messaging platform Archives

AppWizard

September 19, 2026

Russia’s “National Messenger” Turned Out to Be… “Putin Is Watching”

The Russian government is pressuring citizens to download a mobile app called "Max," which has raised privacy and surveillance concerns. Max is a popular messaging platform in Russia and integrates messaging, government services, and payment functionalities. Research by a University of Michigan team found that Max can capture users' screens without consent, access sensitive information, impersonate users, and potentially enable cyberattacks via code injection. Despite these concerns, many Russians still use alternative messaging platforms like Telegram and Signal. Some government officials are using separate devices for Max, indicating unease about its surveillance capabilities. The app is linked to a social media company connected to the Russian government, and President Putin may have an indirect financial stake in it.

AppWizard

September 18, 2026

Revealed: How Russia use mobile ‘super-app’ Max to spy on its citizens

A new messaging and payment app called Max has emerged in Russia, developed by VKontakte, and has become the country's most utilized messaging platform. Max integrates various services, including banking and government services, and has been adopted by tens of millions of Russians. It features extensive surveillance capabilities, allowing it to take screenshots, access information without consent, impersonate users, and potentially conduct cyberattacks. The app's adoption has been largely mandatory, particularly among state employees and students. Despite its rise, Max has not replaced Telegram as a primary news source, and users have raised concerns about privacy and surveillance. Experts warn that Russia's swift implementation of digital control strategies reflects a growing trend of digital authoritarianism.

AppWizard

September 18, 2026

No RCS, no problem: Chat themes in Messages are now available for standard texts

Google Messages has expanded its customization capabilities to include standard SMS conversations, allowing users to set custom chat themes. This feature, which was previously available only for RCS chats, has been quietly rolled out, enabling users to access chat themes in non-RCS chats. Users can find the chat themes option in the three-dot menu or by navigating to the contact info page. The customization applies only to the individual who sets it, rather than affecting all participants in a chat. This update enhances the visual appeal of SMS conversations without imposing changes on others.

AppWizard

September 11, 2026

Finally Here! Google Messages and Google Keep Integration [Android Drop]

On September 1, 2026, Google announced the integration of Google Keep into the Google Messages app as part of the upcoming “Android Drop” set to launch in early September 2026 for Android devices. A “Keep Note” option will be available in the “+” menu on the chat screen, requiring users to opt-in by selecting “Try it now.” This integration allows users to share and update lists and notes directly within chat conversations, enhancing collaboration among group members.

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.

AppWizard

September 8, 2026

‘Predator’s paradise’: Connecticut AG investigates popular messaging app

Connecticut Attorney General William Tong has launched an investigation into the messaging platform Kik over concerns about its effectiveness in protecting children from online exploitation. The inquiry centers on allegations of inadequate age verification measures, which expose younger users to potential dangers. Kik lacks parental controls, prompting Tong to compare it unfavorably to other platforms, and he described it as a "predator's paradise." The National Center on Sexual Exploitation has also raised alarms about Kik being a tool for grooming children and distributing explicit content. Local residents shared experiences of minimal restrictions on the app, and while Kik claims to be intended for adults only, Tong criticized its age-verification processes as ineffective. He has advised parents to monitor their children's online activities and consider removing Kik from their devices.

AppWizard

September 8, 2026

WhatsApp Ends Support for Android 5.0, 5.1

On September 8, 2026, WhatsApp stopped supporting devices running on Android versions 5.0 and 5.1, meaning users with these operating systems can no longer access the app. WhatsApp had previously notified users about this change earlier in the year. Affected users are advised to check for software updates or switch to a newer phone to continue using WhatsApp and benefit from enhanced features and security.

AppWizard

September 4, 2026

WhatsApp rolls out emergency fix for locked Android photo access bug

WhatsApp is rolling out a fix for a privacy vulnerability affecting Android users that could allow individuals with physical access to a locked device to view the owner's photos during a video call. The issue was identified by security researcher Jose Rodriguez, who demonstrated that an incoming WhatsApp video call could provide access from the lock-screen to the device's photo gallery without unlocking the phone. WhatsApp confirmed the implementation of a fix and noted that the issue is limited to situations where someone has physical access to the device. Rodriguez reported the vulnerability to both Meta and Google, receiving limited responses. Users are advised to update WhatsApp and adjust app permissions to enhance privacy.

AppWizard

September 3, 2026

Sept. 2026 Android Drop: Find Hub ‘Remembered’ list, Motion Assist, & Keep in Google Messages

Google's September 2026 Android Drop introduces several new features: - The Find Hub and Gemini applications have been upgraded to allow users to track items without traditional tracker tags using voice commands. A "Remembered" tab stores the locations of items, and this feature is available for devices running Android 16 and above. - Motion Assist is a new feature for Android 17+ that helps reduce motion sickness by using a bubble overlay that moves with the vehicle's motion. Users can customize the bubble's appearance, and it can activate automatically when movement is detected. - Gemini Live now includes Guided Vision, which provides verbal descriptions of surroundings, assisting with tasks like reading labels or locating items. This feature will be available for devices running Android 9 and above in regions where Gemini is accessible. - Google Messages is integrating with Google Keep, allowing users to share and update lists directly in chats. This integration includes a "Create list" suggestion and will enhance communication within the messaging platform.

AppWizard

August 26, 2026

Wildberries released its own messenger

Wildberries has launched its messaging platform, WB Chat, which is now available for download on the App Store and Google Play. Users can log in using their WB ID. The app features a user-friendly interface with organized chat tabs, allows users to create groups or channels, and includes profile customization options. It supports photo and video sharing, message forwarding, replying to messages, setting statuses, and transcribing voice messages. WB Chat is published on Google Play under WB FZE, with a location in the Hamriyah Free Zone, UAE. The app is currently in beta testing. It is also available on RuStore, and a web version is being developed. Wildberries plans to expand the messenger internationally after its initial launch in Russia.