messaging service Archives

AppWizard

June 17, 2025

WhatsApp to start showing ads in messaging app; launches new monetisation features

WhatsApp plans to introduce advertisements within its messaging app, specifically in the Updates tab, while ensuring that personal chats remain free of commercial content. This decision is part of parent company Meta Platforms' strategy to generate new revenue streams. WhatsApp reassured users that personal messaging, calls, and statuses will remain end-to-end encrypted and not used for ad targeting. This move marks a departure from the original ad-free vision set by WhatsApp's founders. Advertisements will be based on non-sensitive data, such as age, language, location, and interaction with ads. WhatsApp also unveiled three monetization features, emphasizing the importance of monetizing the app as part of Meta's broader strategy to diversify advertising revenue across its platforms.

AppWizard

June 17, 2025

WhatsApp Set to Introduce Ads in Select Sections of Messaging App

WhatsApp will soon introduce advertisements within the app, specifically in the Updates tab, as part of Meta Platforms' strategy to monetize its 1.5 billion daily users. The company assures that user privacy will be maintained, as ads will not affect private chats and personal messages remain end-to-end encrypted. This change marks a departure from WhatsApp's original promise to remain ad-free when it was launched in 2009. Ad targeting will be based on limited user information such as age, location, and language, without using personal messages or calls. Additionally, WhatsApp will allow channels to charge subscription fees for exclusive content and enable business owners to pay for increased visibility.

AppWizard

June 17, 2025

WhatsApp to start showing ads to users in some parts of the messaging app

WhatsApp will soon introduce ads in the Updates tab of the app, while ensuring that personal messaging experiences remain unchanged and free from advertisements. The ads will be targeted based on user attributes such as age, location, and language, but will not utilize personal messages or calls for targeting. Additionally, WhatsApp has launched two monetization features: Channels, allowing creators to charge subscription fees for exclusive updates, and promotional services for business owners to enhance channel visibility.

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 11, 2025

What we know about Russia’s plans to develop a new messaging app to compete with WhatsApp and Telegram

The Kremlin supports the establishment of domestic messaging services in Russia, aiming for them to exceed the quality of foreign alternatives. Presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov emphasized the need for a competitive landscape with the emergence of multiple national messengers, stating that competition is essential for innovation. This initiative aligns with the broader digitalization agenda of the Russian government, which includes proposed amendments in the State Duma for a multipurpose digital service that would integrate various state, financial, and commercial services into a single application to simplify citizens' interactions.

AppWizard

June 11, 2025

Putin wants to replace WhatsApp in Russia with a ‘national messenger’ app

President Vladimir Putin has called for the deactivation of WhatsApp accounts among government officials in Russia and advocates for the development of a national messaging service, as WhatsApp is the last foreign messaging platform in the country. The Russian State Duma has adopted a federal law to establish this new service, which will include features for correspondence, telephone calls, and public and commercial services. The new messenger will be built on Russian-developed software and integrate with the government portal Gosuslugi for identity verification and document authentication. Presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov emphasized the need for the new platform to be of high quality and competitive with foreign counterparts, highlighting that multiple national messengers should emerge to foster innovation. Russia joins countries like China, Vietnam, Japan, and South Korea, which have their own messaging applications.

AppWizard

June 7, 2025

Putin’s WeChat wager Moscow is betting on a super-app strategy to sideline foreign platforms and control digital communications

In late May, a significant amendment was introduced to a draft bill aimed at establishing a government-backed instant messaging platform, endorsed by President Vladimir Putin, which would have unique privileges compared to competitors. The proposed legislation includes features like document certification using electronic signatures and replacing physical identification with the platform's identification, which private enterprises would be required to accept. The platform is intended to function as an alternative to Russia's existing digital government services but will not replace them. The government will select an organization to manage the platform, which may be a private Russian company with over 500,000 users. VK, the company behind Russia's leading social network, is the frontrunner to develop the super-app called "Max," which offers various features and aims to integrate with external services. The Russian government may consider blocking competitors to Max, such as WhatsApp and Telegram, with the latter having a user base of 68 million daily users. President Putin has instructed his cabinet to promote the Russian messaging platform by migrating services from government agencies and financial institutions.

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 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.