messaging app

AppWizard
August 21, 2025
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
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
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
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
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.
AppWizard
August 16, 2025
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.
AppWizard
August 15, 2025
The Russian government has imposed restrictions on voice calls made through WhatsApp and Telegram as part of its efforts to tighten control over the internet amid the conflict in Ukraine. These restrictions affect approximately 96 million monthly WhatsApp users and over 89 million Telegram users in Russia. The regulator, Roskomnadzor, cited concerns from law enforcement about criminal activities occurring on these platforms. Access to voice calls will be restored only if the companies comply with Russian laws, including providing user data to law enforcement. Users have also reported disruptions to video calls. The government recently enacted a law penalizing online users for searching content deemed illicit and plans to promote a domestic messaging app named Max. WhatsApp defended its commitment to user privacy, while Telegram highlighted its measures against misuse.
AppWizard
August 14, 2025
The Kremlin has directed government officials and lawmakers to shift their Telegram channels to the domestic messaging platform, Max, to establish a "priority information system." Channels from the State Duma, regional governors, and pro-Kremlin commentators are expected to launch on Max soon, managed by the state-supported nonprofit, Dialog. While officials will still use Telegram, utilizing Max for work-related communications is now mandatory. State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin has already transitioned to Max, which will be the exclusive platform for official communications. Additionally, the Russian authorities have begun imposing partial restrictions on voice calls through Telegram and WhatsApp due to complaints about scams and other illegal activities, although these functionalities could be reinstated if the apps comply with Russian legal standards.
AppWizard
August 14, 2025
Officials in North Ossetia are required to use the Russian messaging app Max for all official communications, as mandated by Daniil Gakhov, head of the region's Digital Development Committee. This directive is part of a federal initiative promoting 'digital sovereignty' in Russia and follows restrictions on platforms like Telegram and WhatsApp. A working group has been formed under regional head Sergei Menyailo to facilitate Max's integration into government operations, with communications to foreign services restricted to this domestic app due to national security concerns. President Vladimir Putin has called for increased use of Max within government frameworks. A new law aims to streamline domestic digital services and create a unified national information exchange service. Users have reported disruptions in established platforms, with selective blocking being tested by telecom operators. The introduction of Max has raised skepticism, especially regarding user data access by state authorities. Meanwhile, residents of Ingushetia are experiencing mobile data outages affecting essential services.
AppWizard
August 14, 2025
In the latest Google Messages beta update (version v20250811), users are experiencing a bug that causes multiple identical app icons to appear in their app drawer. This issue is linked to a recent change by Google that introduced an android.intent.category.LAUNCHER intent filter in an additional activity, resulting in duplicate icons for the messaging app. Some users have reported seeing two or even three identical icons. The package name for both the beta and stable versions remains the same, indicating that the extra icons are not due to a mix-up with the stable release. A fix for this bug is expected in a future beta update.
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