Messaging apps are all about Messaging. But messaging can have different experiences.
WhatsApp for example, has long provided a simple but straightforward experience, whereas Messenger from Meta provides a lot more complex experience. Telegram is a privacy-focused messaging app, but has since evolve to encompass even more things.
And this time, Signal, another privacy-focused app. is also trying to be different.
The messaging app has been updated with two improvements.
The first update, is a chat function that provides the latest updates and change logs in versions of the app. The function that is essentially a chatbot for Signal, should come in handy for users who wish to track app updates, and would rather do so directly from the app rather than checking its description on Google Play Store.
To interact with this bot, Signal has made the bot part of users' chat list.
Notifications coming from this chatbot would be muted by default for users on Android phones.
Users can opt-in for notifications.
Signal releases have entered the chat! Or, more accurately, created the chat. Say hi to the Signal release chat for Android users where we'll announce new features & improvements.
It’s muted by default. If you prefer not to see it, you can block the chat & we won't be offended. pic.twitter.com/H2aQP2GLXs— Signal (@signalapp) July 7, 2022
The second update is a Speech Bubble Icon within conversations.
The feature allows users to track responses to their messages. When users select the speech bubble icon, a thread opens showing all replies the user has received.
The nifty feature can be used to check replies a particular message by getting right to the conversation.
Naturally in a group chat, members would reply to a message, and people would have a hard time keeping track of all of the replies. Eventually, some would eventually get lost in the conversation.
This is where the speech bubble icon comes into play.
With the feature, users can jump directly into the conversation.
Unfortunately, users cannot add further replies to the thread in this view, at least initially during its launch. To do that, users have to reply to the original message outside the thread.
Planning your pizza order for movie night but forgot how many people want pepperoni versus veggie? If you're using Android, you can now tap the speech bubble icon next to a message to pull up all replies to that message and never lose the thread (or under-order on toppings)! pic.twitter.com/fx3ESyNm6b
— Signal (@signalapp) July 7, 2022
These features should improve Signal. But it's worth noting that the improvements aren't new for messaging platforms.
But regardless, amidst the plethora of messaging platforms, Signal is one of the private and secured communication apps.
While WhatsApp as the largest messaging app is end-to-end encrypted, Signal has been among the very few alternatives that focus on privacy, and isn't linked to any tech giant.
Just like Telegram, Signal is not related to any ad-powered, money-magnet, gargantuan internet company.
American whistleblower Edward Snowden has reiterated his faith in the Signal app by saying that he uses it "every day."
Twitter founder Jack Dorsey also trust Signal because of "how it's built."
