communication tool Archives

AppWizard

November 21, 2025

magicApp Calling & Messaging For Android

magicApp, developed by MAGICJACK VOIP SERVICES, LLC, has a rating of 4.2 stars from over 10 million users. It allows unlimited calling to the U.S. and Canada, offers text messaging to any 10-digit U.S. number, and supports Wi-Fi calling. Users can choose a U.S. phone number with any available area code and enjoy global connectivity with other magicJack customers. The app includes features like caller ID, voicemail, call blocking, and call forwarding, and provides an ad-free experience. It integrates seamlessly with existing magicJack devices, allowing users to text U.S. mobile numbers without requiring contacts to download the app. magicApp is compatible with devices running Android 5.0 or higher, but unlimited calling does not extend to certain areas, including Alaska and specific Canadian territories, and calls to non-8YY services may incur additional fees.

AppWizard

October 29, 2025

95% of Internet users already use messaging apps: the most universal digital habit

Over 94.5% of global internet users engage with chat applications monthly, making messaging the most prevalent digital activity. The top three motivations for online activity are searching for information (62.8%), staying in touch with friends and family (60.2%), and following news and events (55%). Messaging aligns with maintaining connections and accessing real-time information, resulting in a consistent engagement rate of around 95% among users. Young adults aged 25 to 34 have over 96% participation in messaging apps. As of February 2025, the most popular messaging apps are WhatsApp (over 2 billion monthly active users), WeChat (1.38 billion), Facebook Messenger (947 million), Snapchat (850 million), and QQ (562 million). WhatsApp had over 35 million downloads in August 2025, followed by Telegram (28 million) and Snapchat (27 million). In-app purchase revenue shows Snapchat leading with over 0 million per month, while Telegram and LINE generate approximately million each. Countries like Nigeria, Morocco, Ghana, and South Africa report nearly 100% monthly engagement with messaging platforms, while Mexico and Brazil surpass 98%. In the U.S., Facebook Messenger (60%) leads, followed by FaceTime, iMessage, and WhatsApp. WhatsApp had 3.24 billion unique mobile users by June 2025, with users in Indonesia and Brazil spending over 24 hours per month on the app. In emerging markets, it serves as a platform for video calls, news sharing, money transfers, and shopping. Trends in mobile messaging include 35.5% of internet users engaging in video calls, with Nigeria leading at 75%. Telegram has over 12 million premium subscribers, and digital communities like Discord are thriving. Microsoft Teams has 320 million daily active users, and Zoom remains significant for virtual meetings. In digital commerce, 32% of shoppers start their search on Google or other search engines, 29% on marketplaces, and 8% directly on social media, with Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok being key platforms for in-app shopping.

AppWizard

October 22, 2025

Britons Furious as Meta Axes Messenger Desktop App From 15 December

Meta will discontinue the standalone Facebook Messenger desktop app for Windows and Mac, effective 15 December. Users will need to transition to the browser version, which has led to frustration among those who preferred the app for its focused messaging experience. Meta referred to the app as 'deprecated' but provided little explanation for its removal. Industry analysts suggest the decision is part of a cost-saving initiative, while UK users feel it diminishes their choices. Meta has urged users to back up their encrypted chat history, noting that conversations may not transfer automatically to the browser version. The decision comes as Facebook faces declining relevance in the UK, amid regulatory challenges and public skepticism. Earlier this year, Meta introduced a paid subscription model for Facebook and Instagram in Britain, allowing users to opt out of personalized advertising. Reports indicate that over 700 employees have been laid off in the UK, intensifying perceptions of the company retreating from the market. Concerns have also emerged regarding Meta's use of user data and AI, with reports revealing that posts could be used to train AI systems without explicit consent. The discontinuation of the Messenger app symbolizes a loss of user control and has prompted some users to reconsider their engagement with the platform.

AppWizard

October 21, 2025

Elon Musk Takes A Dig At Signal, The Messenger’s President Hits Back

Several major platforms, including Snapchat, Signal Messenger, and Duolingo, experienced an unexpected outage that frustrated users. Elon Musk expressed diminished trust in Signal, prompting a defense from Signal's President, Meredith Whittaker, who highlighted the platform's reputation for privacy and security. Signal's centralized system does not compromise encrypted communications, as it does not retain keys to the encrypted data. Musk is promoting X Chat as a secure alternative in the messaging landscape, with plans to enhance user confidence through a simplified verification process. Signal has faced criticism over operational issues, and Musk's comments suggest he aims to position X Chat as a competitor to Signal and other messaging platforms.

