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YouTube quietly revives in-app private messaging, six years after discontinuing it
AppWizard
November 21, 2025

YouTube quietly revives in-app private messaging, six years after discontinuing it

YouTube is testing a revival of its in-app private messaging feature, nearly six years after it was discontinued due to low adoption rates. The new initiative allows users to share videos, Shorts, and live streams with friends and is currently limited to select markets and users aged 18 and older. Safeguards such as invite-only conversations, unsend options, and the ability to block or report inappropriate content are included. YouTube's initial messaging feature was launched in 2017 and discontinued in 2019. The renewed feature aims to enhance direct engagement for content creators and provide a streamlined way for regular users to converse about videos. The pilot phase is ongoing, with no timeline for a broader rollout announced yet. YouTube's move to reinstate private messaging aligns with current trends as it faces competition from platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
Inzoi's getting multiplayer after South Korea's president told the director to hop to it: 'It almost felt like I was getting talked to by the company's CEO'
AppWizard
November 20, 2025

Inzoi’s getting multiplayer after South Korea’s president told the director to hop to it: ‘It almost felt like I was getting talked to by the company’s CEO’

Krafton's life simulation game, Inzoi, was released in early access in March and has struggled to attract a wider audience. Director Hyungjun 'Kjun' Kim announced that the development team is working on integrating multiplayer functionality, inspired by a visit from South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, who provided insights that influenced the decision. While details on the multiplayer feature are not yet available, reactions from the fanbase are mixed, with many players expressing concerns about existing issues in the game that they believe should be prioritized over new features. The potential for multiplayer support could differentiate Inzoi from competitors, as its main rival does not offer co-op gameplay without mods.
Arattai Rising: Can India’s Homegrown Messenger Challenge WhatsApp’s Throne?
AppWizard
October 28, 2025

Arattai Rising: Can India’s Homegrown Messenger Challenge WhatsApp’s Throne?

Arattai, a messaging app in India, gained significant traction in September and October 2025, reaching over 5 million downloads on certain days and surpassing established platforms like Telegram and Snapchat. Its rise was supported by media attention, endorsements from government officials, and alignment with Prime Minister Modi's Swadeshi initiative. Union Home Minister Amit Shah's switch to Zoho email led to a 100-fold increase in Arattai's traffic within three days. The app offers end-to-end encryption for voice and video calls but lacks full encryption for text messages by default. It has a “secret chat” feature and plans to implement comprehensive encryption. User data is stored in Indian data centers, and the app aims to maintain a privacy-focused approach without relying on public cloud providers. Arattai faces challenges in competing with WhatsApp, which has over 500 million users and offers extensive features such as UPI payments and default encryption. For long-term success, Arattai needs to standardize encryption, enhance its infrastructure, and build an ecosystem with integrated payment solutions and business tools. Overcoming user inertia from WhatsApp, establishing a strong brand identity, and navigating regulatory scrutiny are also critical for its growth.
Mother sues developers of video games Roblox, Fortnite and Minecraft
AppWizard
September 21, 2025

Mother sues developers of video games Roblox, Fortnite and Minecraft

A mother from Somerset County, Maine, has filed a lawsuit against major video game developers, including Microsoft and the creators of Roblox, Fortnite, and Minecraft, alleging that they have incorporated addictive features into their games without adequate safety measures for young users. The complaint claims that these games are marketed towards children and designed to enhance engagement and in-game purchases. The mother, Casey Henderson, states that her 9-year-old child has experienced negative effects such as diminished social interactions, loss of interest in hobbies, and severe withdrawal symptoms when gaming time is limited. The lawsuit seeks monetary relief for injuries and damages exceeding ,000, and the defendants have not yet responded to the allegations.
Mother sues video game giants over child's addiction claims to Roblox, Fortnite, Minecraft
AppWizard
September 21, 2025

Mother sues video game giants over child’s addiction claims to Roblox, Fortnite, Minecraft

A mother from Maine has filed a lawsuit against major video game developers, including Microsoft and the creators of Roblox, Fortnite, and Minecraft, claiming their games have caused her 9-year-old child to develop an addiction. The lawsuit alleges that these games are marketed to young audiences and contain addictive features. The child's addiction has led to diminished social interactions, a lack of interest in other hobbies, and withdrawal symptoms such as rage and physical outbursts. Attempts to limit the child's gaming time result in severe withdrawal symptoms. The lawsuit seeks monetary relief for injuries and damages exceeding ,000. None of the defendants have responded to requests for comment.
Mother of 9-year-old sues makers of Roblox, Fortnite, Minecraft over ‘addictive’ features
AppWizard
September 21, 2025

Mother of 9-year-old sues makers of Roblox, Fortnite, Minecraft over ‘addictive’ features

Casey Henderson, a mother from Maine, has filed a lawsuit against Microsoft and the developers of popular children's video games like Roblox, Fortnite, and Minecraft. The lawsuit claims these companies have designed addictive features without adequate safety measures for young users. Henderson alleges that her 9-year-old child has suffered negative effects, including reduced social interactions, loss of interest in other activities, and severe withdrawal symptoms when gaming time is limited. The lawsuit seeks monetary relief for injuries and damages exceeding ,000. No defendants have yet commented on the allegations.
Maine Mom Sues Video Game Companies Responsible for Roblox, Minecraft, and Fortnite: "Not A War on Fun"
AppWizard
September 20, 2025

Maine Mom Sues Video Game Companies Responsible for Roblox, Minecraft, and Fortnite: “Not A War on Fun”

A mother from Somerset County, Maine, named Casey Henderson, has filed a lawsuit against the creators of popular video games like Roblox, Minecraft, and Fortnite, claiming these companies profit from the addictive nature of their products, particularly affecting children. The lawsuit, which spans 83 pages, alleges that the games are intentionally designed to be addictive and marketed directly to children, leading to negative impacts on her nine-year-old son's mental and emotional well-being. Henderson's complaint highlights the differences in monetization strategies, noting that modern games often rely on microtransactions and in-game advertisements that tempt young players. She claims that gaming companies use behavioral psychologists to create features that foster addiction, increasing the likelihood of in-game purchases. Additionally, she points to scientific research linking video game addiction to harmful effects on brain function and emotional health in minors, arguing that these companies have not implemented necessary safety measures. Henderson asserts that her child has developed a disordered relationship with gaming, resulting in severe physical, emotional, and economic consequences. She is seeking damages for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other losses, claiming that the companies' actions have harmed her child and potentially many others.
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