Signal comes up with new features which makes it similar to whatsapp

SIGNAL APP

A new update was released by Whatsapp that it's privacy policy is extended from 8 February 2021 to 15 May 2021. 

Signal app

A new messenger app, Signal have came into force after Whatsapp privacy policy  update has aroused. Many Whatsapp users who are concerned/worried about their personal data to be leaked or recent changes of whatsapp terms & policies have switched to signal recently.

Signal app downloads are increasing day by day. The app hits 50 million installs after whatsapp announced its change in terms & policies. This is because of the recent announcement of Whatsapp privacy policy. However, whatsapp has announced that it's still end-to-end encrypted, safe and secure to chat with friends & family, no issue of personal data to be leaked, etc.

Here's is an update by whatsapp that it's new policy does not affect following:

1. Whatsapp remains end-to-end encrypted - Facebook cannot read them.

2. Whatsapp stores the media/files you share to others only temporarily.

3. Whatsapp will not record or track your audio/video calls.

4. Whatsapp doesn't store your messages. You can opt to backup with Google drive or iCloud.

5. Users can block a business anytime if required.

6. Whatsapp will share your estimated location with facebook.

7. There is a problem with whatsapp business as it's not safe. There is a chance of your imp business data or documents to be leaked.

Now it's your decision that you want to use whatsapp or switch to other apps such as signal or telegram.

As signal knows that there are a lot of whatsapp users and many people like to use whatsapp and are used to whatsapp. Therefore signal has updated new features in it, which are similar to whatsapp so as to take the advantage of current situation.

Let's have a look to the new features of Signal:

Signal new features

1. Chat Wallpaper:

Signal has added a new feature of different chat wallpapers. So that you change background colours of your chat, and it’s literally a copy of the one

implemented in WhatsApp. 

2. About Section:

Signal offers a new feature to set a custom “about” section, so that you can say more about yourself, like your education, work, etc. It's a status available in the contact info page.

3. Animated Stickers:

The latest update brings a new feature of Animated Stickers, the first official animated sticker pack.

Signal also offers the possibility to create animated stickers from the Signal Desktop app, allowing to share them with your friends.

WhatsApp has enabled this feature last year.

4. System emojis:

Signal has updated emojis in it. Which makes the conversation better. Its Shows your real reactions. For getting benefit of this, you should have its latest version "beta".

5. Group link:

Share any group link to others to join the group. Just tap into the group settings, tap on the group link, click on the group link & tap share.

6. Low data during calls:

Your data would be use less when you are in calls on the app. Signal has implemented this feature. The feature allows to lower data usage during calls. 

7. Contact Suggestions:

Signal allows now to see your chats on the iOS share sheet. Which is similar to whatsapp.

8. Download media/files: 

WhatsApp offers the possibility to choose when your media or files should be automatically downloaded.

9. Group calls:

Signal already offered group calls, but it was limited to 5 participants. Signal has changed the limit to 8 participants, like WhatsApp.

10. Delete for everyone:

It's the same feature of whatsapp, you can delete the message for me or for everyone. 

Want to delete message for everyone on signal:

1. Long press to the chat you want to delete.

2. Select delete icon on the top and then delete for everyone past 3 hours.

If you want your messages to be deleted time to time, you can use signal's feature of disappearing messages.

Conclusion:

We can see that the features of signal are almost similar to Whatsapp. Signal is trying to be no.1 by taking advantage of this situation. Both apps have a set wallpapers, including Contact names, call buttons and video call buttons. Also, emojis, stickers, about status, low data usage during calls, delete, etc.

However, signal is used by many people and people are loving it. People are sharing great experiences of using signal.

One can go for signal, if they have any worries about continuing with whatsapp.

                    Thank you