News
Google Discontinues VPN in Google One
Google will no longer include a VPN service with its Google One subscription service bundle. Google told 9to5Google that the feature is being discontinued because "people simply weren’t using it." Google first introduced the feature for top-end plans in late 2020, then brought it to all plans just over one year ago. Google still offers a VPN service for owners of recent Pixel phones, and for Google Fi customers.
Android 15 Beta 1 Out Now
Google has released the first test version of Android 15 available to the public. Following two "developer preview" releases, those with a compatible Pixel phone enrolled in Google's beta program can now update to Android 15 Beta 1. (As a beta version, it may be buggy and is not recommended for anyone's primary phone.) New features include an API for satellite connectivity, so apps can intelligently present different features or messages when using satellite instead of a cellular network. Android 15 also brings improved system-level support for third-party apps that can run on small cover screens of foldable phones. An "HDR headroom" feature make it easier for apps to display HDR and non-HDR content side-by-side with more natural brightness appearance. Another new API allows apps to respond to screen recording when visible, protecting security and privacy in certain apps. Android 15 also introduces partial screen sharing. At least two more beta versions are expected before the final version is released some time after July.
Apple Expands Repair Program with Support for Used Parts
Apple is expanding its third-party and self-repair programs to allow the use of used genuine Apple parts when repairing iPhones. The company will also no longer require a device serial number when ordering parts. A new feature will prevent used parts from working fully if they came from a device reported lost or stolen (a device with Activation Lock or Lost Mode enabled). Apple's unique Parts and Service history, located within Settings on iOS, shows repair information and will soon "show whether a part is a new or used genuine Apple part." The use of used parts will come to "select iPhone models this fall". In the interest of "iPhone user's privacy, security, and safety", there are still restrictions on biometric sensors used for Face ID or Touch ID, but "future iPhone releases will have support for used biometric sensors." Apple apparently still uses some form of "parts pairing", a controversial practice. But "beginning this fall, calibration for genuine Apple parts, new or used, will happen on device after the part is installed", a new process that should significantly streamline third-party repairs and self-repair.
AI Tools Coming to All Google Photos Users
Google is bringing some of its newest AI-powered photo-editing tools to nearly all Google Photos users, after first introducing the features as exclusive to its Pixel 8 series of phones. Features like Magic Editor, Photo Unblur, Magic Eraser, and Portrait Light will be available to everyone — even on iOS — starting May 15th. The most powerful and demanding tool, Magic Editor, will be limited to 10 edits per month unless users also subscribe to the "Premium" Google One plan that runs $100/year. Magic Editor uses generative AI to make it easy to do complex photo edits "like repositioning your subject or turning the sky from gray to blue."
Fairphone's New Bluetooth Earbuds are First with Replaceable Batteries
Fairphone has launched the Fairbuds, the first Bluetooth true wireless earbuds with easily-replaceable batteries, in both the earbuds and the charging case. The Fairbuds are also designed to be easily repairable and come with a three-year warranty. The buds have active noise cancelling (ANC), 11mm titanium drivers, and a dedicated app for both iOS and Android to fine-tune sound profiles (EQ). They offer up to six hours of battery life from the buds alone and another 20 via the charging case. The buds have three microphones each, capacitive touch controls, and an IP54 dust/water rating (light rain and sweat). The Fairbuds are also made with 70% recycled materials. "For now", they are only available in Europe, for €149.
Google Launches New "Find My Device" Network
Google has launched its new Find My Device app and service, which mimics the capabilities of Apple's Find My app and service, and works in a similar way. Both systems tap into the Bluetooth functions of billions of smartphones and other devices worldwide to help find lost devices and items via automatic crowdsourcing. Location data is aggregated and encrypted to ensure anonymity and privacy. Google's system can be used to locate Android devices starting today, and new Bluetooth tracker tags starting in May. Unlike Google's existing phone-finding system, the new system can find lost devices even when they're offline, and can even find a Pixel 8 or 8 Pro when it's off or the battery is dead. The system provides long-range tracking by showing location on a map, as well as a short-range "Find nearby" mode that shows when you're getting closer to the lost device as you walk around. It can also tap into a Nest smart-home and show to which Nest device the lost item is nearest. The app also lets you share permission to track a device with other people. The new Bluetooth tracker tags will be available from Chipolo, Pebblebee, eufy, Jio, Motorola, and more. The tags will be fully compatible with the new cross-platform unwanted tracking protections developed by Apple and Google. iOS 17.5 brings new support for this standard, ensuring that Apple phone users are protected from stalking via tracking tags using Google's ecosystem, and vice-versa.
