Messenger Archives

AppWizard

May 3, 2025

Facebook parent Meta launches AI assistant app, further competing with OpenAI and Google

Meta Platforms launched a dedicated app for its Meta AI assistant, enhancing user experience by providing personalized responses based on user data from Facebook and Instagram. The app is powered by Llama 4, Meta's latest large language model, designed to compete with AI systems from OpenAI and Google. It will integrate with Meta’s AI glasses and the existing companion app. Meta is also hosting its first AI developer event, LlamaCon, on the same day as the app launch and plans to test a paid subscription model for advanced versions of its AI chatbot in the second quarter. Meta AI, launched in September 2023, serves as a virtual assistant capable of reasoning tasks.

AppWizard

May 2, 2025

Signals crossed: How Signal Messenger thrived as support for Mike Waltz took a dive

Signal, the encrypted messaging app, has seen a surge in popularity due to increased media attention on the White House's Houthi attack plan scandal. The app's usage has risen as public perception shifts, with many viewing Signal as a champion of privacy amidst concerns about data breaches and surveillance. The app has reported a notable increase in daily active users, and market analysts anticipate potential expansions and innovations as competitors take note of Signal's success. The scandal has led to discussions about privacy and security, particularly affecting key figures within the U.S. government.

AppWizard

May 1, 2025

Meta launches a standalone AI app to compete with ChatGPT

Meta has launched a stand-alone AI application at the LlamaCon event, designed to integrate with its platforms like WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, and Messenger. The app utilizes user data from these platforms to offer personalized interactions, allowing it to tailor responses based on individual user preferences. Currently, it is available in the U.S. and Canada and enables users to share personal information to enhance future conversations. The app also includes a Discover feed for users to share their AI experiences with friends, while maintaining control over what is shared. Users are advised to be cautious about how their data may be used, as Meta relies on user data for its advertising revenue.

AppWizard

May 1, 2025

TikTok Will Now Enable You to Drive Leads to Other Messaging Apps

TikTok has enhanced its Promote ads feature by allowing brands to target direct messages (DMs) through third-party messaging applications, including WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, LINE, and Zalo. Advertisers can now drive message traffic to these external platforms instead of only encouraging interactions within the TikTok app. This change is particularly useful for lead generation campaigns targeting users with compatible messaging apps installed. The supported messaging platforms currently are LINE, Zalo, WhatsApp, and Facebook Messenger. This update aims to improve customer engagement and simplify management of interactions across different messaging channels.

AppWizard

April 30, 2025

AI Inside the Messenger: How Gem Space Helps with Everyday Tasks

Gem Space is a multifunctional super app that integrates messaging, news feeds, AI tools, and various features to enhance productivity. It allows users to manage tasks from a single platform, utilizing AI for tasks like drafting emails, translating messages in real-time, and transcribing voice messages. Users can create content quickly within the app and receive curated news tailored to their interests. Additionally, it offers gift suggestions through its built-in AI and is testing a marketplace for delivery across Russia. The app aims to simplify daily tasks and improve work-life balance.

AppWizard

April 30, 2025

American Oversight v. DOGE, Musk, Davis, Gleason, and Rubio — Use of Signal Messaging App and Google Docs to Circumvent Federal Records Laws

American Oversight has filed a lawsuit against the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), and several individuals, including Elon Musk, Marco Rubio, Amy Gleason, and Steve Davis. The lawsuit alleges violations of the Federal Records Act, the Administrative Procedure Act, and the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) due to the use of the Signal messenger app and Google Docs, which purportedly compromised public records and transparency in government operations.

AppWizard

April 30, 2025

Meta launches its new AI App for WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook , messenger users

Meta has launched the Meta AI app, powered by Llama 4, aiming to create a personalized AI experience for users globally. The app is integrated into platforms like WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, and Messenger, used by millions daily. It assists users with problem-solving, answering questions, and enhancing understanding of topics, and includes features like web search capabilities and conversation starters. The app also features a Discover feed for sharing and exploring AI usage, while allowing users control over their content. Accessibility is emphasized, as the app is integrated across all Meta products. Additionally, the web interface of Meta AI is receiving upgrades, including a new Discover feed and enhanced image generation capabilities for larger screens and desktop use.

AppWizard

April 29, 2025

How to archive Facebook messages on Android

To archive a conversation in the Facebook Messenger app, scroll through your chat list to find the specific chat, press and hold on it to bring up a menu, and select the "Archive" option. This moves the conversation to an archived folder, helping to organize your inbox while keeping messages accessible.

AppWizard

April 25, 2025

12 Android apps secretly recorded your conversations

Recent findings from cybersecurity experts at ESET revealed that several Android applications, disguised as harmless tools, have been secretly recording conversations and stealing sensitive data. These malicious apps infiltrated devices through the Google Play Store and third-party platforms, compromising the privacy of thousands of users. One tactic used by cybercriminals involved romantic deception, where victims were coaxed into downloading a seemingly harmless messaging app containing the VajraSpy Trojan, which activated upon installation to record conversations and harvest personal data. The identified malicious apps fall into three categories: 1. Standard Messaging Apps with Hidden Trojans: These apps, including Hello Chat, MeetMe, and Chit Chat, request access to personal data and operate silently in the background, stealing contacts, SMS messages, call logs, device location, and installed app lists. 2. Apps Exploiting Accessibility Features: Apps like Wave Chat exploit Android’s accessibility features to intercept communications from secure platforms, record phone calls, keystrokes, and ambient sounds. 3. Single Non-Messaging App: Nidus, a news app, requests a phone number for sign-in and collects contacts and files, increasing the risk of data theft. The 12 malicious Android apps identified include: Rafaqat, Privee Talk, MeetMe, Let’s Chat, Quick Chat, Chit Chat, YohooTalk, TikTalk, Hello Chat, Nidus, GlowChat, and Wave Chat. The first six apps were available on the Google Play Store and had over 1,400 downloads before removal. Users are advised to uninstall these apps immediately to protect their personal data.

AppWizard

April 25, 2025

Feds say Ashland man had child porn on Telegram Messenger app. What’s next

Brent Vreeland, a 36-year-old resident of Ashland, has agreed to voluntary detention after a federal hearing on April 24, facing charges related to the distribution of child pornography via the Telegram Messenger app. He has been charged with one count of transportation of child pornography following an investigation that began last October. Vreeland was apprehended at his home after arriving at Logan International Airport in Boston from Reykjavik, Iceland. During a secondary screening, security personnel found suspected child pornography on his phone, leading to an alert for federal investigators. The investigation revealed that Vreeland had conversations on Telegram soliciting content involving minors and sent a video featuring a child as young as four years old to another user, with authorities discovering 30 media files depicting children in his direct messages. If convicted, he faces a potential sentence of five to 20 years in federal prison, a 0,000 fine, and lifetime supervised release. He was ordered to be held without bail during his initial hearing.