chats Archives

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.

AppWizard

July 9, 2025

Twitter co-founder launches Bluetooth-only messaging app

Jack Dorsey, co-founder of Twitter, has launched Bitchat, a peer-to-peer messaging app that operates over Bluetooth without the need for internet or phone numbers. Currently in beta testing via Apple's TestFlight, Bitchat uses local Bluetooth mesh networks to relay messages, ensuring encrypted conversations that disappear by default. Users can create password-protected group chats and future updates may include Wi-Fi Direct support. The app is designed for use in situations with compromised internet access and does not collect user data or require accounts. A whitepaper on GitHub outlines its technical framework aimed at resisting censorship. While still in early testing, the app's effectiveness at scale is yet to be evaluated, and there are no announcements for an Android version or public launch plans.

AppWizard

July 9, 2025

Google Gemini can now read your WhatsApp chats without you knowing – but you can stop it

Starting July 7, 2025, Google’s AI chatbot, Gemini, will automatically interact with third-party applications on Android devices, including Messages, WhatsApp, Utilities, and Phone applications. Users can expect Gemini to perform tasks such as sending messages, setting timers, and making phone calls with minimal input. These interactions will occur automatically, regardless of whether the Gemini Apps Activity setting is activated. Conversations will be logged in user accounts for up to 72 hours, even if users disable the Gemini Apps Activity. Google has informed Android users about these changes via email. Concerns regarding privacy have been raised, with Tuta, an encrypted email service, highlighting the lack of transparency from tech companies. Users can disable Gemini's interaction with apps through the Apps settings page or uninstall it entirely using developer tools. Future Android updates may introduce Gemini features to additional devices.

AppWizard

July 9, 2025

Twitter’s former CEO launches Bluetooth-based messaging app

Jack Dorsey has introduced Bitchat, a messaging application that operates over Bluetooth mesh networks, eliminating the need for the internet, servers, SIM cards, phone numbers, or email addresses. Bitchat is currently in beta on TestFlight and facilitates encrypted, peer-to-peer communication between nearby devices. Features include one-on-one encrypted chats, optional group messaging with password protection, searchable messages using hashtags, and store and forward functionality for delayed message delivery. Future versions will incorporate WiFi Direct technology to enhance communication speed and range.

AppWizard

July 8, 2025

Jack Dorsey Builds Offline Messaging App That Uses Bluetooth Instead of the Internet

Jack Dorsey has launched a new messaging application called Bitchat, which operates outside the conventional internet framework. Bitchat uses Bluetooth technology to send messages directly between devices, eliminating the need for phone numbers, servers, and data plans. The app allows communication over distances of up to 300 meters by relaying messages through nearby devices. Bitchat does not include usernames, chat backups, or lengthy inbox histories; messages are ephemeral, encrypted, and stored locally. The beta version was launched on Apple’s TestFlight, filling 10,000 testing slots quickly. The app currently supports small group chats with features like hashtags and password protection, and future updates may introduce WiFi Direct support. Bitchat aims to provide direct, unmediated communication, aligning with Dorsey's vision for user-centric technology.

AppWizard

July 8, 2025

I Tried Signal, Telegram and WhatsApp, and This Is the One I’d Recommend

Telegram retains data necessary for its operations, including metadata like IP addresses. In 2024, the company updated its privacy policy to clarify that it can disclose IP addresses and phone numbers of rule violators to law enforcement upon valid legal requests. This resulted in Telegram fulfilling 900 information requests from U.S. authorities in 2024, affecting 2,253 individuals. Telegram has experienced data breaches, including a 2020 incident where 42 million Iranian users had their data compromised and a 2019 vulnerability exploited by Chinese agencies affecting protestor identities in Hong Kong. The platform allows users to create public channels for sharing content, but these channels are not end-to-end encrypted. Telegram offers secret chats that are end-to-end encrypted, but they are limited to the device of origin. The app allows for automatic message deletion, with a minimum interval of one day, and features a self-destruct option for accounts after a period of inactivity. Telegram's client applications are open-source, while its server-side code is closed-source. The company operates on a freemium model, offering a paid tier for enhanced features. Telegram is available for free download on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

AppWizard

July 8, 2025

No Internet, No Problem: Jack Dorsey Unveils Bluetooth Messaging App ‘Bitchat’

Jack Dorsey, co-founder of Twitter and CEO of Block, has launched a messaging app called Bitchat, which enables communication without internet connectivity using Bluetooth mesh networking. Bitchat operates on a peer-to-peer basis, does not require user accounts, and ensures messages are encrypted and temporary, without interaction with a central server. Users can communicate within a 300-meter radius, and messages can be relayed to others beyond direct Bluetooth range. The app features password-protected group chats, delayed message delivery for offline users, and will support Wi-Fi Direct for improved range and speed. All messages are stored solely on users' devices and are designed to disappear over time. Bitchat is described as a decentralized, peer-to-peer messaging application resilient to network outages and censorship. The beta release quickly filled all 10,000 slots, indicating significant interest.

AppWizard

July 8, 2025

Jack Dorsey Launches Bitchat, A Bluetooth Messaging App

Jack Dorsey has introduced Bitchat, a decentralized peer-to-peer messaging application that operates on Bluetooth networks without the need for an Internet connection, phone numbers, or email addresses. It utilizes Bluetooth mesh networks for encrypted communication, allowing messages to "hop" across devices. Messages are stored only on users' devices and disappear by default, with privacy features like cover traffic, timing randomization, and ephemeral identities for user anonymity. Bitchat supports group chats identified by hashtags, which can be password-protected, and allows messages to be forwarded to offline users. Dorsey described Bitchat as a weekend project focused on exploring Bluetooth mesh networks and encryption techniques. The app is currently in beta testing via TestFlight, which has reached capacity, and there are plans to integrate WiFi Direct support to enhance its capabilities.

AppWizard

July 8, 2025

Jack Dorsey’s new messaging app works without internet. What is Bitchat?

Jack Dorsey has introduced Bitchat, a messaging app that operates without internet connectivity by using Bluetooth technology for direct messaging. The beta version is available via TestFlight, and a white paper is accessible on GitHub. Bitchat functions as a peer-to-peer platform, leveraging Bluetooth mesh networks to allow users to exchange encrypted messages without requiring internet access, central servers, phone numbers, or email addresses. Messages can travel up to 300 meters by relaying through other devices. All messages are stored on users' devices, disappear by default, and do not pass through central servers, prioritizing user privacy and resistance to censorship. Bitchat allows for group chats called “rooms” and includes a feature for saving messages for offline delivery. Future updates will introduce WiFi Direct capabilities. Following the announcement, all 10,000 beta spots were filled.

AppWizard

July 8, 2025

Bitchat beta launched by Jack Dorsey: Find out how the bluetooth-based app will potentially rival WhatsApp

Jack Dorsey has launched a decentralized messaging application named Bitchat, which operates exclusively over Bluetooth technology and does not require internet connections, phone numbers, or centralized servers. The app is currently in beta on TestFlight and emphasizes user privacy by encrypting communications that are ephemeral and stored only on users' devices. Bitchat allows for the creation of Bluetooth mesh networks to relay messages between devices, even extending beyond typical Bluetooth range. It features password-protected group chats and a store-and-forward option for offline messaging. Future updates will incorporate Wi-Fi Direct to improve network speed and range. Bitchat reflects Dorsey's commitment to decentralization in digital services and is designed to maintain connectivity in situations of internet outages or restrictions.