communication tools Archives

AppWizard

July 16, 2025

Android’s Desktop Mode Now Features App Pinning to Taskbar

Google is enhancing Android Desktop Mode with a new "pin to taskbar" feature that allows users to pin frequently used applications directly to the desktop taskbar for quick access. This feature can be found in an app's context menu within Desktop Mode, enabling users to easily add or remove app icons from the dock. The enhancement aims to improve app management and user experience, positioning Android as a more competitive desktop platform. The feature is currently available in the latest Android Canary build based on Android 16, but details about its official rollout in the stable version are not yet available.

AppWizard

July 9, 2025

Can you guess the PC game based only on the health bar?

Health bars are essential informational tools in gaming, experiencing a resurgence in RPGs while declining in popularity among big-budget shooters. Recent years have seen the creation of aesthetically pleasing and uniquely designed health bars. Players often spend significant time looking at these indicators, raising questions about their memorability. A quiz is available to test players' ability to identify games by their health bars, featuring a mix of classic and contemporary titles. Some iconic health bars, like Isaac's from Dead Space, may not be included in the quiz.

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

June 24, 2025

Russia Launches National Messenger App with Government Integration | Ukraine news

On June 24, Vladimir Putin established a "national messenger" in Russia through a decree, which was published on the official legal information portal. The service will be built on domestic software and aims to attract over 500,000 daily users. It is designed for messaging and voice calls in Russian and other languages spoken in the Russian Federation, and will support advertising in these languages. The platform will integrate with the Russian digital services portal “Gosuslugi,” allowing access to official documents. Features will include electronic document signing and serve as a communication hub for students and educators. The State Duma passed a bill advocating for the messenger on June 10, emphasizing the need for a multifunctional information exchange service. Anton Gorelkin stated that the introduction of the messenger would not block Telegram in Russia if it complies with legal requirements. Russia has imposed restrictions on social networks and messaging platforms, including limiting access to X (formerly Twitter) in 2021 and banning Facebook and Instagram in March 2022. In August 2024, Roskomnadzor blocked the Signal messenger for violations of Russian legislation.

AppWizard

June 10, 2025

Russia’s State Duma passes bill to create state messaging app as it considers blocking WhatsApp

The Russian State Duma has approved a bill to create a state messaging application, coinciding with discussions about potentially blocking messaging platforms like WhatsApp. The app is intended to enhance government service accessibility and improve information security. Key features include integration with state databases, identification and payment processing capabilities, legal equivalence for documents submitted through the app, and inclusion of educational services. The Russian government will choose a company to develop the app. This legislative move follows previous restrictions on foreign social media platforms, including the blocking of Facebook and Instagram in March 2022 and Viber and Signal in 2024. Roskomnadzor is also considering similar restrictions for WhatsApp, owned by Meta, which is labeled as an "extremist organization" in Russia. Additionally, YouTube has faced throttling of speeds, initially attributed to technical issues but later confirmed by lawmakers to be intentional.

AppWizard

May 27, 2025

What are the most secure messaging apps in 2025? Here’s how to keep your online communications safe

A leaked Signal group chat, referred to as Signalgate, has raised concerns about national security and the use of messaging applications for sensitive information exchange. The incident involved former U.S. National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and Jeffrey Goldberg, the editor-in-chief of Atlantic, who was mistakenly added to the chat meant for national security leaders discussing military operations. This breach has prompted discussions about the security protocols of digital communication tools used by government officials.

Winsage

May 27, 2025

Windows on Arm vs Intel: Which laptop platform is right for you?

The Windows laptop market has shifted towards devices powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon processors, moving away from traditional Intel and AMD architectures. This initiative, known as Windows on Arm, has produced notable products like the Asus ZenBook A14 and Dell XPS 13, which are praised for their performance in AI applications and impressive battery life. These devices can run Intel-based applications through an emulation layer called Prism, which translates x86-64 code into ARM64 instructions, allowing compatibility with non-native software. While they perform well for office tasks and some creative applications, limitations exist in gaming and high-demand software due to the need for specific drivers and graphics performance. Currently, the market features three Windows on Arm processors: Snapdragon X Elite, X Plus, and X. Pricing for these laptops often exceeds ,000, making Intel and AMD options more appealing for budget-conscious consumers.

AppWizard

May 22, 2025

The Google Phone app could give you a quick way clean up Call Notes (APK teardown)

The Google Phone app, currently available only on Pixel phones in the US, features Call Notes that allow users to transcribe and summarize calls. A recent teardown revealed that Google is exploring an option for automatic deletion of Call Notes, similar to the existing feature for call recordings. Users may be able to set automatic deletions for Call Notes after seven, 14, or 30 days, and there will be an option to delete all Call Notes at once. The feature is expected to help users manage their notes more efficiently. There is potential for the Call Notes feature to expand to other markets and languages in the future.

AppWizard

May 17, 2025

Why KakaoTalk’s typing indicator is getting on some Koreans’ nerves

KakaoTalk introduced a beta feature called a typing indicator, which displays a three-dot animation when someone is composing a message. This feature has received mixed reactions from users, with many expressing discomfort about sharing their typing status, comparing it to formal communication tools. Users have voiced their dissatisfaction online, with some questioning the necessity of this update and expressing concerns about the platform evolving into one similar to workplace messaging applications. KakaoTalk allows users to disable the typing indicator in the Settings under the Kakao Lab section. Additionally, Kakao Lab includes other features like AI tools for summarizing chat conversations.

AppWizard

May 6, 2025

I’m the Private Messaging App Signal, and the Trump Administration Is Ruining My Brand

Signal, known for its commitment to privacy and end-to-end encryption, is facing controversy due to a breach involving an unofficial version used by Mike Waltz, a former National Security Adviser. This incident has raised questions about the app's reputation and its ability to maintain secure communications. The app's founder, Moxie Marlinspike, emphasizes privacy, but the association with political figures has complicated its image. Signal has recently released version 7.34.0, which improved compatibility with Arm64 processors, but the media focus has shifted to the political controversy. This breach raises concerns for potential users who value anonymity, and Signal's open-source design allows for public scrutiny, contrasting with competitors. The company faces challenges in restoring user trust while competing with alternatives that prioritize data monetization and advertising. Signal's commitment to privacy and technology remains, but it must work to distance itself from political narratives to recover its trusted status.