AppWizard

October 18, 2025

Be prepared to say goodbye to Facebook Messenger on your Galaxy Book

Meta is closing the Facebook Messenger app for macOS and Windows on December 15, after nearly five years of availability on these platforms. Users will need to access Messenger through web browsers on Windows devices. The mobile version of Messenger will continue to operate, and the Facebook app will still allow access to Messenger on Windows. Meta has not provided specific reasons for this decision, but it is suggested that most users prefer mobile access. Users are advised to secure any important messages before the app's closure. The Messenger app started as part of the Facebook mobile app, became standalone in 2014, and Meta has since focused on WhatsApp for communication.

AppWizard

October 15, 2025

Threads is rolling out group chats and expands messaging to the EU

Users of Threads can now engage in conversations with up to 50 participants, featuring personalized chat names and invite links. The platform has expanded its messaging capabilities to include group chats and media sharing options such as photos, videos, GIFs, and stickers. It has integrated privacy features, including a requests folder for unsolicited messages, options to disable direct messages from non-followers, and a hidden folder for harmful content. The messaging functionalities are being rolled out across Europe, with plans for a global rollout. Meta has announced further updates, including improved inbox management tools.

AppWizard

October 11, 2025

Arattai Messenger rockets to five million downloads within days

Arattai Messenger has achieved over 5 million downloads shortly after its launch. Developed by Zoho, it serves as an alternative to messaging apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Messenger, aiming to meet the needs of smaller organizations. The app features a lightweight design optimized for low-bandwidth environments, making it suitable for users in rural and semi-urban areas. Arattai also offers an Android TV version that allows cross-platform communication. However, it uses localized data storage instead of full end-to-end encryption, raising concerns about privacy and data security among experts.

AppWizard

October 8, 2025

The Indian messaging app that wants to take on WhatsApp

The Indian messaging app Arattai, developed by Zoho, has gained seven million downloads in a week, a significant increase from fewer than 10,000 downloads in August. This surge is attributed to the Indian government's promotion of self-reliance and homegrown products, with endorsements from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and federal minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Arattai's daily sign-ups rose from 3,000 to 350,000 within three days of the government's support. Despite its initial success, Arattai faces competition from WhatsApp, which has around 500 million monthly active users in India. While Arattai offers similar features to WhatsApp, challenges include retaining users beyond initial downloads, concerns about data privacy, and compliance with Indian regulations. Arattai currently provides end-to-end encryption for voice and video calls, but not for text messages; however, it is working to implement this feature. User trust and clarity regarding data privacy will be critical for Arattai's sustained success in a competitive market.

AppWizard

October 8, 2025

Arattai App Statistics (2025) – Users, Downloads & Insights

Arattai, a messaging application developed by Zoho Corporation, was launched in January 2021 as an internal communication tool and has since grown significantly, with user sign-ups increasing from 3,000 to 350,000 in three days and monthly active users exceeding 1 million. In September 2025, app downloads rose from under 10,000 to 400,000. The app allows file sharing of up to 2 GB and supports group creation with 1,000 members. It remains ad-free and does not use AI integration or data tracking. Arattai is designed specifically for Indian users, supporting multiple regional languages and optimized for low-cost smartphones and slower internet connections, with all data stored in Indian data centers. Despite its growth, it faces competition from WhatsApp, which has 2.95 billion global monthly active users, including 535.8 million in India. Arattai's security features include end-to-end encryption for voice and video calls, but text messages are unencrypted.

AppWizard

October 1, 2025

Kakao’s update woes

KakaoTalk has retracted its first significant update in 15 years due to user dissatisfaction. The update changed the Friends tab from an alphabetical listing to a grid-style feed, aiming to enhance user engagement and advertising opportunities. Following backlash, Kakao Corp. will revert to the original list-style format for the Friends tab and move the feed-style posts to a separate section. Critics noted a lack of user feedback in the update's planning, raising concerns about user privacy and Kakao's decision-making processes. The update negatively impacted Kakao's stock prices, which have been declining since September 23. Kakao, founded in 2010, now has over 124 affiliates and is facing scrutiny for its expansion strategies. The company plans to implement the rollback by the end of the year.