Signal

Communication makes the world go-'round, and instant messaging apps like Signal make it easier than ever for us to stay in touch with one another. First launched in 2014, Signal was developed by Signal Messenger LLC and the non-profit Signal Technology Foundation. As of 2022, the cross-platform communication app boasts more than 40 million monthly users, and its popularity has grown.

Signal has experienced a recent surge in downloads, and this uptick can be partially attributed to the ever-growing desire for security. More and more people are worried about their private conversations and data being compromised, and as a platform that emphasizes encryption and security, Signal has started to take hold. It's also one of the only instant messengers that collects no identifiable data from users, which has led to journalists and investigators using it to protect the identities of their sources.

Product Features

Signal's primary feature is its one-on-one instant messaging service, which connects through your internet instead of your cellular data. As a result, it's completely free to send text messages, photos, GIFs, videos, voice messages, and even files to your contacts.

If you want to converse with several of your friends, family members, or coworkers simultaneously, Signal lets you do so with group chats. These group conversations can accommodate up to a whopping 1,000 people at a time, and you can even assign your chat a name and description.

Sometimes, text messages don't cut it. When you need to speak with someone face-to-face or voice-to-voice, Signal has you covered. Just like with the app's text messaging, you can choose between a one-on-one or group call. Group calls, including up to 40 people, can be made via WiFi, so there are no charges regardless of distance. However, you may incur data fees if you're somewhere without an internet connection.

The above features are relatively standard for instant messengers, but Signal has a couple of not-so-common options. For one, you can put timers on any of the messages you send within the platform. These can range anywhere from five seconds to one week, and the message will permanently disappear once the time expires. Another unique feature is Signal's cryptocurrency wallet. You can send, receive, and store payments when using the app. As of January 2022, MobileCoin is the only currency supported, but they may add more choices in the future.

In terms of security, every communication you have using Signal will be automatically end-to-end encrypted for maximum privacy. You can also confirm your contacts' identities by comparing key fingerprints or scanning QR codes. Plus, everyone who uses the app must verify their cell phone number when creating an account.

The Bottom Line

Although you could spend weeks sorting through all the