News
Google Kills Instant Apps
Google is shutting down an Android feature that let users quickly download and use a temporary "mini" version of an app, instead of installing the full app. Instant Apps were not popular with developers, but were useful for game trials or one-time transactions. Google first announced Instant Apps in 2016 and launched it to developers in 2017. Google's newest developer tools include a warning that "Instant Apps support will be removed by Google Play in December 2025".
The Nothing Phone (3) Will Come to US
Nothing has previously made a series of unique phones but shied away from the US market in terms of network support, sales channels, and support. The Phone (3) will be announced July 1 and sold in the US via Amazon and Nothing's web site.
Anker Recalls Popular Power Bank Over Fire Risk
Anker has recalled its PowerCore 10000 power bank (model A1263), which was sold between June 2016 and December 2022 in the United States. Anker has received 19 reports of fires and explosions with this model. The power bank was popular, selling over 1 million units. Owners should immediately stop using the product. Anker is offering affected customers a free replacement power bank (an equivalent newer model) or a $30 gift card for anker.com (the recalled unit sold for about $27). Anker has set up an online form to check for eligibility (by serial number) and submit a claim that includes photos of the recalled power bank.
Verizon Expands Its Dedicated 5G for First Responders
Verizon launched its "Frontline Network Slice" in April in 30 major markets, giving first responders guaranteed network access. Now it expands nationwide to all 50 major markets where Verizon offers 5G Ultra Wideband.
Google Makes Open-Source Android Development More Difficult
Google is taking away a key resource that made it easier for third parties to develop non-Google versions of the Android OS for smartphones. Specifically, Google will no longer publish an "example" version of AOSP (Android Open Source Project) that works as-is on its Pixel phones. Instead, Google will only publish a generic version of AOSP that, as published, only works on a generic virtual device called "Cuttlefish". This means developers working with AOSP no longer have a simple starting point that works on physical hardware. Going forward, developers will need to do significant work just to get AOSP running on any real-world device, before working on whatever they want to customize about the OS. Google's move may be particularly painful for the developers of alternative OSes (based on AOSP) that run on Pixel phones, such as LineageOS, GrapheneOS, and CalyxOS.
Apple Expands Child Safety Protections and Options for Parents
Apple today announced new features for its child-safety and parental controls features in its platforms, including iOS for iPhones. Apple will be expanding its number of age range categories to include under-13, 13+, 16+, and 18+. Apps with an overall rating exceeding a child account's age range will not be featured in the App Store, although they can still be searched, and parents can grant an exception to download. Further, a new Declared Age Range API will let developers query the age range — but not sensitive info like precise age or birth date — to tailor in-app content to be age-appropriate. App Store listings will now show whether an app makes use of this new API, and flag apps that allow messaging or show user-generated content. Apple is expanding its Communication Safety technology to FaceTime and Shared Albums in Photos, so that any nudity detected will automatically be blurred in those apps when using a Child Account. Apple is also changing the process of creating Child Accounts to ensure they are more restricted by default. Controls for parents are also being streamlined in some areas, and expanded with more options in other areas.
Pixel Phones Gain Exclusive new VIPs Widget
Google has started rolling out the "Pixel Drop" software update for Pixel phones for June. Its most prominent new feature is a "VIPs" home-screen widget that integrates with the Contacts app. It lets you designate a small number of contacts as VIPs, who then appear in the widget. Tapping one of these contacts opens a new screen that collects everything about that person, including recent messages, notes, and even location (when shared). It can also show the local time and weather where that person is now. Optionally, VIPs can automatically bypass your do-not-disturb mode.
Android 16 Exits Beta, Now Available on Pixels
Google has put the finishing touches on Android version 16, ending the beta period for the OS. It is now available for Google Pixel phones and will roll out to other brands soon. Notifications get a big update, with the introduction of Live Updates. This new type of notification is dynamic instead of static, updating in real time with progress info. This feature is aimed primarily at ride-share and food delivery apps for now. Also, multiple notifications from the same app will now always appear grouped together, to reduce clutter. Advanced Protection is now a setting available to everyone, instead of a program that requires enrollment. This feature locks down your phone with "an array of robust device security features that protect you from online attacks, harmful apps, unsafe websites, scam calls and more." Android 16 also lays the groundwork for more new features coming "later this year", such as the new desktop mode adapted from Samsung DeX, and "more Material 3 Expressive design updates".
