All articles tagged with #messaging
AP previews how Trump will use the State of the Union to frame and pitch his policy plans to skeptical midterm voters, outlining likely talking points, policy proposals, and the political posture he’ll strike as he navigates the next election cycle.
Meta will retire messenger.com and discontinue the Messenger desktop app, with messenger.com no longer available for messaging starting April 2026. Web messaging will move to facebook.com/messages and be integrated into Facebook rather than a standalone Messenger platform, while Messenger remains available on mobile. The move signals Meta’s broader shift toward consolidating messaging across its apps and reducing maintenance across separate tools amid regulatory and strategic considerations.
Under the EU's DMA, BirdyChat becomes the first European chat app to be interoperable with WhatsApp for users in the European Economic Area. In practice, WhatsApp’s opt-in requirement and regional limitation mean many users won’t be able to chat cross‑platform, and BirdyChat currently supports only 1:1 chats with group interoperability planned for a later update.
Trump is privately frustrated that chaotic Minnesota protests are blurring the administration’s immigration crackdown messaging, and aides are plotting new ways to highlight ICE’s work while keeping the policy intact. Some officials push a tougher public enforcement case, while others argue for dialing down tensions with protesters and relying on local cooperation to prevent further chaos. Discussions have even surfaced about the Insurrection Act as a last resort, though it’s not considered likely. The White House insists immigration law will be enforced and the “worst of the worst” criminals removed, amid waning poll support.
WhatsApp offers various features to enhance user security and privacy, including Privacy Checkup, disappearing messages, two-factor authentication, app and chat lock, advanced security settings, and options to disable read receipts and media downloads, helping users protect their conversations from threats and unauthorized access.
WhatsApp is now available on the Apple Watch, allowing users to send and receive messages directly from their wearable device, enhancing convenience and communication on the go.
WhatsApp has launched a new app for Apple Watch, allowing users to read and send messages, receive call notifications, record voice messages, and view media directly from their wrist, with support for Series 4 and later running watchOS 10.
WhatsApp is testing a new Apple Watch companion app that offers core messaging features like chat browsing and quick replies, relying on the iPhone for connectivity, alongside the rollout of passkey-encrypted backups for enhanced security.
Meta is rolling out group chat features on Threads, allowing users to create shared conversations with up to 50 followers, with plans to expand messaging capabilities and regional availability, including support for group chats in the EU.
Meta's Ray-Ban Display smart glasses face limitations in messaging functionality, especially with iOS, due to restrictions from Apple. Despite claims of supporting message viewing and replying across iOS and Android, Meta's CTO indicated ongoing restrictions, likely preventing full iMessage integration. This could limit the glasses' appeal, particularly in the U.S., where iMessage is widely used, though they may still be useful for users relying on third-party messaging apps like WhatsApp. The situation highlights challenges in hardware-software integration between Meta and Apple.
Spotify has introduced a new messaging feature allowing users to chat with friends they have shared content with, aiming to enhance its social capabilities. The feature is initially available on mobile for users over 16 in select markets and will expand globally, enabling conversations within the app and outside via shared links. While it promotes more interaction, some users may find the app cluttered, but they can disable the feature if desired.
Google is testing a new QR code feature in beta for verifying contacts in Messages, allowing users to scan or display QR codes to confirm identity and enhance message security, with plans to extend QR code use to Gmail's two-factor authentication.
During the August recess, most Republican lawmakers are avoiding in-person town halls and sticking to scripted messaging to promote their legislative achievements, especially the recent 'One Big Beautiful Bill' signed by President Trump, while facing vocal opposition from constituents on issues like healthcare and taxes.
Germ, a startup, is launching end-to-end encrypted messaging for Bluesky users, leveraging new technologies like MLS and AT Protocol, with plans for broader adoption and potential integration into Bluesky's app, emphasizing privacy and user control.
The NRCC memo reveals how Republicans plan to frame the recent legislation, including Medicaid cuts, as beneficial to voters and to counter Democratic attacks ahead of the 2026 midterms, emphasizing messaging strategies on issues like tax relief, immigration, and holding elites accountable.