messaging system Archives

AppWizard

June 15, 2026

YouTube turns into a messenger: the platform has returned the function of private messages

YouTube has reintroduced in-app private chats, allowing users to share videos, shorts, and live broadcasts without using third-party platforms. To start a chat, users must send an invitation through an external messenger, which is valid for seven days. Once accepted, users can chat one-on-one, but sharing is limited to publicly available content, and interactions are restricted to known contacts. The messaging feature is accessible via a dedicated button in the app, with notifications sent through push alerts. It is currently available only to adult users, with no support for group chats. YouTube previously discontinued its chat feature in 2019 due to low engagement but has decided to bring it back after positive testing results. The new messaging system is currently limited to users in the US, UK, Brazil, and Singapore, with no timeline for availability in Ukraine or other regions.

AppWizard

June 12, 2026

YouTube Brings In-App Sharing & Messaging To The U.S.

YouTube is expanding its in-app video sharing and messaging feature to key markets including the U.S., U.K., Brazil, Singapore, and various U.S. territories. Users aged 18 and older can share videos and engage in discussions without leaving the app. The messaging system operates through an invitation process, allowing users to send invite links that expire after seven days. Once connected, users can share long-form videos, Shorts, and live streams, and have the ability to unsend messages, block, or report others. This feature is not available for Brand Accounts and is governed by YouTube’s Community Guidelines, with content not used for ad targeting. The original messaging feature was discontinued in 2019 but was reintroduced as a pilot in Ireland and Poland in November 2025, later expanding to 31 European countries. YouTube plans to further expand this feature, though specific markets and timelines are not yet disclosed.

AppWizard

June 11, 2026

YouTube rolling out new in-app messaging with invite-only chats

YouTube is rolling out a new in-app messaging system that allows users to share videos, Shorts, and livestreams and engage in one-on-one conversations. A messaging icon will appear in the top-right corner of the app, and users can invite others via a URL link valid for seven days, shared through a third-party platform. Recipients must choose to allow messaging or decline. The feature is for users aged 18 and older and adheres to Community Guidelines. Users can unsend messages, block individuals, and report inappropriate content. Initially tested in Europe, it is now available in the United States, the United Kingdom, Brazil, and Singapore.

AppWizard

April 8, 2026

Is Samsung Messages being discontinued? Here’s when and what we know

Samsung Electronics has announced the discontinuation of the Samsung Messages app, with support ceasing in July 2026. Users are encouraged to migrate to Google Messages, which will become the default messaging platform for Samsung Galaxy devices operating on Android 12 or newer. Devices running Android 11 or older will not be affected at this time. After July 2026, Samsung Messages will no longer send or receive texts, except for emergency contacts. Users can download Google Messages from the Google Play Store and set it as their default messaging app. Other messaging app options are available for users who prefer alternatives. Older Samsung Galaxy watches running Tizen OS will not support Google Messages after the transition, but will still allow text message functionality. RCS messaging, integrated into Google Messages, enhances the texting experience with features like read receipts and high-quality media sharing, whereas SMS is limited to basic text messaging.

AppWizard

April 3, 2026

Kremlin push for state messenger MAX sparks backlash

The MAX messaging platform has been introduced in Russia as a "national messenger" to replace foreign applications like Telegram and WhatsApp, which face restrictions. Owned by VK, MAX has over 100 million users and is expanding its reach internationally. There are concerns about data privacy, with critics fearing that security services could access user information. Some users feel pressured to use MAX for communication with institutions and services, raising questions about its voluntary adoption. The public reaction is mixed, with some supporting a domestically controlled system while others prefer existing platforms. Experts in the telecom sector express skepticism about the platform's maturity and trustworthiness. The situation reflects a broader trend of increased control over online communication in Russia.

AppWizard

March 24, 2026

Bloodborne players are celebrating its 11th anniversary by replaying it. Please FromSoft, just give us a remaster

Bloodborne fans are celebrating the game's 11th anniversary by revisiting its world, despite no news of a remake or remaster due to disagreements between Sony and FromSoftware. The game, released in 2015, has achieved cult status for its unique Victorian fantasy setting. Fans have organized a two-week event called Return to Yharnam, starting on March 24 and ending on April 7, encouraging players to create new characters and engage in multiplayer experiences. The community's enthusiasm highlights a potential market for a PC port, which could attract new players to the game.

AppWizard

March 17, 2026

Stop Everything and Save Your Instagram Messages Before They’re No Longer Private

Meta will cease to protect private direct messages on Instagram, discontinuing end-to-end encryption (E2EE) effective after May 8, 2026. Users are advised to download their data to avoid losing access to their message history. Those currently using E2EE can transition to standard messaging and export their messages, but must update their app to do so. Users will automatically switch to unencrypted messaging, allowing Meta to access these messages for moderation and advertising purposes. The removal of E2EE is attributed to low usage rates and child protection regulations aimed at preventing exploitation of minors.

AppWizard

March 11, 2026

Facing Instagram messaging glitches, connection issues and other failures in US? Thousands report app outa

Instagram experienced a service disruption affecting its messaging system, with over 10,000 users reporting issues primarily in the United States. Key functionalities impacted included the inability to send or respond to Direct Messages (DMs), leading to interruptions in conversations. Users faced challenges like messages failing to send, stagnant replies, and difficulties loading content. Additionally, some users reported issues with posting and publishing content. There was no official statement from Meta regarding the cause of the disruption.

Winsage

March 4, 2026

Windows App Development CLI Updated with .NET Project Support, More

Microsoft has released version 0.2 of its Windows App Development CLI (winapp), incorporating several new features based on community feedback. Key updates include first-class support for .NET projects, allowing integration of WinUI 3, WPF, Windows Forms, and .NET console applications. Developers can initialize projects with winapp init, which aligns them with the appropriate Windows SDK version and generates necessary folders. The update also introduces manifest placeholders for easier app packaging, integrates Microsoft Store CLI commands into winapp, and enhances the help and error messaging system for better usability. Additional improvements include new commands for external catalogs and package identity, updates to winapp pack and manifest update-assets, and a Flutter guide with a sample project for using Windows App SDK APIs.

AppWizard

February 19, 2026

Bluesky Integrates Encrypted Messenger Germ as First Native DM

Bluesky has integrated end-to-end encrypted messaging into its platform through a partnership with Germ, a startup specializing in secure messaging solutions. This feature addresses user complaints regarding the absence of direct messaging since Bluesky's launch. Instead of creating a messaging system from scratch, Bluesky opted to use Germ's technology as the native messaging layer. The integration allows for secure, encrypted conversations without requiring users to download a separate application or create new accounts. Germ's technology manages encryption, key handling, and message delivery seamlessly within Bluesky's existing user interface.