T-Mobile Racks Up Wins in Latest Opensignal Report
Opensignal has put out its January 2025 mobile network rankings based on its widely-crowdsourced performance data. In many categories, the big three US carrier networks performed similarly, with scores differing by just a few percentage points. But in several key categories, T-Mobile pulled far ahead, while Verizon performed notably better in one key category. In "Overall Experience" (including 4G and 5G), T-Mobile scored almost triple the other networks in download speed, and around double in upload speed. Focusing on just 5G, T-Mobile performed around 65% better on download speed, while for upload speed, Verizon performed 11% better than T-Mobile and 48% better than AT&T. On coverage, all three carriers were a near-tie when considering both 4G and 5G. But looking at just 5G, T-Mobile had a commanding lead in both "Coverage Experience" and "Availability". Opensignal found that T-Mobile customers with a 5G plan were able to connect to the 5G network about 72% of the time, while AT&T customers connected to 5G around 15% of the time, and for Verizon it was just under 11%. Opensignal collects its data from the phones of people who have the Opensignal app installed on their phone.
AT&T Will Automatically Credit Customers for Outages
AT&T has announced a new policy of automatically crediting customers a full day of service when the company is at fault for wireless outages of an hour or more. The new "AT&T Guarantee" is similar to the company's ad hoc response to a major outage almost a year ago. For an outage lasting more than 24 hours, customers will be credited for each additional day of the outage. The new policy has plenty of fine print, however. It only applies to postpaid customers with accounts in good standing and excludes FirstNet customers. Outages beyond the control of AT&T are excluded, including "natural disasters, weather-related events, or outages caused by third parties." An "outage" means at least ten towers out for 60 or more minutes "resulting from a single incident". To qualify, the customer must have been connected to an affected tower right before the outage, and lose service for at least 60 consecutive minutes as a result of the outage. The credit will be calculated based on the customer's base service plan price, excluding device payments, add-on services, taxes, and fees. Bill credits will be applied within 1–2 billing cycles. The company is also announcing a similar policy for its fiber customers that kicks in at 20 minutes instead of 60.
OnePlus 13, 13R Boast Huge Batteries, Water Resistance
OnePlus has revealed the OnePlus 13 and OnePlus 13R. The 13 is a true flagship phone meant to challenge flagship phones from Samsung and Apple, while the 13R is an "affordable flagship" phone meant to offer high-end features for a more accessible $600 price. Both phones feature a 6,000 mAh battery, Snapdragon 8-series processor, at least 12 GB of LPDDR5x RAM, UFS 4.0 storage, 50 megapixel main camera with a Sony sensor, 50 megapixel telephoto camera, wide camera, Bluetooth 5.4, Wi-Fi 7, and an infrared emitter. The 13 has IP69 water resistance, while the 13R is rated IP65. Both have ~6.8" displays with up to 120 Hz refresh; the 13 has QHD+ resolution, while the 13R has resolution 17% sharper than the common FHD+. Compared to last year's OnePlus 12, the new 13 upgrades to an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint reader and the new Snapdragon 8 Elite chip (plus the larger battery and water resistance). The 13 can also capture 4K Dolby Vision or 4K at 60fps with Ultra Steady using all four cameras (even the front). Compared to last year's 12R, the new 13R has double the storage (now 256 GB), plus the added (2x/4x) tele camera, larger battery, more RAM, and water resistance. The 13 has Ceramic Guard protecting the display, while the 13R has the new Gorilla Glass 7i protecting both front and back. The new version of OxygenOS comes with Google Gemini and includes AI features like intelligent search within on-device documents, call transcription, photo un-blur, and photo Reflection Eraser. Despite the added features, OnePlus has managed to make the system files take up 5 GB less storage. OnePlus promises four years of OS upgrades and six years of security updates. Both phones are available starting today. The OnePlus 13 starts at $900 with 12 GB RAM and 256 GB storage. A version with 16 GB RAM and 512 GB storage normally sells for $1000, but is available for $900 until February 7. The 13 comes in white, black, or a "Midnight Ocean" blue with microfiber "vegan leather" back. The 13R comes in black or white, and sells for $600 (with 12 GB RAM and 256 storage).
