Signal offers new features for iOS and Android
The secure messenger Signal has received some improvements in its new version 5.36. In addition to new emojis, there are also changes to group calls and when sending videos.
The WhatsApp alternative Signal comes in its current version 5.36 with numerous improvements for both Android and iOS. The changes are not the same for both platforms.
What’s new on Android?
As the developers announce in the footnotes on the Google Play Store, they have updated the version of their Messenger for Android to Unicode 14.0. With that comes 37 new emojis, including Pregnant Man emoji and Melting Face emoji.
There are also changes to calls via Messenger. So-called audio indicators now show who is currently speaking. These indicators are dots that ripple around whoever is speaking or making noise. This function can be useful for group calls if, for example, a user can hear disturbing noises in the background or an echo.
What’s changing on iOS?
The developers of the messenger have also added new functions for Signal users under iOS. One of them concerns the ability to send videos in a conversation. Before the user sends a clip, they can now see the length of the video.
Another new feature is the ability to receive a donation receipt through Messenger. However, this only applies to future payments. The organization behind the service is non-profit, so donations to the Signal Technology Foundation are tax deductible. Previously, it was only possible to receive donation receipts by email.
Signal is considered very safe
“Your contributions support the hardware, software, and people needed to provide millions of people around the world with a secure and smooth user experience across our iOS, Android, and desktop applications,” write the Signal developers.
With its end-to-end encryption, Signal is considered very secure. The messenger also does not store any data on the organization’s servers. Encryption isn’t just used for text messaging, it was introduced to group voice and video chats two years ago.
