messaging app Archives

AppWizard

September 24, 2026

Russia’s state-backed messaging app Max can secretly change how it surveils individual users, researchers at InterSecLab find

The Max messenger, developed by VK, has significant user tracking capabilities. A report from InterSecLab revealed that: - Max's features can vary for individual users without app updates. - It lacks end-to-end encryption, allowing VK access to messages, even in "secret chats." - Each account can be configured to perform specific actions, such as decrypting messages on VK's servers and blocking messages if a VPN is detected. - Upon launching, Max reports the user’s network environment to VK, including their public IP address and mobile carrier. - The app uploads users’ entire address books unencrypted to VK's servers, accessing contacts of non-registered individuals. - A phone number query can reveal extensive user information without notification. - Max stops functioning if it detects a VPN, requiring users to disable it to send messages, although workarounds exist. - New users receive a curated list of recommended channels, primarily featuring state media and pro-government figures.

AppWizard

September 24, 2026

Ando wants to take on Slack with a team messaging app that lets humans and agents work together

In 2025, Sara Du identified challenges in integrating AI agents within communication platforms like Slack while assisting companies with MCP servers. She criticized the design of these platforms for treating AI agents as separate applications rather than team participants. Du proposed a solution to eliminate intermediaries between AI agents and teams, envisioning a system where agents could engage directly in conversations, understand decisions, ask questions, and autonomously notify humans when necessary. Du's startup, Ando, launched as a messaging platform that allows both human and AI workers to communicate seamlessly, featuring channels, direct messages, and live calls. Ando has raised a million in pre-seed and seed funding from firms like Accel and Index Ventures. Despite existing competition from platforms like Slack and Microsoft, Du sees potential for Ando to disrupt the market by focusing on AI agent integration. Currently, Ando works with clients in software, real estate, and finance across 15 countries, primarily small teams, and aims to expand its capabilities with the new funding.

AppWizard

September 24, 2026

GrapheneOS just confirmed its first supported non-Pixel phone

GrapheneOS has announced that the Motorola Signature 27 will be its first supported device from Motorola. This decision was confirmed on social media, with GrapheneOS stating it would be the initial supported phone. The Signature 27 features Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 chip and promises seven years of operating system and security updates. Key features include hardware memory tagging and enhanced secure-element integration. GrapheneOS aims to provide alternatives to Google’s Pixel phones while focusing on privacy and security. The announcement follows challenges GrapheneOS faced with Google regarding the Pixel 11 and access to certain Android APIs. Additionally, GrapheneOS is revamping its software ecosystem, including updates to its Messaging app and new privacy features.

AppWizard

September 22, 2026

Google Messages is preparing its biggest search overhaul yet

Google Messages is testing a redesign of its search functionality to improve user experience. The search bar will move to the bottom of the home screen, featuring a dynamic visual overview of shared content, including preview rows for images, videos, links, and places. Users will be able to search within specific conversations from the main search page without opening each chat. The search results will display all matching messages on a dedicated results page instead of grouping them by conversation. Links and places will have larger, visually appealing cards, although timestamps and sender names will not be visible. A new media viewer will allow users to swipe through images and videos, enhancing the overall experience.

AppWizard

September 22, 2026

Why Android App Problems Start With Phone Settings

When an Android app encounters issues, the cause may be related to the device's settings rather than the app itself. Factors such as missing permissions, battery restrictions, or disabled notifications can affect app functionality. Users should check the specific feature that is failing, such as verifying microphone permission for voice messages or camera access for QR code scanners. Background restrictions can hinder apps that require background functionality, and different apps have varying background requirements. Notification settings should be inspected if alerts are absent, as these can differ by application and device. Storage space and cache management are important, with a recommendation to avoid clearing everything at once. If problems arise after installing an app from an untrusted source or if it requests excessive permissions, the app itself may be the issue. Android settings can vary between devices, so users may need to search for specific settings if guides do not match their device. Troubleshooting should be done one step at a time to identify the root cause of the issue.

AppWizard

September 21, 2026

PH messaging app use surges

The Messaging Trends Report 2026 indicates a 19 percent increase in messaging activity in the Philippines for 2025, with mobile messaging applications experiencing a 139 percent rise in interactions. The report analyzed 628 billion mobile interactions on Infobip’s platform and included a 20-year review of 3.8 trillion messages. Viber interactions grew by 47 percent, WhatsApp by 1,416 percent, SMS by 14 percent, MMS by 15 percent, and email by 5 percent. Other chat applications saw a 1,014 percent increase in user engagement.

AppWizard

September 19, 2026

Russia’s national messenger app Max found to contain backdoor capable of secret screen captures

Researchers have found that Max, a messaging app mandated by the Russian government, can secretly capture screenshots, access sensitive information, impersonate users, and inject code into other applications. Developed by VK, the app integrates messaging, banking, and government services. Since September 1 of last year, it has been preinstalled on new smartphones, following the blocking of WhatsApp and Telegram. Despite its reach, it is not widely used in political circles, with insiders indicating that compliance with its use is performative.

Tech Optimizer

September 15, 2026

Iranian Hackers Use Fake Norton Antivirus to Spread Windows Spyware

Iranian state-sponsored hackers are targeting dissidents, activists, and journalists using deceptive tactics, including malicious applications that impersonate reputable cybersecurity products like Norton Antivirus and KeePass. The FBI and UK authorities issued a warning about these hackers, who establish rapport with targets via social messaging platforms, posing as IT support or known contacts. They convince victims to download files that appear authentic, including AI video creation applications and other software. The spyware, named “Chosen Brick,” infects Windows PCs and has capabilities such as capturing screen content, recording audio, collecting message data, and downloading additional malware. The hackers have exploited this spyware to publish personal details of victims, increasing their harassment. The FBI advises potential victims on detecting the spyware and recommends enabling antivirus software, running regular scans, and avoiding unofficial downloads.

AppWizard

September 15, 2026

XChat, X’s messaging app is unavailable on the Apple Store and Android’s Play Store

XChat was launched in April 2026 as a dedicated app for private conversations, featuring end-to-end encryption, disappearing messages, direct messaging, group chats, audio and video calls, file sharing, and PIN protection. It was designed to be ad-free and included features like message editing and notifications for screenshots. After its public launch, XChat's future became uncertain when it was abruptly removed from the digital landscape, with no explanation from X regarding the reasons for its withdrawal or its potential return.

AppWizard

September 10, 2026

Venture builder Improbable backs AI business messaging app with $10M

Improbable, a UK tech company, has launched an AI messaging application called Bolter to improve business processes, following a significant investment from the company. Founded in 2012, Improbable has shifted focus from gaming to becoming a venture builder, introducing Bolter as its third product in 2023, after the blockchain solution Somnia and the AI tool Kallikor. Bolter enables non-technical users to automate tasks using plain text and features AI agents that collaborate on task planning and delegation. It routes requests to the most suitable AI model and emphasizes European sovereignty in developing messaging platforms to compete with US tech firms. Improbable's CEO, Herman Narula, acknowledges the competitive landscape but believes in the value of their mixed human and AI agent approach.