Signal has rolled out it's massive update! [Details Inside]

 

The changelog for the Signal update for the Apple iPhone indicates that there is now a new setting for lowering the data usage for Signal calls. This should be handy in case you are using Signal for making calls, while on a 3G or 4G network, or even a not-very-fast Wi-Fi. The attachment downloads now get the pause and resume feature, which means you can choose when to download a large attachment that someone may have shared over Signal. Signal also says that they have further improved the image compression and quality algorithms, which means that image quality will not be lost when it is shared on Signal. On the iPhone, Signal chats will now be part of the share sheet on iOS for iPhones, when you want to share something from another app. Chat wallpapers have also been introduced, something rival WhatsApp has had for a while now. The About section has also been expanded, while in the chat list previews, you can now see the sender’s name in group chats to help you decide which threads to open and respond to first.

For Android phone users, Signal is currently in version 5.2.3 and the last update for the app added new functionality and bug fixes. There are improvements to the status bar that now only appears when you need it. There are also changes to how the profile photos of your contacts show up in the Signal app with the option of choosing system profile photos set in your phone contacts or choose their latest Signal profile pics. In a video call, you can tap on your face to get a full screen view of how others will be seeing you. the Signal update for Android also adds the setting for lower data usage during calls.

Signal remains the most popular app on the Apple App Store and is the top trending app on the Google Play Store in many countries. Signal’s and indeed Telegram's spike in new user sign-ups shouldn’t come as a surprise. The Facebook owned WhatsApp announced the new Privacy Policy and Terms of Use on January 7 with pop-up alerts for users in the WhatsApp app, something that did nothing to assuage the fears about user data tracking and sharing. Signal continues to be the most popular app on the Apple App Store for iPhone users in many countries, including India. Signal is followed by Telegram, another privacy focused messaging app, as spooked WhatsApp users look for alternatives after the new privacy policy worsened fears about data tracking and sharing with Facebook.