communication tools Archives

Winsage

February 3, 2025

Modern Discord hacked into Windows 95 and 98, slimmed down version keeps core functionality intact

A developer known as IProgramInCpp has backported Discord to Windows 95 and Windows 98 Second Edition, creating a version called Discord Messenger. This backport retains essential messaging functionalities such as direct messages, server interactions, image uploads, message editing, typing indicators, server member lists, and untrusted URL indicators. However, it lacks features like the friend list, dark mode, and voice channel capabilities, with voice call support being particularly challenging to integrate. The application runs on Windows 98 SE and Windows XP SP2, but may not appeal to users on modern systems. Caution is advised as using a custom Discord client may violate the platform's terms of service, especially since certain features are omitted to avoid spam detection.

BetaBeacon

February 3, 2025

Three-Way Split-Screen: A Game-Changer for Android 16 and One UI 8

Android 16 could introduce a three-way split-screen mode for tablets, allowing users to run three apps simultaneously on a single screen. This feature, inspired by OnePlus' Open Canvas, aims to enhance multitasking capabilities for larger screens. Samsung's One UI 8, based on Android 16, may bring this feature to its tablets, improving productivity and app management for users. The introduction of this feature could revolutionize the way users interact with tablets, maximizing screen real estate and bringing Android tablets closer to competing with productivity-focused devices like iPads.

AppWizard

December 20, 2024

5 Secure Messaging Apps For 2025

In 2025, five noteworthy secure messaging applications include: 1. Signal: Offers default end-to-end encryption, collects minimal user data, has an open-source codebase, and recently introduced usernames for enhanced anonymity. 2. Session: Operates on a decentralized network with end-to-end encryption, does not require a phone number or email for registration, and uses onion routing for metadata protection. 3. WhatsApp: Utilizes end-to-end encryption, offers features like disappearing messages and encrypted backups, but has concerns regarding metadata collection. 4. Wickr: Features military-grade encryption, a zero-knowledge architecture, self-destructing messages, and enterprise-level functionality. 5. Viber: Provides end-to-end encryption, hidden chats secured by PINs, and secure group video calls, making it suitable for both personal and professional use.

Winsage

December 19, 2024

The objectively best AI tool on Copilot+ PCs is arriving on AMD and Intel chips

Microsoft is enhancing its Copilot+ PCs with upgraded live captions and translation features, allowing real-time translation for over 44 languages. This capability is designed to improve communication during video calls, recordings, and streamed content. The feature is available on AMD and Intel-powered Copilot+ PCs and requires enrollment in the Windows 11 Dev channel for access.

AppWizard

December 4, 2024

Google preps a feature to keep users in ‘clear voice’ in the Recorder app

Google is enhancing its Recorder app with a new "clear voice" feature to minimize background noise and improve voice clarity. The app has also introduced a "summarize" function on the Pixel 8, allowing users to obtain concise summaries of audio recordings. The Recorder app debuted on Chromebooks in November, offering functionalities like speech-to-text generation and title suggestions. It utilizes Google's advanced large language model (LLM) for improved user experience. Pixel devices now have a "Transcribe again" tool for re-transcribing recordings in 42 languages, with cloud processing for quick transcription results.

AppWizard

November 21, 2024

New Messenger Features Can Create HD Video Calls, AI Background, And More

Meta Platform Inc. has updated its Messenger app to enhance user experience during calls. Key features include the ability to personalize call backgrounds using AI-generated images, the introduction of HD video calls for clearer visuals over WiFi, background noise dampers, and voice isolation features to improve audio quality. Users can leave audio or video messages when calls are unanswered. Additionally, voice assistance integration allows users to request Siri to make calls or send messages hands-free.

AppWizard

November 14, 2024

WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Skype banned by NatWest for staff communication; here’s why

NatWest Group has banned the use of messaging platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Skype on all company devices in the UK as part of a strategy to ensure employees communicate solely through approved channels for official business. This decision aims to enhance compliance and accountability by curbing off-channel communications, which pose challenges to regulatory compliance and record-keeping. The policy, effective earlier this month, is intended to facilitate better oversight and maintain accurate records during internal investigations or audits. The financial sector is facing increasing scrutiny over communication practices, with regulatory bodies emphasizing the need for robust communication protocols to uphold transparency and accountability.

AppWizard

November 12, 2024

WhatsApp bug is making messaging app unusable, showing green screen

A bug in the beta version 2.24.24.5 of WhatsApp has caused a green screen glitch that affects users, rendering the app inoperable when accessing chats. This issue primarily impacts beta testers and results in a complete transformation of the display into a solid green hue. Reports of the glitch have been shared across online platforms, with some users experiencing additional related issues, such as the app force-closing upon startup. The bug is confined to the beta version, and stable release users are unaffected. A suggested workaround for those impacted is to revert to an earlier app version, although this process can be complicated. WhatsApp's development team is expected to be working on a patch to resolve the issue.

AppWizard

October 18, 2024

Google is pushing more Android apps to use the new photo picker

Google has introduced a new photo picker feature in Android 13 that allows apps to access only selected photos and videos, enhancing user privacy. Adoption of this feature has been slower than expected, prompting Google to enforce stricter regulations on apps using READMEDIAIMAGES and READMEDIAVIDEO permissions without justification. Developers must submit a declaration form to justify their need for broader access, with full implementation of this policy expected by January next year. Applications that do not require extensive access will be scrutinized, while those demonstrating legitimate needs may retain permissions. Non-compliant apps will face restrictions, including the inability to publish updates on the Google Play Store.

AppWizard

October 9, 2024

Russia and Turkey ban Discord messaging app

Russia and Turkey have imposed restrictions on the messaging platform Discord due to its failure to comply with local regulations. In Russia, the internet regulatory body Roskomnadzor cited violations related to terrorism, extremist recruitment, and drug trafficking, while data from NetBlocks confirmed Discord's restriction across multiple internet service providers. A Moscow court recently fined Discord for not removing forbidden content. In Turkey, the telecommunications regulator ICTA linked Discord to serious offenses, including child abuse and online harassment, following a court ruling. Both countries have a history of limiting access to social media under security pretexts.