communication preferences Archives

AppWizard

November 7, 2025

EU Gets WhatsApp Third-Party Messaging: Here’s What You Can Expect

WhatsApp is introducing a beta feature for European users that allows them to send and receive messages from other messaging platforms, starting with BirdyChat. This initiative is a response to the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), which requires major platforms to collaborate with competitors. Users can exchange messages, images, videos, and voice notes securely, although some WhatsApp features like status updates and disappearing messages will not be available in cross-platform conversations. The feature will be opt-in by default, allowing users to control communication preferences, and currently only BirdyChat is supported, with future integration from other apps expected. This feature is in beta within EU regions, with no plans for expansion outside Europe at this time.

AppWizard

August 15, 2025

911 emergency calls now possible through messaging apps in these LGUs

Residents and visitors in Morong, Rizal, and Mambajao, Camiguin Island can now make emergency calls through messaging apps and social media platforms as part of a modernization initiative for emergency response systems. Mambajao activated its local 911 emergency hotline on February 27, becoming the first next-generation 911-enabled command center in Northern Mindanao, reducing response times to three to seven minutes. The Next Generation Advanced (NGA) 911 Philippines launched the NEXiS Message platform, allowing emergency calls via traditional voice methods, text messages, video calls, and popular applications like Facebook Messenger. This system consolidates incoming messages into a single platform, improving efficiency and response times while ensuring the security of shared information through encryption. NEXiS Message integrates with legacy and modern communication technologies and facilitates inter-agency collaboration. NGA 911 Philippines aims to expand next-generation 911 technology to more communities in the country and has received certification from the National Emergency Number Association (NENA).

AppWizard

May 2, 2025

Signals crossed: How Signal Messenger thrived as support for Mike Waltz took a dive

Signal, the encrypted messaging app, has seen a surge in popularity due to increased media attention on the White House's Houthi attack plan scandal. The app's usage has risen as public perception shifts, with many viewing Signal as a champion of privacy amidst concerns about data breaches and surveillance. The app has reported a notable increase in daily active users, and market analysts anticipate potential expansions and innovations as competitors take note of Signal's success. The scandal has led to discussions about privacy and security, particularly affecting key figures within the U.S. government.

AppWizard

April 13, 2025

Google app removing Assistant settings on Android

The Google app version 16.12+ has removed the link to "Google Assistant" from the profile menu under Settings, affecting how users access Assistant settings. Users can still manage Assistant settings through the Google Home app or by navigating through System Settings on their mobile device. Some users have also noted that "Gemini" is not present in the Google app settings, which primarily focuses on Google Search functionalities.

AppWizard

November 19, 2024

Use of mobile messaging apps in Brazil 2023

From 2018 to 2023, the penetration rates of mobile messaging apps among smartphone users in Brazil changed as follows: - WhatsApp increased from 80% to 95%. - Telegram rose from 15% to 40%. - Facebook Messenger stabilized around 50%. - Signal grew from 5% to 15%. These changes reflect a shift towards secure messaging platforms and increased user awareness of privacy issues.