messaging platform Archives

AppWizard

June 4, 2025

More than a decade later, WhatsApp finally brings out an iPad app

WhatsApp has launched its app for iPads, now available on the App Store, allowing users to access its full functionality on a larger screen for the first time in over a decade. The iPad app includes features like chat synchronization across devices, compatibility with Apple's Magic Keyboard, and navigation using the Apple Pencil. Previously, iPad users could only use WhatsApp through a web version that required a constant connection to a mobile phone. The new app enables better multitasking by allowing users to run WhatsApp alongside other applications.

AppWizard

June 2, 2025

X Launches XChat Beta: Elon Musk’s Bold New Messaging Platform with Encryption and Disappearing Messages

Elon Musk has introduced XChat, a new messaging platform currently in beta testing for select users, primarily those subscribed to X's paid service. XChat aims to enhance user interaction on X (formerly Twitter) and includes features such as group chats, end-to-end encryption, disappearing messages, file sharing, an option to leave messages unread, and a four-digit passcode lock. The launch of XChat coincides with the suspension of a previous encrypted direct messaging service that failed to gain traction. XChat represents a strategic shift towards a more sophisticated messaging framework, aligning with Musk's vision of creating an 'everything app' that integrates social media with secure communication. The success of XChat will depend on user adoption and its integration with existing platform functionalities.

AppWizard

May 30, 2025

Telegram, Elon Musk’s xAI partner to distribute Grok to messaging app’s users

Pavel Durov, CEO of Telegram, announced a partnership with Elon Musk's xAI to integrate the AI model Grok into Telegram, benefiting its over one billion users. The one-year agreement will provide Telegram with significant financial support, including 0 million in cash and equity from xAI, as well as 50% of revenue from xAI subscriptions sold through Telegram. Grok 3, launched in February, is claimed by Musk to outperform other leading AI models in various fields.

AppWizard

May 29, 2025

Vietnam orders ban on Telegram messaging app over security concerns

Vietnam's telecommunications providers have been instructed to block access to Telegram due to national security concerns and alleged non-compliance with local laws. The Ministry of Information and Communications claims that 70% of Telegram channels in Vietnam are linked to illicit activities, including fraud and drug trafficking. Officials allege that Telegram has failed to remove illegal content and provide user data for investigations. A spokesperson for Telegram stated that the company had responded to legal requests from Vietnam. Vietnam has a history of enforcing strict online content controls, previously threatening to block Facebook and discussing a ban on TikTok. Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram, was arrested in France earlier this year over allegations related to cybercrime and expressed his commitment to improving the platform's security in light of its rapid user growth to 950 million.

AppWizard

May 29, 2025

Elon Musk’s xAI partners with messaging app Telegram in $300 million Grok deal

Elon Musk has launched xAI, aiming to uncover fundamental truths of the universe. The startup has partnered with Telegram, agreeing to a 0 million investment for the Grok AI chatbot. Telegram will receive the initial payment and 50% of revenue from xAI subscriptions sold through its platform. Telegram's CEO, Pavel Durov, mentioned that users can expect advanced AI technology by summer, although Musk later stated that "no deal has been signed." Telegram has over one billion monthly users as of 2025 and is preparing to raise at least .5 billion through a bond issue. Durov is under investigation in France for allowing criminal activities on Telegram and is restricted from leaving the country. xAI has merged with X, valuing the AI company at billion and the social media platform at billion. Grok faced criticism for generating controversial responses, which xAI attributed to an unauthorized modification. The company is working to improve Grok's transparency and reliability.

AppWizard

May 28, 2025

Telegram Signs $300M Deal With Elon Musk’s xAI to Integrate Grok AI Into Its Messaging App

Telegram has partnered with Elon Musk's xAI to integrate the Grok AI service into its app for one year. The agreement includes a financial component of 0 million in cash and equity from xAI, along with 50% of the revenue from xAI subscriptions sold on Telegram. Telegram is also seeking to raise .5 billion through a bond offering, supported by investors like BlackRock, Mubadala, and Citadel, to repurchase debt from a previous bond issuance in 2021. Telegram reported a profit of million on revenues of .4 billion in 2024, and the TON token, the native currency of the TON Network, rose 18.5% following the announcement.

