Messenger Archives

AppWizard

September 29, 2026

AI-powered app maker Wabi pivots to a messaging experience

Wabi, an AI startup, has launched Wabi 2.0, a platform that serves as a sophisticated AI messenger while maintaining app-building capabilities. The founder, Eugenia Kuyda, describes Wabi 2.0 as a "personal agent" that enhances user experience by integrating conversation and task management. The platform distinguishes itself by targeting AI agents with conversational and productivity features, rather than competing with traditional coding tools. Users can request tasks that the agent fulfills by generating a tailored user interface for specific needs, such as health tracking or family management. Access to Wabi 2.0 is currently limited to invite codes distributed via X.

AppWizard

September 27, 2026

5 of my favorite Android features you won’t find on Samsung or Pixel phones

Samsung's Galaxy S26 Ultra has a maximum charging speed of 60W, while the Pixel 11 Pro family reaches up to 45W. The OnePlus 15 offered 80W charging, and brands like HUAWEI and Xiaomi have devices capable of 120W charging or more. IR blasters are now rare in flagship devices, with the OnePlus 15 being an exception, while Xiaomi's Second Space allows for a separate user profile at the OS level. Motorola's Moto Actions use hardware sensors for gesture-based controls, enabling actions without waking the display. The Nothing Phone's Glyph system features a dot-matrix display for app-specific alerts, contrasting with Google's HiLight LED indicator.

AppWizard

September 24, 2026

Russia’s state-backed messaging app Max can secretly change how it surveils individual users, researchers at InterSecLab find

The Max messenger, developed by VK, has significant user tracking capabilities. A report from InterSecLab revealed that: - Max's features can vary for individual users without app updates. - It lacks end-to-end encryption, allowing VK access to messages, even in "secret chats." - Each account can be configured to perform specific actions, such as decrypting messages on VK's servers and blocking messages if a VPN is detected. - Upon launching, Max reports the user’s network environment to VK, including their public IP address and mobile carrier. - The app uploads users’ entire address books unencrypted to VK's servers, accessing contacts of non-registered individuals. - A phone number query can reveal extensive user information without notification. - Max stops functioning if it detects a VPN, requiring users to disable it to send messages, although workarounds exist. - New users receive a curated list of recommended channels, primarily featuring state media and pro-government figures.

AppWizard

September 24, 2026

Ando wants to take on Slack with a team messaging app that lets humans and agents work together

In 2025, Sara Du identified challenges in integrating AI agents within communication platforms like Slack while assisting companies with MCP servers. She criticized the design of these platforms for treating AI agents as separate applications rather than team participants. Du proposed a solution to eliminate intermediaries between AI agents and teams, envisioning a system where agents could engage directly in conversations, understand decisions, ask questions, and autonomously notify humans when necessary. Du's startup, Ando, launched as a messaging platform that allows both human and AI workers to communicate seamlessly, featuring channels, direct messages, and live calls. Ando has raised a million in pre-seed and seed funding from firms like Accel and Index Ventures. Despite existing competition from platforms like Slack and Microsoft, Du sees potential for Ando to disrupt the market by focusing on AI agent integration. Currently, Ando works with clients in software, real estate, and finance across 15 countries, primarily small teams, and aims to expand its capabilities with the new funding.

AppWizard

September 19, 2026

Russia’s national messenger app Max found to contain backdoor capable of secret screen captures

Researchers have found that Max, a messaging app mandated by the Russian government, can secretly capture screenshots, access sensitive information, impersonate users, and inject code into other applications. Developed by VK, the app integrates messaging, banking, and government services. Since September 1 of last year, it has been preinstalled on new smartphones, following the blocking of WhatsApp and Telegram. Despite its reach, it is not widely used in political circles, with insiders indicating that compliance with its use is performative.

AppWizard

September 19, 2026

Russia’s “National Messenger” Turned Out to Be… “Putin Is Watching”

The Russian government is pressuring citizens to download a mobile app called "Max," which has raised privacy and surveillance concerns. Max is a popular messaging platform in Russia and integrates messaging, government services, and payment functionalities. Research by a University of Michigan team found that Max can capture users' screens without consent, access sensitive information, impersonate users, and potentially enable cyberattacks via code injection. Despite these concerns, many Russians still use alternative messaging platforms like Telegram and Signal. Some government officials are using separate devices for Max, indicating unease about its surveillance capabilities. The app is linked to a social media company connected to the Russian government, and President Putin may have an indirect financial stake in it.

AppWizard

September 17, 2026

M-I to launch app for mobile devices

The Messenger-Inquirer is launching a mobile application to enhance reader experience by providing access to its content. The app will feature comprehensive content access, a user-friendly interface, real-time notifications for breaking news, and a personalized news feed option.

BetaBeacon

September 14, 2026

Game Freak announces ‘laundry game’ Ame no Chi Hare Onna for iOS, Android

Game Freak has announced a free-to-play "laundry game" called Ame no Chi Hare Onna for iOS and Android, developed with CHRONOGATE. The game, set in modern-day Japan, follows the story of Hare Onna, a magical girl who can turn weather into power to brighten people's moods. The game's director and producer is Shigeru Ohmori, known for his work on the Pokemon series.

AppWizard

September 10, 2026

Comma Compliance Open-Sources the Android App That Archives Employee Text Messages

Comma Compliance released the source code for its Android capture component on September 10, 2026, allowing corporate IT and security teams to inspect the software that captures employee text messages for compliance archiving. The source code is available on GitHub under the MIT license. The capture mechanism reads messages stored in the phone's default messaging app, encrypts them, and sends them to the customer's Comma backend without intercepting messages in transit. A persistent notification appears on the phone when archiving is active, indicating the organization responsible for the archiving. Comma previously open-sourced its WhatsApp and Signal capture connectors in 2025.

AppWizard

September 9, 2026

Attorney General Tong Announces Investigation Into “Predator’s Paradise” Kik Messenger App

Attorney General William Tong has launched an investigation into MediaLab.AI Inc., the parent company of the messaging app Kik, following allegations of inadequate age verification and content moderation practices. Kik has been criticized for its reputation as a platform for sexual abuse, exploitation, and bullying, particularly among minors, with over one-third of American teens reportedly using the app. A 2025 report ranked Kik as the second worst app for extreme sexual content and the third worst for severe bullying, and the app has been included on the National Center on Child Exploitation's "Dirty Dozen" list. Despite claims of restricting new users to those aged 18 and older as of September 2023, evidence suggests that Kik continued to market to younger audiences, and the app maintained a "Teen" rating until early 2025. The Attorney General's office issued a notice of violation to MediaLab in July 2025 for deficiencies in Kik’s privacy practices and has issued a civil investigative demand for further records related to data processing and content moderation. This investigation is part of a broader effort to protect children from online threats in Connecticut.