messaging Archives

AppWizard

June 17, 2026

Google removes messaging app Telegram from Play Store, Apple likely to follow suit

The Indian government has removed numerous channels, groups, and bots from Telegram that were allegedly promoting fraudulent activities and misleading information, following insights from the National Testing Agency (NTA) and state law enforcement. This action has drawn criticism from digital advocacy organizations, such as IGAP and the Internet Freedom Foundation, which argue that the approach may disproportionately affect legitimate users of the platform and that fraud can occur across various platforms. The restrictions, enacted under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000, will limit access to Telegram throughout India until June 22, 2026, and require the platform to disable message-editing capabilities for all Indian users until June 30, 2026.

AppWizard

June 16, 2026

June Pixel Drop: New features for creators, Gemini upgrades and more

The Quick Share feature now integrates with AirDrop on the Pixel 8a and 9a, allowing for easier file and media sharing. Magic Cue will enhance Snapchat conversations with contextual suggestions. The Take a Message feature, which provides real-time text transcripts of voicemails and AI-generated next steps, is expanding to more markets and includes a new Custom Greetings feature for personalized outgoing messages. Additionally, Manual Call Screen is now available for Pixel phones in India, allowing users to screen unknown numbers.

AppWizard

June 16, 2026

Pixel phones are now better at multitasking, thanks to Android 17’s Bubbles

The June Pixel Drop has introduced the Bubbles feature, allowing users to open up to five apps in floating bubbles for easy access without switching away from the current app. Users can activate this by long-pressing any app icon, which opens it in a small floating window that minimizes into a bubble when tapped outside. This feature is particularly useful for messaging and media apps. On larger devices like the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, app bubbles are organized in a dedicated bubble bar for easier multitasking. The Bubbles feature has officially rolled out to all Pixel devices running Android 17, following its availability in the Android 17 beta. User feedback has been mostly positive despite some minor issues. The June Pixel Drop also introduces other features such as Screen Reactions and new Gemini models.

AppWizard

June 16, 2026

India Blocks Telegram Messaging App Amid Exam Scandal

India has implemented a temporary ban on the Telegram messaging app until June 22 to combat cheating in medical entrance examinations, following reports of its use in fraudulent activities. This measure is part of the Ministry of Education's effort to maintain integrity and fairness in the examination process.

AppWizard

June 16, 2026

Telegram ban in India: 6 messaging apps to switch to right now

WhatsApp is the predominant messaging platform in India, known for its extensive user base and robust features, including end-to-end encryption, voice and video calls, communities for large group interactions, document sharing, status updates, and business messaging. It provides a seamless transition for users coming from Telegram due to its intuitive interface and widespread acceptance, allowing easy adaptation without extensive onboarding.

AppWizard

June 16, 2026

1 Million Users Donate To Rescue Session Messenger From Shutdown

Session, a decentralized encrypted messenger, has over a million monthly users and has secured its future through community donations after facing a funding crisis earlier this year. The Session Technology Foundation had to reduce its paid staff and warned of a potential closure in July due to a significant financial shortfall. However, the community raised sufficient funds to prevent shutdown, allowing development to continue until at least 2027. The majority of contributions came from everyday users passionate about privacy communication. Session operates without requiring phone numbers and uses a decentralized network to enhance privacy. Under the leadership of Jason Rhinelander, the team is focusing on new features like post-quantum encryption. The organization also aims to achieve self-sustainability with a new paid Pro tier. Co-founder Chris McCabe's public appeal for support in March preceded staff layoffs on April 9, and Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin previously donated 128 Ether (ETH) to assist the foundation.

AppWizard

June 16, 2026

Malaysia’s AI agent-powered messaging app Respond.io raises $62.5M, eyes acquisitions

In 2017, Respond.io was founded to help businesses adapt to customer shifts towards messaging applications. It is headquartered in Kuala Lumpur and recently raised million in a Series B funding round, following a million Series A round in 2022. The company reported an annual recurring revenue (ARR) of million, a 169% year-over-year increase, with a 30% profit margin. Co-founders include Gerardo Salandra (CEO), Hassan Ahmed (CTO), and Yaroslav Kudritskiy (COO), who initially started the company in Hong Kong before relocating to Malaysia. Respond.io's platform caters to mid- to large-sized B2C enterprises, facilitating customer interactions across various messaging channels and utilizing AI for efficiency. The target market consists of "high-consideration" businesses, with an ideal customer profile of companies having 200 to 10,000 employees. Respond processes 2 billion messages quarterly and has a unique pricing model based on conversation volume rather than per user. The company emphasizes a data flywheel effect that enhances AI capabilities through increased message volume. Plans for growth include hiring, organic expansion, and strategic acquisitions, particularly in Europe and North America, which are projected to become larger revenue segments. Currently, revenue is distributed with 30% from APAC, 30% from Latin America, and 20% from the Middle East and Africa, with the remaining 20% from North America and Western Europe. Salandra expressed a cautious approach to growth and aspirations for a future public offering on Nasdaq.

AppWizard

June 15, 2026

How to Use Meta AI on Meta Apps

Meta AI is integrated into WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, and Messenger, providing functionalities like chat, search, image generation, and automated customer support through the Meta Business Agent. Its availability varies by country, account type, app version, and language. Users should be aware that seeing a colleague's blue Meta AI ring in WhatsApp while they do not may indicate a rollout flag on Meta's end rather than an app malfunction. Meta AI can answer queries, suggest ideas, generate images from prompts, clarify messages, assist with searches, and support customer interactions for business accounts. It is linked to the Llama model family, including Llama 2 and Llama 3. To use Meta AI on WhatsApp, users need to update the app and can start a chat by locating the Meta AI button or circle. They can ask practical questions, request image generation, and utilize it in group chats. On Instagram, it enhances DMs and search functions, allowing users to create AI chats for content ideas and captions. In Messenger, there is an "Ask Meta AI" bar for direct interactions. Users can also utilize Meta AI on Facebook for search and content discovery. The Meta Business Agent is a version of Meta AI for businesses, providing 24/7 responses to customer inquiries. It can be set up in Meta Business Suite or WhatsApp Business. Privacy measures should be considered, as users cannot entirely disable Meta AI and should avoid sharing sensitive information in chats. For better responses, users should provide context and constraints in their prompts and consider training in prompt design and AI risk management for professional use.

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.

Winsage

June 14, 2026

When Windows 7 Arrived in Japan, It Came Printed on Toilet Paper

On October 22, 2009, Japan launched Windows 7, accompanied by a unique promotional item: a roll of toilet paper featuring Windows 7 branding and details about its enhancements. This marketing strategy was similar to the previous promotion for Windows Vista Service Pack 1. The toilet paper included messages about Windows 7's speed, security, and compatibility improvements, with sections detailing faster startup times, enhanced memory management, a streamlined user interface, and security features like the Action Center and BitLocker To Go. Networking capabilities were improved with HomeGroup, and Windows Media Center expanded its functionality. The design of the promotional toilet paper allowed users to revisit key points easily, and some versions mimicked Windows software boxes. This initiative was driven by local retailers, reflecting Japan's trend of quirky promotions in the electronics retail sector.