messaging Archives

AppWizard

June 12, 2026

Telegram’s Wear OS app makes a comeback, now with full chats, voice notes, and more

Telegram has reintroduced its app to Wear OS, allowing Android smartwatch users to access a fully functional messaging interface. The new version enables users to scroll through complete conversations, view photos, videos, and location previews, and play voice messages directly from the smartwatch. Users can actively engage in conversations by replying with text or voice, sending stickers, and managing chats. On the smartphone side, Telegram has enhanced its Android app with features such as bots that send richly formatted messages and manage group interactions. Group administrators can assign bots for moderation, and Telegram Polls now support clickable links. The in-app browser has been improved to handle links more flexibly, allowing users to customize how links open.

AppWizard

June 12, 2026

YouTube expands in-app messaging

YouTube is expanding its in-app messaging feature, initially tested in Ireland and Poland, to the United States and other global markets. The feature, called YouTube Chat, allows users to directly message and share content within the app. Users can invite friends to chat, enabling them to share posts and discuss videos. This update aims to enhance user engagement and streamline sharing activities, reflecting a trend towards private messaging. Favorable feedback has been received during initial testing, although the feature's success will depend on user willingness to use it in place of established messaging platforms.

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 12, 2026

YouTube Rolls Out Updates for In-app Messaging

YouTube is introducing a native video sharing and messaging feature, rolling out in the U.S. and internationally for users aged 18 and older. This update includes a messaging icon for sharing videos, texting, and reacting to content without leaving the app, supporting all video formats. The feature follows a successful rollout in select international markets and adheres to YouTube's Community Guidelines. Users must verify their age through their Google account and be signed into a YouTube channel to access the feature.

AppWizard

June 11, 2026

YouTube Wants Your Video Conversations To Stay On YouTube

YouTube is introducing a feature that allows users to share videos, Shorts, and live streams while engaging in conversations directly on the platform, aiming to retain social interactions within its ecosystem. This functionality integrates messaging across YouTube's primary content formats, enhancing user interaction and reducing the need to navigate away from the platform for discussions. YouTube is not attempting to become a full-fledged messaging app but rather to facilitate conversations that arise from video content. A moderation note indicates awareness of safety concerns related to integrating messaging on a public platform, and the limited rollout is designed to assess effectiveness while managing moderation challenges. This development may signal a shift in video-driven conversations for brands and creators, encouraging content that fosters sharing within the app. If successful, this feature could transform sharing from an exit point into a catalyst for further engagement, enriching the user experience.

AppWizard

June 11, 2026

Apple removes Russian messenger from App Store

Apple has removed Russia’s state-backed Max messenger from its App Store, as confirmed by the app’s developers. The Max app, which lacks encryption, has been promoted by the Russian government, which has restricted access to popular messaging platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram, forcing civil servants and state agencies to use Max for communications. The app became unavailable for download on Apple’s platform on Wednesday night, and while current users can still access it, new downloads and updates are prohibited. Max, introduced in 2025 by VK, combines social media, messaging, government services, and banking options, and has been endorsed by President Putin. It is pre-installed on devices sold in Russia but not available in the European Union, with user data stored on Russian servers.

AppWizard

June 11, 2026

Expanding ways to share on YouTube

YouTube is expanding its in-app video sharing and messaging feature for users aged 18 and older in the U.S. and various international markets. The update allows users to share videos and react in real-time through a new messaging icon in the app. This feature has received positive feedback from regions where it was previously implemented, and YouTube encourages adherence to its Community Guidelines for shared content. The company aims to gather user feedback to refine the platform further.

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

June 10, 2026

France’s Government Messaging App Tchap Got Breached

On June 7, 2026, Tchap, the French government's encrypted messaging platform for civil servants, experienced a significant breach detected by ANSSI. The breach resulted from a compromised user account and involved the education shard of Tchap, specifically targeting matrix.agent.education.tchap.gouv.fr. Approximately 650,000 messages, data from over 73,000 accounts, and about 13.5GB of documents and media files were allegedly scraped. The attacker also claimed to have discovered hardcoded LDAP credentials leaked through a PowerShell script shared by a regional director of the French tax authority. DINUM, the French Digital Affairs Directorate, stated that private conversations on Tchap are end-to-end encrypted and that the compromised account has been blocked. They notified CNIL about the potential exposure of personal data and reminded users to avoid sharing sensitive information in public chat rooms. The breach follows a mandate from Prime Minister François Bayrou in August 2025 requiring all civil servants to use Tchap, increasing its attractiveness as a target for cyber threats. The investigation into the breach is ongoing.

AppWizard

June 10, 2026

Tchap Breach: France’s State Messenger Compromised

On June 7, an unauthorized individual accessed a user account on the Tchap messaging platform, which is used by France's government. The Digital and Numérique Agency (DINUM) identified and blocked the compromised account, but the breach raised significant security concerns. The attacker claimed to have accessed about 14GB of documents and data from public Tchap rooms, including sensitive information such as hardcoded LDAP credentials, email addresses, meeting links, and organizational details. It was revealed that public chatrooms on Tchap do not use end-to-end encryption, making shared information accessible to anyone logged into the account. The incident has implications for the credibility of government-developed secure communication tools.