UK Demands Unfettered Access to Apple iCloud Data for Everyone, Everywhere
The United Kingdom has secretly ordered Apple to lets its security officials access user data stored in the cloud, even for users located in the US and other countries outside of the UK. Apple will be hard-pressed to comply, as its Advanced Data Protection option offers end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for iCloud data, meaning even Apple does not have access to the data, by design. The order requires blanket access, not just for specific users under investigation. Apple may stop offering Advanced Data Protection in the UK, but this would not bring Apple into compliance with the order for overseas users. The only path to full compliance would be to stop offering E2EE and create a "back door" for the government. But the existence of any back door also opens the door for foreign spies and criminals to access user data via the same method. The order was issued under the U.K. Investigatory Powers Act of 2016, also known as the "Snoopers' Charter". The law makes it makes it a criminal offense for Apple to reveal that the government has even made such a demand. Therefore Google may have already received a similar demand, which would be difficult to confirm. Both companies have been rolling out E2EE for messaging and other services in recent years.
Apple Launches Event Invitation Service
Apple has launched a new service called Apple Invites for iCloud+ subscribers. Apple Invites is available as both a new iOS app and on the web at icloud.com/invites. iCloud+ subscribers can create events and invite people to RSVP. Anyone can RSVP, regardless of whether they subscribe to iCloud+ or have an Apple device. Invitations can include a custom image and text, both of which Apple Intelligence can help create and/or tweak using generative AI (on compatible devices). Invitations can also include a soundtrack from Apple Music, and include a shared album, to which attendees can contribute photos & videos. Invitations can also link to directions to an address, and include a weather forecast.
AST SpaceMobile Cleared to Test Satellite Coverage with AT&T, Verizon
The FCC has given its blessing for AST SpaceMobile to begin testing its commercial satellites that provide cellular coverage to existing, off-the-shelf cell phones anywhere in the US. AST has deals in place with both AT&T and Verizon to provide this service, and will soon commence testing with both providers. AST currently has five of its BlueBird satellites in orbit, with deals in place to expand the constellation to 60 satellites over the next two years. At least 45 satellites are required for continuous service, so the current testing starting with just five satellites will "support non-continuous cellular broadband service". T-Mobile is working with SpaceX on a similar service. The FCC granted those companies authorization for service in November. While T-Mobile is using software updates to limit the service to specific phone models as it tests, AST promises its service will work with "unmodified smartphones ... without the need of any specialized software or device support or updates."
CVS Testing Phone App to Unlock Product Cages
At three stores, CVS is testing a new type of lock for its "display cabinets" that can be unlocked by consumers with their own phone, instead of requiring an employee with a key to access merchandise. Consumers must download and log in to the new CVS Health app, as well as join the store's Wi-Fi and enable Bluetooth. The next phase of testing will expand the trial to 10–15 stores.
The First Beta Version of Android 16 is Here
Google has released the first test version of Android 16 for curious early adopters and developers. One of the biggest new features is Live Updates, intended to "help users monitor and quickly access important ongoing activities", specifically, "progress-centric user journeys: rideshare, delivery, and navigation." Android 16 also introduces support for the Advanced Professional Video (APV) codec, which offers "professional level" video capture features. Another major change is requiring apps to adapt their layouts to larger screens when used on foldables and tablets. Developers can still opt-out in some cases, but will not be able to opt out in the next major release, in 2026. This release of Android will be the biggest update of 2025, and is slated for final public release some time after April (possibly in May, if testing goes well). Google also plans Android updates in every other quarter of the year, with the fourth quarter update bringing new APIs and features, and the first- and third-quarter updates being smaller "features only" updates. Google cautions that Android 16 is still in active development and the beta is not recommended for anyone's primary phone. Anyone with an eligible Pixel device can enroll in the beta program, but it is not possible to switch back to Android 15 without completely wiping the device and erasing all data.
Galaxy S25 Series Supports Satellite SOS, But Only on Verizon
As previously announced by Verizon, the new Samsung Galaxy S25 series will support NTN satellite SOS service in remote areas of the US without land-based cellular service. The service works similarly to Apple's "Emergency SOS via satellite" feature. Verizon notes that the service "might not work in parts of Alaska". Verizon has partnered with Skylo to offer this service. Google's Pixel 9 series of phones also supports this technology and Verizon will provide it for those phones as well, bringing its flagship Android phones up to par with iPhones in this aspect. Unlike Google, Samsung has not announced plans to enable this service for non-Verizon customers. Verizon is also working with AST SpaceMobile to being satellite connectivity to all existing phones, but AST's service may not be fully operational until the end of 2026. Therefore this service from Verizon brings similar functionality to at least some of its Android phones now.
Samsung Refines Flaships with More AI in Slimmer Shapes
Samsung has taken the wraps off the Galaxy S25 series. The new models are slimmer than the S24 series, while offering better performance, better battery life, and greater durability. Samsung is also loading in more AI features, including more multi-modal features, more on-device AI for privacy, and AI that's connected better across Samsung and Google apps. This will be enhanced with a future update that adds Screen Share and Live Video for Google Gemini. This will let you show Gemini what's on your screen — or in front of you — and get advice on that. Samsung's One UI 7 software also introduces Now Bar, a lock screen feature that provides live updates, such as sports scores, in a way similar to Apple's Dynamic Island. A new Audio Eraser feature lets you eliminate unwanted noise while editing video, using AI. A new Virtual Aperture feature lets you create depth of field in Expert RAW mode. Video also gets more professional with Log capture for color grading. The wide-angle camera gets an upgrade from 12 megapixel to 50 on the Ultra model. The S25 series is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy, which improves on the standard Snapdragon 8 Elite with features that improve the quality of scaled images, and increase power efficiency of the display. It's paired with a 40% larger vapor chamber to improve cooling and boost sustained performance. Samsung promises seven generations of OS updates and seven years of security updates. The S25 Ultra is protected by titanium and Corning Gorilla Armor 2 glass, which is more anti-reflective and more durable (surviving drops up to 2.2 meters onto concrete). Pricing remains unchanged, starting at $800 for the S25, $1,000 for the S25+, and $1,300 for the Ultra. Pre-orders are open today, with the phones shipping on February 7th. Each is available broadly in four colors, with an additional three colors available only from samsung.com.