Apple iOS 26 Brings a New Look and Long List of New Features
Apple has revealed iOS 26, the next major version of iOS (the current version is 18). It introduces a major new design language that Apple calls Liquid Glass, which is coming to all Apple devices, not just iPhone. Accompanying the new look is a home screen option with "clear" icons and widgets. Apple has also improved its smart wallpapers to automatically adjust the time size and photo framing to make room for notifications, as well as add 3D effects. The OS intros two major new AI features: Visual Intelligence is now integrated into the screenshot function, making it easy to perform image searches based on whatever is on your screen (instead of just using the camera). It will also offer to automatically create a calendar entry when it detects a date/time. And an "Ask" button lets you ask ChatGPT about what's on your screen. A new Live Translation feature provides real-time language translation for phone calls, messages, and FaceTime. It uses Apple's own AI models. Also in Messages, Apple promises improved AI spam detection, and all messages from unknown senders automatically get sent to a special "unknown sender" folder that doesn't trigger a notification (with exceptions for certain types of time-sensitive messages.) Groups chats also get typing indicators, polls, and custom backgrounds. In the Phone app, a new design puts favs at the top, with a timeline below that, combining recent calls and voicemails. Apple is also borrowing a few ideas from Google with Call Screening and Hold Assist, where the phone can take over annoying parts of calls for you. An all-new Games app shows your Leaderboards and lets you create challenges with your friends. It also shows updates for your existing games, and provides personalized suggestions for new games. The Music app gains AutoMix to blend song transitions like a DJ. It also add Lyrics Translation and Lyrics Pronunciation. CarPlay now supports widgets and Live Activities. Several other apps have been redesigned with simpler controls, including Camera and Safari. Developers also gain access to Apple's own on-device models with the new "Foundation Models framework". Apple is releasing iOS 26 to developers today, with a public beta version expected next month. The final version is expected "this fall". iOS 26 will run on iPhone 11 and later.
Sonim XP Pro Launches on AT&T
After initially launching with Verizon in November, Sonim's XP Pro is now available from AT&T as well. The XP Pro is a rugged Android smartphone with a much sleeker profile than the company's previous rugged smartphones. It has a good upper-mid-range specs, a large portfolio of available accessories, and is manufactured in Taiwan. Sonim recently announced a version of the XP Pro with an integrated FLIR thermal camera, that will come to the US later this year. Sonim also recently launched the XP3plus 5G on T-Mobile, which also adds 5G — among other upgrades — to its main flip-phone model.
Samsung's Next Flagship Foldable Will be Ultra
Samsung announced that it's bringing its "Ultra" branding to its foldable phone lineup soon. The accompanying teaser animation shows a device that opens like a book, similar to the company's current Galaxy Z Fold6 model. It's not clear if this means the company will offer an additional Fold model this year (one Ultra and one non-Ultra), or simply offer one model but apply Ultra branding. Ultra branding usually implies the very highest-end — and most expensive — model in a Samsung lineup, so a price hike for the top model could be in store as well.
Google Kills Off PayPal in Google Wallet
Google Wallet is turning off the ability to link a PayPal account directly with Google Wallet in the US. After June 13, this special integration will only be continue to be available in Germany. Instead, users are encouraged to add a PayPal Debit Mastercard to Google Wallet for roughly similar functionality. PayPal and Google did not give a reason for this change.
Life360 Integrates Tile Tags
Nearly four years after acquiring Tile, Life360 has now fully merged most Tile app functionality into its own Life360 app. Life360 is a family locator app. Tile is the original Bluetooth object-tracking tag that preceded Apple AirTags and similar products. Life360 users can now "add, set up, and manage Tile trackers right inside the Life360 app." Both family members and Tile trackers appear on the same integrated map, with leave-behind alerts and location history. Life360 has also set up a way to connect existing Tile accounts to a new Life360 account.
OnePlus Replaces Alert Slider with Plus Key for AI
OnePlus has announced its new AI strategy that will debut with the forthcoming OnePlus 13s phone. The company is replacing its hallmark alert slider switch with a new shortcut button that can perform a variety of functions, such as switching sound profiles, launching the camera, turning on the flashlight, or initiating AI-powered language translations. But its default function seems to be launching Plus Mind, a new feature that seemingly captures screenshots and then, later, lets you search the content of those screenshots with natural-language AI. The OnePlus 13s will be OnePlus' "first compact flagship". The company announced other new AI features, including call transcription for both regular phone calls and those in third-party apps. A new language translation tool can translate anything on your screen in real time. AI Reframe can crop and reframe existing photos, and even offer versions that appear to be taken from different angles.
Consumer Cellular Launches White-Label Service for MVNOs
Consumer Cellular is launching "Enabler IQ", a turnkey service for brands wishing to launch their own mobile service as an MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator). AT&T will provide the 5G and 4G network for the service, while Consumer Cellular will provide billing, provisioning, logistics, and US-based customer care. Consumer Cellular will also provide web and mobile apps, "configurable to reflect the partner's brand identity." Consumer Cellular says it envisions potential partners that include "retailers, cable operators, device manufacturers, financial institutions, and celebrity endorsers."
Cricket Expands Unlimited Plan Options
Cricket has introduced a new service plan called Simply Unlimited that brings a form of "unlimited data" to a new low price point of $40/month for one line. Previously, its cheapest "Unlimited Plan" was $55/month. Simply Unlimited strips out several perks to reach the lower price, including international texting, Mexico and Canada usage, cloud storage, and the option of a mobile hotspot add-on. Although data is unlimited, it is not what Cricket calls "high-speed data", meaning "Cricket may temporarily slow data speeds if network is busy." Cricket offers a different $40/month plan that includes 10 GB of "high-speed data", although data slows to a paltry 128 Kbps after the 10 GB is used up.