Anker Intros Powerful Power Bank and Charger
Anker has two new USB-C charging devices with powerful specs for charging multiple phones, tablets, and even laptops at once. Both have a TFT color display that gives detailed info on charging speed of each port. The new Anker Power Bank is "the size of a soda can" and has a 25,000 mAh battery, enough to fully charge a laptop. It has one USB-A output (up to 33W) and three USB-C outputs that can each pump out up to 100 watts. The device can output up to 165 watts total. Two of the USB-C outputs are built-in cables, including a 27" retractable one. The Power Bank itself recharges at up to 100W. Meanwhile, Anker's new 140W Charger is a plug-in charger using GaN technology, with retractable wall plug and down-facing USB ports to better stay plugged in. It can output up to 140 watts to one USB-C device, or 140W total to multiple devices via three USB-C ports and one USB-A port. Both devices go on sale tomorrow, January 7th and will come in at least two colors. The power bank will sell for $100, and the charger for $90.
Qi2 Wireless Charging Gains Momentum with Samsung Adoption, New Features
The Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) provided a status update on the Qi2 wireless charging standard. Samsung has committed to including Qi2 in Samsung Galaxy Android devices in 2025. Android phone makers have previously been slow to adopt the standard. Apple iPhones include Qi2, which is based on a combination of the original Qi and Apple's MagSafe. Qi2 uses magnets for better alignment, and supports faster 15-watt charging. WPC announced that Qi v2.1 will include a "Qi2 Ready" designation for phones and phone cases. When a Qi2 Ready phone is used with its corresponding Qi2 Ready case, the combination will fully support Qi2. The Qi v2.1 specification will also include support for a moving coil in automotive applications. Instead of relying on magnets for alignment, the coil built into the car would physically move as it "looks for the phone's exact location, so it can lock in a perfect connection every time". WPC also mentioned Qi v2.2, which will include "high-power wireless charging technology" contributed by Google. Google says it "is committed to the Qi2 wireless charging standard and increasing the penetration of Qi2 into Android handsets", but stopped short of promising to include the tech in its own Pixel phones this year.
TCL Teases Sub-$100 5G Phone, Next NXTPAPER Phone
TCL is using CES to give the first official glimpse of two new phones it plans to launch later in 2025. The TCL K32 (shown on right) will be TCL's first 5G phone "under $100". It will launch exclusively in the US, but not until September. Other details will be announced closer to release. The TCL 60 XE NXTPAPER 5G will be TCL's first phone for the US with both a matte-finish NXTPAPER display and a dedicated NXTPAPER Key to switch the phone into "Max Ink Mode", which mimics an e-ink display. The display measures 6.8 inches, with FHD+ resolution and up to 120 Hz refresh. The phone also has 8 GB RAM, 256 GB storage, a 50 megapixel main camera, and a 32-megapixel front camera. It will launch first in Canada in May at $199, with a US release to follow.
Your Phone Can Now Automatically Unlock Your Front Door
Schlage has introduced a new smart deadbolt with Ultra Wideband (UWB) technology. UWB is a radio feature of popular high-end smartphones that is often used to let your phone unlock your car. With the new Schlage Sense Pro Smart Deadbolt, your phone can unlock your home in the same hands-free way. The lock can "intelligently calculate speed, trajectory and motion, ensuring seamless, intuitive entry that understands intent to enter and unlocks precisely as the user reaches their door." The lock can also be activated via NFC tap or the built-in keypad. It also features Matter-over-Thread for smart home integration. The Sense Pro will be available "later this year", pricing TBA. Phones with UWB include recent Apple iPhones, Samsung Galaxy S "Plus" and "Ultra" models, and Google Pixel "Pro" models.
