Signal Adds Mainstream Chat Features to Attract Wider Audiences

The latest version of Signal for iOS (5.3.1) and Android (5.3.7) brings a number of new additions to the increasingly popular encrypted messaging app. These include common features like chat wallpapers, animated stickers, and an “About” section of your profile. The iOS app now handles data more efficiently, bringing it closer to feature parity with the Android app.

Messaging apps like Signal and Telegram have seen strong growth in recent weeks. Signal was helped by a recommendation from Tesla CEO Elon Musk, while the two took advantage of the backlash over Facebook’s confusing new privacy policy for WhatsApp.

New features were announced for the first time January 11, and Android Police reported their deployment in the beta version of Signal for Android last week on Friday. With chat wallpapers, you can choose from a number of presets or select a photo of your choice, and you can also set a wallpaper for a specific conversation or for all of them. The beta had 24 animated stickers, according to Android Police.

The iOS app, on the other hand, is also more data efficient. IPhone users will see a new setting to reduce data usage during calls, an option to automatically pause attachment downloads during calls, and improved image compression, among other improvements.

Signal has long been a popular messaging option for those focusing on the security of their communications – the European Commission asked staff to switch to Signal in February 2020, for example – and Signal is still focused on releasing new features. security-oriented, such as encryption. group video calls. But more consumer-centric features, such as wallpapers and stickers, could make Signal more accessible to users who access the app from WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger, and ideally keep them on Signal for the long haul. .