Dubai Archives

AppWizard

February 12, 2026

Russia blocks WhatsApp as messaging app crackdown gathers pace

The Kremlin has confirmed the blockage of Meta's WhatsApp messaging service, urging Russian citizens to switch to a state-backed platform called Max. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov described Max as an "accessible alternative" and a developing national messenger. WhatsApp has accused the Russian government of trying to "fully block" its service to push users towards Max, labeling it a "surveillance app" and expressing concern about isolating over 100 million users from secure communication. Russia's telecoms watchdog, Roskomnadzor, has targeted popular messaging platforms like WhatsApp, Signal, and Telegram for non-compliance with Russian legislation regarding data storage and security measures. This strategy aims to steer users towards domestic services that are easier to monitor. Critics argue this approach restricts freedom of expression and privacy while enabling government control of public discourse, particularly regarding the Ukraine conflict. Telegram has faced scrutiny from Roskomnadzor, which has imposed partial restrictions on its services and stated intentions to continue these actions due to alleged failures in user data protection.

AppWizard

February 11, 2026

UK-based pair behind messaging app accused of giving data to Iranian regime

Hadi and Mahdi Anjidani, co-founders of TS Information Technology, operate a messaging app called Gap Messenger, which is associated with the Iranian regime. Their company is based in Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex, and is linked to the Iranian software corporation Towse’e Saman Information Technology (TSIT). Despite claims of encryption and user privacy, experts have raised concerns about Gap Messenger's role in government censorship in Iran. Mahdi Anjidani has expressed pro-regime views in Iranian media and has connections to the Iranian government through his ventures. Gap Messenger has over 1 million downloads on Google Play and is part of Iran's domestic internet network aimed at controlling citizen access to information. Reports suggest that the app may have shared user data with Iranian authorities. The Anjidani brothers have ties to various business ventures in Iran, including a social network and a payment platform.

Tech Optimizer

November 21, 2025

Highgo Pushes PostgreSQL Innovation Worldwide With IvorySQL – Open Source For You

Highgo Database unveiled its flagship product, the IvorySQL Open-Source Database, at GITEX GLOBAL 2025 in Dubai. The company has contributed over 1.5 million lines of code, published more than 100 technical articles, and delivered upwards of 800 patches and bug fixes to PostgreSQL. IvorySQL, built on the latest PostgreSQL kernel, features rapid version synchronization, full native PostgreSQL compatibility, a dual-parser architecture, and extensive Oracle compatibility. GITEX 2025 attracted over 6,800 tech companies and 2,000 startups from more than 180 countries.

BetaBeacon

August 27, 2025

How to Pre-Load Destiny: Rising on iOS, Android, and PC

Destiny: Rising's pre-load goes live on Wednesday, August 27 at 6 AM PT on the App Store and Google Play. Servers for the game will open on Thursday, August 28 at 9 AM local time per region. The game requires 15 GB of storage space.

AppWizard

July 17, 2025

Wuchang: Fallen Feathers – here’s the PC you’ll need to run it, and when it’s going to unlock in your region

Wuchang: Fallen Feathers, developed by Leenzee, is set to release on July 24 for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S, and will be available on Game Pass for PC and Xbox on day one. The minimum system requirements include Windows 10 64bit, Intel Core i5-8400 or AMD Ryzen 5 1600 CPU, 16GB RAM, Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060 6GB or AMD Radeon RX 580 8GB GPU, DirectX 12, and 60GB storage. The recommended specs are Windows 10/11 64bit, Intel Core i7-9700 or AMD Ryzen 5 5500 CPU, 16GB RAM, Nvidia GeForce RTX 2070 or AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT GPU, DirectX 12, and 60GB storage with SSD required. Global launch times include Los Angeles at July 23, 7pm and Tokyo at July 24, 11am.