The Motorola/Bullitt Satellite Dongle is Now the HMD Offgrid
Following the collapse of Bullitt a year ago, HMD has picked up the rights to the Motorola Defy Satellite Link, and will release a tweaked version called the HMD Offgrid. The small Bluetooth device gives any Android or iPhone satellite connectivity where cellular service isn't available. HMD claims to have enhanced the service with better coverage, better plans, and new enterprise features. They also redesigned the SOS button to reduce accidental presses. The basic functions are otherwise similar. It can automatically share live location data with up to five contacts. Its messaging function works from the dedicated app, but you can text any phone number, and messages you send come from your phone number. It can be configured to share location at intervals from every three minutes to four hours. With 30 minute intervals, the 600 mAh battery can last at least three days. The device is rated IP68 and military-grade rugged. In the US, service is available up to 70 miles from shore (coverage includes Hawaii and Alaska). The Offgrid connects to the Viasat network through a partnership with Skylo. Focus Point handles SOS response, and they have partnered with Overwatch X for rescue operations when necessary (at no additional charge). The device goes on sale this month for $199 from hmd.com. Service plans start at $80/year for the "Freedom" plan which includes unlimited manual check-ins and 350 messages. Live tracking costs 10¢ per ping. A higher-end "Unlimited" plan runs $15/month for unlimited messages, check-ins, and SOS services. Live tracking can be added to that plan for $5/month. Activation fees may also apply.
Court Strikes Down FCC's Net Neutrality Rules
A U.S. appeals court ruled today that the Federal Communications Commission did not have legal authority to reinstate landmark "net neutrality" rules. The rules were first established in 2015, then killed in 2018. Biden sought to revive them in his term and succeeded in April. The incoming administration is unlikely to appeal the decision. Net-neutrality advocates could appeal the decision to the Supreme Court, but FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel called on Congress to pass a Net Neutrality law.
Samsung Intros Entry-Level Phone for 2025: the Galaxy A16 5G
Samsung has announced the Galaxy A16 5G, the company's primary entry-level 5G model for the year, retailing for $200. The phone launches in one week, on January 9th. Key improvements compared to the A15 it replaces include a larger display (6.7" FHD+ AMOLED instead of 6.5"), and IP54 dust/splash resistance rating. It also switches to a Samsung Exynos 1330 processor chip instead of a MediaTek chip. Other specs remain similar, including a 5,000 mAh battery with 25W fast charging, 50 megapixel main camera, 5 megapixel wide camera, 13 megapixel front camera, 4 GB RAM, 128 GB storage (expandable), and NFC. The A16 comes with Android 14 and a promise of 6 generations of OS upgrades and 6 years of security updates. The A15 was offered by nearly every wireless carrier in the US, and the A16 is expected to receive similarly wide distribution. Samsung offers two color choices: Blue Black and Light Gray. For a limited time, Samsung is offering 50% off the new Galaxy Fit3 fitness tracker (normally $60) when you purchase both devices together from samsung.com.
NSO Group Found Liable for Hacking WhatsApp to Install Spyware
A federal judge in California has declared that Israel-based NSO Group violated the U.S. Computer Fraud and Abuse Act when it designed its Pegasus phone spyware to leverage Meta's WhatsApp servers. NSO sells Pegasus to governments and law enforcement around the world. One of the ways Pegasus spyware can be installed on a victim's phone is via a modified WhatsApp client that uses WhatsApp servers. The spyware is installed remotely and silently, without user interaction. Meta claims that happened to more than a thousand targeted phones. The case will continue, to determine the civil damages owed by NSO. The case could be appealed.
Qualcomm Scores Partial Win in Arm IP Case
The current Arm lawsuit against Qualcomm over its newest CPU designs has ended with a jury finding partly in favor Qualcomm. This means Qualcomm can continue selling the Snapdragon 8 Elite and other chips that use the new Oryon CPU architecture, the fruit of its acquisition of Nuvia in 2021. Arm alleged that Qualcomm improperly transferred CPU design licenses when it acquired Nuvia. The jury found that Qualcomm did not breach its license with Arm and that Qualcomm's current chips are properly licensed. However the jury could not agree on whether Nuvia breached its license with Arm. This opens the door for another lawsuit, which Arms claims it will pursue.
T-Mobile Opens Beta Program for Satellite Coverage
T-Mobile has launched a registration web page where any voice customer can sign up to potentially beta-test the company's forthcoming satellite coverage service. A limited number of spots are available in the program, so not everyone that signs up may be selected. The service enables two-way text messaging in areas where T-Mobile's land-based cellular network doesn't reach. It's powered by a constellation of 330 (and counting) new Starlink satellites that act like cell towers in space. Unlike some other satellite messaging services, it works with existing phones, doesn't require pointing your phone at a particular spot in the sky, and doesn't require a special messaging app. This step follows formal FCC permission to launch the service less than a month ago.
