video calling Archives

AppWizard

November 29, 2025

WhatsApp Blocked in Russia: Messaging App Faces Crackdown

Roskomnadzor, Russia's communications regulator, plans to impose stricter restrictions on WhatsApp due to allegations of its use in activities that violate Russian law, such as organizing terrorist acts and fraud. WhatsApp has not met compliance standards, leading to extended limitations and the possibility of a complete ban if violations continue. Users have experienced a decline in call quality since August, prompting a recommendation to switch to domestic messaging apps. Andrey Svintsov, a deputy chairman in the State Duma, anticipates a potential shutdown of WhatsApp in Russia within four to six months, attributing restrictions to the app's owners' unwillingness to cooperate with Russian authorities and concerns over data security.

AppWizard

October 30, 2025

Nigerian-owned message app, SoftTalk Messenger announces monetisation for content creators

SoftTalk Messenger, developed by Simple Azenabor, has launched a Creator Partner Program that allows African content creators to earn 100% of their revenue from audience interactions. The program enables group administrators and digital community leaders to monetize their engagement in group chats. SoftTalk Messenger prioritizes user privacy by using @usernames instead of phone numbers, enhancing protection against spam and identity breaches. The application includes various commerce tools tailored for African users and allows creators to earn directly without intermediaries. To qualify for the program, groups must have at least 100 participants, and users can track their monetization status within the app. SoftTalk Messenger is available on both Apple and Android platforms without requiring sensitive personal information.

AppWizard

October 28, 2025

Google Beam will use AI to bring 3D video calls to military families

Google Beam is a 3D video calling platform developed by Google to enhance communication for individuals separated by distance. Google is partnering with the United Service Organizations (USO) to introduce Google Beam to military families, allowing them to connect with loved ones using HP Dimension hardware at USO centers starting next year. The technology, which has been in development for over five years and was previously known as "Project Starline," creates realistic 3D representations of individuals during calls. The setup includes six cameras, an 8K light-field display, and AI software for real-time 3D video modeling. The HP Dimension interface costs ,000 per unit and will be available at USO centers domestically and internationally in 2026.

AppWizard

October 28, 2025

Telegram Messenger Abused by Android Malware to Seize Full Device Control

Security researchers at Doctor Web have identified a sophisticated Android backdoor, named Android.Backdoor.Baohuo.1.origin, disguised as Telegram X, which has compromised over 58,000 devices globally, with around 20,000 active infections. The malware propagates through malicious websites posing as app catalogs and targets approximately 3,000 different models of devices. It features unprecedented control mechanisms via Redis database integration, allowing extensive manipulation of victims' accounts and devices, including hiding evidence of compromise and autonomously managing messaging functionalities. The malware extracts sensitive data, including SMS messages and clipboard contents, and uploads information to attacker servers every three minutes. Brazil and Indonesia are primary targets, with the malware available on third-party app stores under fraudulent identities.

AppWizard

October 21, 2025

Messenger Is Discontinuing Its Windows and Mac Desktop Apps

Meta is phasing out the native Messenger applications for Windows and macOS, directing users to the web version. The apps are no longer available for download, and they will cease to function after a winding-down period. Users are receiving notifications about the change, which will leave Messenger accessible only through web browsers. Enhancements such as end-to-end encryption and improved calling features are part of this web-focused evolution. Users can still access core functionality on Messenger.com but will lose some app-specific features, including a persistent menu bar icon and offline access. Meta encourages users to enable secure storage for end-to-end encrypted chats and offers a tool to download messages and media for local archiving. Messenger remains one of the largest chat platforms globally, with active user counts similar to Telegram. Competitors like Telegram, Discord, and Slack have different approaches to desktop messaging. Users can transition smoothly by utilizing the web version and configuring desktop notifications and shortcuts.

AppWizard

October 17, 2025

Meta Shuts Down Messenger App for Windows and Mac

Meta is retiring its standalone Messenger applications for Windows and Mac PCs, simplifying support for its tools. Users will receive in-app notifications about the deprecation and have a 60-day window to use the app before it is removed. After the period, access to the Mac Messenger app will be blocked, and users are encouraged to uninstall it. Meta assures users that their chat history will be preserved if secure storage is enabled and a PIN is set up. The desktop Messenger apps were launched in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic to enhance connectivity, but usage did not meet expectations. Users can still access Meta's messaging features through their web browser on desktop PCs.

AppWizard

October 3, 2025

The Best Private Messaging Apps for 2025

Privacy and security are distinct concepts; privacy concerns identifiable information, while security relates to data vulnerability. Protecting privacy is essential due to the interest of companies in harvesting data. Reliable messaging apps use end-to-end encryption (E2EE) to secure messages, with varying implementations. Apps like Briar and Session operate on decentralized networks and prioritize user privacy, while Signal, Telegram, and WhatsApp have different levels of security features. Signal and WhatsApp provide E2EE for personal chats, but Telegram only offers it for "Secret Chats." Business accounts on WhatsApp lack encryption. Signal is a nonprofit that does not sell user data, while Telegram operates for profit and has faced criticism for privacy enforcement. Briar and Session allow anonymous communication without personal data. Law enforcement can access messages through various methods, but apps like Signal and Telegram are resistant to inquiries. WhatsApp is the most widely used app, while Telegram and WhatsApp offer more social features but come with risks. All three services support voice and video calling, with varying reliability. Signal is highlighted as the best option due to its strong encryption and commitment to user privacy.

AppWizard

September 30, 2025

Arattai takes on WhatsApp: 5 areas where Zoho’s app beats Meta’s messaging giant

A shift in the Indian tech landscape emphasizes the importance of homegrown software solutions, exemplified by Zoho's new app, Arattai, which is being referred to as the 'WhatsApp killer.' Arattai features several aspects that differentiate it from WhatsApp: 1) Meetings: Arattai allows users to conduct meetings within the app, unlike WhatsApp, which has limited video calling capabilities. 2) Pocket: Arattai offers a personal cloud storage feature for sharing messages and media, improving upon the basic messaging to oneself system in WhatsApp. 3) Mentions: Arattai has a section that compiles all messages mentioning the user, simplifying notification management compared to WhatsApp. 4) No ads: Arattai is ad-free and prioritizes user data privacy, storing information in India, while WhatsApp displays ads and shares user data for advertising purposes. 5) No forced AI: Arattai does not incorporate AI features that users cannot disable, contrasting with WhatsApp's recent integration of AI functionalities.

AppWizard

September 19, 2025

Change This One Gmail Setting To Instantly Make The Android App Better

Users of the Gmail app on Android can now remove the persistent Google Meet button at the bottom of the inbox. To do this, access the menu in the top left corner, select Settings, choose the relevant email account, and then either uncheck the box next to Show the Meet tab or Show the chat tab, depending on the version of Gmail. This change allows users to reclaim screen space and customize their app interface.

AppWizard

September 18, 2025

This overlooked Gmail setting fixed my biggest problem with the Android app

The Gmail Android app has a new subscriptions tab, Material 3 Expressive animations, and integration with Gemini. Users can remove the Meet tab by going to the menu, selecting Settings, choosing their email address, scrolling to the Meet section, and unchecking the box next to "Show the Meet tab for video calling." This process needs to be repeated for each email account managed in the app. Users with a Google Workspace account may also see a Chat tab, which can be disabled in the General section of email settings.