messaging applications Archives

AppWizard

October 31, 2024

New WhatsApp button will let users of other apps text you – but there’s a catch

A new WhatsApp update will introduce a button for third-party applications, allowing users to receive messages from apps like Facebook Messenger, Telegram, and iMessage directly in WhatsApp. This feature will be found in the Settings menu, enabling users to control cross-platform messaging and organize incoming messages into a separate inbox. However, WhatsApp does not guarantee the same security and privacy for these messages as it does for its native communications. Currently under development, this feature will be limited to users in the European Union due to the Digital Markets Act, which requires interoperability among messaging applications. Participation in this feature will be optional, addressing concerns about potential spam and scams.

AppWizard

October 28, 2024

Encrypted messaging apps: a persistent challenge in fighting organised crime

Approximately 700 officers from the Australian Federal Police executed arrest warrants as part of Operation Kraken, aimed at apprehending Jay Je Yoon Jung, the alleged mastermind behind the encrypted messaging application Ghost, used for organized crime. Ghost facilitated various illicit activities, including drug and weapon trafficking, with around 800 devices globally, 376 identified in Australia. The AFP learned about Ghost through Europol and collaborated with the US FBI and Royal Canadian Mounted Police to access its software. The operation highlighted challenges in disrupting encrypted communications, accelerating law enforcement's technological adoption, and preventing future exploitation by criminals. Australia's encryption laws allow law enforcement to access encrypted communications, sparking a debate on privacy and public safety. Continuous innovation, international collaboration, and training for law enforcement are essential to counter organized crime effectively.

AppWizard

October 17, 2024

Crypto Getting Inside the Messaging Apps

Global cryptocurrency ownership surpassed 295 million people in 2021, with messaging applications like Telegram, Facebook Messenger, and WeChat integrating cryptocurrency wallets and payment systems. Telegram introduced The Open Network (TON) for seamless cryptocurrency transactions and has contributed to the growth of Bitcoin casinos. WeChat is exploring the incorporation of China's digital yuan into its payment system. Signal allows users to send MobileCoin, while Japan's Line has launched its own cryptocurrency, LINK. Key drivers for this trend include the demand for financial autonomy, speed and convenience of transactions, and the need for cross-border payment solutions. Younger demographics, particularly Millennials and Gen Z, are leading adoption rates. In-app crypto payments utilize blockchain technology for secure transactions, with a straightforward process for sending and receiving cryptocurrencies. Benefits include convenience, lower fees, and financial inclusion for the unbanked, while challenges involve regulatory hurdles, cryptocurrency volatility, and privacy concerns. The integration of crypto in messaging apps could disrupt traditional banking, affect remittance markets, and prompt partnerships between banks and messaging platforms. Future growth in cryptocurrency adoption within messaging apps is anticipated, with potential mainstream acceptance akin to credit cards and mobile payments.

AppWizard

October 16, 2024

Google Messages may gain more privacy options with Profile discovery

The latest beta version of the Google Messages app introduces enhancements to its Profile discovery feature, allowing users to conceal their name and profile picture from contacts or display them only to those they converse with. This feature was first launched in November of the previous year but has not been widely rolled out. The beta version v20241010 indicates that Google is responding to user feedback for improved privacy controls. Currently, users can only use images from their Google or Gmail accounts as profile pictures, but future updates may allow for customization. An official rollout of the new privacy options appears imminent, as indicated by their presence on a Google Messages support page.

AppWizard

October 16, 2024

Google Rolls Out Android 15 With Theft Detection Lock, Privacy Features For ‘Sensitive’ Apps And More – Alphabet (NASDAQ:GOOG), Alphabet (NASDAQ:GOOGL)

Alphabet Inc.'s Google has begun rolling out Android 15 for Pixel devices, focusing on enhancing user experience, security, and privacy. Key features include: - Theft Protection and Recovery: Introduces Theft Detection Lock using AI to secure devices upon detecting suspicious movement, remote locking via phone number, and authentication requirements for critical actions like SIM card removal. - Private Space for Sensitive Apps: A secure vault for concealing sensitive applications, requiring additional authentication for access and allowing users to hide its existence from the main interface. - Enhanced Multitasking on Foldables and Tablets: Features include a pin/unpin taskbar for quick access to apps and App Pairing for simultaneous operation of two applications with drag-and-drop functionality. - Camera, Messaging, and Passkey Updates: Includes Low Light Boost for improved image quality, satellite connectivity for carrier messaging apps, and streamlined authentication for Passkeys.

