This Carrier Pidge app delivers texts at 110 mph, unless your virtual pigeon gets lost, distracted, or dies
Finally, a messaging app with built-in bird-related failure
Microsoft is killing off SMS login codes, citing AI-powered hacking
Microsoft Entra ID to phase out SMS authentication on February 1
WhatsApp desktop turns your PC into a full messaging hub
WhatsApp's desktop app turns your Windows or Mac into a full messaging hub. You can link up to four devices at once, make voice and video calls straight from your webcam, and type on a real keyboard instead of a phone screen. Your phone only needs to reconnect once every 14 days, so it's an easy way to stay on top of conversations while you actually get work done.
WhatsApp finally gets usernames, letting users hide their phone numbers
WhatsApp is rolling out unique usernames, letting users connect without sharing their phone number. To claim yours, update to the latest version of WhatsApp, go to Settings > Account > Username, and pick an available handle. The feature is rolling out gradually, with broader availability expected later this year.
Replace These 11 Default Apps in Windows 11
Windows comes with a set of default apps that cover the basics – but for most of them, that's exactly their ceiling. Here are 11 better alternatives worth switching to.
Microsoft is pulling the plug on SMS codes, wants you to switch to passkeys
The future of login is "passwordless, secure, and user-friendly"
Discord now encrypts every voice and video call by default
Discord just flipped on end-to-end encryption for every voice and video call across DMs, group chats, voice channels and streams. It's one of the platform's biggest privacy upgrades yet.
Apple is rolling out end-to-end encryption for iPhone to Android RCS messages
The long, slow death of SMS gets a meaningful milestone
Slack chats and internal data from failed startups are finding a second life in AI training
Developers are buying emails, documents, and code to train AI on real-world workflows and decision-making
FBI recovers "deleted" Signal messages through iPhone notifications
iPhones store push notification content, which forensic software can access
Russia's attempt to block VPNs is causing widespread banking outages
Telegram founder warns against the unexpected outcome of Kremlin's internet restrictions
Samsung Messages is officially on the way out, pushing users to Google Messages
One of Samsung's most familiar mobile apps is coming to an end
New RCS standard could enable cross-platform video calls, if Apple and Google play along
Turning texts into a full-fledged video platform
Meta is pulling the plug on Instagram's encrypted messages
The company says few people used the feature
TeamSpeak sees massive surge as frustrated Discord users jump ship
TeamSpeak is suddenly back in the spotlight after a wave of users fled Discord over its new age-verification rollout. The voice-chat veteran says demand has spiked so hard that hosting capacity is maxed out in several regions as newcomers pile in looking for a simpler, more private alternative. Download TeamSpeak Classic or TeamSpeak 6 Beta here.
Stoat wins traction as users look beyond Discord
Discord's new age-verification requirements have pushed some users to explore alternative chat platforms, and Stoat is emerging as a popular option. The open-source app emphasizes privacy and strong user control. Stoat (formerly Revolt) is available on the web, Windows, macOS, and Linux, with an Android beta now rolling out.
Discord's age-check crackdown is already pushing users elsewhere
Users rebel as global verification rules demand facial scans and ID uploads
Discord will gate full access behind ID or face verification starting next month
Discord is rolling out age verification worldwide, requiring a face scan or ID for full access starting next month. New and unverified accounts will move to a "teen" setting by default. That means tighter content filters, and safer DM handling with warnings and separate inboxes for messages from unfamiliar users.
Lawsuit alleges Meta can read WhatsApp messages despite encryption
Plaintiffs cite whistleblowers to argue that end-to-end encryption doesn't work as advertised
Ripple effect: Questions about whether WhatsApp's encryption works as Meta describes have taken center stage in a new international lawsuit filed in a US federal court, where plaintiffs allege that Meta misled billions of users about the privacy of their messages.
New CISA alert: encryption isn't what's failing on Signal and WhatsApp
State-backed hackers aren't cracking Signal. They're cracking your phone.
Why it matters: Hackers are bypassing encryption used in messenger apps by compromising the phones and convenience features like QR-based sign-ins. The latest campaign targets high-value targets. The attacks have scraped device data, text messages, and even audio recordings. Their techniques require no user interaction and can remain hidden for years.
Criminals are driving fake cell towers through cities to blast out scam texts
Portable base stations are manipulating cellular networks to deliver scam texts at scale
When was the first SMS text message sent?
Software architect used a computer to text "Merry Christmas"
WhatsApp is dropping its native Windows app in favor of a web-based version
Meta's billion-dollar strategy: give Windows users a worse app
Jack Dorsey launches Bitchat, a messaging app that works without internet, servers, or accounts
It's a peer-to-peer messaging platform that lets users chat without Wi-Fi or cell service