Apps

Elon Musk's XChat App Looks More Like Facebook's Messenger Than Signal

Elon Musk’s XChat App Looks More Like Facebook’s Messenger Than Signal

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Elon Musk utilized Friday to share critiques of rivals after the debut of the XChat app, a standalone messaging service for X users. “Signal, WhatsApp, Telegram, and iMessage all have significant security issues,” stated a message Musk shared, asserting that “XChat is the sole secure, encrypted messaging application.” Encryption specialists I consulted voiced measured skepticism regarding XChat’s implementation and supported other platforms like Signal.

A primary worry concerning XChat is that users are required to link an existing X account for login. “I’m somewhat wary of that since more data points equate to more tracking,” remarks Maria Villegas Bravo from the Electronic Privacy Information Center. She perceives Musk’s earlier criticisms of other apps as self-serving.

When Musk initially presented XChat as an upgraded, encrypted version of X direct messages, security professionals raised concerns about the storage of users’ cryptographic keys on X’s servers. “Considering XChat’s track record of security flaws, I would hesitate to use it until it undergoes a comprehensive audit,” states Cooper Quintin from the Electronic Frontier Foundation.

Musk aims for the discussion to zero in on which encrypted messaging app reigns supreme. However, after trying XChat, it feels more akin to Facebook’s Messenger. Rather than launching an elegant, new application, Musk revealed a straightforward extension of his social media platform that features encrypted messaging.

When the XChat team disclosed the app’s launch, the initial release date on Apple’s App Store was set for April 17 but was postponed several times before its surprise launch on April 24. The appropriate app did not consistently appear in searches, with a Russian-language app called “XChat App” briefly ascending Apple’s download rankings. “Scam app,” cautioned one user review.

Upon XChat’s eventual launch, access was initially restricted to the U.S., leaving U.K. users feeling disappointed. “UK should be live soon; had one issue,” wrote X’s head of product, Nikita Bier. Bier attributed the confusion early downloaders faced during the onboarding process to Apple.

After downloading XChat, I found it challenging to locate contacts to message. None of my top iMessage contacts possess X accounts, emphasizing XChat’s niche attraction. After revisiting my old DMs, I revived a few conversations. Following my messages, a pop-up confirmed, “This conversation is now end-to-end encrypted.” Despite this, no responses were received, just some emoji reactions.

Key Focus Applications of 2026: Focus Buddy, Forest, Focus Voyager

Key Focus Applications of 2026: Focus Buddy, Forest, Focus Voyager

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When attempting to maintain concentration, distractions from your phone, web browser, or outside can be abundant. With attention spans diminishing in the TikTok age, there exists an entire category of applications aimed at helping you stay on task.

These applications operate in a similar manner, providing an easy method to monitor the time spent on an assignment and offering motivation to persist for the designated duration. Some features include the ability to block access to other applications.

To create this particular article without frequently switching between browser tabs and applications, I evaluated three leading focus tools. Here’s how they stack up.

Focus Friend

Focus Friend delivers a warm, inviting experience. Upon initial setup, you are given a personal bean to name. After going through the introductory screens, your bean begins to knit—and will stop if you pick up your phone.

If you keep your focus session intact, your bean crafts various knitted creations, which can be traded for home decor in its living area. Additionally, you can buy decorations, and a Pro subscription ($2/month) grants access to more creative knitting options.

You determine the duration of focus sessions and can play soothing music, block other applications, or keep the screen active while working or studying as your bean knits. The setup is charming and straightforward, requiring no account registration.

The effectiveness of Focus Friend relies on your connection to the bean and its projects. Although it essentially serves as a stopwatch, the app’s capability to block other applications is beneficial. The companionship aspect aids in improving my concentration.

Focus Friend for Android and iOS (free or from $2/month)

Forest

Forest helps you maintain focus by cultivating virtual trees. The longer you remain free from distractions, the more trees you collect, eventually forming your own forest on your phone. Forest has teamed up with the nonprofit Trees for the Future to plant millions of real trees globally.

Iranians Do Not Have Missile Alert System, Thus Volunteers Develop Their Own Warning Map

Iranians Do Not Have Missile Alert System, Thus Volunteers Develop Their Own Warning Map

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Since the beginning of Donald Trump’s confrontation with Iran more than three weeks ago, U.S. military forces have allegedly targeted upwards of 9,000 locations, creating an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty among Iranians in Tehran and across the country. With no governmental warning system in place and amidst Iran’s longest internet blackout, Iranians are confronted with a lack of information.

Even before the airstrikes by Israel and the U.S., the lack of a public emergency alert system and strict state-controlled digital censorship adversely affected millions. Following last year’s 12-day conflict between Israel and Iran, Iranian digital rights advocates launched ‘Mahsa Alert,’ an innovative platform that delivers push notifications regarding warnings of Israeli assaults, confirmed target areas, and offline mapping capabilities. While it does not serve as a substitute for a coordinated emergency service, this tool aids citizens in critical moments.

“There is no emergency alert system in Iran,” asserts Ahmad Ahmadian, CEO of Holistic Resilience, the U.S.-based organization supporting Mahsa Alert. Established last summer, the platform addresses a vital need by charting Iran’s landscape of repression and surveillance. Lightweight applications for Android and iOS have been developed for offline functionality, essential due to Iran’s internet restrictions. Updates are minimal; a recent one was only 60 kilobytes.

Mahsa Alert features overlays of verified “confirmed attacks” through videos or images provided via a Telegram bot or social networks. Alerts regarding evacuation zones, “danger areas,” and potential hazards to nuclear or military sites keep the public informed. Ahmadian notes that most confirmed attacks correspond with pre-identified map locations.

The platform also catalogs CCTV, government checkpoints, medical facilities, religious locations, protest sites, and more. Mahsa Alert’s visibility internationally has increased on social media, encouraging users to disseminate its findings, resulting in over 100,000 daily active users in a brief period. Roughly 335,000 individuals have utilized it this year, with 28% reportedly from within Iran, particularly during January’s crackdown on demonstrators.