FCC to Vote on Net Neutrality, Sale of Location Data
The FCC is preparing to vote on broad regulations affecting all broadband providers, including all cellular service providers. Many of the specific regulations are not new; the FCC is simply reclassifying mobile data as a "commercial mobile service" instead of an "information service". This action has the effect of restoring many key FCC regulations that were in force until 2017, but currently only apply to traditional voice service. The effects of this action would be wide-ranging, including restoring "Open Internet" rules, AKA "net neutrality". This would effectively mean the FCC (re-)adopting "bright-line rules to prohibit blocking, throttling, and paid prioritization" of specific data traffic over mobile and fixed commercial networks. It also restores "heightened restrictions on carriers' use, disclosure, or provision of access to customers' customer proprietary network information — including customer location information — without consent." The vote will take place on April 25th.
Apple Brings Qi2 Support to iPhone 12
The iPhone 12 launched with support for fast 15-watt wireless charging, but only with Apple MagSafe chargers. Macworld reports that iOS 17.4 quietly introduced support for fast wireless charging with third-party chargers using the Qi2 standard.
Data Breach Affects 73 Million Current and Former AT&T Customers
AT&T has confirmed a large data breach of its customer data. The data includes full name, email address, mailing address, phone number, social security number, date of birth, AT&T account number, and passcode (4-digit PIN). AT&T has proactively reset the passcodes of affected customers, and sent out notifications via email and/or letter. The data includes 7.6 million current AT&T account holders and 65.4 million former account holders. The data appeared on the dark web recently, but seems to have been collected in 2019. The data does not contain personal financial information or call history.
Oregon Right-to-Repair Law Bans Parts Pairing
Oregon has officially passed its own "right to repair" law, joining California, Minnesota and New York. Oregon's law goes further than other states', however, by banning "parts pairing", a practice where components are linked to a specific device serial number. Apple has increasingly deployed this practice with its devices, including iPhones, making them more difficult to repair. Even when properly replacing a part with a genuine replacement, that the device may refuse to use that component, or use it with limited functionality, or throw up a warning to the user that the part is "unidentified". This part of the law goes into effect with products made after January 1, 2025. Other parts of the law take effect sooner. Companies will have to provide parts, tools, and documentation necessary for repairing smartphones made starting July 1, 2021, a date that aligns with the new California and Minnesota right-to-repair laws.
Google Relents on Odd Pixel 8 AI Limitations
When Google first announced the Pixel 8 series, certain AI-powered features were limited to the Pixel 8 Pro, even though both the 8 and 8 Pro are powered by the same Tensor G3 chip. This seemingly arbitrary limitation created some backlash. Google has now changed its mind and will bring those AI-powered features to the cheaper Pixel 8 after all with a software update. The reversal calls into question Google's original excuse of "hardware limitations". The new features coming to the Pixel 8 include summaries of speech recordings and "smart replies" in Google's on-screen keyboard software.
Xfinity Mobile Lowers, Simplifies Pricing
Xfinity Mobile has completely revamped its Unlimited plans, with the replacement plans both offering more and costing less. Two plans replace three. The new base-level plan is simply called "Unlimited" and runs $40/month for one line or as little as $25/line/month for multiple lines. It includes 30 GB of "Premium" 5G data each month and free roaming in Mexico & Canada. It replaces the old "Unlimited Intro" plan, which included neither of those features, and was typically $5/month more expensive (depending on number of lines). The new "Unlimited Plus" plan replaces both the old "Unlimited Plus" and "Unlimited Premium". It offers everything that the top-end Unlimited Premium plan offered, for less than the old mid-range Unlimited Plus. This new Unlimited Plus includes 50 GB of "Premium" 5G data, 15 GB of full-speed mobile hotspot, HD video, and free roaming in Mexico & Canada. It costs an additional $10/line/month compared to the standard "Unlimited" plan. (The old premium plans cost $55–65/month for one line, while this new plan costs $50/month.) Prices exclude taxes and "applicable fees". As always, Xfinity Mobile is only available to customers of Xfinity home internet.
