fatmi from Android Central reported that her friends, who she follows and who follow her back, did not appear when trying to send Reels. Users on Reddit echoed similar frustrations, noting that their friends were also labeled as AI, causing them to vanish from chat lists. Some users had been facing this issue for up to two days, and a workaround involved copying links to Reels to share directly.

AppWizard

July 24, 2025

OperaGX is a browser built for PC gamers, and these 5 features prove it

Opera GX is a web browser designed specifically for PC gamers, featuring several tools to enhance performance and user experience. 1. GX Control allows users to limit RAM and CPU usage to prevent system slowdowns during gaming. 2. GX Corner serves as a hub for gaming news, free games, and release dates, providing a curated list and calendar without advertisements. 3. Integration of services like Twitch and Discord into the sidebar enables seamless communication while gaming. 4. The Hot Tabs Killer feature identifies and allows users to close resource-heavy tabs to maintain performance. 5. Users can customize the browser with various themes, background music, sound effects, and wallpapers to create a personalized experience.

AppWizard

July 22, 2025

What is MAX, the state-owned app Russia’s Vladimir Putin is trying to replace WhatsApp with?

Russia has mandated that all government officials transition to the Max app by September 1 as part of a strategy to reduce reliance on foreign messaging platforms like Telegram and WhatsApp. The ban on WhatsApp is anticipated as officials prepare for the rollout of the state-developed Max app by VK Company, which has extensive access to users' personal data and operates under close government oversight. The legislation also prohibits apps from countries that have sanctioned Russia, indicating an effort to bolster national security in digital communications. Additionally, restrictions on software and services from "unfriendly countries" are being proposed, along with fines for accessing online content deemed extremist.

AppWizard

July 21, 2025

WhatsApp Said to Be Developing Quick Recap Feature for Unread Messages

WhatsApp is developing a feature called Quick Recap for its Android app, currently in testing within beta version 2.25.21.12. This feature will allow users to generate concise summaries of unread messages from up to five selected conversations, located in the three-dot menu. Quick Recap utilizes Private Processing for data security, ensuring user data remains secure during processing. It will be optional and disabled by default, with users able to activate it in app settings. Conversations with Advanced Chat Privacy enabled will not be compatible with this feature. The launch timeline for Quick Recap has not been disclosed.

AppWizard

July 18, 2025

Crypto Messaging App Ephemera Bags $20M Series B at $300M Valuation

Ephemera, a blockchain-based messaging platform, secured million in a Series B funding round, co-led by Union Square Ventures, A16z Crypto, and Lightspeed Faction, achieving a valuation of 0 million. The round included participation from Coinbase, Sound Ventures, and actor Ashton Kutcher. The funding was structured as equity with token warrants, and Fred Wilson from Union Square Ventures joined Ephemera’s board. The platform is developed by the creators of XMTP, a decentralized messaging network utilizing IETF-standard Messaging Layer Security, which is trusted by companies like Mozilla, Google, Wire, and Cisco. XMTP aims to allow users to transfer conversations between different messaging apps, addressing concerns about centralization and user ownership of messages.

AppWizard

July 17, 2025

Beeper Just Got Smarter with On-Device Messaging and a New Plus Plan

Beeper is a multi-service messaging application that supports various platforms including WhatsApp, Instagram, Messenger, Discord, LinkedIn, Matrix, Slack, Google Chat, X, Telegram, Signal, and Google Messages. The app has introduced on-device messaging, allowing users to connect directly to these services, enhancing speed and security with end-to-end encryption for compatible networks. A new premium tier, Beeper Plus, is available for .99 per month, allowing users to connect up to 10 accounts and offering features such as message scheduling, chat reminders, incognito mode, and AI-powered voice note transcription. The app remains available for free but with limited functionality.

AppWizard

July 17, 2025

Beeper Updated With On-Device Accounts, Support for End-to-End Encryption

Beeper has merged with Texts.com under Automattic and now allows users to access chats from multiple services like WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook Messenger, Instagram, and Google Chat. The platform is shifting to support on-device accounts for enhanced privacy and will eventually discontinue support for Beeper Cloud accounts. On-device accounts provide end-to-end encryption without storing personal information on cloud servers. Users can set up on-device accounts for platforms including WhatsApp, Instagram, Telegram, Google Chat, Messenger, Signal, LinkedIn, and X (formerly Twitter), with support for Discord and Slack coming soon. Beeper has a subscription model with the Beeper Plus plan at .99 per month, offering features like support for multiple accounts, message scheduling, and voice message transcription. There is also a "Beeper Plus Plus" plan for .99 per month, providing unlimited account support. Existing users can access 12 accounts for free, and early backers receive free permanent access to Beeper Plus features.

BetaBeacon

July 17, 2025

Forget copyright strikes, a retro gaming YouTuber faces jail time for reviewing gaming handhelds

Italian YouTuber Once Were Nerd is facing legal trouble in Italy for promoting pirated copyrighted materials, specifically related to ANBERNIC devices. Officials seized more than 30 gaming consoles from his collection and may shut down his channel before the case goes to trial. The charges are related to the reproduction of copyrighted material from Nintendo and Sony, and could result in a maximum punishment of €15,000 and three years of jail time. The case sets a dangerous precedent for other gaming-focused creators in countries with outdated copyright laws.

AppWizard

July 14, 2025

How to disable Gemini AI on Android and keep control of your apps

Google is integrating its AI, Gemini, with Android systems, allowing access to applications like WhatsApp, Messages, and Phone, starting July 7, 2025. This integration may override existing privacy settings unless users disable Gemini. Users can restrict Gemini's access to apps through the Google Gemini app settings or uninstall it. If Gemini is not pre-installed, it will not be automatically installed on devices. Disabling Gemini maintains previous privacy settings, but conversations may still be reviewed by human reviewers for AI training, with data retention lasting up to three years. Users are advised to avoid sharing sensitive information in Gemini chats.