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How I use the self-text feature in messaging apps to stay on top of my digital life
A delightfully simple and convenient way to access important notes, files, to-do lists, and more.
The idea of self-texting was introduced to me by a former colleague a few years ago. This was when messaging apps didn't even have the "self-text" feature, and it required a few extra steps to get messages delivered to yourself. I wasn't particularly interested in it back in the day, and it — quite frankly — felt like a weird thing to do. But little did I know that I'd been let in on a big secret or the "ultimate hack," if you will. I say that because I text myself every day now, and it has made me use messaging apps differently.
Slack is getting a major redesign to look more like Microsoft Teams
Slack is rolling out a major redesign for its collaboration app. The interface changes arguably make it look more like its rival, Microsoft Teams.
Salesforce-owned Slack and Microsoft Teams often lock horns by replicating each other's features and even filing complaints with regulators. This isn't a bad thing if you're a consumer of either of the two services as this type of healthy competition ensures that you get new features faster, with competitive pricing. Now, Slack has announced a redesign of its app, which kind of makes it look more like Microsoft Teams. The focus with the upcoming Slack redesign is to allow faster navigation between channels and conversations, increased emphasis on tasks, and quick access to tools to further boost productivity.
Slack GPT promises to bring large-scale AI improvements to Slack
Slack announced a new approach to building and integrating generative AI features in the app
Slack can integrate over 2600 apps and specialized tools that speed up workflow and boost productivity. These custom tools automate tedious routines, and integrations allow users to access their favorite work apps without leaving Slack — creating a unified, streamlined environment. Slack spruced up that ecosystem with AI in March this year when SalesForce (Slack’s parent company) announced ChatGPT for Slack.
Best messaging apps in 2023
There are loads of messaging apps for our phones these days. But not all are created equal. So, we've gathered up the best for you in one place.
Smartphones have become a lot more capable over the years and so have the messaging apps and services that we use on a daily basis to connect with our friends and family. All the advancements in smartphone technology have given us some powerful communication tools, and you are no longer limited to SMS messages or voice calls. There are some incredibly powerful messaging apps out there that let you send everything from simple texts to media files or even play games in some cases.
Slack app on iPad receives desktop-style two-column layout, updated sidebar and more
The latest Slack iOS update adds a desktop-style two-column layout, new sidebar features, and accessibility improvements.
Slack has just released a new update to its iPad app, which brings several new features, including a desktop-style layout, updated sidebar, and accessibility improvements.
It's not just you: Slack is down for many users across the globe
Popular workplace communication tool Slack is down for many users across the globe. It's unclear when the outage will be resolved.
The popular workplace communication tool -- Slack -- is currently down for many users across the globe. This outage first started affecting its Threads feature, blocking users from accessing replies to conversations they've participated in. Now the server issues have seemingly expanded to affect the whole platform, forcing employees to depend on other collaboration and chatting platforms. It's unclear when this outage -- which is also affecting other services, such as GitHub and AWS -- will be resolved.
Slack's Huddle feature may soon gain support for video
Slack is working on bringing support for video to Huddles. The feature is still a work-in-progress and isn't live yet.
Back in July, Slack introduced Huddles, the company's take on Clubhouse-style audio chatrooms. For starters, Slack's Huddles feature lets you start a live conversation in a channel or DM to "recreate the spontaneous and informal discussions that you miss from the office." While the feature is in its current state is audio-only, it may soon gain video support.
Slack might add Clubhouse-style audio rooms and Stories, for some reason
Slack's CEO says the platform will soon have Clubhouse-like audio chat rooms and Snapchat-like Stories, because why not?
Slack, the business-focused messaging application used by millions, has been rapidly expanding its feature set over the past few months. It now seems the company is looking to implement more functionality currently popular with social media platforms, including elements from Clubhouse and other apps.
Skype adds Android 11 bubble support as Slack begins testing it
The latest Skype update for Android had added support for Android 11's chat Bubble API. Slack has also begun testing the same. Check it out!
With Android 11, Google finally added support for the long-overdue Bubble notification API, allowing developers to display messages and notifications in a free-floating window on top of other apps. The API was first introduced with Android 10 Beta 2 as an opt-in feature for developers but didn’t make it to the final release for users. But with Android 11, the feature gained a user-facing toggle and was formally incorporated into the OS.
[Update: Official] Slack is testing a cleaner UI with swipe gesture navigation in the latest Android beta
The Slack for Android app recently recieved a pretty major update with a brand new bottom bar UI and swipe navigation gestures.
More people than ever are working from home these days and many businesses rely on Slack for communication. With tons of useful integrations with other services, and apps on nearly every platform, it's a great choice. One of those platforms is Android and the Slack app recently received a pretty big UI update.
Google Assistant can now read/reply to Telegram, WhatsApp, and Slack messages
Google Assistant has been working to integrate messaging services and recently added read and reply support for Telegram, WhatsApp, and Slack messages.
Getting lots of people to use your virtual assistant means it needs to be easier than if they were to just do it themselves. Amazon was able to find success with Alexa for being one of the first with a smart speaker on the market, but also because they were able to sign up so many 3rd-party developers to the platform. Google Assistant can do a lot of the same things, but many will say it doesn't have enough 3rd-party developer support. Google has been working to integrate popular messaging services and have recently added read and reply support for Telegram, WhatsApp, and Slack messages.
"Can't Talk" Lets You Auto-Reply to WhatsApp, Slack and More
An application called Can't Talk is currently available that lets you enable auto-reply messages for a number of apps including WhatsApp, Slack and more.
There are times in which you simply cannot (or should not) immediately reply to a message. However there are some social and professional messages that need at least something sent back to the other person, for both courtesy and acknowledgment. This is where an application called Can't Talk from XDA Senior Member crazyfool_1 comes in handy as it enables you to set up auto-reply messages for a number of services including WhatsApp, Slack, Email, SMS and more. The developer does say that the app auto-reply features will become an in-app purchase once it leaves beta. But they will give those who are in the beta a promo code once the in-app purchase is added.