messaging Archives

AppWizard

June 19, 2026

Commodore’s New Flip Phone Skips Android for Linux-Based Sailfish OS

A year after its revival, the Commodore brand is re-entering the mobile phone market with the retro flip phone called the Commodore Callback 8020. This device runs on a privacy-focused Linux-based operating system, Jolla's Sailfish OS, and features stringent software restrictions that block browsers and social media applications. It comes preloaded with WhatsApp and supports other messaging services like Signal, Telegram, and WeChat. The Callback 8020 is powered by a MediaTek Helio G81 chip, has 4GB of RAM, and 64GB of expandable storage. It features a 3.25-inch IPS display, a 1.77-inch exterior screen, and a tactile T9 keypad. The rear camera has a 48MP Sony sensor, and the phone includes a removable 1550mAh battery. Connectivity options include dual-SIM 4G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, hotspot, and GPS. The Callback 8020 will be available in five colors, with prices starting at .99, and units are expected to ship this winter.

AppWizard

June 19, 2026

Telegram Block in India Sparks Surge in Demand for VPNs and Alternative Messengers

The Indian government has temporarily restricted access to the Telegram messaging platform, leading to a significant increase in demand for VPN services and alternative communication applications. On the day the restriction was implemented, VPN app downloads in India reached a record high since the start of 2025, with daily downloads rising by 49% from an average of 139,000 to 208,000. Proton VPN saw a 113% increase in downloads on the Apple App Store and a 64% rise on Google Play, while Windscribe reported an 89% increase in downloads. Additionally, downloads of the Signal app surged by 322% on Google Play and by 72% in the App Store, and Viber downloads increased by 216%. The government's decision to restrict Telegram was made to combat fraudulent activities related to the NEET entrance exam.

AppWizard

June 19, 2026

Meta rolls out enhanced safety features for teen Instagram users

On June 18, 2026, Meta announced new safety features for users aged 13 to 17 on Facebook, Instagram, and Messenger, including: - Automatic private settings for Teen Accounts, requiring approval for new followers, with non-followers unable to view or interact with content. - Messaging limited to individuals they follow or are connected with. - Tagging and mentioning restricted to followers, with offensive language filtered through the Hidden Words feature. - Notifications to take breaks after 60 minutes of use. - Muted notifications from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m., with automatic replies sent during those hours. For users aged 13 to 15, accounts are private by default and require parental consent for changes. Older teens (16 to 17) can modify settings with parental notifications. The Family Center allows parents to manage settings and monitor activities. Teens may need to verify their age if they change it on their account, and providing false information could lead to account suspension or permanent disablement. Malina Enlund, Meta's head of safety policy for the Asia Pacific region, emphasized the importance of honesty about age. The Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) supports creating a safe online environment rather than restricting access to social media, citing the 2021 UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

AppWizard

June 18, 2026

Android 17 review: Bubbling with excitement

Recent updates in Android, particularly with Android 17, focus on refining existing functionalities rather than introducing numerous new features. Key highlights include: - Revamped multitasking capabilities with expanded chat bubbles, allowing interaction with multiple apps simultaneously. - A bubble bar for foldable devices that displays all active floating windows for easy access, though launching apps as bubbles from the recents menu is not supported. - Tailored updates for foldable devices, including a dedicated gaming mode and native controller remapping for customization. - New customization options, such as hiding app labels on home screens and per-app adjustments for the dark theme. - Enhanced background blur effects and the ability to disable them through accessibility settings. - Security updates including Theft Detection Lock and Remote Lock enabled by default, and a new Contact Picker feature for sharing specific contacts. - Improved parental controls allowing for daily limits, downtime schedules, and individual app restrictions. - A consistent user experience across devices, with applications adapting to different screen sizes and the introduction of features like Continue On for cross-device continuity. - Anticipated future enhancements related to Gemini Intelligence.

AppWizard

June 18, 2026

India’s solution to entrance exam fraud: A temporary ban on Telegram

On June 13, 2026, the National Students Union of India (NSUI) held a protest in Hyderabad against alleged exam paper leaks related to the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET). The Indian government temporarily blocked access to the messaging platform Telegram to combat exam fraud, with the National Testing Agency (NTA) announcing the ban will last until June 22 and disabling the message editing feature until June 30. The NEET-UG exam was canceled on May 12, affecting approximately 2.2 million students, following allegations of a paper leak. Telegram channels were found soliciting payments for leaked exam papers, while the NTA denied any papers were available outside secured channels. Political ramifications included calls from opposition leader Rahul Gandhi for the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The Cockroach Janta Party organized protests nationwide demanding accountability for the examination discrepancies.

AppWizard

June 18, 2026

Telegram vs Jio: Messaging app founder alleges cyberattack, Reliance responds

Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram, has raised concerns about accessibility issues on his platform, attributing them to a technique called "BGP hijacking," which redirects internet traffic. He alleges that these disruptions affect users beyond India, including in the UAE, and suggests that Reliance Jio, an Indian telecom operator partly owned by Meta, may be involved in sabotaging access to Telegram. Reliance Jio has denied these allegations, stating they operate in accordance with global internet routing best practices. BGP hijacking occurs when a network falsely claims to be the preferred route, causing disruptions in internet traffic. There are indications that the network in question may be linked to Reliance Communications rather than Reliance Jio. The situation is complicated by a temporary block on Telegram in India due to the platform allegedly being used for leaking examination materials.

AppWizard

June 18, 2026

India Blocks Telegram Access Ahead of Medical School Retest Amid ‘Fake Leak’ Scandal

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology in India has imposed a week-long ban on the messaging app Telegram amid a scandal related to the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET). This decision, enacted under the Information Technology (IT) Act, aims to protect national integrity and sovereignty, following significant irregularities in the original exam held on May 3. The National Testing Agency (NTA) invalidated the initial exam after discovering question leaks, and the upcoming retest is scheduled for June 21. The ban also includes the disabling of Telegram's 'message editing' feature until June 30. Despite the NTA's assurances that no questions have leaked for the retest, concerns about organized cheating groups using Telegram to spread misinformation persist. Pavel Durov, Telegram's CEO, criticized the ban for impacting millions of users without addressing underlying issues. Protests demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan have occurred, and the case has been referred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which has arrested approximately 11 individuals based on preliminary findings of leaked questions in the exam.

AppWizard

June 17, 2026

Android Auto has suddenly lost its Facebook Messenger app

Users of Android Auto have reported that Facebook Messenger has disappeared from the platform, with the app icon no longer visible on car displays or the mobile launcher customization screen. This issue is associated with the latest version of Facebook Messenger, v565.0.0.43.88, and has occurred without prior notice. Meta, the parent company of Facebook, has not provided an official explanation for this change. While direct access to Messenger is unavailable, Android Auto still supports notifications from the app, though without the usual filtering features.

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.