WhatsApp Archives

AppWizard

June 29, 2025

Russia Launches State-Run Messaging App

Russia has introduced a state-backed messaging application, announced by President Vladimir Putin, aimed at providing a homegrown alternative to platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram. The initiative addresses national security concerns and seeks to enhance control over the digital landscape. The app will facilitate messaging, bill payments, form completions, and access to official records, all on a single platform. It promises standard messaging features and enhanced security measures. However, there are concerns about privacy and potential government surveillance, which may affect user adoption. This initiative is part of Russia's broader strategy to foster a self-sufficient technology ecosystem.

AppWizard

June 28, 2025

Why You Should Turn Off This Gemini Setting on Your Android Phone

Beginning July 7, Google’s Gemini will allow users to manage their privacy settings more effectively. Previously, nearly all interactions with Gemini on Android devices, including chat histories and voice commands, were shared with Google by default for users aged 18 and older. Users will soon have the option to use Gemini as a phone assistant without enabling the “Gemini Apps Activity” feature, which means their interactions will not contribute to Google’s AI training database or be reviewed by humans. However, even with this feature disabled, Google will retain interactions for up to 72 hours for processing. Users can find the toggle for Gemini Apps Activity in the app settings and can review or delete past activities on their Google Account. Some data may still remain on Google’s servers if it has been used for training or review.

Tech Optimizer

June 28, 2025

We asked cybersecurity experts to build a privacy toolbox for $10 per month – here’s what they came up with, and more

In the digital landscape, online activities are monitored, leading to targeted advertising, scams, and privacy breaches. Individuals can enhance their digital security through various tools, including VPNs, antivirus software, password managers, secure browsers, encrypted messaging apps, and data removal services. VPNs protect internet traffic through encryption, with options like Mo Harber-Lamond at .91/month, Surfshark starting at .99/month, and ExpressVPN from .99/month. Antivirus software, such as Amber Bouman at .17/month, Norton 360 Deluxe from .17/month, and Malwarebytes Plus from .81/month, defends against malware and phishing. Password managers like Amber Bouman at .99/month, Bitwarden (free), and NordPass from .29/month help secure passwords. Secure browsers include George Phillips (free), Vivaldi (free), and Tor (free), which prioritize user privacy. Encrypted messaging apps like George Phillips (free), Session (free), and Threema (one-time payment) enhance communication security. Data removal services, such as Mo Harber-Lamond at .29/month, Optery from .99/month, and PrivacyBee from .99/month, help reduce personal data exposure. Budget-friendly options for privacy tools can be assembled for under /month, while premium bundles can cost around /month. The highest privacy-focused bundle totals /month, featuring Mullvad VPN, Proton Pass, Tor, and Session. Mobile privacy protection can be achieved for .01/month with NordVPN and Bitdefender Mobile Security. The Proton Unlimited bundle, priced at .99/month, offers an all-in-one solution with various encrypted services.

AppWizard

June 26, 2025

WhatsApp gives users ‘Message Summaries’ for when those texts pile up

WhatsApp is introducing a "Message Summaries" feature to help users manage unread messages by providing concise overviews of conversations. This feature, powered by Meta AI, will display a banner in chats with many unread messages, allowing users to access key points in bullet form, including mentions of individuals. Currently, it is being rolled out to English-speaking users in the U.S., with plans for broader availability later. The feature is disabled by default to prioritize user privacy, and users can enable it in their settings. WhatsApp has also introduced "Ads in Status" for business growth, "Promoted Channels" for recommending channels, new video call effects, and improved emoji reaction sharing. Additionally, Meta AI has launched a dedicated app with features like Live Translation and AI discussions.

AppWizard

June 26, 2025

Gemini is getting ready to replace Google Assistant on Android

Android users will soon see enhancements to Gemini, Google's AI assistant, starting July 7th. Gemini will be able to manage device features and applications, allowing users to make phone calls, send WhatsApp messages, and manage utilities without enabling the Gemini Apps Activity setting. Users can disable this setting to prevent their interactions from being used for product development and AI model personalization. Google clarified that users maintain control over app connections and can disable them at any time. Gemini is set to replace Google Assistant on Android devices later this year. While turning off Apps Activity will prevent interactions from appearing in the activity log, Google will retain conversations for up to 72 hours for security purposes.

AppWizard

June 26, 2025

‘Scary’ Android change sparks fears as Google warns AI will ‘control’ WhatsApp

Google is integrating its Gemini AI tools into various smartphone applications, including Phone, Messages, WhatsApp, and Utilities. Users have been informed that Gemini will assist with these applications regardless of whether the Gemini Apps Activity is activated or deactivated. Users who have opted out of these features will retain their settings, but the lack of clear instructions on disabling the features has caused confusion and concern among users. The rollout of these changes is set to begin on July 7. Gemini will offer capabilities such as brainstorming ideas, connecting with Google apps, studying with interactive visuals, providing tailored information, planning trips, creating AI-generated images, and summarizing content.

AppWizard

June 26, 2025

Google’s New Change for Gemini Turns Out to Not Be a Privacy Concern

On Tuesday, Google sent an email to select users indicating that the Gemini AI assistant on Android would connect to certain applications, such as Phone, Messages, WhatsApp, and Utilities, regardless of whether the App Activity setting was disabled. The email stated that users could turn off these features in the Apps settings, leading to confusion about the term "Apps." The "Gemini Apps Activity" setting, currently available only on the website, governs whether Google retains user prompts exchanged with Gemini in an activity log. When enabled, this setting allows Google to use user data for improving its products and services, while disabling it results in data being deleted after 72 hours. Previously, with the setting turned off, the Gemini AI assistant could not connect to on-device applications, but an update scheduled for July 7 will lift this limitation, allowing interaction without activating activity logs.

AppWizard

June 25, 2025

Russia set to develop national messaging app

Russian President Vladimir Putin has endorsed the development of a national messaging application aimed at enhancing digital communication within public institutions. The initiative addresses security concerns over popular messaging platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram. The Digital Development Ministry is leading the project, which may be inspired by China's WeChat and based on the Max application from Russian tech company VK. The app is expected to be pre-installed on new smartphones sold in Russia and mandated for use in public institutions.

AppWizard

June 25, 2025

You’re not alone: This email from Google’s Gemini team is concerning

Google's Gemini team has announced that starting July 7, 2025, the AI assistant will assist users with applications like Phone, Messages, WhatsApp, and Utilities, regardless of the activation of the Gemini Apps Activity feature. Users have expressed privacy concerns about whether Gemini will access these applications if they opt out of the feature. Google has stated that users can disable the new features, but the guidance provided is vague, lacking specific instructions on how to do so. The email sent to users included a link to the Gemini Apps Privacy Hub, which does not clarify the nature of the changes. There are questions about what "help you use" entails, including whether Gemini will have the ability to read or send messages or access call logs by default. Some users have received the email, while others have not, leading to inquiries for further clarification from Google.

AppWizard

June 25, 2025

Google May Give More Access to Gemini on Android, Raises Privacy Concerns

On Tuesday, Google informed select Android users via email about an upcoming enhancement to its Gemini AI assistant, which will allow it to interact with various on-device applications starting July 7, regardless of user settings. The email, which has been shared on social media, indicates that Gemini will interface with apps like Phone, Messages, WhatsApp, and Utilities, even if the Gemini Apps Activity is turned off. Users can disable these features in the Apps settings, but the email's wording raises confusion about privacy and data usage. Currently, the only way to restrict app access is through the Gemini application’s Apps page, but the update suggests that Gemini's interactions will continue regardless of these settings. There has been no formal announcement from Google to clarify these changes.