14 DAY TRIAL // Signal is considered one of the most secure messaging applications out there and it recently received an update that enhances features and adds more tools to users. The update for Android, iOS and desktop versions of the app includes the ability to send arbitrary file types.
Signal users on Android, iOS and desktop can now send various files to their friends inside the app, including pictures, audio files, contact numbers and GIFs. However, the app doesn’t come with the feature to type in certain keywords to search for GIFs, and users must scroll through the provided options to pick one.
The same goes for stickers. Moreover, Signal users now have the capacity to share their current location inside the app or access the camera, snap a picture and send it inside the chat. With the new feature, users will be able to send various files and share information with their friends.
Multiple files can be sent in group chats
It’s also worth mentioning that Signal now allows users to send files to only one contact inside the app or to an entire group of friends. The messages sent with Signal are encrypted, and so are the files that arrive to one or multiple receivers.
Open Whisper Systems, the non-profit behind Signal, says the application sends messages instantly and uses open source peer-reviewed cryptographic protocols to keep information safe. In addition, the application comes with a disappearing messages tool that automatically deletes texts after a certain period of time. Sent or received messages in a certain Signal chat can be set to automatically disappear after a few seconds, minutes, hours, or even a week.
The developers also mention that the server doesn’t have access to any user information and data that people share isn’t stored. Recently, Signal on Android and iOS received several features for secure video calls, aside from its capabilities to place voice calls and Open Whisper Systems says video call quality has been improved inside the app.