Android 13 Will Bring Improved Privacy, Personalization
Google today released Android 13 Developer Preview 1, with several new features that consumers can expect to see in Android 13 in the second half of this year. First, a new "photo picker" will let the system sit between apps and the user's content library, enhancing privacy. Users will now be able to quickly choose just one or more photos to share with an app, instead of granting the app access to their whole photo library. The feature will work with photos and videos, and with both local and cloud content. Similarly, a new API option will let apps manage connections to nearby Wi-Fi networks without needing access to the device's full location info. Google will also enhance Material You with themed app icons. Apps will now have a simplified, monochrome icon available that can be used with themed icons customized with the user's preferred color scheme (shown). Finally, a new API will make it faster and easier to place an app's custom Quick Settings tile in the user's notification shade. Google plans at least one more developer preview, followed by several beta releases April – July. The final release of Android 13 is planned for some time after July.
Apple Refines Anti-Stalking Features of AirTags
Apple is making a number of tweaks to the Find My system that powers AirTags. Specifically, Apple is aiming to improve the various features designed to prevent AirTags from being used to stalk people or track other people's belongings without their permission. A refined algorithm will now alert users sooner that an unknown AirTag or Find My network accessory may be traveling with them. Once a user receives such an alert, a number of changes will help the user quickly find the offending item and determine if it's benign. If the item is a set of AirPods, example, the alert will now say that instead of "Unknown Accessory". Users receiving an alert will be able to use Precision Finding to find the offending AirTag or device. This feature uses AR and UWB to guide an iPhone (11 or better) user directly to the device. Apple will also tweak the sounds an AirTag makes to make them easier to hear. Apple is also updating its pop-up warnings and documentation for users, as well as new documentation for law enforcement. Some of these changes will launch soon, while others will launch later this year.
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Android 12's Dynamic Color Coming to More Phones
Google announced that its "Material You" interface design — introduced with Android 12 and launched first on Pixel phones — will soon launch on phones from Samsung, OnePlus, and more. Specifically, these phones will all get the "dynamic color" feature, which automatically matches the user interface color scheme to your chosen wallpaper. This personalized color scheme applies not only to the system interface and Google apps, but also within third-party apps that have been fully updated for Android 12. The new Samsung Galaxy S22 series will ship with this feature, and a forthcoming software update will bring it to OnePlus phones such as the OnePlus 9 Pro.
Samsung Extends Android Update Promise to Five Years
Samsung today announced a new commitment to offering "up to four generations of One UI and Android OS upgrades" — as well as five years of security updates — on its premium smartphones. The company previously only promised three years of upgrades. This industry-leading commitment applies to the Galaxy S21 series (including the S21 FE), the new S22 series announced today, as well as the Z Fold3 and Z Flip3. The promise will also apply to future S- and Z-series devices.
Google Duo Live Sharing Mimics Apple's SharePlay
Google and Samsung have announced a new "live sharing" feature of Duo, Google's video calling app. Much like Apple's new SharePlay in FaceTime, the feature lets people on a video call share specific experiences like watching a video. Live Sharing also supports Samsung Notes, Gallery, Google Maps, and Jamboard, Google's "digital whiteboard" app. The feature will be available first on the new Samsung Galaxy S22 series.
Samsung Refreshes Galaxy S Series with S Pen, New Cameras
Samsung today announced its lineup of flagship phones for 2022: the Galaxy S22 series. The top-end S22 Ultra sees the biggest changes as it essentially absorbs Samsung's Note series with an integrated S Pen stylus and a more Note-like shape and design, instead of the Contour Cut design of the other models. Those two other models — the Galaxy S22 and S22+ — have a reconfigured camera system that's more like the Ultra models, with the main camera having extra resolution instead of the telephoto camera like last year. The main camera is 50 megapixel, plus a 12 megapixel wide-angle camera and 10 megapixel 3x tele camera. All three models have new Adaptive Pixel technology that captures both pixel-binned and non-binned images and merges them so users don't have to choose between high resolution and better low-light image quality. A new AI Stereo Depth Map feature delivers portrait shots with well-defined edges down to the hair level, and works with both people and pets. Auto Framing can track up to ten subjects at once and adjust focus and zoom to match. The S22 and S22+ are slightly smaller and lighter than their predecessors, with slightly smaller displays and batteries to match. All three models use the new Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 flagship chip from Qualcomm in their US variants. Other specs and features are mostly the same compared to last year's models, including 120 Hz AMOLED displays, 8K video capture, IP68 water rating, at least 8 GB RAM, ultrasonic fingerprint reader, and two-way wireless charging. Pricing and availability are also in line with last year.
