Meta has introduced new features across its platforms—Threads, Instagram, Facebook, Messenger, and WhatsApp—to enhance user engagement during the FIFA World Cup 2026.
On Threads, users will enjoy real-time interactions, live chat functionalities, score alerts, and a community space for discussions, along with custom stickers and emojis. Soccer legends will host live commentary sessions.
Instagram will have a dedicated search hub for World Cup content, showcasing real-time material such as Reels, Stories, and fan-generated content, along with AI-powered voice effects in direct messages.
Facebook will feature a new Football Mode accessible by double-tapping the Facebook logo, allowing users to use tournament-themed stickers and backgrounds, and generate images in team jerseys using AI tools.
Messenger will introduce a Live Updates feature for real-time match news within chats, World Cup-themed chat themes, and animated stickers. WhatsApp will provide themed stickers, calling effects, and a dedicated channel directory for World Cup-related chats.
This summer, a major football tournament will take place in North America, with collaborations between Meta and creators, athletes, and teams to enhance fan experiences. Key features include:
- Threads: Real-time discussions, live chats with notable hosts, a dedicated football community, real-time match scores, team flair, stickers, custom emojis, media highlights, and game reminders.
- Instagram: Enhanced search for tournament-related content, AI-powered voice effects in DMs.
- Facebook: Football mode with themed reactions, the "Wear It" feature for virtual jerseys, and exclusive tournament-themed stickers.
- Messenger: Live updates for real-time match highlights in group chats, limited-edition football pitch backgrounds, and animated stickers.
- WhatsApp: Integration of the official match ball emoji, football-themed calling effects, a football sticker pack, and a dedicated football directory for match-day updates.
Meta is also implementing measures to protect athletes and fans from negative interactions during the tournament.
Samsung Messages will cease to function in July 2026, resulting in the loss of any unmigrated text history. Users are encouraged to transition to Google Messages, which offers features like RCS-enabled texting, high-quality image sharing, AI-powered spam detection, multi-device access, and Gemini AI features. Samsung provides instructions for this migration, especially for users on Android 12 and 13. The exact date in July for the service discontinuation is unspecified, but only emergency messaging will remain functional afterward. Samsung Messages was no longer the default app since 2021 and stopped being preinstalled in 2024. Users on Android 11 or earlier are not directly affected but are advised to switch to Google Messages. Older Galaxy Watches running Tizen will have limited access to conversation histories, while newer models on WearOS will retain full access.
imo is a messaging application launched in 2007 by two former Google engineers, which has over 200 million active users. It focuses on labor migrants from the Global South, offering reliable video calling even on poor connections. The app grew organically as migrants shared it with their families and communities, particularly in regions with limited connectivity. imo has developed into a fully-featured messaging platform, serving as essential infrastructure for millions of migrant families to maintain connections. Its growth strategy involved avoiding direct competition in saturated markets and addressing the specific needs of migrant workers.
The national digital platform will introduce features similar to those found in popular messaging apps, including group chat polls and custom sticker pack creation, expected to launch before the May holidays. The testing phase for comments in channels is set to conclude by summer. The platform currently has 110 million registered users, with over 80 million active daily. Following the blocking of Western services, Max has gained popularity among the Russian audience and aims to incorporate essential community features to enhance user experience.
Binance has launched a new feature called Binance Chat within its app, which combines messaging, community interaction, and cryptocurrency transfers. Users can add contacts using unique chat IDs, engage in group discussions, and send crypto payments directly in conversations. The feature aims to streamline the user experience by consolidating communication and transactions into one platform. Users must accept contact requests to initiate conversations, enhancing security. Binance Chat is accessible immediately via the Binance app, although some features may be rolled out gradually and crypto transfer availability may vary by region.
Samsung is phasing out its native Messages app in favor of Google Messages, with the complete transition expected by the end of July. After this date, users who have not switched may be unable to send or receive messages through Samsung Messages. The change primarily affects users still using Samsung Messages as their default app, while those already on Google Messages will likely notice no difference. Samsung's move aligns with a trend towards a unified messaging platform that supports Rich Communication Services (RCS), enhancing SMS features. Existing messages and contacts should transfer to Google Messages, but users are advised to back up their devices beforehand. Most recent Samsung Galaxy devices support Google Messages, but older devices may require a manual download. Users are encouraged to switch to Google Messages early to minimize disruptions.
The UK National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has warned of an increase in cyber threats from Russia-based actors, targeting high-risk individuals through messaging applications like WhatsApp, Signal, and Messenger. These threats involve deceptive tactics such as coaxing users for login codes, unauthorized device access, group chat infiltration, impersonation of trusted contacts, and phishing links. The targeting is linked to state-affiliated groups from Russia, China, and Iran. High-risk individuals are those with access to sensitive information or influential roles. The NCSC recommends several protective measures: enabling two-step verification, not sharing verification codes, monitoring linked devices, being cautious with unknown contacts, limiting personal app use for work, and using disappearing messages to reduce data exposure.
Gemini now generates 30-second songs with lyrics based on text prompts or photos, powered by Google's Lyria 3 model. Users can type a prompt or upload an image/video to create a share-ready song with custom cover art. The feature includes automatic lyric generation, style control, and produces more realistic audio. It will debut on YouTube Shorts in the U.S. and expand globally, allowing for customizable backing tracks and lyrics for short videos. Each track includes SynthID, an invisible watermark for identifying AI-generated content. Lyria 3 is available in the Gemini app for users aged 18 and older, supporting multiple languages. The launch will start on desktop, with mobile access planned, and higher usage limits for subscribers to Google AI Plus, Pro, and Ultra.
