Signal ( Private Messenger) - Summary

Signal is an open-source messaging application that is free and secure. They use end-to-end encryption to ensure their users are safe. Anyone that has one of these accounts can stay in touch with anyone else that has one. The company that founded the Signal app, Open Whisper Systems, was started in 2013 by Moxie Marlinspike. The actual app was created in 2018 by Marlinspike and Brian Acton. Since then it has skyrocketed in popularity, especially during the last year.

The app has many great features that make it work very similarly to other popular messaging apps. We'll talk about some of the great features more in-depth below, but a few quick ones include insights, safety numbers, and stickers. One thing to remember is that messages that are sent to someone that doesn't have an account won't be encrypted or protected. This isn't a big deal for some, but others are looking for the app because they want a high level of security.

The app is extremely easy to use and it has a high customer rating. Every message is saved in its own thread, which lets you find specific messages quickly. In addition, you can also link your iOS device to your desktop to use the app when you're away from your phone. While there isn't a live chat option, you can search the help database and view over 70 different articles that give solutions to the most common problems. One of the biggest things that people love about the Signal app is all of the security settings they can use. Some of these include disappearing messages, in-app lock pin, and no collection of user data.

Now that we've given a short overview of the Signal app, we're going to give you some more in-depth information. Not only will we talk about some of the key functions of the app, but we'll also list some of the positives and negatives to give you a better idea of what to expect.

Key Functions

In addition to the traditional features like calling and texting, there are other features that make this app great. We're going to take a look at some of the most important features below.

End to End Encryption

For starters, the app has end to end encryption, which means your data is highly secured. For users, this means that the messages they send can only be accessed by themselves and the person they are talking with. This type of encryption is extremely secure and hard to hack.

User Records

Most people get a little cautious when they find out they have to provide a valid phone number to sign up, but they can feel at ease because the app doesn't record or keep any user data. After signing up, they don't save any identifying information.

In-App Screen Lock

Another feature that many users love is the ability to set a lock screen in the app, even if their actual phone doesn't have a lock screen. There are three different options, which are Touch ID, Face ID, or using your iOS pin if you have one.

Hide Messages Option

The default option for the app is to show your messages on the lock screen when they come in. Some people don't like this and the app has an option to stop this from happening. The other three options you can choose are to display the name of the sender, the words "New Message," or to not show anything at all.

Disappearing Messages

If you decide to use this setting, your messages will disappear once it's read. Once these messages are gone, they can't be retrieved. If you have messages you really don't want to be discovered, then this is definitely the way to go.

Video Calls

In addition to one-on-one video calls, Signal also makes it possible to video call multiple people at once. To use this option, each person needs to have iOS v.5.0.0 or later and be a member of the same group chat. The maximum group size for these calls is eight.

File Sending

A great thing about this app is that you can send the same files you could with normal messaging apps. This includes pictures, audio clips, and documents. They'll have to be a certain size, but most documents can easily be sent.

Other Feautres

Finally, the Signal app has a few other cool features, including GIFs and emojis. The GIF options aren't as extensive as other messaging apps, but they do offer quite a few choices.

Signal - Review/Conclusion

All things considered, Signal Messenger is a great app that can be used to stay in contact with friends and family. The fact that they use so many safety features really helps keep users secure and protected. In addition, the app has many of the same features as traditional messaging apps, which are just as easy to use. In addition to having group video calls, you can choose to have private ones as well. You can also feel confident that your private messages won't get leaked because you can choose to clear the chat, similar to other apps with disappearing messages. You can also use many features when chatting, such as sending GIFs, voice messages, photos, and other files.

If you're looking for a messaging app that will keep your chats secure, then Signal Messenger is a great option. While there are some negatives to the app, you'll see that the positives greatly outweigh them. You don't have to deal with any ads and your messages can be sent in seconds, even on slow connections.