Voice calls Archives

AppWizard

December 24, 2024

Russian authorities reportedly weigh blocking messaging app calls

Russia's Digital Development Ministry and the federal censorship agency Roskomnadzor are considering changes to the regulation of voice calls through messaging apps to address rising fraud. They are evaluating a potential ban on such calls or restrictions on those originating from abroad, as around 40% of calls through these platforms are fraudulent, with 70% traced to foreign numbers. Telecom operators have expressed concerns about their inability to block these calls independently and are seeking collaboration with Roskomnadzor and messaging app developers. Roskomnadzor has the technological means to block calls if apps violate Russian law, but the Digital Development Ministry is not currently drafting regulations to restrict voice traffic on messaging apps and remains open to industry proposals.

AppWizard

December 24, 2024

Russia considers complete ban on calls in messaging apps

The Ministry of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media, along with Roskomnadzor, is considering imposing restrictions on voice calls made through messaging applications due to a rise in fraudulent activities. Two scenarios being evaluated include blocking voice traffic from abroad and a complete ban on voice calls within these apps. Roskomnadzor has acknowledged its authority to restrict such calls if they violate Russian law but the Ministry has stated it is not currently drafting regulations for this purpose. Fraudulent calls via messaging apps have surged to about 40% of total traffic, up from 1% three years ago. MegaFon, Russia's second-largest mobile operator, has stated it lacks the technical capabilities to analyze calls from these apps and suggests that additional software on users' smartphones is the only effective way to mitigate fraudulent calls.

AppWizard

November 12, 2024

Android 16 could add a system-wide audio input switcher

Android devices have built-in microphones for voice calls and audio recording, but their quality varies by model. Many users seek external microphones for better audio quality, yet most Android apps do not support recording through them. Currently, audio input selection is limited to individual applications, which can be frustrating. Google has allowed developers to implement microphone settings via the MediaRecorder API, resulting in some apps offering input selection options. Android 16 may introduce a system-wide audio input switcher, allowing users to change the audio input device across all applications. This feature is currently in development and was discovered in the Android 15 QPR1 Beta 3 release, though it is not yet functional. The anticipated release of Android 16 is in Q2 of 2025.

Winsage

October 17, 2024

The New Windows 11 24H2 Version Is Out, Here’s What’s Changed on Our Computers – Jason Deegan

Microsoft has released Windows 11 Version 24H2, featuring significant updates including: - Enhanced Energy Saver Mode that optimizes battery life for laptops by limiting background processes and reducing CPU usage. - Improved smartphone integration through the updated "Phone Link" app, allowing smartphones to be used as webcams and providing quick access to mobile app features from the desktop. - A more customizable Start menu, enabling users to pin applications to the taskbar and access Microsoft account information directly. - Noteworthy enhancements to File Explorer, including native support for 7zip and TAR formats, performance optimizations for ZIP file extraction, and improved navigation features. - A more user-friendly Quick Settings menu with easier scrolling, customizable arrangements, and a refresh button for Wi-Fi networks. - Support for HDR wallpapers, allowing the use of .JXR format images and automatic adjustments between HDR and SDR displays. - Support for Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth LE Audio, enhancing connectivity options and introducing features for hearing aid users. - Voice Clarity feature that reduces background noise during voice calls using AI technology. - New Copilot+ features, including voice interaction, personalized news summaries, enhanced AI capabilities for complex queries, smarter browsing in Edge, and improved memory function for sensitive data. Users can manually initiate the update by navigating to Settings > Update & Security if it does not prompt automatically.

AppWizard

October 11, 2024

Discord: Why the messaging app is under scrutiny

Russia's telecoms regulator, Roskomnadzor, banned Discord due to its failure to prevent illicit activities such as terrorism and drug trafficking, particularly after not complying with a directive to remove nearly a thousand pieces of inappropriate content. This ban is part of a trend targeting Western social media platforms since the Ukraine invasion in February 2022. Following Russia, Turkey's BTK communications authority also banned Discord, citing the need to protect children from online threats and ongoing investigations into blackmailing minors. In the U.S., Discord is under FBI scrutiny for grooming minors and distributing child sexual abuse material, with 35 prosecutions linked to the platform in the past six years. Additionally, regulators in Germany and France have raised concerns about Discord's data collection methods, leading to an €800,000 fine in France for failing to comply with EU data protection regulations. Launched in May 2015, Discord has over 150 million active users and is popular for its voice and text communication features, but has also faced criticism for facilitating extremist content and political discourse.

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.

AppWizard

October 1, 2024

WhatsApp launches filters and backgrounds for video calls – how to try

WhatsApp is introducing new features to enhance its video calling experience, including filters and backgrounds for video calls. Users will be able to choose from ten filters and ten backgrounds during calls, accessible via an effects icon. These features will be available for both one-on-one and group video chats in the coming weeks. Additionally, WhatsApp is launching 'touch up' and 'low light' options to improve the brightness and appearance of video calls. The updates aim to provide a more engaging communication experience while allowing users to maintain privacy. The introduction of these features appears to be a strategic move to compete with established videoconferencing platforms such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams.

Winsage

September 19, 2024

What’s new with AI on Windows 11 version 24H2 (2024 Update)

Windows 11 is set to release its third feature update, version 24H2 (2024 Update), which includes various AI functionalities. Key features include: - Windows Copilot Runtime: A framework that integrates over 40 AI models for local task execution. - Windows Recall: Captures screenshots of user activity and allows searching through a "Recall" app, respecting privacy by not tracking InPrivate or Incognito modes. - Windows Studio Effects: Enhancements for webcam and microphone inputs, including Background Blur and Voice Focus. - Live Captions: Enhanced with AI for real-time transcription and translation. - Voice Clarity: Reduces background noise during conversations automatically. - Auto Super Resolution: Upscales graphics for gaming using on-device AI. - Restyle Image for Photos: Transforms photos using AI-driven styles. - Cocreator for Paint: Assists in enhancing artwork with creative suggestions. - Copilot app: Redesigned interface for AI integration, offering contextual suggestions within applications. The update began partial availability on June 18, 2024, for Copilot+ PCs, with a broader rollout expected in September or October. Some features may require new hardware.

AppWizard

September 17, 2024

WhatsApp to allow messaging with third-party apps

WhatsApp is introducing a feature that allows users in the European Union to send and receive messages from third-party platforms, in compliance with the Digital Markets Act (DMA). Meta is also extending this capability to Facebook Messenger. Plans are in place to support third-party video and voice calls by 2027. Users will receive notifications to adjust their app settings for these new features. Additionally, WhatsApp is testing a feature that lets users access status updates from the list of individuals who have viewed their statuses, indicated by a green ring around the contact's profile picture. This beta update is currently available for Android users.

AppWizard

September 8, 2024

Meta updates WhatsApp and Messenger third-party chats in Europe

Meta is enhancing user experience on WhatsApp and Messenger by introducing "third-party chats" in response to the EU's Digital Markets Act. The company announced on September 6 that it has been gathering user insights to develop these functionalities, which will include notifications about new third-party messaging applications. An intuitive onboarding process will help users customize their preferences for receiving messages from third-party apps. Users can choose to receive third-party messages in a dedicated folder, their inbox, or both. Future updates will add features like reactions, direct replies, typing indicators, read receipts, group creation, voice calls, and video calls by 2027. Meta is committed to user privacy and security while addressing the technical challenges of developing third-party chats.