Visible Improves its Premium Plan
Visible is enhancing its premium Visible+ plan while keeping the price the same at $45/month. The plan will now include faster mobile hotspot, free smartwatch connectivity, and two international roaming improvements. Unlimited full-speed data in Canada and Mexico is being bumped up from 0.5 to 2 GB per day. For 140 other countries, a "Global Pass" is now available for a flat $10/day that includes unlimited talk and text, and 2GB of high speed data. One free day per month is included with Visible+. Domestic mobile hotspot service is also being doubled in speed from 5 to 10 Mbps. Visible uses the Verizon network. Its plan prices includes all taxes and fees.
Samsung Brings Galaxy AI to More Phones
Later this week, Samsung will roll out One UI 6.1 in the US for the the Galaxy S23 series, S23 FE, Z Fold5, and Z Flip5. New features include Circle to Search with Google, Live Translate, Chat Assist, and Generative Edit.
Google and Apple Announce Next Big Keynote Events
Google and Apple both have big annual developer events coming up in the next few months. As usual, each will kick off with a major livestreamed keynote. Major new software is typically revealed at these events, including for smartphones. First up is Google I/O, which kicks off on May 14th at 10am Pacific. Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) follows on June 10th.
US Justice Dept. Sues Apple for Monopolistic Behavior in Smartphones
The US Justice Department, joined by 16 other attorneys general, today filed a civil antitrust lawsuit against Apple for illegal monopolization of smartphone markets. The move comes after the EU forced Apple to change the way it operates in Europe, for similar reasons. Specifically, the Justice Dept. claims several specific offenses:
- Disrupting the growth of "super apps" with broad functionality that would make it easier to switch platforms.
- Suppressing streaming game apps and certain other cloud-based applications.
- Making cross-platform messaging worse, less innovative, and less secure to create platform lock-in.
- Limiting the functionality of smartwatches when used with other platforms.
- Limiting third-party apps from offering tap-to-pay functionality.
Qualcomm Intros Another Chip for Almost-Flagship Phones
Qualcomm today announced the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 mobile platform, a chipset for high-end phones that are just below "flagship" class. This new chip sits just above the existing Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 in the lineup, and right below the just-announced Snapdragon 8s Gen 3. It brings a long list of improvements compared to last year's Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 that it replaces. Among these are many firsts for the 7 series, such as on-device generative AI, dual NPU with INT4 precision for always-on AI sensing, a low-power ISP for Always-On Camera, cognitive triple 18-bit ISP, UFS 4.0 storage, support for up to 24 GB of RAM at up to 4,200 MHz, Wi-Fi 7 with HBS, Bluetooth 5.4 with dual antennas, and Frame Motion Engine 2.0 for double-frame-rate gaming. It also has 15% improved CPU and 45% improved GPU performance. It has an Arm Cortex-X4 prime core running at up to 2.8 GHz, 4 performance cores, and 3 efficiency cores. It uses a Snapdragon X63 modem (like the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3) and FastConnect 7800 for local radios (like the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3). Qualcomm expects phones using the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 to reach the market in the "coming months".