AppWizard

July 8, 2025

This brilliant dark and moody cyberpunk city builder is my kind of cosy game—and for less than $7 you might as well see if it’s yours too

Dystopika is a low-pressure city-building game that challenges traditional cozy aesthetics by offering a darker, more complex experience. Players construct megacities filled with towering structures and vibrant holograms, evoking a unique sense of coziness amid a harsh environment. The game features a simple interface, allowing players to focus on creativity with customization options for colors, sizes, and personal images. It incorporates procedural generation, enabling smaller buildings to emerge organically, creating a vibrant ecosystem. The developer, Voids Within, has released updates that introduce new districts, props, and a synth soundtrack. Dystopika is priced under £6, providing an accessible and uncomplicated escape for players.

AppWizard

June 12, 2025

Here Are The Imminent ‘Stellar Blade’ PC Release Times In Your Region

Stellar Blade is transitioning from PlayStation exclusivity to launch on PC, scheduled for June 11-12, 2025, with specific release times for various locations. The game initially released on PS5 on April 26, 2024, and has sold over a million units in its first month. It features updates that enhance gameplay and introduce new costumes for the protagonist, Eve, who has sparked discussions about female representation in gaming. The game draws inspiration from titles like Devil May Cry and Bayonetta, offering a robust single-player campaign and a New Game Plus mode.

AppWizard

May 29, 2025

Elon Musk’s xAI partners with messaging app Telegram in $300 million Grok deal

Elon Musk has launched xAI, aiming to uncover fundamental truths of the universe. The startup has partnered with Telegram, agreeing to a 0 million investment for the Grok AI chatbot. Telegram will receive the initial payment and 50% of revenue from xAI subscriptions sold through its platform. Telegram's CEO, Pavel Durov, mentioned that users can expect advanced AI technology by summer, although Musk later stated that "no deal has been signed." Telegram has over one billion monthly users as of 2025 and is preparing to raise at least .5 billion through a bond issue. Durov is under investigation in France for allowing criminal activities on Telegram and is restricted from leaving the country. xAI has merged with X, valuing the AI company at billion and the social media platform at billion. Grok faced criticism for generating controversial responses, which xAI attributed to an unauthorized modification. The company is working to improve Grok's transparency and reliability.

AppWizard

May 22, 2025

Telegram CEO Pavel Durov launches $50K viral video contest to expose WhatsApp’s ‘cheap copycat’ moves | – The Times of India

Telegram has launched a contest with a prize pool of 0,000 inviting participants to create a viral video that showcases Telegram's technological innovations compared to WhatsApp. The contest was announced on May 19, 2025, and submissions are due by May 26, 2025. It is open to global participants, with videos required to be in English and suitable for platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels. The contest allows the use of AI tools and evaluates entries based on clarity, visual impact, meme potential, and virality. Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram, has publicly accused WhatsApp of smear campaigns and emphasizes Telegram's commitment to privacy and political neutrality, rejecting government requests to censor political content. The contest aims to expand Telegram's user base and engage content creators by promoting its unique features, which include end-to-end encrypted chats, large group chats, bots, and advanced privacy controls. Winners will be announced in June 2025.

AppWizard

April 24, 2025

Technology behind private messaging app Telegram names Maximilian…

The TON Foundation will announce Maximilian Crown as its new CEO on Thursday. This appointment aims to stabilize Telegram, which has a user base of one billion, following the arrest of its founder Pavel Durov in Paris last year. Crown's leadership is seen as a significant step for Telegram, demonstrating its commitment to expanding its multi-functional app amid governmental pressures to access user data. Crown has experience as CFO and COO of MoonPay and has successfully secured operational approvals across various countries. Telegram has transformed into a “Super App,” integrating features such as gaming, shopping, and payment functionalities. The Telegram Open Network (TON) has 41 million active accounts and 121 million Toncoin holders. Toncoin's value is tied to Telegram's fortunes, experiencing fluctuations following Durov's arrest. Concerns have been raised regarding the impact of French authorities' actions on Telegram’s blockchain initiatives, especially related to digital privacy and government oversight. Durov was detained for 96 hours and criticized the scrutiny faced by Telegram, warning against legislative efforts that threaten individual freedoms.