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Musk’s XChat Is Coming to App Store, Meta, Apple and Finance World Are Trembling
AppWizard
April 15, 2026

Musk’s XChat Is Coming to App Store, Meta, Apple and Finance World Are Trembling

Elon Musk's XChat will launch on the App Store on April 17 as a standalone encrypted messaging application focused on privacy, featuring end-to-end encryption, no advertisements, and a no-tracking policy. Initially part of the X platform, XChat was developed to compete with messaging services like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal. The app allows global communication using X accounts without requiring phone numbers, offering cross-platform capabilities unlike iMessage. XChat utilizes a Rust-based architecture with advanced security features and plans to incorporate peer-to-peer transfers and cryptocurrency payments with X Money in 2026, potentially disrupting traditional payment systems. Additionally, it may leverage Grok AI to provide users with various lifestyle services, posing challenges to Google's advertising and search traffic.
Google Messages now gives you a second chance to recover deleted chats
AppWizard
April 13, 2026

Google Messages now gives you a second chance to recover deleted chats

Google Messages has introduced a trash folder feature that allows users to recover deleted chats. Deleted conversations will remain in the trash for 30 days, during which users can restore or permanently delete them. New messages from previously deleted chats will appear as new threads, without restoring the original conversation.
Russia sees WeChat, Douyin as models for its homegrown Max messenger
AppWizard
April 13, 2026

Russia sees WeChat, Douyin as models for its homegrown Max messenger

Russia is developing the Max messaging application, inspired by Tencent's WeChat and Douyin, to compete with Telegram. The Kremlin is promoting Max as an alternative to Telegram, which has faced user resistance due to perceived limitations in functionality. Kiriyenko, CEO of VK, highlighted that Max will adopt an open platform model similar to WeChat, integrating third-party chatbots, and noted that 500,000 companies have already registered on the platform. The Russian government aims to establish a robust "platform economy" to boost economic growth, leveraging partnerships and innovative services. Kiriyenko also expressed interest in utilizing Douyin's e-commerce strategies involving short video content.
22 of Russia’s 30 most popular Android apps monitor whether users have VPN enabled, study finds
AppWizard
April 10, 2026

22 of Russia’s 30 most popular Android apps monitor whether users have VPN enabled, study finds

Recent research by RKS Global found that 22 out of the top 30 Android apps in Russia monitor users' VPN status. Banking apps like T-Bank, Sberbank, VTB, and Alfa-Bank are leading this trend, along with Yandex and VK applications such as Yandex Browser and VKontakte. Online marketplaces including Wildberries, Ozon, MegaMarket, and Samokat also track VPN usage. In total, 18 of the 30 apps transmit VPN status data to their servers, while 24 send lists of installed applications. Yandex Browser uniquely searches for the Tor browser, and Samokat and MegaMarket retrieve lists of installed VPN apps. The Russian Digital Development Ministry has mandated that major internet platforms restrict access for users with VPNs by April 15.
Apple pulls Jack Dorsey’s messaging app from the Chinese App Store
AppWizard
April 8, 2026

Apple pulls Jack Dorsey’s messaging app from the Chinese App Store

Apple has removed the messaging app Bitchat from the Chinese App Store at the request of the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC), which cited regulatory concerns. Bitchat, originally launched as Bitchat Mesh and developed by Jack Dorsey, allows anonymous, peer-to-peer communication using Bluetooth-based mesh networking, without relying on internet-connected servers. The app gained popularity in regions with internet shutdowns and social media restrictions. The CAC has alleged that Bitchat violated regulations requiring security assessments for apps that can influence public opinion or mobilize users. Dorsey confirmed the removal on X but has not disclosed any plans for Bitchat's return to the App Store.
Is Samsung Messages being discontinued? Here's when and what we know
AppWizard
April 8, 2026

Is Samsung Messages being discontinued? Here’s when and what we know

Samsung Electronics has announced the discontinuation of the Samsung Messages app, with support ceasing in July 2026. Users are encouraged to migrate to Google Messages, which will become the default messaging platform for Samsung Galaxy devices operating on Android 12 or newer. Devices running Android 11 or older will not be affected at this time. After July 2026, Samsung Messages will no longer send or receive texts, except for emergency contacts. Users can download Google Messages from the Google Play Store and set it as their default messaging app. Other messaging app options are available for users who prefer alternatives. Older Samsung Galaxy watches running Tizen OS will not support Google Messages after the transition, but will still allow text message functionality. RCS messaging, integrated into Google Messages, enhances the texting experience with features like read receipts and high-quality media sharing, whereas SMS is limited to basic text messaging.
Russia’s Digital Hydra Reaches Space With State-Backed MAX Messenger
AppWizard
April 7, 2026

Russia’s Digital Hydra Reaches Space With State-Backed MAX Messenger

Russia's state-backed messaging application, MAX, has facilitated over 1,000 messages between the International Space Station (ISS) and Earth. This was stated by Dmitry Bakanov, head of Roscosmos, during an event in Moscow. Cosmonaut Sergey Kud-Sverchkov is using MAX to communicate with the Roscosmos press office. The application allows developers to create their own sticker packs, with participation from celebrities and bloggers. MAX is promoted through mandatory pre-installation on devices sold in Russia, with some state functions requiring its use. Critics have described this rollout as coercive, viewing it as part of a strategy to promote domestic digital services. Russia recently launched 16 serial-production satellites for the Rassvet broadband system, marketed as an alternative to Starlink, although its current launch capabilities are limited.
Samsung Messages app will be discontinued soon: Here's what to know
AppWizard
April 7, 2026

Samsung Messages app will be discontinued soon: Here’s what to know

Samsung has announced that its Samsung Messages application will cease operations in July 2026, encouraging users to migrate to Google Messages, which will become the default messaging app for Samsung device owners. Customers will receive in-app notifications to guide them through the transition process. The decision to discontinue Samsung Messages is part of a strategy to enhance user experience by providing a more secure and feature-rich messaging platform with advanced features like AI-powered scam detection and spam filtering.
Samsung to End Messaging App, Switch Users to Google
AppWizard
April 7, 2026

Samsung to End Messaging App, Switch Users to Google

Samsung will discontinue its Samsung Messages app in July 2026, urging users to switch to Google Messages. Users should download Google Messages and set it as their default messaging app before the shutdown. Users with older Android devices (Android 11 or earlier) will not be affected. Newer Samsung Galaxy models will not be able to download Samsung Messages from the Galaxy Store.
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