- The Galaxy S22 Ultra has a slightly shorter and wider shape compared to last year, but the display still measures 6.8" diagonally, and the battery is still 5,000 mAh. The camera configuration and basic specs are the same, including a 108 megapixel main camera, dual telephoto cameras (10x and 3x), and a 40 megapixel front camera. An exclusive Expert RAW app provides a "DSLR-like experience" and lets you capture 16-bit RAW images using any camera. The OIS (optical image stabilization) has been improved with wider correction angles. The S Pen has 70% lower latency compared to the S21 Ultra. The S22 Ultra also supports up to 45W fast charging. The starting configuration still costs $1,200 and comes with 128 GB storage, but only comes with 8 GB RAM instead of 12 like last year. (Samsung made a similar tweak with the S21 and S21+ last year.) Step-up options come with 256 GB, 512 GB, or 1 TB of storage, all with 12 GB RAM. Color options are Phantom Black, Phantom White, green, and burgundy. Samsung will offer three additional colors exclusively through its web site: Graphite, Sky Blue, and Red.
- The Galaxy S22+ has a 6.6-inch display, 4,500 mAh battery, 45W fast charging, and Wi-Fi 6E. It's more durable thanks to a body made almost entirely of two new materials: Samsung's own Armor Aluminum, and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+. The S22+ starts at $1,000 for 8 GB RAM and 128 GB storage, with a 256 GB option also available. It will be available in Phantom Black, Phantom White, Pink Gold, and green. The samsung.com exclusive colors will be Graphite, Cream, Sky Blue, and Violet.
- The standard Galaxy S22 is smaller, with a 6.1-inch display and 3,700 mAh battery. Other differences compared to the S22+ include 25W fast charging, Wi-Fi 6 (not 6E), and no UWB. But it keeps everything else, including the same camera system and advanced materials. The color and storage options are also the same. It starts at $800.
Apple Announces Reverse Apple Pay
Later this year, Apple will add "Tap to Pay on iPhone" to iOS. This new feature will let merchants accept contactless (NFC) payments using only an iPhone and a compatible app. The software developer kit (SDK) for this feature will launch to developers "in an upcoming iOS software beta". The Stripe platform and the Shopify Point of Sale app will be first to support the technology "this spring", with additional platforms and apps to follow later this year. The feature will work with iPhone XS and later (including iPhone 11 series and newer.) Previously, the NFC hardware in iPhones was only enabled to make contactless payments, not accept them. Merchants needed a separate NFC accessory (either attached or connected via Bluetooth) to accept payments; this will no longer be necessary. Tap to Pay on iPhone will be able accept all standard contactless payments, including Apple Pay, Google Pay, and contactless physical credit cards.
Verizon Moves to Three-Year Phone Financing
Verizon has lengthened the term of its phone financing plans. While customers could previously choose to pay for a new phone in monthly installments over 24 or 30 months, the only option now is 36 months, a full three years. This aligns with recent changes by AT&T, while T-Mobile still offers financing over just two years. Customers can still choose to pay full retail price for a phone upfront to avoid a contract. Verizon's financing plans are zero-interest and do not require a down-payment, although an activation fee usually applies.
