#instant_messaging

The call can be redirected through the company's servers. But call quality may suffer The messenger has a new feature that allows you to hide your IP address when making calls through the application. Typically, when making calls on WhatsApp (as well as other similar instant messengers), a direct peer-to-peer connection is established between the two users, which ensures optimal voice quality. But connected devices must provide each other with their IP addresses, which violates privacy. [caption id="attachment_80915" align="aligncenter" width="780"] WhatsApp[/caption] WhatsApp can now hide your IP address during calls A WhatsApp call can now be routed through the app's own servers to hide the user's IP address and location. At the same time, calls, as usual, will remain protected by end-to-end encryption, which means that outsiders, including the WhatsApp development team, will not be able to eavesdrop on them. However, the creators of the application admit that activating this function may degrade the quality of communication. In order to hide your IP address during WhatsApp calls, you need to update the application to the latest version and set the corresponding switch in the “Privacy” section in Settings. Group calls on WhatsApp are automatically forwarded to the company's servers by default, so there is no need to enable this setting.

The number of subscription votes has increased The Telegram team has launched a fresh major update to the popular messenger. One of the most important innovations of the update is that channel owners can now hold sweepstakes, randomly distributing prizes among subscribers. [caption id="attachment_80815" align="aligncenter" width="780"] Telegram update[/caption] Channel owners can create a giveaway and set the conditions for it with just a couple of clicks. At the end of the drawing, Telegram will randomly select winners from among users who meet the specified criteria. Winners receive gift codes, which can serve as public confirmation of winning the drawing. Each gift code activates a free Telegram Premium subscription, but organizers can add their own prizes to the subscription.  [caption id="attachment_80816" align="alignnone" width="600"] Telegram update[/caption] In addition to the number of winners and the duration of the drawing, the organizers, if desired, can limit the number of participants only to new channel subscribers or residents of certain countries. You can also specify additional channels that users need to subscribe to in order to participate in the drawing. Big Telegram update: prize draws in channels and free Premium subscription [caption id="attachment_80817" align="aligncenter" width="385"] Telegram update[/caption] Before the start of the drawing, the organizer must pay for the selected number of Premium subscriptions. [caption id="attachment_80818" align="aligncenter" width="780"] Telegram update[/caption] In addition, with the launch of the update, the developers increased the number of votes provided for the Premium subscription. Now users who pay for the subscription themselves receive 4 votes, which can be given to one channel or distributed among several. Telegram explained: If you give Telegram Premium to another user, he gets 1 vote, and you get 3 additional ones. If you get a subscription for winning the drawing, all 4 votes will remain with the organizing channel. Telegram founder Pavel Durov has already taken advantage of the new function . He launched a drawing for 10,000 subscriptions to Telegram Premium for six months. 

Attacks have been reported worldwide Kaspersky Lab experts have discovered a modification of the popular WhatsApp messenger that contains previously unknown malware - a Trojan spyware for Android, called CanesSpy. As noted in the press service, the mod has been distributed for some time in Telegram channels in Arabic and Azerbaijani.  [caption id="attachment_79638" align="aligncenter" width="780"] WhatsApp[/caption] From October 5 to October 31, the company’s security solutions prevented more than 340 thousand attacks using it in more than a hundred countries around the world. The largest numbers were recorded in Azerbaijan, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Turkey and Egypt. Russian users also encountered infection attempts. Telegram began distributing a WhatsApp mod with a previously unknown spyware Trojan The new Trojan program can steal data from an infected smartphone: contact list, information about accounts on the device, documents. Also, on command, she begins recording from the device’s microphone. The spy module starts working when you turn on or charge the phone. The main source of infected files is Telegram channels, predominantly in Arabic and Azerbaijani, and the total number of subscribers in the most popular of them alone reaches almost two million users. Kaspersky Lab notified Telegram about the presence of malware in the detected channels. However, malicious mods are also distributed through various sites where you can download mods for instant messengers. 

It is planned for 2025 BCS clients received a presentation stating that they could purchase Telegram bonds issued in 2021. They can be converted into shares if the company conducts an IPO (initial public offering of shares). Buyers will be able to convert the par value of the bonds into shares when Telegram goes public, which is scheduled for the second or third quarters of 2025. The conversion is planned with a discount: a 10% discount is provided if the IPO takes place before March 2024, 15% if the IPO takes place before March 2025 and 20% if the IPO takes place before March 2026. If something goes wrong and the IPO does not take place, investors are promised to repay the bonds in 2026 in any case. Investors get ready: Telegram is going for an IPO [caption id="attachment_73548" align="aligncenter" width="780"] Telegram[/caption] The Association of Bond Owners confirmed to RBC that the presentation was received by BCS clients, drawing attention to the terms of the offer for clients. The presentation states that at the time of concluding the settlement contract, the underlying asset (that is, Telegram bonds with a coupon of 7%) has not been purchased. The slide states that if BCS fails to purchase the underlying asset, clients will be returned money with a yield of 3% per annum.