Qualcomm Expands Snapdragon 8 Series to Cover More Price Points
Qualcomm has revealed the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 Mobile Platform, an expansion of the 8 series to a slightly more affordable price point. Traditionally, the 8 series (like the new 8 Gen 3) powered top-end "flagship" phones, and the 7 series chips powered "affordable flagship" phones one tier below that. The "s" designator in 8s represents an expansion of the Snapdragon naming scheme to create a new sub-tier between "8" and "7" or "7+". The specs of the new Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 are effectively a blend of the current 8 Gen 3 and last year's 8 Gen 2. Qualcomm says that AI and camera are two areas where Qualcomm hasn't compromised, bringing over nearly the full capabilities of the 8 Gen 3. This includes the ability to perform generative AI and run multi-modal AI models with up to 10 billion parameters, all on-device. The 8s Gen 3 borrows several other features from full 8 Gen 3, including Arm Cortex-X4 architecture for the prime CPU core, support for up to 24 GB of RAM, USB version 3.1 Gen 2, and Bluetooth 5.4. Other specs are similar to last year's 8 Gen 2, such as an X70 modem (instead of X75) and 4200 MHz maximum RAM speed (instead of 4800). One area that puts it below both the 8 Gen 2 and 8 Gen 3 is video capture, which tops out at 4K instead of 8K. Qualcomm expects the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 to appear in phones launching globally, and soon (in a few months or even weeks.) Read on for a more detailed comparison between the 8 Gen 2, 8s Gen 3, and 8 Gen 3.
Google Schedules I/O 2024 for May 14th
Google's big annual developer event "will be broadcast in front of a small live audience and is open to everyone online" on May 14th this year. Google often announces new products and features at this annual event. At last year's event, the company announced the Pixel Fold and Pixel 7a. It also announced new features coming to Android and Wear OS.
Asus Goes Big with Zenfone 11 Ultra
Asus has revealed its latest global flagship phone: the Zenfone 11 Ultra. This year's model abandons the compact form factor that was a hallmark of the Zenfone series in recent years; the 11 Ultra has a 6.78" FHD+ AMOLED display, whereas last year's model was just 5.9". This change in strategy allows Asus to all but combine its ordinary and gaming lineups; the Zenfone 11 Ultra is basically the same phone as the ROG Phone 8, with only a different outer design. The 11 Ultra has all of the top-end specs expected of a flagship phone in 2024. Unusually, it also includes a 3.5mm headset jack, which supports Hi-res Audio and Dirac Virtuo. The US model has very good support for T-Mobile and AT&T 5G and 4G networks. It will be available in four colors: black, gray, blue, and sand. For $900 unlocked, it comes with 12 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage. Pre-orders start today. From now until April 14, 2024, Asus is offering a free pair of ROG Cetra True Wireless earbuds worth $100. Read on for more specs.
House Passes Bill to Force Sale of TikTok
The US House of Representatives has passed a bill that would force Chinese company ByteDance to sell TikTok within six months or face a complete ban on the app in the US. It would also grant the President the power to include other foreign-owned apps in the future. This specific bill (H.R. 7521, or the "Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act") moved quickly from proposal to vote, and received broad bipartisan support, passing 352 - 65. President Biden has indicated he supports the measure and would sign it. The bill's prospects in the Senate are unclear, however. Supporters claim TikTok remaining under Chinese ownership poses a national security threat. Chinese companies can be forced to turn over information to the Chinese government at any time. The EFF and civil rights groups oppose this bill, arguing that it would be both ineffective and unconstitutional. They also argue that only tighter regulation of how personal data can be collected and handled — by all companies and apps — can achieve the goal of protecting the personal data of US persons from falling into the wrong hands.
Motorola Brings More Affordable 5G Phones to its 2024 Lineup
Motorola has announced the 2024 editions of the moto g 5G and moto g power 5G, priced at $200 and $300, respectively (MSRP, unlocked). Both phones offer 5G, a vegan leather finish on the back, 120 Hz display refresh, 50 megapixel main camera, 5,000 mAh battery, 128 GB storage (expandable), NFC, fingerprint reader (on the side), and a headset jack. For the moto g 5G, NFC is a key addition compared to last year's version. For the extra $100, upgrades on the moto g power 5G (compared to the moto g 5G) include a sharper display (FHD+ instead of HD+), double the RAM (8 GB instead of 4), better front camera (16 megapixel instead of 8), an 8-megapixel wide-angle camera (instead of 2-megapixel macro), faster charging (30-watt instead of 18), and wireless charging. Compared to last year's moto g power 5G, improvements include more RAM, the wide-angle camera, NFC, wireless charging, and faster wired charging. Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile will all offer both phones. The moto g 5G (2024) will come to T-Mobile and Metro by T-Mobile first, on March 21st. Boost, Consumer Cellular, Cricket, TracFone, US Cellular, Xfinity, Google Fi, Optimum, Cox, Straight Talk, Total by Verizon, Simple Mobile, Walmart Family Mobile, and Visible will also offer it. The moto g power 5G (2024) will launch with Cricket on March 22nd, and later with Metro, US Cellular, Straight Talk, Total by Verizon, Walmart Family Mobile, and Visible as well. Motorola's g series for 2024 also includes the already-announced, 4G-only moto g play (2024), which retails for $150.
