Tag

Chat App

All articles tagged with #chat app

technology1 year ago

"Universal Chat App Beeper Acquired by Automattic, Redefining Messaging Landscape"

Beeper is a free universal chat app that connects up to 14 chat services into a single desktop and mobile app, supporting messaging, group chats, images, and videos. After dropping its fee and iMessage support, Beeper has opened its app to everyone across multiple platforms, including Windows, Linux, and Android devices. The app, now owned by Automattic, offers an optional paid subscription model in the future and aims to consolidate various chat apps into one accessible place with a universal inbox.

technology1 year ago

"Discord's Controversial Shift: Introducing Ads Despite Previous Opposition"

Discord is set to introduce sponsored ads on its platform in an effort to boost revenue, despite previous claims against using such ads. The ads will be targeted based on users' geographic location, age, and gameplay, and will appear in the bottom left corner of the screen. Users will reportedly have the option to turn off the ads in their settings. This move comes after Discord's revenue has quadrupled from 2020 to $600 million on an annualized basis. Discord's CEO had previously emphasized the importance of user privacy and safety, but the company has yet to publicly announce the addition of these new ads.

technology1 year ago

"WhatsApp Introduces Multi-Message Pinning Feature for Chats"

WhatsApp now allows users to pin up to three messages in a chat, making it easier to access important information such as addresses or event details. This feature, announced by Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and WhatsApp head Will Cathcart, allows users to pin various types of messages and choose a duration for them to stay pinned. While this feature provides convenience, there is no option to keep a message pinned indefinitely, requiring users to re-pin messages after 30 days or use the "Star" feature for long-term access.

technology1 year ago

"Discord Introduces Embedded Games and Rewards, Plans IPO"

Discord is opening up its chat app to developers by introducing an Embedded App SDK, allowing them to build new games and apps that can be used directly within Discord. This move will enable a wider range of minigames and apps to be played directly inside Discord chats, with the platform also experimenting with a feature that allows users to add apps to their accounts so they can roam across servers. Additionally, Discord is bringing back its app pitches, where developers can pitch prototype app ideas and secure funding, as part of its efforts to improve user growth and developer experiences.

technology2 years ago

Beeper Abandons iMessage for Android After Apple's Resistance

Beeper, the chat app that aimed to bring iMessage support to Android devices, has announced that it is ending its cat-and-mouse game with Apple. After multiple fixes and workarounds, Beeper has released what it believes to be a solution that Apple can tolerate. The latest workaround involves pairing a mobile device with a Mac or an old iPhone. However, if Apple blocks this final fix, Beeper Mini will no longer be able to provide iMessage support. Beeper will continue to focus on its primary chat app and aims to become the "best chat app on Earth."

technology2 years ago

WhatsApp Introduces Pinned Messages for Easy Chat Navigation

WhatsApp is introducing the ability to pin messages in both individual and group chats. Users can pin various types of conversations, such as text, polls, images, and emojis, but only one chat can be pinned at a time. This feature is useful for easily accessing important information, such as addresses or event details. Admins in group chats can choose whether only admins or any member can pin messages. Competitors like Telegram and iMessage already offer a similar feature, and it remains to be seen if WhatsApp will extend this functionality to Channels.

technology2 years ago

"Meta's Revenue Boost: WhatsApp Explores Ads in Chat App"

WhatsApp, owned by Meta, is reportedly exploring the introduction of ads within its chat app as the parent company seeks to boost its revenue. This move comes as Meta aims to monetize its various platforms and diversify its income streams beyond advertising on its core Facebook platform. The potential introduction of ads on WhatsApp, which has traditionally been ad-free, has raised concerns among users who value the app's privacy and simplicity.

technology2 years ago

"Google Chat Enhancements: New Features and Tools for Improved Messaging Experience"

Google is adding new features to its standalone Chat app, positioning it as a messaging platform for conversations with family and friends. This move further adds to the confusion surrounding Google's messaging efforts, as Chat was initially positioned as a business collaboration tool. The new features include message editing and deletion, quoting messages, read receipts in group chats, and more. However, it remains to be seen if users will adopt Chat for personal messaging when there are already established alternatives like WhatsApp available.

technology2 years ago

Simplifying the Google Messages Compose UI.

The interface for typing and sending messages in a chat app has been on the author's mind lately given Google's addition of Magic Compose and the redesign Apple is doing in iOS 17. The Google Messages UI is fine, but the upcoming addition of Magic Compose makes it too crowded. Designing the UI for such a major default app is not an easy task by any stretch of the imagination. Apple is going very minimalist and takes too many steps to access core functionality, while Google Messages is a bit more utilitarian and suffers from being too visually crowded.

technology2 years ago

Discord mandates new unique usernames for all users.

Discord is requiring all users to create a new, unique username following the "@" symbol, similar to other social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram. Previously, users were identified by a name preceding a hashtag and four numbers, which created confusion as the platform grew. The new system will streamline the process for users to find friends and remember their username. Users will still be able to set a unique display name separate from their username. The change will be rolled out slowly throughout the year, prioritizing usernames for people who have been on the platform the longest.

technology2 years ago

Discord to Require Username Changes for All Users

Discord is removing the four-digit "discriminator" code at the end of every username, requiring all users to pick a new unique username. This change will make the app more like other social media platforms, with unique back-end usernames and public display names. While the change aims to make it easier to share usernames, some users are concerned about privacy and being too easily found on the app.

technology2 years ago

WhatsApp introduces in-app chat feature for seamless communication.

WhatsApp has launched its own official account on the platform, allowing users to receive updates and usage tips. The feature is currently rolling out to a small subset of users and is available on both iPhone and Android. WhatsApp's chat account is similar to those on Viber and Telegram, and users can archive or block the account if they don't want to receive messages from it.