WeChat Archives

AppWizard

December 20, 2025

X Launches Standalone Chat App on Desktop

X is developing a standalone messaging application called X Chat, with a desktop version already available for managing direct messages (DMs) more efficiently. A mobile app for X Chat is also in the works to compete with messaging platforms like WhatsApp and Messenger. Elon Musk's vision for X is inspired by China's WeChat, aiming to create an "everything app" that integrates messaging and various transactions. The project includes plans for payment functionalities to facilitate financial activities within the app, but X has not yet secured the necessary licenses for money transfers in the U.S. or the EU. There are concerns about user trust in Musk's leadership and the feasibility of successfully transforming X into a super app, leading to skepticism about the necessity of a separate messaging app.

AppWizard

December 19, 2025

X introduces standalone messaging app X Chat

X is developing a dedicated messaging platform called X Chat, currently in testing, which will allow users to access direct messages from their desktop independently of the main platform. A standalone web app for X Chat has been released, enabling non-X users to connect with friends and family. Additionally, X is planning to develop a mobile app for X Chat to compete with messaging services like WhatsApp and Messenger. This initiative is part of Elon Musk's vision to transform X into an 'everything app' similar to China's WeChat. The platform is also seeking regulatory approvals for payment services that may integrate with its messaging features.

Winsage

December 4, 2025

Announcing the Microsoft Store Awards 2025 winners

The Microsoft Store Awards recognized exceptional applications that enhance user experiences within the Windows ecosystem. AI Assistants category: - Winner: Perplexity by Perplexity AI - Features native voice dictation, multi-modal AI search, and deep desktop integration for rapid research. - Winner: ChatGPT by OpenAI - Provides instant answers, direct image and file uploads, and enterprise-level privacy controls. Business category: - Winner: Invoice Maker & Estimate Creator by Moon Technolabs Pvt. Ltd. - Streamlines finance tasks with customizable templates and real-time payment tracking. Computer-Using Agents (CUA) category: - Winner: Manus by Manus AI - Automates complex tasks within a secure sandbox and allows users to guide ongoing actions. Creativity category: - Winner: n-Track Studio by n-Track S.r.I. - Transforms devices into recording studios with support for unlimited tracks and advanced effects. Developer Tools category: - Winner: ngrok by ngrok - Facilitates secure tunneling and remote access with automatic updates and compatibility with Windows Defender. Education category: - Winner: Scratch 3 by Scratch Foundation - Empowers students in computational thinking through engaging projects and block coding. Game category: - Winner: Castle Craft by Clever Apps Pte Ltd - Offers an immersive gaming experience with dynamic resource merging and family-friendly design. Music category: - Winner: Moises Live by Moises Systems, Inc - Leverages real-time AI audio separation technology for remixing and practice. Productivity category: - Winner: Notion by Notion Labs Inc - Consolidates tasks and notes into a searchable workspace with automation features. Each winner will receive a Store Award Winner badge in the Microsoft Store.

AppWizard

November 29, 2025

‘I don’t trust it’: Russians sceptical about state-backed messenger MAX

MAX is a new messaging platform launched by VK in Moscow, designed to consolidate various services and mandated by Russian authorities to be included in all new smartphones and tablets starting September 1. This move coincides with a ban on calls from foreign messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram. MAX is promoted as a secure alternative to foreign apps, but lacks end-to-end encryption, raising privacy concerns. The Russian media regulator, Roskomnadzor, announced plans to consider a complete ban on WhatsApp, which has nearly 100 million users in Russia, citing its role in facilitating criminal activity. Public sentiment is mixed, with some individuals expressing distrust towards MAX while others seem unconcerned about the transition to it or other messaging alternatives.

AppWizard

October 29, 2025

95% of Internet users already use messaging apps: the most universal digital habit

