Signal Private Messenger Rolls Out Encrypted Group Video Calls Feature

[MacRumors]

Encrypted messaging app Signal is rolling out support for encrypted group video calls with up to five participants in its latest update.

In a blog post announcing the update, Signal developer Randall-Signal explained:

Today, we're launching group calls in Signal with the latest versions of our apps. Group calls are free, private, and end-to-end encrypted — like everything else on Signal.

Now when you open a group chat in Signal, you'll see a video call button at the top. When you start a call, the group will receive a notification letting them know a call has started.

When you start or join a group call, Signal will display the participants in a grid view. You can also swipe up to switch to a view that automatically focuses the screen on who is speaking, and it will update in real time as the active speaker changes.

Group calls are only supported in new style Signal groups, so users won't see the call button in their legacy groups, but the developers say legacy Signal groups will start automatically updating to New Groups in the coming weeks.

Group calls are currently limited to 5 participants, but developers are working to let users have more participants in a group call soon.

Signal Private Messenger is a free download [Direct Link] for iPhone and iPad available on the App Store.

Article Link: Signal Private Messenger Rolls Out Encrypted Group Video Calls Feature

 

[Mac Fly (film)]

The only encrypted message sender besides iMessage which I somewhat trust. Pity I can't convince people to use it.

 

[kstotlani]

The only encrypted message sender besides iMessage which I somewhat trust. Pity I can't convince people to use it.

Agree. I can’t even convince my wife to use it but then again I can’t convince her for most things.

 

[rebelbasesloaded]

The only encrypted message sender besides iMessage which I somewhat trust. Pity I can't convince people to use it.

I basically told the 4 people I know that have Android phones that I wasn't using WhatsApp, and they'd need to get Signal if they wanted to keep messaging me. Thankfully it didn't take much convincing at all; just a reminder that WhatsApp is owned by Facebook. And they also all seem to like Signal's nicer interface.

 

[Vidd]

The only encrypted message sender besides iMessage which I somewhat trust. Pity I can't convince people to use it.

It's hard to convince people to trade familiarity for security. "Facebook already has all my info anyway".

 

[ElitistWhiner]

Secret is a type of technology meant to be used to keep things secret. Only people truly needing to keep secrecy in their lives have a need to use Secret.app. Journo’s, state actors, activists, C-suites and sensitive information ot informants are those I’ve seen or heard use the app

 

[5883662]

Secret is a type of technology meant to be used to keep things secret. Only people truly needing to keep secrecy in their lives have a need to use Secret.app. Journo’s, state actors, activists, C-suites and sensitive information ot informants are those I’ve seen or heard use the app

What you on about? This is about Signal messaging app and you're completely wrong.

 

[paulCC]

Secret is a type of technology meant to be used to keep things secret. Only people truly needing to keep secrecy in their lives have a need to use Secret.app. Journo’s, state actors, activists, C-suites and sensitive information ot informants are those I’ve seen or heard use the app

But in order for the rest of us to support people whose lives might even depend on keeping their communication secret (journalists and activists in the many authoritarian countries ), we should all use encrypted and secure communication.
I got this idea from Phil Zimmermann, the author of PGP, who worked on a project with me long time ago - if we all use postcards, and only people that need privacy use letters in envelopes, we help the "bad guys" in zooming in on the people that need privacy.

 

[StevieD100]

Just in time for Governments everywhere to buy the cracking kit for Signal from Cellubite.
Cat and mouse fight... round 3... seconds out. Ding!

 

[ElitistWhiner]

What you on about? This is about Signal messaging app and you're completely wrong.

Unless you are a Geek and grok encryption the rest of the world think WhatsApp is secure and in safe hands with Facebook. Ordinary everyday social use by non-technical persons genuflect at the mere mention of Secret.app. My publisher friends rely on it and foreign contacts have reason to use it

 

[duanepatrick]

This is the first time I heard of this app. Gonna check it now hoping that it has a good look and easy to use.

 

[Mr. Heckles]

Just in time for Governments everywhere to buy the cracking kit for Signal from Cellubite.
Cat and mouse fight... round 3... seconds out. Ding!

They still need the device in their hands for this.

 

[ElitistWhiner]

But in order for the rest of us to support people whose lives might even depend on keeping their communication secret (journalists and activists in the many authoritarian countries ), we should all use encrypted and secure communication.
I got this idea from Phil Zimmermann, the author of PGP, who worked on a project with me long time ago - if we all use postcards, and only people that need privacy use letters in envelopes, we help the "bad guys" in zooming in on the people that need privacy.

I remember when Phil released his initial PGP that the U.S. gov’t then asked that he pull out of circulation. Phil made changes and re-released PGP six mos. later.

Quite the opposite is true that more encryption==more security. Double encrypt and the bar is lowered to crack. Encrypt at all blocks everyone and yourself from determining whether an attacker is inside your message. Once encrypted a hacker enjoys that the same security inside the message. Cryptologists admit “ clear text is the most secure”. Intrusion is 100% detectable.

