Signal is an encrypted communications application for Android and iOS. It uses the Internet to send one-to-one and group messages, which can include files, voice notes, images and videos, and make one-to-one voice and video calls.
Our Rating: 3/5
Available on: Android, iOS and Chrome ( a browser extension that links with your smartphone)
Have you ever wondered what happens to the 1's and 0's you are sending into the digital realm? when you're typing text messages on your phone or your web browser?
Well, there is an app that will protect the data you share with your friends online, introducing Signal. Signal is an encrypted communication app; it is the most secure messaging app you can get for your phone. It is just like WhatsApp, iMessage or Facebook Messenger, but it gears more towards privacy and security rather than cute emoji stickers. Signal includes all the basic messaging tools you're going to need, including reading receipts, emoji support, group chats, as well as voice and video calls.
Just like WhatsApp, Signal uses your mobile number to identify you to your contacts, so there are no usernames or pins to worry about, it is simple and easy to install as well. Simply download the app, type in your number and an activation code will be sent straight to your phone, type it in and start using the app.
In order to use Signal, or call over the application, the person you are trying to contact should also have the app installed.
Click the messaging icon (with the pencil). From here, you can message your contacts who have installed the app. Click on someone who you want to talk to. That’s it — just type in the message and send. From inside the conversation, you can also click the phone icon in the top right corner to start an encrypted call.
A really cool feature that Signal has is "disappearing messages"; which ensures that messages will be removed from your device and the device it was sent to, to enable this feature, open the message screen of the person you want to talk to, tap their username then tap the slider next to "disappearing messages".
You can send media files by clicking the attachment (paperclip) icon at the bottom of a conversation. This is very important: you can send GIFs here!! (I mean who does not love a good old GIF)
The app is still fairly new and not a lot of people use it but ultimately, encrypted apps like Signal remain one of the most robust ways to protect your private communications
Download the app here:
Check out the video for more!