AppWizard

May 28, 2025

Elon Musk’s xAI, Telegram Partner To Distribute Grok To Messaging App’s Users

Elon Musk's AI venture, xAI, has partnered with Telegram in a [openai_gpt model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Summarize the content and extract only the fact described in the text bellow. The summary shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. Text: Elon Musk's AI venture, xAI, has embarked on a significant partnership with Telegram, agreeing to a 0 million deal to integrate its Grok chatbot into the popular messaging platform. This strategic move aims to leverage Telegram's vast user base, which exceeds one billion, thereby enhancing xAI's position in the rapidly evolving artificial intelligence landscape. Details of the Partnership As part of the one-year agreement, xAI will not only provide its advanced chatbot technology but will also share half of any subscription revenue generated through Telegram. Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram, announced this collaboration in a recent post on X, highlighting the potential benefits for both parties involved. The financial arrangement will be fulfilled through a combination of cash and stock, further solidifying the partnership's foundation. This collaboration comes on the heels of xAI's acquisition of X earlier this year, a deal that valued the social media platform at an impressive billion. The partnership with Telegram is expected to furnish xAI with essential data to refine and enhance its AI models, a critical factor as the industry grapples with the challenge of sourcing quality data amidst a landscape of exhausted open-source repositories. In a time when many AI companies, including major players like Meta Platforms, are increasingly relying on public interactions for model training, the integration of Grok into Telegram could provide xAI with a unique opportunity to gather valuable insights. While Telegram's privacy policy remains a point of interest, it is yet to be clarified whether xAI will adopt a similar approach to data utilization as seen with X. " max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.7" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"] million deal to integrate its Grok chatbot into the messaging platform. The one-year agreement includes sharing half of any subscription revenue generated through Telegram. Pavel Durov, Telegram's founder, announced the collaboration, which will be financed through cash and stock. This partnership follows xAI's acquisition of X, valued at billion, and aims to provide xAI with essential data to enhance its AI models. The integration of Grok into Telegram may offer xAI valuable insights, although the implications of Telegram's privacy policy on data utilization remain unclear.

AppWizard

May 28, 2025

WhatsApp may soon let you take a break without deleting your account (APK teardown)

WhatsApp is set to introduce a new "Logout" feature in its beta release (version 2.25.17.37), allowing users to log out of their accounts on their primary phones without deleting their accounts. This feature will be found in the app's Account settings and will offer two options: one that logs users out while keeping all data and preferences intact, and another that erases all data, similar to uninstalling the app. The "Logout" feature is currently marked as "Internal," indicating it is still under testing.

AppWizard

May 28, 2025

Messaging app Signal will block Windows Recall from taking chat screenshots

Signal has introduced a "Screen Security" feature in its desktop application to prevent external programs, including Windows 11, from capturing screenshots of its interface. This feature is enabled by default and is a response to Microsoft's Recall feature, which captures app window screenshots for AI processing. Signal is concerned about the privacy risks posed by Recall's design, despite Microsoft's assurances of improved privacy controls. The developers have used Windows' Digital Rights Management technology to protect against unauthorized screenshots due to the lack of official APIs from Windows 11. Signal's leadership has criticized the need for such workarounds and has called on Microsoft to provide better tools for developers to safeguard user privacy.

AppWizard

May 24, 2025

Surprising: Telegram slams Vietnam’s decision to block messaging app

Vietnam's technology ministry has mandated telecom providers to restrict access to Telegram due to concerns about the app's failure to combat criminal activities and disseminate illegal content. A government document from May 21 instructed telecom companies to limit access, citing that 68 percent of the 9,600 Telegram channels and groups in Vietnam were linked to illegal activities such as fraud, drug trafficking, and potential terrorism. The ministry criticized Telegram for not cooperating with investigations, particularly regarding user data requests. Despite the directive, Telegram remained accessible in Vietnam as of the latest report. The situation is part of Vietnam's broader digital crackdown, which has included pressure on other platforms to remove content deemed harmful by the government. Telegram has previously faced scrutiny regarding its security and privacy practices.