Encrypted messaging service, Signal, has added a range of mainstream chat features to try and entice new users. As announced by the company, the messaging service has added things such as wallpapers, stickers and an about section.
Signal is not the only encrypted messaging service that has tried to up its game to lure in some more users in recent weeks. Telegram has begun offering a service allowing users to migrate their chats over from other messaging services.
This all comes after WhatsApp announced that users of the app would have to share their data with Facebook. Naturally, this upset much of the userbase and forced WhatsApp to delay the decision. However, this did not happen in time for a big surge in the user number for the likes of Telegram.
As a result, it seems that other messaging services have smelt and opportunity to increase their userbase. This move to appeal to a more mainstream audience from Signal is definitely a play to try and take some disenfranchised WhatsApp users with these new chat features.
Signal introduce new mainstream chat features
Signal first announced these new features on January 11 but now the updates have rolled out. The updates include the introduction of wallpapers allowing users a number of preset options as well as the ability to select a photo of their own.
The new update also allows users access to a range of 24 animated stickers as well as a new ‘about’ profile section. iOS users will also get the benefit of more efficient data use. A new setting will lower data usage during calls as well as offering the ability to automatically pause attachment downloads during calls.
Signal has long been popular with those who prioritise security in their messaging service. For example, the Europen Commission told staff to switch to the service in 2020. Last year the service added security features such as encrypted group video calls.
Now it seems that the app has begun to switch focus to offering more consumer-focused features. This is likely to try and entice users away from the likes of Messenger and WhatsApp.
Given the issues, WhatsApp and Facebook face with their poor security and privacy reputation this could not have come at a better time for Signal.
How impactful these measures will be is another question though. Will these features do enough to convince users to make the switch from these more mainstream services? Only time will tell.