New Phone Insurance Option is $99/Year
Zagg has launched a new "phone protection plan" that costs less than competing options from Apple and Samsung. The new "Zagg Protect" runs $99 annually, plus a $49 deductible for repairs. Zagg has traditionally focused on making phone accessories such as cases and chargers. For this product, Zagg has partnered with Safeware, which specializes in technology insurance. The plan covers most hardware failures as well as accidental damage from drops or liquids. Accidental damage claims are limited to two every 12 months, and battery replacement is limited to one per device. Apple currently charges $149–199 for AppleCare+ for a new iPhone, plus a $29 fee for display or glass damage, or $99 fee for other repairs.
Motorola Refreshes its 4G moto g stylus
Motorola has a new version of its affordable stylus-oriented phone. The new "moto g stylus (2022)" is similar to last year's 4G model, but with a larger battery (now 5,000 mAh) and an upgraded display with 90 Hz refresh. Its 50 megapixel main camera can save photos at full resolution, (unlike last year's edition,) and the 8 megapixel wide-angle camera now does double-duty as the macro camera, delivering higher resolution macro images. The new model is also powered by a MediaTek Helio G88 chip instead of the Snapdragon 678. Other specs are identical, including a large 6.8-inch display with Full-HD+resolution, 16 megapixel front camera, dedicated depth camera, fingerprint reader, expandable storage, fast charging, and headset jack. It will ship with either 4 or 6 GB of RAM, and 64 or 128 GB inbuilt storage. The model with extra RAM and storage is available for pre-order now for $300, with a ship date to be announced. The new moto g stylus will also be offered by Cricket and Consumer Cellular "in the coming months". Last year, Motorola offered a separate 5G version that was much more popular with major US carriers.
Apple Allows Unlisted Apps in App Store
A new option allows iOS developers to release apps through official Apple channels without surfacing them to the general public in the App Store interface. Such apps can only be installed using a special direct link that organizations send to invited users. Apple describes the new option as ideal for apps "for specific organizations, special events, or research studies, or apps used as employee resources or sales tools". Organizations have been able to distribute such apps to managed devices using Apple School Manager or Apple Business Manager. But distributing such apps to unmanaged devices has been a challenge. In the past, some organizations have used Apple's TestFlight system as a workaround, but that process was clunky, limited, and didn't comply with Apple's policies.
Latest iOS Beta Lets Face ID Work with Masks
Apple released a beta version of iOS 15.4 today, and it includes a new feature that lets Face ID work even while the user is wearing a mask. Unlike Apple's previous version of this concept, it does not require a connected Apple Watch. It instead relies solely on "unique features around the eye area". It also lets you specifically train Face ID with each pair of eyeglasses you own. It does not work with sunglasses.) As this version of iOS is still in beta testing, there is no guarantee the feature will make the final version of iOS 15.4.
Verizon Launches TCL 30 V
Verizon is now selling the TCL 30 V 5G for $300. Announced last month, the phone sports a full-HD display, 50 megapixel camera, and support for both mid-band and mmWave 5G.
AT&T Launches C Band 5G in Eight Cities
AT&T and Verizon have finally launched 5G service in the C Band, after a chaotic last-minute battle with the FAA and airlines over potential interference with airplane radio altimeters. AT&T's launch footprint today appears more limited than Verizon's. AT&T is launching the service — which it brands "5G+" — in "limited parts of" Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, Austin, Chicago, Detroit, Jacksonville, Orlando, and Miami. Verizon's launch today covers 90 million people. Verizon originally promised 100 million people covered at launch, but had to scale back coverage near airports to appease airlines scrambling to comply with last-minute restrictions imposed by the FAA. AT&T offers at least 17 phones that are compatible with C Band 5G, including most recent phones from Apple, Samsung, and Google. 5G in the C Band should offer a better balance of good coverage and fast data speeds compared to existing 5G service. We recently published a complete guide to C Band 5G.