Android Gains More Robust Protection Against Unknown Bluetooth Trackers
Google today announced three new upgrades to help Android users deal with unknown Bluetooth tracking devices (potentially used for stalking and other surreptitious location tracking.) Both Android and iOS will detect an unknown Bluetooth tracking device making the same movements as a phone, and show an "unknown tracker" alert to the user. This detection is now cross-platform, thanks to a multi-year effort by Google and Apple. Recently, Google tweaked this technology to make these alerts happen "faster and more often." Second, Find Nearby now works with unknown trackers, to interactively help you pinpoint the tracking device quickly and precisely. Previously, users could only see its general location on a map and make it play a sound. Apple made similar changes to iOS in 2022. Finally, a new option lets users "Temporarily Pause Location" on your phone for up to 24 hours. Since Bluetooth trackers rely on other nearby Bluetooth devices — like your own phone — to track location, this prevents your own phone from being used against you, until you can find and disable the unwanted tracking device.
Verizon Gives Premium Customers More Reliable Video Calls
Verizon today announced "Enhanced Video Calling", a network feature that provides guaranteed bandwidth for certain customers' video calls even when and where the network is congested. The feature is now included with the Unlimited Ultimate and Business Unlimited Pro 5G plans. Currently, it only works with iPhone (14 or newer, running the just-released iOS 18.2). It works automatically with "applications like Facetime, WhatsApp and Zoom". The feature utilizes a feature of 5G networks called network slicing.
Today's iOS Update Includes Major New Apple Intelligence Features
Apple has released iOS 18.2, which finally brings several major Apple Intelligence (AI) features, announced as part of iOS 18, to iPhones that support it (iPhone 16 series and 15 Pro models.) This includes Image Playground, Genmoji, Visual Intelligence, and ChatGPT integration in Writing Tools. Image Playground — available both as a standalone app and within Messages — lets users generate an image from a text description and/or from a photo input. The resulting images are stylized rather than photo-realistic. Genmoji works similarly, accepting text or a photo of a person as input within the emoji keyboard, creating a completely custom "emoji" that can be added inline to messages, or shared as a sticker or reaction in a Tapback. Visual Intelligence — exclusive to the iPhone 16 series with its Camera Control — functions similarly to Google Lens. It "can summarize and copy text, translate text between languages, detect phone numbers or email addresses with the option to add to contacts, and more". It can also forward an image to Google or ChatGPT for more advanced image-based searches. ChatGPT integration in the system-wide Writing Tools enables more advanced text manipulation and generation, as well as complex image generation. Apple has added privacy protections so that a ChatGPT account is not required, OpenAI will not store requests, will not use the data for model training, and users cannot be tracked across sessions. Apple promises additional Apple Intelligence features in the coming months, including making Siri smarter, more context-aware, and more capable.
FCC Prepares to Block Companies That Don't Block Robocalls
The FCC is taking the final step in its plan to tackle the problem of nuisance and illegal robocalls once and for all. 2,411 voice service providers face being cut off from the US phone network as a result. These companies have failed to properly file certification in the Robocall Mitigation Database to demonstrate their level of STIR/SHAKEN implementation and describe their robocall mitigation plans. Voice providers that do comply with these new FCC rules will be required block call traffic from non-compliant providers. The FCC is also proposing to "increase accountability" by instituting base fines of $10,000 for submitting false or inaccurate information to the Robocall Mitigation Database, and a $1,000 fine for failing to keep information current. "In addition, today, the bipartisan 51-attorney general Anti-Robocall Multistate Litigation Task Force put a number of providers on notice following state investigations."
Starlink Completes Direct-to-Cell-Phone Satellite Constellation
SpaceX announced last week that a recent rocket launch — carrying 20 new Starlink satellites — marks the completion of its first satellite constellation offering Direct-To-Cell capability. The company has been launching new Starlink satellites with Direct-To-Cell all year. Now that the constellation is complete, it should be able to offer continuous service nationwide. SpaceX and T-Mobile have been testing the service using the partially-built network. The companies recently received FCC permission to commercially launch the service, and T-Mobile is expected to enable it for customers soon. The service works with existing phones and automatically provides coverage in "dead zones" of the land-based cellular network. It currently supports text messaging over 4G LTE. SpaceX will continue launching mare Direct-To-Cell satellites in 2025, increasing capacity and enabling voice and data service at some point in 2025.
