messaging features Archives

AppWizard

August 3, 2025

What You Should Know About the New, Free Messaging App Bitchat

On July 28, Jack Dorsey introduced Bitchat Mesh, an open-source messaging application available for free in Apple's App Store. The app features a minimalist design and transmits messages exclusively via Bluetooth, establishing a mesh network for connectivity without relying on phone numbers or internet access. Users can communicate with nearby devices and extend their network reach through a series of connections. Each device acts as both a client and a server, and messages sent in the main chat are visible to all users within the network, while private messaging is available for one-on-one conversations. Additional features include the ability to send private messages, block users, and engage in playful interactions, with notifications for screenshots taken during conversations. Although the app is open-source, raising transparency about its code, Dorsey issued a security warning highlighting that it has not undergone external security reviews and may contain vulnerabilities.

AppWizard

July 31, 2025

What You Should Know About Jack Dorsey’s New Messaging App Bitchat

Jack Dorsey launched an open-source messaging app called Bitchat Mesh, or Bitchat, on July 28 through Apple's App Store. The app utilizes Bluetooth for data transmission instead of traditional internet connections and does not use contacts or phone numbers for connectivity, instead forming a Bluetooth mesh network among nearby devices. Each device acts as both a client and server, allowing for communication within the network, which is limited to those in proximity. Users can see the number of connected devices and send private messages, while main chat messages are visible to all within the network. Bitchat includes features like blocking users and sending playful notifications. Despite being open-source, the app has not undergone a third-party security audit, and users have been cautioned about potential vulnerabilities. Dorsey implemented the Noise Protocol Framework for end-to-end encryption but advised against using the app for production purposes until it receives an external security review.

AppWizard

July 3, 2025

Meta Adds More Business Messaging Features

Meta is enhancing its business messaging capabilities, launching new features at the Conversations 2025 conference. Key updates include the introduction of business AIs on WhatsApp, enhanced calling and voice functionalities for larger brands, and the ability to integrate a WhatsApp button into Google Business Profiles. WhatsApp users will soon open business links directly within the app, improving user experience. Meta is revising its pricing model for the WhatsApp Business Platform with new “volume tiers” and enhancing Click to Message ads with more outcome options like Purchase Optimization and Lead Optimization. Businesses can now use features from both the WhatsApp Business Platform and App simultaneously, and Meta is testing native order tracking updates via WhatsApp from platforms like Shopify. Businesses can also send verification codes through WhatsApp. Messenger updates include new calling features for businesses, AI-driven call summaries, and enhancements to the Cloud API and Marketing Messages Lite API.

AppWizard

June 29, 2025

Russia Launches State-Run Messaging App

Russia has introduced a state-backed messaging application, announced by President Vladimir Putin, aimed at providing a homegrown alternative to platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram. The initiative addresses national security concerns and seeks to enhance control over the digital landscape. The app will facilitate messaging, bill payments, form completions, and access to official records, all on a single platform. It promises standard messaging features and enhanced security measures. However, there are concerns about privacy and potential government surveillance, which may affect user adoption. This initiative is part of Russia's broader strategy to foster a self-sufficient technology ecosystem.

AppWizard

June 26, 2025

These Three Messaging Apps Are Encrypted, but One Stands Above the Rest

Telegram is a cloud-based messaging service that collects and retains metadata, including IP addresses. In 2024, Telegram updated its privacy policy to allow sharing of user data with law enforcement upon valid requests, leading to 900 information requests from U.S. authorities affecting 2,253 individuals. The platform has experienced data breaches, including a 2020 leak of data from approximately 42 million Iranian users and a 2019 incident involving the exposure of Hong Kong protestors' identities. Telegram supports public channels that lack end-to-end encryption, allowing anyone on the platform to view content. It offers secret chats with end-to-end encryption, but these can only be accessed on the user's device. The platform features an automatic message deletion option with a minimum interval of one day and a self-destruct feature for accounts, messages, and contacts after specified inactivity periods. Telegram's client applications are open-source, but the server-side code is closed-source. The company's cloud servers are encrypted, and encryption keys are stored across various jurisdictions. Telegram operates on a freemium model, providing additional features through a paid subscription while displaying ads in public channels with over 1,000 subscribers. The app is available for download on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store at no cost.