AT&T, Verizon Agree to Hold Back C Band 5G Near Airports
AT&T and Verizon are moving forward with this week's launch of 5G service in the new C Band, but have voluntarily agreed to new restrictions around airports at the request of major US airlines. The airlines have asked for 5G in the C Band to be banned within two miles of airport runways, a limitation that will severely reduce availability of the service in some cities. Verizon's initial launch will now cover 90 million people, down from the 100 million originally promised. The FCC and wireless industry insist that 5G in the C Band poses no danger to airplanes. 5G in this band is already operating in over 40 countries with no reported issues. But the FAA remains unconvinced that the service cannot interfere with some airplanes' radio altimeters, which use a nearby radio frequency to measure distance to the ground. The FAA came to an agreement with AT&T and Verizon on airport restrictions earlier this month, but also instituted new rules for airlines that apply to certain airports near C Band 5G networks and certain weather conditions. The FAA has so far tested and approved two radio altimeter models, exempting 45% of the US commercial fleet from the rules. But airlines say the rules would still have resulted in over 1,000 additional cancelled flights on days with poor weather. The new 2-mile restriction should allow the FAA to relax those rules until more testing and new rules can be put in place that will allow C Band 5G near airports.
What is C Band 5G?
There's a whole new kind of 5G being launched and talked about in the US in 2022: C Band. It's much faster than existing "nationwide" 5G, yet has better coverage than hard-to-find mmWave 5G. For AT&T and Verizon, it represents a huge leap forward in the 5G race. For their customers, it will mean the first time many of them will experience a significant difference between 4G and 5G. So what is C Band? Is it just hype or something to actually get excited about? Is "C Band" the best term for this? Where did this band come from? Does it pose a danger to planes? And where does T-Mobile fit into all this? We answer all those questions and more in this in-depth guide to everything C-Band.
AT&T, Dish Big Winners in FCC's Latest Mid-Band Auction
The US FCC (Federal Communications Commission) just announced the winners of its auction 110, for prime new mid-band radio spectrum ideal for 5G. AT&T and Dish spent the most, each splurging for enough licenses to cover the entire continental US. AT&T spent $9 billion, while Dish spent $7.3 billion. AT&T purchased the maximum number of licenses allowed in each area (four), giving it 40 MHz of new bandwidth nationwide. Dish appears to have purchased closer to 3 licenses per area on average, for potentially around 30 MHz of bandwidth nationwide. T-Mobile laid out $1.4 billion for licenses covering 79 of the 406 geographic areas offered. US Cellular spent $580 million. Verizon did not appear to win any licenses, although they were already big winners in the two previous mid-band auctions, and therefore did not need this particular spectrum as much as AT&T did. T-Mobile already operates more mid-band 5G than anyone else, and also participated in the C Band auction. Auction 110 is for the 3.45 GHz band (spanning 3.45 – 3.55 GHz), which is very near the new C Band spectrum that AT&T and Verizon are expected to launch next week for new 5G service. However it is a lower frequency than C Band, and therefore should not run into the same issues with the FAA that recently delayed the launch of 5G in the C Band. This new 3.45 GHz band, C Band, and Verizon's CBRS band (the 3.5 GHz band AKA band 48) are all covered by band 77, which is already supported in most new 5G phones launched by AT&T and Verizon since the beginning of 2021.
FCC Raises Over $22 Billion in Latest Mid-Band 5G Auction
The FCC's Auction 110 has concluded, with up to 33 bidders paying a total of $22.5 billion for 4,041 licenses out of 4,060 offered. All of the top three national wireless carriers participated in the auction. The FCC is expected to announce a full list of winners very soon. This auction is for the 3.45 GHz band, which spans 3.45 – 3.55 GHz. These mid-band frequencies sit slightly below the C Band that is being deployed by AT&T and Verizon for mid-band 5G this month. Band 77 — already supported by most 5G phones launched in 2021 — covers both C Band and this new band from Auction 110. The 100-Mhz-wide band is divided into ten equal blocks of 10 MHz each. Companies are allowed to combine blocks, but no one company was allowed to buy more than four in any given area. There are a number of incumbent (existing) users of these frequencies, primarily the Department of Defense. Of the $22.5 billion raised, $14 billion will go toward relocating those users to other frequencies. But some incumbent users will remain, having priority access to the frequencies upon request. Nonetheless, this valuable spectrum is ideal for 5G and is expected to help expand carriers' mid-band 5G networks.
