Telegram Archives

AppWizard

November 8, 2024

Timed Silence: An Open Source Android App to Automatically Silence Your Phone

Timed Silence is a Kotlin-based application for Android, created by Felix Nüsse, that manages smartphone volume settings, allowing users to mute, vibrate, or ring with sound. The app requires initial setup permissions and features an intuitive interface with a pause/play button. Users can create custom schedules, including pre-defined ones for "Night" and "Day." The app effectively activates Do Not Disturb (DND) at scheduled times, muting notifications while allowing calls and messages from specified contacts. Additional features include Calendar integration, Keywords for managing volume levels, Bluetooth compatibility, and a Sanity Check for priority contacts. The app is available on F-Droid, with source code and APKs on GitHub.

AppWizard

November 1, 2024

This “AI-Generated Game” Blatantly Rips Off Minecraft

Oasis is a project that closely resembles Mojang's Minecraft, described as the "first AI-generated game" and essentially a direct imitation of Minecraft. It has been developed through extensive training on Minecraft gameplay and user interactions, resulting in similarities in visual style, user interface, gameplay mechanics, fonts, visual effects, and animations. Oasis introduces a unique feature called AI hallucinations, causing environments to change unexpectedly when not observed, positioning it more as a proof of concept than a fully realized game. Notably, the developers have not mentioned Minecraft in any of their technical documentation or communications, raising questions about the project's originality. The developers view Oasis as a foundational step toward future AI-generated games, despite its reliance on existing game documentation.

AppWizard

October 31, 2024

New WhatsApp button will let users of other apps text you – but there’s a catch

A new WhatsApp update will introduce a button for third-party applications, allowing users to receive messages from apps like Facebook Messenger, Telegram, and iMessage directly in WhatsApp. This feature will be found in the Settings menu, enabling users to control cross-platform messaging and organize incoming messages into a separate inbox. However, WhatsApp does not guarantee the same security and privacy for these messages as it does for its native communications. Currently under development, this feature will be limited to users in the European Union due to the Digital Markets Act, which requires interoperability among messaging applications. Participation in this feature will be optional, addressing concerns about potential spam and scams.

AppWizard

October 28, 2024

Disgraced ex-TV chef promotes Airbnb on messaging app

Former television chef Pete Evans is promoting an Airbnb getaway in Byrill Creek, New South Wales, available for short stays from November to January. Since launching in July 2023, the property has received five-star reviews and is described as a health retreat featuring amenities like a sauna, ice bath, mineral spa, magnesium pool, and natural swimming holes. Additionally, Evans and his partner have secured an offer for their wellness retreat, Evolve Sanctuary, which accommodates up to 17 guests and is recognized in wellness tourism. The property is being marketed with options for new owners to start a business or maintain rental operations with Evans. Evans has also recently changed his hairstyle, dyeing his hair blonde.

AppWizard

October 17, 2024

Crypto Getting Inside the Messaging Apps

Global cryptocurrency ownership surpassed 295 million people in 2021, with messaging applications like Telegram, Facebook Messenger, and WeChat integrating cryptocurrency wallets and payment systems. Telegram introduced The Open Network (TON) for seamless cryptocurrency transactions and has contributed to the growth of Bitcoin casinos. WeChat is exploring the incorporation of China's digital yuan into its payment system. Signal allows users to send MobileCoin, while Japan's Line has launched its own cryptocurrency, LINK. Key drivers for this trend include the demand for financial autonomy, speed and convenience of transactions, and the need for cross-border payment solutions. Younger demographics, particularly Millennials and Gen Z, are leading adoption rates. In-app crypto payments utilize blockchain technology for secure transactions, with a straightforward process for sending and receiving cryptocurrencies. Benefits include convenience, lower fees, and financial inclusion for the unbanked, while challenges involve regulatory hurdles, cryptocurrency volatility, and privacy concerns. The integration of crypto in messaging apps could disrupt traditional banking, affect remittance markets, and prompt partnerships between banks and messaging platforms. Future growth in cryptocurrency adoption within messaging apps is anticipated, with potential mainstream acceptance akin to credit cards and mobile payments.

BetaBeacon

October 17, 2024

Tales aims to revolutionise Gaming AI to enable users to build and play any game

Tales is developing a Large World Model (LWM) for video game development that can comprehend and produce all elements of a game from environments to NPC behaviors. The LWM allows for the creation of fully functional games with just a basic text prompt. Tales is utilizing crowdsourced data and resources to develop the LWM and is introducing a rewards-based incentive program to encourage community involvement. Early access to Tales will be available in November.

Winsage

October 15, 2024

A tech enthusiast nostalgically brings Microsoft’s retro GUI look and finish from the 90s to its “AI OS” — an early Windows 11 Halloween costume?

A tech enthusiast named Awirstam has successfully infused a nostalgic 90s aesthetic into Windows 11, reminiscent of Microsoft's classic graphical user interface (GUI), using third-party tools such as WindowBlinds, Retrobar, and Winaero Tweaker. Windows 10 is set to reach its end-of-support on October 14, 2025, while it currently holds a market share of 62.79%, compared to Windows 11's recent rise to 33.37%. Despite Microsoft's AI initiatives for Windows 11, many users are hesitant to upgrade due to system requirements and design concerns. Awirstam's project ensures a cohesive aesthetic across applications like Steam, Discord, and Telegram, but users are advised to approach such modifications cautiously. Recent insights from IDC suggest that consumer demand for upgrades to Windows 11 is driving a surge in AI PC shipments. A public interest group has petitioned Microsoft to reconsider the discontinuation of Windows 10 due to potential environmental impacts.

Winsage

October 14, 2024

Someone made Windows 11 look like it was from the 90s, and you can too

A Reddit user named awirstam has transformed Windows 11 into a retro design reminiscent of the 1990s, using third-party tools to replicate the classic graphical user interface. This transformation includes popular applications like Steam, Discord, and Telegram, which also received a retro makeover. The post provides a list of resources for recreating this nostalgic experience, including the Winaero Tweaker application.

AppWizard

October 11, 2024

Report shows how messaging apps are used to spread propaganda

A study conducted by researchers from New York University (NYU) surveyed 4,500 users across nine countries and interviewed political strategists from 17 nations to examine the use of messaging platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram in political discourse. The findings revealed that 62% of respondents received political content via these apps, with 55% of that content coming from unknown sources due to insufficient content moderation. Political operatives exploit paid features on these platforms to increase their reach, with WhatsApp’s Business Platform offering tools that enhance visibility despite prohibitions against political use. Viber and Telegram also provide similar functionalities, allowing for the circumvention of rules and verification processes. The report highlights tactics such as infiltrating social media groups, using fake accounts, and cross-posting content across platforms, contributing to the spread of disinformation. Recommendations for messaging app developers include stricter account limits and better vetting of business accounts, while policymakers are urged to regulate encrypted messaging platforms to combat disinformation.

AppWizard

October 8, 2024

Messenger use in Russia

A recent survey indicates a significant number of users are using mobile applications for voice calls and messaging. The most popular applications include WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, Facebook Messenger, and Apple's FaceTime. WhatsApp is noted for its user-friendly interface and robust features. Telegram and Signal are favored for their emphasis on privacy and security. Facebook Messenger and FaceTime maintain popularity due to their integration with social media and Apple devices.