Secret needs to thrive. Its end-to-end technology is best-in-class. Encryption is buzzword synonymous with secure but few people can grok beyond to suss their needs. Secret is the highest implementation scheme available that I am aware exists for public use. I support Secret. Its not for everyone. Its expanding its platform to support more types of users and uses.

Not everyone wants or needs Secret to simply exchange convos. The people who need it are finding Secret. That’s the secret to its platform success. So I understand WhatsApp use in Latin America.

Here in Panama WhatsApp works in ways Secret could never. And that’s the secret to WhatsApp universal success. Different users different needs.

 

[DaveTheRave]

But in order for the rest of us to support people whose lives might even depend on keeping their communication secret (journalists and activists in the many authoritarian countries ), we should all use encrypted and secure communication.
I got this idea from Phil Zimmermann, the author of PGP, who worked on a project with me long time ago - if we all use postcards, and only people that need privacy use letters in envelopes, we help the "bad guys" in zooming in on the people that need privacy.

Great comment. BTW you (all of us) can add to this by using the Tor browser, too. Helps add more noise so that people who really need the anonymous web surfing can do so safely.

 

[DaveTheRave]

Signal has group invite links (like WhatsApp)...however Signal's is better because you can have Admins approve whoever uses the link to join.

I can't believe how much iMessage has stagnated. It only got threaded replies this year. Shareable group links should be a core feature like WhatsApp or Signal. And iMessage needs disappearing messages, too.

 

[CarpalMac]

It's hard to convince people to trade familiarity for security. "Facebook already has all my info anyway".

It's indeed continuing proof that for all the talk of privacy (which is obviously one of the key USP's Apple is trying to make use of) the majority simply do not care.

 

[Apple_Robert]

The only encrypted message sender besides iMessage which I somewhat trust. Pity I can't convince people to use it.

I agree. It would be nice if more people used Signal, instead of the current flavor of the month. I think Signal is an excellent app.

 

[Apple_Robert]

Agree. I can’t even convince my wife to use it but then again I can’t convince her for most things.

If you are having those kinds of problems with her, try rebooting or updating her software.

 

[Apple_Robert]

It's indeed continuing proof that for all the talk of privacy (which is obviously one of the key USP's Apple is trying to make use of) the majority simply do not care.

True. Many would rather go with the proverbial flow, than protect their privacy as best they can. So many people blindly install apps without considering what they are giving up.

 

[Deliro]

The only encrypted message sender besides iMessage which I somewhat trust. Pity I can't convince people to use it.

Probably messenger fatigue. There are so many options people aren’t inclined to install, in their minds , yet another messager to further fragment their contacts. Line, WhatsApp, Fb msger, Skype, Viber, Telegram, Band, etc etc. “Hey did you get my message?” “No which app?”

I use signal and think it’s great. But I understand the apprehension. Too bad Apple won’t make iMessage x platform and I could finally just delete all of them.

 

[Apple_Robert]

Probably messenger fatigue. There are so many options people aren’t inclined to install, in their minds , yet another messager to further fragment their contacts. Line, WhatsApp, Fb msger, Skype, Viber, Telegram, Band, etc etc. “Hey did you get my message?” “No which app?”

I use signal and think it’s great. But I understand the apprehension. Too bad Apple won’t make iMessage x platform and I could finally just delete all of them.

I won’t use anything besides Signal or iMessage. If someone is set on using WhatsApp and the like, he or she can keep looking for other socially focused people who don’t could care less about privacy.

 

[5883662]

Unless you are a Geek and grok encryption the rest of the world think WhatsApp is secure and in safe hands with Facebook. Ordinary everyday social use by non-technical persons genuflect at the mere mention of Secret.app. My publisher friends rely on it and foreign contacts have reason to use it

I deduct that you are having a stroke. Please call your emergency hotline for assistance.

 

[Deliro]

I won’t use anything besides Signal or iMessage. If someone is set on using WhatsApp and the like, he or she can keep looking for other socially focused people who don’t could care less about privacy.

I am sure a vast majority of people could care less, it’s evident in the high usage of Facebook. And I agree and I only use signal and iMessage myself, but to most my point still stands. Messenger fatigue.

 

[Apple_Robert]

I am sure a vast majority of people could care less, it’s evident in the high usage of Facebook. And I agree and I only use signal and iMessage myself, but to most my point still stands. Messenger fatigue.

Messenger fatigue is a good point. Between that and willful ignorance, apps like Signal will continue to be a niche app until the crap hits the fan for many people, and many go hunting for something more secure. In many ways, the power of technology has sent many people in the wrong direction.

 

[centauratlas]

The only encrypted message sender besides iMessage which I somewhat trust. Pity I can't convince people to use it.

The question is who holds the keys? Lots of things are "end to end encrypted" but if the MSS, NSA or FSB, holds the key, it isn't much use.

The good news is that Signal seems to be doing it right, looking at their software. First, their description shows that they don't hold the keys. Second, and more importantly, their software is open source so that it can be verified. Third, lots of people have done #2.

So, I agree, this is pretty much the only one I'd trust not to be spying, besides iMessage.