messaging platforms Archives

AppWizard

June 3, 2025

WhatsApp and iMessage competitor: Elon Musk announces new Vchat messenger

Elon Musk has introduced XChat, a secure messaging service aimed at transforming X (formerly Twitter) into a comprehensive communication platform. XChat focuses on privacy, file sharing, and cross-platform calling, competing with established messaging services like WhatsApp and Telegram. It is developed using Rust and features Bitcoin-style encryption and end-to-end encryption to ensure message confidentiality. Currently in beta testing, XChat will be rolled out to more users soon, although no official launch date has been set. This service is part of Musk's vision to create a "super app" that combines social networking, digital payments, media sharing, and private communication, similar to WeChat. Analysts believe XChat could significantly influence the development of Web3 applications and challenge traditional messaging platforms to innovate in security and functionality.

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 31, 2025

Russia launches national messaging app to reduce reliance on WhatsApp, Telegram

Russia has introduced a national messaging service aimed at reducing dependence on foreign platforms, as announced by Sergei Boyarsky, head of the Russian State Duma Committee on Information Policy. The domestic application is intended to provide a secure and multifunctional alternative to services like WhatsApp and Telegram, contributing to a unique digital ecosystem and enhancing digital security. Boyarsky stated that the initiative is not meant to ban foreign messaging services but to promote competition, emphasizing that these services can continue operating if they comply with Russian laws. The development reflects a broader shift towards adopting domestic applications and improving digital infrastructure in Russia.

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 24, 2025

Decentralized Messenger Session Goes Live on Arbitrum With $SESH Token Launch

The decentralized encrypted messenger app, Session, is launching its token, $SESH, on May 21st, 2025, coinciding with the mainnet launch of the new Session Network after a testing phase. Session has over one million monthly active users and operates on a specialized DePIN network with more than 2,000 nodes, ensuring user privacy and anonymity. The total supply of $SESH is capped at 240 million, with an initial release of up to 80 million tokens at the Token Generation Event (TGE). Users can stake 25,000 $SESH tokens to operate a Session Node, ensuring network integrity. The application emphasizes minimal metadata collection and offers features like emoji reactions, voice calls, and group chats. Session is now managed by the nonprofit Session Technology Foundation based in Zug, Switzerland.

AppWizard

May 24, 2025

Vietnam acts to block messaging app Telegram

Vietnam's technology ministry has instructed telecommunication service providers to block the messaging app Telegram due to its lack of cooperation in combating criminal activities among users. This directive, issued on May 21, mandates that service providers implement the block and report their actions by June 2. Findings from the cyber-security department indicated that 68% of the 9,600 Telegram channels and groups in Vietnam were violating laws, including serious offenses like fraud, drug trafficking, and suspected terrorism activities. A representative from the ministry confirmed the document's authenticity, citing Telegram's failure to provide user data during criminal investigations. As of the latest update, Telegram remained accessible in Vietnam despite the directive.

Winsage

May 14, 2025

Microsoft Confirms Windows Upgrade Choice—You Must Now Decide

Microsoft has released a mandatory update for Windows 11, identified as “KB5058411,” which includes essential security fixes and introduces a new feature called Recall. Recall uses artificial intelligence to capture snapshots of the user's screen at regular intervals, creating a photographic memory of digital interactions. Users will be prompted to enable Recall during the installation of the May 2025 Windows 11 24H2 update, and opting in for the first time simplifies future re-enabling. However, enabling Recall raises privacy concerns, as it records activities and communications from secure messaging platforms like WhatsApp and Signal, potentially exposing sensitive information. A user reported that someone was able to access his entire PC history, including deleted messages, highlighting the vulnerabilities associated with the feature. Users are advised to carefully consider the implications of opting into Recall.

AppWizard

May 10, 2025

Beware! This Android ad scam is targeting 2.5M users monthly

A sophisticated ad fraud scheme called Kaleidoscope is affecting over 2.5 million Android devices each month, with India accounting for 20% of the total impacted devices. Other countries experiencing the effects include Brazil, Indonesia, and the Philippines. The scheme spreads through unofficial app stores and direct download links shared on social media and messaging platforms.

AppWizard

May 8, 2025

Signal clone used by Trump team hacked, GlobalX flight data leaked

The messaging app TeleMessage, used by President Donald Trump’s national security advisor, has been suspended due to a reported security breach, raising concerns about the security of sensitive government communications. The app, a modified version of Signal, was halted after a hacker accessed message contents from its customized versions, although the communications of national security advisor Mike Waltz were reportedly not affected. TeleMessage's suspension follows a statement from its parent company, Smarsh, confirming an investigation into the security incident. Despite President Trump's criticism of Signal, the White House continues to defend it, highlighting its pre-installation on government devices. Concerns about privacy protections arise from TeleMessage's archiving features, which may compromise Signal's end-to-end encryption. Additionally, GlobalX, the airline involved in Trump’s deportation flights, experienced a hacking incident, resulting in the exposure of flight records and passenger lists.

AppWizard

May 6, 2025

Mike Waltz’s Cabinet Messaging App Goes Dark After Massive Hack

TeleMessage, an encrypted messaging application, has temporarily suspended its services following a security breach. The platform was used by dismissed national security adviser Mike Waltz during a Cabinet meeting, and a leaked image of his inbox showed conversations with notable figures such as Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The breach, reported by 404 Media, did not access messages among Cabinet members but compromised data from Customs and Border Protection, cryptocurrency firm Coinbase, and various financial institutions. The hacker claimed the breach was easy, completing it within 15-20 minutes. Signal, the platform from which TeleMessage archives messages, stated it cannot guarantee the security of unofficial versions. TeleMessage was acquired by U.S. company Smarsh last year for archiving communications. Following controversies, including Waltz's accidental inclusion in a group chat discussing a military operation, he was removed from his position, and President Trump expressed skepticism about using Signal for government communications.