chats Archives

AppWizard

April 20, 2026

WhatsApp Is Testing a Paid ‘Plus’ Plan: Android Beta Users Spot New Personalisation Features, Pricing Still in Trial

WhatsApp is piloting a subscription service called WhatsApp Plus for a select group of Android users. The service includes features such as the ability to pin up to 20 chats, exclusive animated sticker packs, 18 new theme colors, custom app icons, unique ringtones, and bulk settings for chat management. The estimated monthly fee for WhatsApp Plus is approximately €2.49, aimed at enhancing user engagement while keeping core messaging features free.

AppWizard

April 19, 2026

Samsung Messages is going away, so here are 5 the best messaging alternatives

Samsung will officially cease operations of its Samsung Messages app in July 2026 and has stopped pre-installing it on newer Galaxy devices, including the Galaxy S26 series. Users can continue to send messages through the app until the shutdown, but emergency services and specific contacts will not be supported. Samsung is directing users to Google Messages as the official alternative, which supports Rich Communication Services (RCS) and is the default messaging app on most Android devices. Google Messages offers features such as reliable cross-texting with iPhone users, typing indicators, high-quality media sharing, message reactions, and built-in spam protection. Alternatives to RCS include WhatsApp, which offers voice and video calls, group chats, and message reactions, but has raised privacy concerns. Telegram allows large group chats, channels, and file sharing but lacks end-to-end encryption by default. Signal provides end-to-end encryption for all communications and collects minimal user data, making it the most secure option. Customizable SMS apps like Textra and QUIK SMS do not support RCS, making Google Messages the most viable option for RCS functionality.

AppWizard

April 17, 2026

Meta announces date for 2026 Conversations event

Meta will host its 2026 Conversations messaging conference on June 3 in London, focusing on innovations for WhatsApp, Messenger, and IG Direct. The event will feature Meta executives discussing the future of messaging for businesses and the integration of AI tools. It will be live-streamed for global accessibility. This year's keynote will highlight innovations in business messaging, AI agents, and the potential for custom chatbots. Meta plans to invest over billion in AI infrastructure over the next three years. Messaging has become a key focus for Meta, with increased usage of private messaging and tools to enhance business interactions. The adoption of Click-to-Message ads is rising, and the conference will provide insights into the latest trends and tools in messaging.

AppWizard

April 16, 2026

XChat Standalone Messaging App Launches Next Week

XChat is a standalone messaging app from the social media platform X, set to launch next week. It focuses on direct messaging, user privacy, and speed, featuring encrypted messaging, high-resolution photo and video sharing, and a streamlined interface that prioritizes active chats. The app will also support audio and video calls. XChat aims to create a dedicated space for private conversations while integrating with the existing X network.

AppWizard

April 13, 2026

X’s standalone messaging app XChat to launch on April 17

X’s messaging app, XChat, will launch on April 17 and allows users to send direct messages (DMs) to anyone on the X platform. It is currently available for pre-order on the App Store and is designed for seamless communication across devices. XChat features include end-to-end encryption, message editing, the ability to delete messages, screenshot blocking, disappearing messages, and support for large group chats with up to 481 members. The app prioritizes user privacy by not displaying ads or tracking user data.

AppWizard

April 13, 2026

Google Messages now gives you a second chance to recover deleted chats

Google Messages has introduced a trash folder feature that allows users to recover deleted chats. Deleted conversations will remain in the trash for 30 days, during which users can restore or permanently delete them. New messages from previously deleted chats will appear as new threads, without restoring the original conversation.

AppWizard

April 12, 2026

Elon Musk’s XChat messaging app scheduled to be released on Friday

Elon Musk's XChat messaging app will launch on Apple’s App Store this Friday. The app focuses on user privacy and security, featuring end-to-end encrypted chats and file sharing, and is free from advertisements and tracking. Key features include the ability to edit messages after sending, delete messages, make messages disappear after a set time, and utilize screenshot blocks. Musk envisions XChat as a Western counterpart to Tencent’s WeChat, aiming to transform the social media platform X.

AppWizard

April 11, 2026

X’s messaging app, XChat, may be available soon

XChat is now available for pre-order on the App Store and will be officially released on April 17. The app is designed for users of the X platform and features end-to-end encryption, the ability to edit and delete messages, block screenshots, and enable disappearing messages. It supports group chats of up to 481 members and is promised to be ad-free without user tracking. Users can pre-order XChat for iPhones and iPads, ensuring automatic download upon release.

AppWizard

April 10, 2026

I didn’t know how much I needed Gemini’s scheduled actions until I tried them

Megan Ellis, a user of the Gemini app, has found scheduled actions to be a valuable feature that automates routine tasks, saving her time and enhancing her productivity. Scheduled actions allow users to set automated prompts for the chatbot to generate responses at designated intervals, such as weekly or monthly reports and daily news summaries. Access to this feature varies by account type: personal accounts require Google AI Pro or Ultra plans, while work and school accounts have access limited to specific Google Workspace editions. To set up a scheduled action, users can chat with the AI, input a prompt, and instruct Gemini to repeat the action at specified times. Notifications alert users when their scheduled actions are ready. Megan uses scheduled actions to receive weekly summaries of consumer tech news and curated series recommendations, helping her stay informed and manage her viewing preferences. She wishes the feature were available to free users with some limitations.

AppWizard

April 6, 2026

Samsung will discontinue its Messages app in July and replace it with Google’s

Samsung will discontinue its Samsung Messages app by July of this year, as announced on its website. Users are recommended to transition to Google Messages, which offers enhanced features such as Rich Communication Services (RCS) messaging, group chats, and real-time typing indicators. Google Messages also includes generative AI features for photo remixing and simplifies conversation switching across devices. Samsung has been phasing out its messaging app, starting with the Galaxy Z Fold 6, Flip 6, and Galaxy S25 series, which no longer preload Samsung Messages. The final date for the app's discontinuation will be communicated through the app.