Over 94.5% of global internet users engage with chat applications monthly, making messaging the most prevalent digital activity. The top three motivations for online activity are searching for information (62.8%), staying in touch with friends and family (60.2%), and following news and events (55%). Messaging aligns with maintaining connections and accessing real-time information, resulting in a consistent engagement rate of around 95% among users. Young adults aged 25 to 34 have over 96% participation in messaging apps. As of February 2025, the most popular messaging apps are WhatsApp (over 2 billion monthly active users), WeChat (1.38 billion), Facebook Messenger (947 million), Snapchat (850 million), and QQ (562 million). WhatsApp had over 35 million downloads in August 2025, followed by Telegram (28 million) and Snapchat (27 million). In-app purchase revenue shows Snapchat leading with over 0 million per month, while Telegram and LINE generate approximately million each. Countries like Nigeria, Morocco, Ghana, and South Africa report nearly 100% monthly engagement with messaging platforms, while Mexico and Brazil surpass 98%. In the U.S., Facebook Messenger (60%) leads, followed by FaceTime, iMessage, and WhatsApp. WhatsApp had 3.24 billion unique mobile users by June 2025, with users in Indonesia and Brazil spending over 24 hours per month on the app. In emerging markets, it serves as a platform for video calls, news sharing, money transfers, and shopping. Trends in mobile messaging include 35.5% of internet users engaging in video calls, with Nigeria leading at 75%. Telegram has over 12 million premium subscribers, and digital communities like Discord are thriving. Microsoft Teams has 320 million daily active users, and Zoom remains significant for virtual meetings. In digital commerce, 32% of shoppers start their search on Google or other search engines, 29% on marketplaces, and 8% directly on social media, with Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok being key platforms for in-app shopping.

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

What Is XChat? Musk’s Private Messaging App With Blockchain-Style Encryption

XChat is an encrypted messaging and calling feature integrated into X (formerly Twitter), designed to enhance user privacy and functionality. It offers end-to-end encryption, self-destructing messages, versatile file sharing, and cross-platform audio and video calls without requiring a phone number for registration. Currently in beta testing for select paid subscribers, XChat aims to transform X into an “everything app” similar to WeChat, combining social networking, messaging, payments, and more while prioritizing user privacy. Developed using Rust, it employs public-key cryptography and may incorporate blockchain-inspired techniques for enhanced security. The platform seeks to merge social interaction with private communication and commerce, allowing for anonymous engagement. Challenges include ensuring reliable encryption, addressing metadata leaks, and gaining user trust to transition from established messaging apps.

AppWizard

October 6, 2025

Not WhatsApp, Signal or Telegram, only Zoho’s Arattai gives users this unique feature in 2025 — Check details here

Zoho Corp's Arattai messaging app has launched an official app for Android TV, making it unique among messaging applications like WhatsApp, Telegram, and others that do not offer this feature. This development is part of a broader trend towards creating software solutions tailored to local needs in India. Arattai provides multi-device support across Linux, macOS, and Windows, enhancing its versatility. Key features of Arattai include enhanced privacy controls, a customizable user interface, seamless integration with other Zoho products, and local language support for various Indian languages.

AppWizard

September 30, 2025

Arattai gets flak for Tamil name; check out titles of 5 other global apps

Zoho has launched Arattai, a messaging app inspired by Indian culture, which has quickly gained 350,000 downloads within three days, surpassing WhatsApp in some app store categories. The name 'Arattai,' meaning 'banter' in Tamil, has sparked discussions about its suitability for a national audience, with critics citing difficulties in pronunciation and appeal, particularly for northern Indian speakers. Users have suggested that a name change may be necessary for broader acceptance, as the current name is seen as overly regional and not catchy. Entrepreneur Vivek Wadhwa remarked on the app's usability but emphasized the need for a name that is easier to spell. Other messaging apps, such as Vietnam's Zalo and China's Baidu, have faced similar challenges with culturally specific names.

AppWizard

September 20, 2025

Blockchain Based Messaging App Market Segmentation Analysis by Application, Type, and Key Players-Signal Foundation, Telegram Messenger, WhatsApp Inc., WeChat, Matrix.org

The global market for Blockchain Based Messaging Apps is projected to grow to USD 5.5 billion by 2031, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20.5% from 2025 to 2031. The market is expected to reach USD 1.2 billion by 2024. Key drivers of this growth include concerns over data privacy and security, the demand for decentralized communication solutions, and the integration of decentralized identity management and smart contracts. Adoption is anticipated across North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific, particularly in sectors like finance, healthcare, and government. Factors supporting future growth include technological advancements, expanding applications across various industries, favorable government policies, and increased investment in research and development. Key players in the market include Signal Foundation, Telegram Messenger, WhatsApp Inc., WeChat, Matrix.org, Status.im, Mainframe, Holochain, Sphinx Chat, Oraculos, Blockstream, and Pigeon Messenger.