Google Links Gmail with Wallet for Boarding Passes, Movie Tickets
Google has created a new link between Gmail and Wallet to automate airline boarding passes and movie tickets. When these types of passes are detected in an email received in Gmail, Google will attempt to automatically add them to the user's Wallet on their phone. Google already has this type of automation between Gmail and Google Calendar. Google says this "integration is live for some global movie chains and airlines and we are working to expand this." Google is also making it easier to "archive" old passes, a function that was previously labeled "Expired Passes".
T-Mobile Fills in the Gaps in its Mid-Band 5G Network
T-Mobile is activating large swaths of fast mid-band 5G coverage across the country, primarily in rural areas. This new coverage is the result of the FCC's Auction 108 for 2.5 GHz spectrum, which concluded in late 2022. The newly-acquired spectrum covers 80 million people, and T-Mobile is lighting up 5G service in that band covering 60 million people over the next few days. 2.5 GHz, also known as band 41, is already the backbone of T-Mobile's 5G network, offering the most bandwidth of any sub-6 GHz band, which is why T-Mobile brands it as "Ultra Capacity 5G". As a mid-band frequency, it also offers a good balance of fast data speeds and good physical reach. T-Mobile already owned licenses for this band and operated 5G service with it across much of the country. But the 2.5 GHz band was originally licensed in an unusual way that left many geographic gaps. Auction 108 aimed to fix that, and T-Mobile forked over $304 million to the FCC for licenses covering the gaps in its mid-band 5G network. The affected rural areas may have had 5G service before, but only in other frequency bands that don't offer as much bandwidth, resulting in relatively slow data speeds.
Tap to Pay on iPhone Comes to Venmo, Zettle
PayPal announced that it now supports Tap to Pay on iPhone for Venmo business profile and PayPal Zettle users in the US. This allows small businesses to accept NFC tap payments directly with just an iPhone; no extra hardware required. Customers need only their usual contactless payment method, be it a physical card or their phone (Apple Pay or Google Pay); customers do not need the Venmo app, for example. In both apps, the new feature fully supports taxes, tips, receipts, and refunds. Apple announced Tap to Pay on iPhone in early 2022, and Square added support for it in late 2022.
Verizon Makes it Easy to Add a Second Number to One Phone
Verizon today launched Second Number, a new add-on plan that adds a second line and telephone number to your existing phone. People might use a second number for safely selling on online marketplaces, operating side gigs, or replacing landlines, for example. The plan can be added to any postpaid service for $10/month "plus fees" for a limited time ($15/month after June 5th). The plan requires a phone capable of dual-SIM via eSIM, which includes many current higher-end phones. Phones with this feature active are designed to clearly identify which line is associated with an incoming call or message, and make it easy to choose a line for outgoing communication. Verizon says the service will automatically transfer when a customer upgrades their phone.
Microsoft Kills Android-on-Windows
Microsoft is removing Android app compatibility from Windows. The Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA) was a feature of Windows 11 that enabled Android apps to run on PCs. A limited selection of Android apps were available primarily via the Amazon Appstore. Users who have already downloaded the Appstore and Android apps can continue using (and updating) apps for one year. However the Amazon Appstore is no longer available to download for users who don't already have it installed, and Amazon is no longer accepting new apps for it.
iOS 17.4, Out Today, Brings Transcripts to Apple Podcasts
iOS version 17.4 is officially available for iPhones starting today. One major new feature of the update is podcast transcripts in the Apple Podcasts app. The feature improves accessibility and gives users a new option in other scenarios where listening to audio may be difficult. Text stays in sync with audio, highlighting the current word. Crucially, it also includes a search feature, which lets you search for any word or phrase and tap it jump to that part of the podcast. Starting today, transcripts are available for English-, French-, Spanish-, and German-language podcasts with iOS 17.4. Transcripts will automatically be available for new episodes shortly after episodes are published; previously released episodes will be transcribed over time.
