messaging Archives

AppWizard

August 21, 2025

Russia orders state-backed MAX messenger app to be pre-installed on all smartphones and tablets

Beginning September 1, all mobile phones and tablets sold in Russia must come with the state-sponsored MAX messenger app pre-installed. MAX will be integrated with government services and included in a list of mandatory apps. Additionally, RuStore, Russia's app store, will be required on Apple devices. State media claims MAX has fewer data access permissions than competitors like WhatsApp and Telegram. Starting January 1, LIME HD TV, a Russian-language app offering free access to state TV channels, will be pre-installed on all smart TVs in Russia. MAX has reported 18 million downloads, though some features are still being tested.

AppWizard

August 21, 2025

Kremlin-Backed Messaging App Max to Come Pre-Installed on Devices Starting Next Month

Russia's government will pre-install its state-backed messaging application, Max, on all devices sold in the country starting September 1. Max is designed as a multifunctional information exchange service, providing secure messaging and digital services from governmental and business sectors. It will replace the existing VK messenger, which has been on the mandatory pre-installation list since 2023. This initiative aligns with regulations requiring domestic software on smartphones, tablets, and computers since 2021. The rollout follows increased scrutiny of foreign messaging services, with reports of disruptions to WhatsApp and Telegram calls. The Kremlin has directed officials to transition Telegram channels to Max, and the State Duma will now exclusively post on Max. Additionally, the pre-installation list will include the domestic app store RuStore for Apple devices and the Lime HD TV app for smart TVs, launching in 2026.

AppWizard

August 21, 2025

Russia orders state-backed app, WhatsApp rival, to be pre-installed on all phones and tablets

Starting September 1, the Russian government will mandate the pre-installation of the state-backed messaging application MAX on all mobile phones and tablets sold in the country. MAX is designed to integrate with various government services and aims to promote domestic technology solutions. The government will also require that RuStore, Russia’s domestic app store, be pre-installed on all Android devices, including Apple devices. Additionally, from January 1, all smart TVs sold in Russia will include LIME HD TV, a Russian-language application providing access to state television channels for free. Recent restrictions on foreign platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram have prompted this push for domestic applications. As of this week, MAX has been downloaded by 18 million users, while WhatsApp and Telegram have user bases of 97.3 million and 90.8 million, respectively. VK Messenger has 17.9 million users.

AppWizard

August 21, 2025

Russia orders state-backed app for devices

The Russian government has mandated that the state-backed messaging app MAX will be pre-installed on all mobile phones and tablets starting September 1. This decision follows restrictions on WhatsApp and Telegram, with the government citing concerns about cooperation with law enforcement. MAX will be integrated with various government services, enhancing state oversight of digital communications. Additionally, RuStore, Russia's domestic app store, will be required to be pre-installed on Apple devices from the same date. Furthermore, beginning January 1 of the following year, the government plans to pre-install LIME HD TV on all smart TVs sold in Russia to ensure access to state TV channels.

AppWizard

August 20, 2025

Fake Antivirus App Spreads Android Malware to Spy on Russian Users

Cybersecurity experts at Doctor Web have identified a new variant of Android malware called Android.Backdoor.916.origin, active since January 2025. This malware can eavesdrop on conversations, steal messages, stream video, and log keystrokes. It targets Russian business representatives rather than average users, being distributed through direct messages as a fake antivirus app named GuardCB, which mimics the Russian Central Bank's emblem. The app requests extensive permissions, including geolocation, audio recording, camera access, and SMS data, and can function as a keylogger. It is designed for persistence, launching background services and communicating with multiple command-and-control servers. The malware can livestream audio, broadcast video, capture text, and upload contacts and call history. It exploits Android’s Accessibility Service to capture keystrokes and prevent uninstallation. The interface is exclusively in Russian, indicating it is specifically designed for a targeted group. Users in Russia are advised to download applications only from trusted sources to mitigate risks.

AppWizard

August 20, 2025

Doing it for the…Kakao? Korea’s top messaging app set to add Instagram-like features.

