Signal adds mainstream chat features to lure wider audience

Photo Illustration by Rafael Henrique/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

The latest version of Signal for both iOS (5.3.1) and Android (5.3.7) brings a number of new additions to the increasingly popular encrypted messaging app. These include mainstream features like chat wallpapers, animated stickers, and an “About” section in your profile. The iOS app now handles data more efficiently, too, bringing it closer to feature parity with the Android app.

Messaging apps like Signal and Telegram have seen a surge in growth in recent weeks. Signal was helped by a recommendation from Tesla CEO Elon Musk, while both benefited from the backlash to Facebook’s confusing new privacy policy for WhatsApp.

The new features were first announced on January 11th, and Android Police reported on them rolling out in the beta...

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