Testing began among a limited number of users At the Meta* Connect event, the WhatsApp team talked about upcoming changes in the popular messenger. WhatsApp is planning to add several new features based on artificial intelligence. [caption id="attachment_60991" align="aligncenter" width="780"] WhatsApp[/caption] Immediately after the conference, three new services will be available to some users for testing in chats. The first - AI stickers - allow you to generate custom stickers. WhatsApp is launching an analogue of ChatGPT and Midjourney AI chats (AI chats) - an analog of the ChatGPT chatbot - will allow you to ask the bot questions on “any topic”, as well as arrange debates in group chats with “dozens of unique characters” created by AI. And finally, the third innovation is the generation of photorealistic images from text descriptions. The user just needs to type the /imagine command and add a short description. The WhatsApp support document explains: Visually, AI chats will be different from private messages and chats. To start communicating with an AI bot, you will need to first open a chat with the AI ​​or send a message to the bot. * The Meta company is recognized as an extremist in Russia and is banned.

The right to publish must be earned The team of the popular Telegram messenger announced the launch of a major update for users. One of the main innovations was support for “Stories” for channels. However, not all channels will be able to publish “Stories”. [caption id="attachment_58916" align="aligncenter" width="780"] Telegram[/caption] In order for a channel to receive the right to publish “Stories,” it is required to collect a certain number of votes from readers. Only users of a paid Telegram Premium subscription can vote. Moreover, the Telegram Premium subscription provides one vote, which the user can give to one channel. Users can transfer their voice to another channel once a day. [caption id="attachment_58917" align="aligncenter" width="780"] Telegram[/caption] Telegram launched “Stories” for channels, as well as many other improvements The more votes a channel has, the higher its level, and each new level allows you to publish 1 additional story per day for all subscribers. The voting system is called “Boosts”. [caption id="attachment_58918" align="aligncenter" width="386"] Telegram[/caption] Channels can collect votes using special links like t.me/drop?boost. You can find a link to vote for your channel and see how many votes are left until the next level on the channel page > “More” > “Statistics” > “Votes”. [caption id="attachment_58919" align="aligncenter" width="542"] Telegram[/caption] Other new additions include reaction stickers that users and channels can add to their stories, the ability to upload audio files for stories (you can add music or voice accompaniment), an updated interface for self-destructing media files, and a one-time view feature, new account login notifications, etc.

Beta testers can join it The team of the popular WhatsApp messenger decided to take a historic step - they launched a beta version of the application for Apple tablets. WhatsApp has not had a separate native app for iPad for many years, forcing people to use the web version of the messenger. [caption id="attachment_57402" align="aligncenter" width="780"] WhatsApp application for iPad[/caption] The application is not available to all WhatsApp users yet. As noted by the thematic resource WABetaInfo, a test version of the messenger numbered 23.19.1.71, compatible with iPad, has become available for participants in beta testing of WhatsApp for iOS. A separate WhatsApp application for iPad has appeared, but not for everyone yet [caption id="attachment_57403" align="alignnone" width="768"] WhatsApp application for iPad[/caption] To take part in the test, you must sign up for the WhatsApp beta program and download the apps to your iPhone and iPad. Next, you need to set up WhatsApp on your iPad by going to the "Paired Devices" section on your phone. WABetaInfo notes that WhatsApp for iPad does allow you to use the app independently of your phone. At the same time, the iPad application synchronizes sent and received messages with other user devices. Unfortunately, it appears that some features, such as the real-time location feature and status updates, are not working properly right now.

And company verification As part of the international Conversations conference in Mumbai, the team of the popular WhatsApp messenger presented several new features designed to help companies and their customers solve their problems faster in WhatsApp chats. [caption id="attachment_57376" align="alignnone" width="780"] WhatsApp[/caption] One of the innovations is the WhatsApp Flows feature. With its help, companies will be able to provide more options directly in the chat, such as choosing a seat on a train, ordering food at home or booking an appointment. Companies will also be able to send detailed menus and forms that can be customized to suit different needs. [caption id="attachment_57377" align="alignnone" width="780"] WhatsApp[/caption] In the coming weeks, WhatsApp Flows will be available globally to businesses using the WhatsApp Business platform. [caption id="attachment_57378" align="alignnone" width="780"] WhatsApp[/caption] WhatsApp has launched new features for companies and users - more information, payment in chat You can make purchases directly in the chat. Starting today, September 20, 2023, users in India can add items to their cart and pay using their preferred payment method. All supported apps are available with UPI, debit cards, credit cards and more. [caption id="attachment_57379" align="alignnone" width="780"] WhatsApp[/caption] And finally, a Meta* Verified confirmation procedure has been added for companies. Once verified, they can sign up for a Meta Verified subscription, which includes a verification badge, improved account support, and protection against impersonators. * The Meta company is recognized as extremist in Russia and is banned.