Google Details Pixel Feature Drop for March
The March software update for Pixel devices includes support for 10-bit HDR photos and videos within Instagram. It also brings Circle to Search to the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro.
Google Brings Wallet Passes, Transit Directions to Wear OS
Google has finally updated Wallet on Wear OS to more closely match the functionality of Wallet on Android, supporting all types of cards, passes, and tickets. Wallet for Wear OS previously only supported credit and debit cards. Now it will support "boarding passes, event tickets, gym memberships, loyalty cards and more". For people who have many such cards, some can be hidden, so that the ones you use most often can be accessed without excessive swiping. Wear OS also now supports transit directions, including trip by bus, train, or ferry. "Look up departure times right from your smartwatch, then get compass-guided navigation directions to your destination."
Google Brings AI to Messaging in Android
Google today announced two major new AI features for messaging in Android. The first is in Android Auto, where AI will now automatically summarize long texts or busy group chats while driving. It will also "suggest relevant replies and actions you can take with a single tap – helping you navigate to an address, make a call, or share your ETA when someone asks for it." This feature is rolling out starting today. Separately, the Messages app for Android now lets you Chat with Gemini, where you can have a conversation with Google's new AI chatbot as if it were a person in your contacts. You can even send it photos as part of your conversation. The feature includes thumbs-up and thumbs-down feedback buttons to help Google improve Gemini, and a "Report legal issue" button. This feature is only available to users enrolled in the messages beta channel and only to adults 18 and older. For now it only supports English, and French in Canada.
Qualcomm's Next Modems Will Support Standards-Based Satellite Service and UWB
Qualcomm today announced the Snapdragon X80 modem and FastConnect 7900, its most advanced modem/RF solutions for 5G and other radios (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc.) The Snapdragon X80 includes modem and radio support for the Skylo satellite network, which offers satellite service in cellular dead zones using the 3GPP release 17 NB-NTN standard and existing satellites from multiple companies. This represents an abrupt change in strategy after Qualcomm tried and failed to launch its own satellite service with Iridium last year. The X80 is also the first 5G modem to support six carrier aggregation (6xCA) and the first to support 6 cellular antennas (6xRx) in a smartphone. The X80 also has 30% better location (GPS) accuracy compared to it predecessor. The X80 expands the use of AI in the modem to improve data speeds, latency, quality of service (QoS), coverage, location accuracy, spectrum efficiency, power efficiency, and multi-antenna management. The FastConnect 7900 for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth is the first such solution from Qualcomm to integrate Ultra Wideband (UWB), a technology that usually requires a separate chip. UWB is used for "proximity experiences such as digital key, object finding and indoor navigation." Uniquely, the 7900 can combine UWB with Wi-Fi Ranging and Bluetooth Channel Sounding for improved proximity performance. The 7900 supports Wi-Fi 7 and introduces a new AI function that optimizes for Wi-Fi latency vs. power usage by analyzing workload and context. This improves power efficiency up to 30%. It also supports XPAN, Qualcomm's unique new technology that can route audio connections over Wi-Fi instead of Bluetooth. Both the Snapdragon X80 and FastConnect 7900 are expected to ship in the second half of 2024.
TCL Shares Pricing for 50 Series
TCL has released launch info for its 50 series of phones, first previewed at CES a few weeks ago. The first to launch will be the TCL 50 XL 5G (shown in photo), coming to Metro by T-Mobile in the second quarter for "under $169". The two models with TCL's unique matte NXTPAPER display be available in North America from tcl.com in the third quarter. The higher-end 50 XL NXTPAPER 5G will sell for "under $229" while the 50 XE NXTPAPER 5G will cost "under $199". TCL was less specific about the TCL 50 XE 5G, saying only that it will come to North America in Q3 for "under $149". The 4G-only TCL 50 LE "will be arriving later this year for around $99".
