media sharing Archives

AppWizard

December 2, 2025

WhatsApp Launches EU Interoperability for Encrypted Cross-App Messaging

Meta Platforms Inc.’s WhatsApp is rolling out interoperability features across Europe, allowing users to send messages to individuals on third-party applications starting in November 2024. This initiative is in response to the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), which requires dominant tech companies to enhance competition by opening their platforms. Users will be able to communicate while maintaining end-to-end encryption, a process that has taken over three years to develop. Users must opt-in to receive messages from third-party applications, and the initial rollout is limited to specific partners. The interoperability allows for sharing text, images, voice messages, videos, and files. Meta's engineering team adapted WhatsApp's infrastructure to accommodate external services while upholding encryption standards. Concerns have been raised about potential security vulnerabilities and the implications of proposed regulations like "Chat Control" that could conflict with encryption efforts. This development could influence competitive dynamics in the messaging sector, providing smaller applications like BirdyChat and Haiket visibility by integrating with WhatsApp’s large user base. Compliance with the DMA helps Meta avoid fines while risking dilution of WhatsApp's market dominance. Privacy implications are a significant concern, with discussions around how interoperability could facilitate surveillance or compromise user security. Meta's journey involved regulatory oversight to ensure compliance with DMA objectives, and the success of this initiative could set a precedent for global standards in digital communication.

AppWizard

November 10, 2025

Android users can now share their favorite Spotify songs through WhatsApp Status

WhatsApp users can now integrate Spotify content into their Status updates, allowing them to share songs, albums, playlists, podcasts, artist clips, and audiobooks. The shared content will appear as a card featuring the title, cover art, and a brief audio snippet. This feature is gradually rolling out to all users, both Free and Premium, and will be accessible through the Share menu in the Spotify app. The Status updates will remain visible for 24 hours, and an "Open in Spotify" link will direct viewers to the content within the Spotify app or web client. Additionally, users can still share Spotify content through individual WhatsApp chats.

AppWizard

October 28, 2025

Arattai Rising: Can India’s Homegrown Messenger Challenge WhatsApp’s Throne?

Arattai, a messaging app in India, gained significant traction in September and October 2025, reaching over 5 million downloads on certain days and surpassing established platforms like Telegram and Snapchat. Its rise was supported by media attention, endorsements from government officials, and alignment with Prime Minister Modi's Swadeshi initiative. Union Home Minister Amit Shah's switch to Zoho email led to a 100-fold increase in Arattai's traffic within three days. The app offers end-to-end encryption for voice and video calls but lacks full encryption for text messages by default. It has a “secret chat” feature and plans to implement comprehensive encryption. User data is stored in Indian data centers, and the app aims to maintain a privacy-focused approach without relying on public cloud providers. Arattai faces challenges in competing with WhatsApp, which has over 500 million users and offers extensive features such as UPI payments and default encryption. For long-term success, Arattai needs to standardize encryption, enhance its infrastructure, and build an ecosystem with integrated payment solutions and business tools. Overcoming user inertia from WhatsApp, establishing a strong brand identity, and navigating regulatory scrutiny are also critical for its growth.

AppWizard

October 21, 2025

Messenger Is Discontinuing Its Windows and Mac Desktop Apps

Meta is phasing out the native Messenger applications for Windows and macOS, directing users to the web version. The apps are no longer available for download, and they will cease to function after a winding-down period. Users are receiving notifications about the change, which will leave Messenger accessible only through web browsers. Enhancements such as end-to-end encryption and improved calling features are part of this web-focused evolution. Users can still access core functionality on Messenger.com but will lose some app-specific features, including a persistent menu bar icon and offline access. Meta encourages users to enable secure storage for end-to-end encrypted chats and offers a tool to download messages and media for local archiving. Messenger remains one of the largest chat platforms globally, with active user counts similar to Telegram. Competitors like Telegram, Discord, and Slack have different approaches to desktop messaging. Users can transition smoothly by utilizing the web version and configuring desktop notifications and shortcuts.

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 14, 2025

Supreme Court rejects lady doctor’s claim that access to WhatsApp is fundamental right; suggests can use Zoho’s Arattai app – The Times of India

The Supreme Court of India ruled that access to private digital platforms like WhatsApp is not a constitutionally guaranteed right. Users must adhere to the terms of service of these private entities, and the court dismissed arguments claiming violation of free speech, suggesting such issues should be addressed through regulatory or civil channels. Dr. Raman Kundra sought restoration of her WhatsApp account for professional and personal use but was advised to consider alternatives like the Arattai app, which has gained significant traction in India. Launched in 2021, Arattai briefly surpassed competitors in app store rankings and is positioned as a "spyware-free, made-in-India messenger," endorsed by government officials. It offers features such as one-to-one and group chats, audio and video calls with end-to-end encryption, multi-device support, and broadcasting capabilities.

BetaBeacon

October 6, 2025

Best new mobile games on iOS & Android

Fire Emblem Shadows is the latest addition to Nintendo's mobile gaming lineup, featuring tactical turn-based combat on a grid with spells for healing or attacking. The game introduces a traitor system but lacks control over troops. Despite this, it offers a unique take on the series with a paid battle pass system.

Winsage

October 3, 2025

OneDrive is getting a dedicated Windows 11 app

Microsoft is developing a new OneDrive application for Windows 11, featuring a modern interface that emphasizes photo and video viewing alongside traditional file management. The app was discovered as a separate executable file named OneDrive.app.exe within existing OneDrive program files. It will have a new icon in the Taskbar and is designed to be web-based for better cloud integration. The focus on multimedia content indicates a shift towards visual storytelling and media sharing.

AppWizard

October 2, 2025

Made In India Messenger App Arattai Has More Features Than Whatsapp – Trak.in – Indian Business of Tech, Mobile & Startups

The Arattai app, developed by Zoho and launched in 2021, has seen a 100-fold increase in user sign-ups due to endorsements from the Indian government and a strong social media presence. It allows multi-device access, including on Android TVs, offers unique features like channels, stories, and a pocket feature for organizing personal content, and operates efficiently on low-memory smartphones and older networks. Arattai is free to use, ad-free, and does not utilize personal data for targeted advertising, contrasting with WhatsApp's practices.

AppWizard

September 30, 2025

‘We have faced a 100x increase in Arattai traffic in…,’ says Zoho CEO Sridhar Vembu, Perplexity AI CEO Aravind Srinivas reacts

Arratai, an instant messaging app developed by Zoho, has quickly become the top app in the social networking category on app stores, experiencing a surge in traffic by 100 times in three days. Daily sign-ups rose from 3,000 to 350,000 in this period. Zoho is enhancing its infrastructure to handle the influx of users and is addressing technical challenges caused by this rapid growth. Initially launched in 2021 as an experimental project, Arattai has gained popularity due to its focus on data privacy and being a "spyware-free, made-in-India" platform. The app offers features such as one-to-one and group chats, voice and video calls, and is compatible with multiple devices. While it currently provides end-to-end encryption for calls, chat encryption is still in development. Zoho is working to resolve issues like delayed OTPs and slower contact synchronization as the app's user base expands.