AppWizard

October 16, 2024

Android 15 Is Here. What You Need to Know about Google’s Latest OS on Your Phone

Google will unveil Android 15 on Tuesday, initially available for supported Pixel devices, including Pixel 8 and Pixel 9, with a broader rollout to select devices from manufacturers like Samsung, Lenovo, Motorola, Nothing, and OnePlus in the coming months. Android 15 introduces features such as partial screen recording, satellite connectivity for messaging without cellular service, predictive back gestures, improved in-app camera controls, low-light enhancements, and sensitive notifications for two-factor authentication codes. The update focuses on enhancing security, particularly in health and finance sectors, and improves functionality for large-screen devices. Key features include: - Revamped Theft Detection Lock powered by AI. - Enhanced authentication for critical settings like SIM removal and disabling Find My Device. - A Private Space feature to conceal sensitive applications. - Customizable taskbar for foldables and tablets. - Ability to pair apps for multitasking. - Optimized in-app camera controls for low-light conditions. - Satellite connectivity for messaging applications. - Single-tap login using passkeys. Android 15 will first roll out to Pixel devices, with support for additional brands including Samsung, Honor, iQOO, Lenovo, Motorola, Nothing, OnePlus, Oppo, Realme, Sharp, Sony, Tecno, Vivo, and Xiaomi. Users are advised to back up their devices before installation. To download Android 15, users should navigate to Settings > System > Software updates > System Updates on their supported device. If storage space is insufficient, users must free up space or use a computer for the update process.

AppWizard

October 10, 2024

Future Updates to Enable Dual Messenger on Samsung’s One Hand Operation App – PUNE.NEWS

Samsung is planning to integrate support for the Dual Messenger feature into its One Hand Operation app in future updates, addressing user feedback regarding difficulties in managing multiple accounts on applications like KakaoTalk. Currently, users experience issues when trying to switch between accounts using gestures, as the app does not support launching the Dual Messenger version, leading to complications in account management. A Samsung community moderator has acknowledged these limitations and confirmed that the current version lacks Dual Messenger functionality. The development team is exploring the addition of this support, but no specific timeline for the update has been provided. Users are looking forward to enhancements that will improve the integration of these features for a better messaging experience.

AppWizard

October 9, 2024

Android 16 could let you put ANY app in a floating bubble — here’s a first look

Google is developing a new feature for Android that allows users to place any app in a floating bubble, enhancing multitasking capabilities. This feature, referred to as "bubble anything," was discovered in the Android 15 QPR1 beta and can be activated through a new “bubble” button in the app's context menu. It aims to improve multitasking, especially on Android tablets, and may be included in the upcoming Android 16 release. The existing bubbles API, introduced in Android 11, has seen limited adoption primarily for messaging apps, but the new feature could expand its use across various applications.

AppWizard

October 5, 2024

With Gemini for Pixel Buds, spoken notifications are only for messaging apps

The Gemini feature on Pixel Buds allows spoken notifications only for specific messaging applications: Google Chat, Google Messages, Google Voice, WhatsApp, Instagram, and Messenger. This change limits the broader notification capabilities previously available through Google Assistant, which included notifications from any app. Users can revert to Google Assistant by disabling Gemini, but this will eliminate the ability to use both features simultaneously. Activating Gemini will also turn on the phone's screen to display a transcript for longer conversations, with measures in place to prevent accidental touches.

AppWizard

October 4, 2024

More Than A Chat App; Likes, Mentions Come To WhatsApp Statuses – Talk Android

WhatsApp has over 2 billion active users each month and is known for its global appeal. The app has introduced features such as likes and mentions on status updates, prompting discussions about its evolution into a social media platform. Users will soon be able to like WhatsApp statuses with a heart icon, allowing them to express appreciation without starting a conversation. Additionally, private mentions will enable users to tag specific individuals in their status updates, allowing those mentioned to reshare the status. These features are currently being rolled out in select regions and are expected to be available globally soon.