AppWizard

June 16, 2025

Russian Lawmakers Authorize Creation Of National Messaging Service

Russian lawmakers passed legislation on June 10 to establish a national instant messaging service, envisioned as a multifunctional information exchange service similar to WhatsApp. The service aims to facilitate bureaucratic and legal functions, including electronic document signing. VK, a Kremlin-aligned social media platform, is reportedly developing a new digital platform named Max, which will include chat, messaging, and payment services. The Russian government has previously launched the Gosuslugi e-government service portal, which serves around 100 million citizens and is being integrated with VK. President Vladimir Putin has expressed support for the new messaging service, instructing officials to transition services from government agencies to the platform.

AppWizard

June 7, 2025

Elon Musk Confirms New ‘XChat’ Messaging Option Rolling Out This Week

Elon Musk announced the rollout of a new feature called “XChat” for select X Premium subscribers, set to reach all paying users within a week. XChat includes enhanced messaging features such as full encryption by default, vanishing messages, the ability to send file attachments, and audio/video calls without a phone number. The service is built using "Rust with (Bitcoin style) encryption.” Musk envisions integrating messaging with financial transactions, aiming to launch X Payments later this year, similar to WeChat's model in China. Despite challenges in attracting Western consumers to comprehensive platforms, Musk's experience in payments may help make XChat appealing. The updated XChat begins its rollout this week, subject to potential scaling issues.

AppWizard

February 12, 2025

Users complain about Messenger crash: what problems are reported

Facebook Messenger is experiencing significant disruptions, with 91% of user complaints related to difficulties in sending messages, 6% concerning app issues, and 3% regarding voice messaging features. The problems began around 8:30 a.m. on February 11, with reports from Ukrainian users emerging after 9:30 a.m. The peak of the outage occurred at 9:39 a.m.

Winsage

February 3, 2025

Modern Discord hacked into Windows 95 and 98, slimmed down version keeps core functionality intact

A developer known as IProgramInCpp has backported Discord to Windows 95 and Windows 98 Second Edition, creating a version called Discord Messenger. This backport retains essential messaging functionalities such as direct messages, server interactions, image uploads, message editing, typing indicators, server member lists, and untrusted URL indicators. However, it lacks features like the friend list, dark mode, and voice channel capabilities, with voice call support being particularly challenging to integrate. The application runs on Windows 98 SE and Windows XP SP2, but may not appeal to users on modern systems. Caution is advised as using a custom Discord client may violate the platform's terms of service, especially since certain features are omitted to avoid spam detection.

AppWizard

February 3, 2025

Delete These 12 Android Apps That Are Secretly Recording Your Conversations

Smartphones are essential in daily life but pose risks due to malicious applications that threaten privacy and security. ESET security researchers identified 12 Android apps that covertly record conversations and steal sensitive data, disguised as legitimate messaging platforms. These apps were distributed through a cyberespionage strategy that exploited the Google Play Store. Victims were initially lured through online romance scams, leading them to download apps for "secure communication," which then operated covertly. The malicious apps fall into three categories: 1. Basic Spyware: Apps that offer basic messaging features while secretly gathering personal information, including contacts and location data. 2. Advanced Interception: More sophisticated apps that intercept messages from platforms like WhatsApp and Signal, and can activate the microphone to record calls. 3. The “Innocent” App: Apps that appear benign, such as a news platform, but still request personal information and can access contacts. The 12 identified apps to delete include: Rafaqat, Privee Talk, MeetMe, Let’s Chat, Quick Chat, Chit Chat, YohooTalk, TikTalk, Hello Cha, Nidus, GlowChat, and Wave Chat. These apps were available on the Google Play Store and collectively had over 1,400 downloads before being removed. The main danger of these applications is their ability to operate silently, compromising user privacy by recording audio, tracking location, and stealing information without user awareness. Users are advised to uninstall these apps immediately and conduct security scans with reputable antivirus software. Caution is recommended when downloading apps, emphasizing the importance of using trusted sources and being skeptical of unsolicited recommendations.