Qualcomm Aims for Sub-$100 5G Phones
Qualcomm has announced a goal of enabling phone makers to offer 5G phones under $100 with true 5G (gigabit) data speeds. These new phones would shed costs by supporting only 5G SA (stand-alone) networks, not 5G NSA (non-stand-alone) networks that rely on 4G networks for some functions. Most 5G NSA networks are being upgraded to 5G SA. These phones would also reduce costs by utilizing only two cellular antennas instead of the usual four. Presumably this strategy involves a new modem chip(set) that Qualcomm has yet to announce.
Motorola to Seamlessly Link Phones with Lenovo Laptops and Tablets
Motorola and Lenovo have announced Smart Connect, a set of software features that will intelligently link various device types to function as a seamless suite. Cross control lets a single keyboard and mouse navigate between your PC, tablet, and phone. Swipe to stream lets you move a video stream or podcast to a different device and pick up right where you left off. Notification sync puts your notifications on all of your devices. Share hub lets you "access and share large files across connected devices without taking up tons of storage." Smart clipboard lets you copy and paste across devices. Webcam lets you use the superior camera on your smartphone for video calls or livestreams on another device like a laptop or PC. Smart Connect will be available "in the coming months".
Motorola Commits to Gorilla Glass on All Phones
Motorola announced that its entire lineup of phones will feature Corning Gorilla Glass starting in the second half of this year. Gorilla Glass is widely used on higher-end smartphones and known for its toughness and durability. Different versions of Gorilla Glass offer different properties. Gorilla Glass 3 focuses on scratch resistance, while Gorilla Glass 5 and 6 are optimized to protect against damage from drops. Gorilla Glass Victus is designed for both, and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 further improves drop performance on rougher surfaces like concrete.
AT&T Will Credit Customers for Outage
AT&T has provided more details on its response to the unusually widespread and lengthy outage of its wireless network on Thursday. The company's only explanation of the cause remains "the application and execution of an incorrect process". But in a letter to employees, CEO John Stankey did note that the company "prioritized FirstNet service restoration, in line with our commitment to our nation's first responders." To compensate "potentially impacted customers", the company will issue an automatic one-time $5 credit to its postpaid consumer and small business customers. The letter to employees explains that this amount is equivalent to "essentially a full day of service". As for other categories of customers, the letter says "prepaid customers will have options available to them if they were impacted. We are also working closely with our Mid-Market and Enterprise customers and will address their concerns as those discussions take place."
AT&T Explains What Caused Outage Yesterday
AT&T has issued a statement on what caused a major outage of its wireless network yesterday morning, lasting up to 11 hours for some customers. "Based on our initial review, we believe that today’s outage was caused by the application and execution of an incorrect process used as we were expanding our network, not a cyber attack." The outage started around 4am ET. By the middle of the day, AT&T said that 3/4 of its network had been restored, with full recovery by mid-afternoon. The FCC has launched an investigation into the incident. During the outage, most customers were still able to call 911 via other networks, (as indicated by an "SOS" icon in the status bar), as required by the FCC. However the outage did affect FirstNet, the AT&T-operated network dedicated to public safety.
AT&T Suffers Large Cellular Outage
AT&T suffered a large outage of its mobile network this morning. AT&T acknowledged the issue and said it was working "urgently" to restore service. As of mid-day, AT&T said that "three-quarters of our network has been restored." Then at 3:10pm ET, the company said wireless service had been completely restored. The service DownDetector showed the outage started around 4am ET this morning, and starting to resolve around 1pm ET. DownDetector also showed corresponding outage reports for other national wireless carriers, but an order of magnitude smaller. Verizon and T-Mobile told the New York Times that their networks are operating normally, so the reports for other carriers are likely people trying to communicate with AT&T customers.
Samsung Update Brings Galaxy AI to More Phones
In late March, Samsung will release its One UI 6.1 software for the Galaxy S23 series, S23 FE, Z Fold5, and Z Flip5. It adds the following "Galaxy AI" features that debuted on the S24 series: Circle to Search, Live Translate, Interpreter, Chat Assist, and Generative Edit.
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