The KakaoTalk app plans to introduce a story feed feature that allows users to share snippets of their daily lives and engage with short-form videos. This feature will be integrated into the contact list, enabling easy access to updates from friends. The user interface will evolve to showcase a feed of relationship-based content, and users will be able to share and view photos and videos in a slideshow format that disappears after 24 hours. A new section for short-form videos will also be introduced, aimed at diversifying content and providing a user-friendly studio for creators. The updates are expected to roll out by the end of the year, with a preview at the If Kakao conference in September. Recent analytics show a decline in average user engagement on the app, prompting these enhancements to reignite interest and foster community.

AppWizard

August 19, 2025

Nevada Attorney General Sues Kik messaging App

Attorney General Aaron Ford has filed a lawsuit against Kik and its parent company MediaLab.AI, citing concerns about the app's anonymity feature and its potential to facilitate harmful behavior, including the circulation of material by child predators. Ford emphasized the importance of holding companies accountable for the safety of Nevada’s youth. The lawsuit reflects broader concerns among lawmakers and parents regarding the protection of children in the digital space.

Winsage

August 19, 2025

10 open-source apps I recommend every Windows user download

Open-source software provides alternatives to proprietary applications for Windows users, enhancing productivity without traditional software licenses. 1. LibreOffice is a free office suite that includes word processing, spreadsheets, and a database component, operates locally, and supports MS Office formats. 2. Flow Launcher is a free file search and application launcher that allows quick access to applications and files through a customizable hotkey. 3. Duplicati is a free backup solution that supports various storage destinations, offers encryption, scheduling, and remote management for data security. 4. Nextcloud is a free, locally hosted file storage and collaboration solution that allows users to control their personal data. 5. Franz is a free application that consolidates multiple messaging platforms into a single interface for easier communication. 6. YAZB (YAZB Reborn) is a free tool that customizes the Windows experience by creating a top bar displaying system information. 7. File Converter is a free application that allows users to convert various file formats through a right-click context menu option. 8. Bitwarden is a free open-source password manager that offers password generation and secure file sharing, with premium features available. 9. AutoHotKey is a free tool for automating tasks through scripting, enabling the creation of hotkeys and macros. 10. Ollama is a free open-source AI application that allows local interaction with AI models, ensuring data privacy.

AppWizard

August 18, 2025

Russian Regulators Restrict WhatsApp, Telegram In Latest Internet Crackdown

Russian regulators, through Roskomnadzor, are implementing partial restrictions on phone calls made via WhatsApp and Telegram, citing their use in fraudulent activities. This action is part of a strategy to promote a government-managed "super app" called Max, developed by VK, which aims to consolidate various services into one platform. The initiative aims to enhance oversight over communications and information access for Russian citizens. WhatsApp has acknowledged the restrictions while emphasizing the importance of maintaining end-to-end encryption. Activist Mikhail Klimarev has warned that severe restrictions could negatively impact the economy and public perception.

AppWizard

August 16, 2025

Russia Blocks Calls on Popular Messaging Apps

Russia’s telecommunications authority, Roskomnadzor, has imposed restrictions on voice and video calls via WhatsApp and Telegram, citing the need to protect the population from fraud related to foreign messenger services. Citizens are encouraged to transition to Max, a new Russian messaging application that allows state intelligence services easier access to user data. Journalist Viktor Shenderovich commented that these actions reflect a shift towards a more oppressive regime, noting growing frustrations among the populace due to ongoing conflicts and communication restrictions. Reports indicate that the Kremlin is limiting access to information under various pretexts, with the security services alleging that Ukraine uses Telegram for recruitment and sabotage. Additionally, a Human Rights Watch report highlighted the government's efforts to expand technological capabilities to obstruct access to undesirable websites, impacting press freedom and online expression. The messaging app Max was launched by VK, a company acquired by Yuri Kovalchuk, a close ally of President Putin, and is being promoted aggressively through state-owned media despite being privately owned.