Apple Intelligence to be Enabled by Default in iOS 18.3
When initially launch in beta over the last few minor versions of iOS, Apple Intelligence was opt-in, requiring a manual change to enable. In the next update to the OS, it will be turned on automatically, but an option will remain to disable it.
Samsung Launches Galaxy Watch for Kids
Samsung has effectively launched its own smartwatch for kids, the "Galaxy Watch for Kids experience on Galaxy Watch7 LTE, powered by Wear OS". Rather than launching a whole new device, the product is a software update available on the existing Galaxy Watch7 LTE. During initial setup, a new "set-up for a child" option loads a different version of the OS that turns it into a kids smartwatch with the expected suite of features for parents like remote location tracking, contact management and control, and School Time to limit distractions during school hours. The software also features basic health tracking features and a small app store of 20+ "Teacher Approved" apps and watch faces. The Galaxy Watch7 LTE is already on sale starting at $350. The new software is available starting today in the US. Samsung.com is offering a free kids band with watch purchase for the next month, while supplies last.
TikTok Gets a Temporary Reprieve
President Trump has signed an executive order directing the Justice Department not to enforce the new "TikTok ban" law for 75 days. The law requires Chinese parent company ByteDance to sell the app. If it does not, any US company that enables the app to continue operating in the US could face penalties, including app store operators like Google and Apple. The future of the app in the US remains in limbo, with a sale or other deal potentially on the table.
Straight Talk Sweetens the Deal on Premium Plans
Straight Talk Wireless — a Verizon prepaid brand sold exclusively by Walmart — has upgraded its premium "Gold" and "Platinum" mobile service plans to offer more value for the same monthly price. Both plans now include unlimited "premium" data that won't be de-prioritized (slowed down) when and where Verizon's network is congested. Both plans also now include access to Verizon's faster "Ultra Wideband" 5G network operating at mid-band and mmWave frequencies. The plans also now include more hotspot data, doubling from 15 GB to 30 GB on the Gold plan, and from 20 GB to unlimited on the Platinum plan. Straight Talk is also adding $100 in annual device credits toward phone upgrades. Finally, the plans also offer special access to discounted home internet service. Pricing is unchanged at $50/month (with auto-pay, $55/month without) for the Gold Unlimited plan, and $10 more for the Platinum Unlimited plan. The new plans are available online now, and in Walmart stores starting January 20th.
Apple Pausing AI Notification Summaries for News
Apple is tweaking and pulling back on its AI Notification Summaries feature after multiple news outlets complained that it completely changed the meaning of some news headlines. In the new developer beta version of iOS 18.3, the feature is, for now, completely disabled for apps in the News & Entertainment category. Apple is also making it easier to disable the feature for additional specific apps, making it clearer that the feature is still in beta testing, and further distinguishing AI-generated summary text by putting it in italics.
Club Quarters Hotels Support Digital Room Keys on any Smartphone
Club Quarters has completed rolling out digital room keys across all of its hotel locations, with a solution that supports mobile wallets on both Apple iPhones and Google Android phones. This marks a first in the hotel industry. Club Quarters first rolled out digital room keys via its own app in 2017. Now, "arriving guests can easily receive their room key by downloading it from their check-in confirmation email and adding it to a digital wallet on their Apple or Android device." Digital room keys are automatically activated during online check-in, and automatically updated if a guest extends their stay. They also provide access to property amenities like the fitness center. Club Quarters' implementation is compatible with Express Mode and Power Reserve on iPhone, so the digital room key will continue to work for up to five hours after a phone has turned "off" due to low battery. Hyatt started rolling out digital room keys for iPhones in late 2021.
Motorola Refreshes Entry-Level Phones for 2025
Motorola has revealed the moto g 2025 and moto g power 2025. Both models are very similar to their 2024 counterparts, just with slightly larger displays (by 0.1 inch) and a more waterproof and rugged design for the moto g power. The moto g 2025 also gets front camera upgrade. Both are affordable 5G phones, with the new moto g retailing for $200 and the moto g power going for $300. Both new models are powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chipset. Both have an LCD display with 120 Hz refresh, 128 GB of storage (expandable), 50 megapixel main camera, 16 megapixel front camera, fast charging of at least 25W, NFC, fingerprint reader, stereo speakers, and a 3.5mm headset jack. For the extra $100, the moto g power 2025 offers wireless charging, a slightly larger, sharper display (6.8" FHD+ instead of 6.7" HD+), double the RAM (8 GB vs. 4 GB), and a body that's fully waterproof (IP69) and ruggedized to military standards. The moto g will come in Forest Gray or Sapphire Blue, while the moto g power will come in Leaf Green or Slate Gray. Both models will be offered by T-Mobile, Metro by T-Mobile, AT&T, Cricket, Straight Talk, Total Wireless, Walmart for Verizon, and UScellular "in the coming months". The new moto g will also come to Boost Mobile, XFinity Mobile, Consumer Cellular, Google Fi Wireless, Spectrum, and Optimum Mobile, while Consumer Cellular will offer the new moto g power. Both models will also be available online, unlocked, from motorola.com, in late January / early February.
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.