Samsung Details its Next Big Software Update
Samsung has announced One UI 8, its customized version of Android 16. The software is now available in beta for the Galaxy S25 series, with a final version debuting first on new Samsung foldable phones this summer, then rolling out to other Galaxy devices in the following months. One UI 8 includes a new Reminder app, designed to let you "manage all your reminders in one place". You can add items via voice, and "share a list of to-dos ... with the press of a button." The software also makes it easier to connect earbuds to Bluetooth Auracast audio streams via QR codes. Samsung has worked closely with Google to accelerate development and make "One UI 8 one of the first UI platforms to adopt Android 16."
Texas Joins Utah in Mandating App Stores Verify Age
The Texas Governor has signed a new law that requires app stores to verify users' ages and obtain parental approval for a minor to download software or make in-app purchases. Utah enacted a similar law in March. Apple and Google have vocally opposed both laws, insisting that checking IDs for everyone using any app store would be a violation of users' privacy. Apple and/or Google may still challenge the laws in court.
Hands On with the New Moto Edge
Motorola is rounding out its 2025 lineup of phones with the new edge (2025). This mid-range phone has a fancy curved-edge display that gives it a unique look and feel. It helps the phone have thinner bezels, and look and feel extra-thin. What's it like in person? Read on for our hands-on report.
Motorola's new Edge Adds Tele Camera, Among Other Upgrades
Motorola has announced the 2025 edition of its mid-range "edge" phone model. Like most previous generations, it has a curved-edge display, which measures 6.7 inches and has "Super HD" resolution of 1220 x 2712 pixels, with 120 Hz refresh. The battery is now larger, with an unusual 5,200 mAh capacity. It also can charge at up to 68W with the right charger, and has wireless charging. The waterproof rating has been upped to IP69 and it now has military ratings for ruggedness. The camera system has an added telephoto camera (10 megapixel, 3x optical) accompanying a 50 megapixel main camera and wide-angle/macro lens. The processor is now a MediaTek Dimensity 7400, but memory stays the same at 8 GB RAM and 256 GB storage. A new, dedicated AI button on the side can trigger Motorola's unique AI features like "Catch Me Up", which summarizes missed notifications. The front is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 7i, while the back is a "soft leather-inspired finish". The phone comes in one color at launch: a dark green that Pantone call Deep Forest. It will launch unlocked on June 5th for $550, and will also come to T-Mobile, Metro by T-Mobile, Total Wireless, Visible, Spectrum, and Xfinity Mobile.
Trump Expands Tariff Threat to All Smartphones
After threatening a 25% tariff against Apple this morning unless they start making iPhones in the US, President Trump clarified this afternoon that the threat applies to all smartphone makers. The tariffs would start at the end of June.
Trump Threatens 25% Tariff on Apple Unless iPhones are Made in US
The latest salvo in the Trump administration's ever-shifting trade war is a new threat of a 25% tariff on all Apple products manufactured outside the US (which is essentially all Apple products, including iPhones). Trump's initial focus seemed to be China, which is why Apple has spent recent months pivoting its manufacturing plans for US-bound iPhones to manufacturing capacity it has spent years building up in India (and would now expand). Experts say it would take Apple a number of years to build that kind of manufacturing capacity in the US, and would raise the cost of a $1,200 iPhone to "anywhere from $1,500 to $3,500." Apple's current manufacturing capacity in China, India, and Vietnam includes a vast and complex supply chain of local parts suppliers that does not exist in or near the US.
TCL Brings 5G to its Newest Flip Phone
TCL has launched a new flip phone, its first with 5G. The TCL FLIP 4 5G is now available from Metro by T-Mobile. 5G in basic/flip phones is a new trend for 2025. Sonim recently launched the XP3plus 5G on T-Mobile, which also adds 5G (among other upgrades) to its main flip-phone model. The TCL FLIP 4 5G runs KaiOS 4.0 and comes with apps such as Google Maps, Google Search, YouTube, E-Mail, FM Radio, weather, and a web browser. It offers HD Voice and noise cancellation for clear phone calls. It has a 5 megapixel camera with flash, memory card slot, and 3.5mm headset jack. Metro lists a retail price of $80, although many customers may be eligible to get the phone for free.
Samsung DeX Merged Into Android 16
In Google's developer keynote address at its I/O event this week, the company announced that it will bring the desktop-mode feature of high-end Samsung phones to Android 16. Google and Samsung have been working together on the new feature, which is built "on the foundation of Samsung DeX to bring enhanced desktop windowing capabilities in Android 16 for more powerful productivity workflows." The feature lets an Android phone work more like a desktop computer when plugged into an external display. Apps are displayed in resizable windows and users can add a full keyboard and mouse. Google is pushing Android app developers to make their apps "adaptive", or more smoothly compatible with a larger variety of screen shapes and sizes, including this new desktop mode.
FCC Restricts Chinese Companies from Phone Testing Process
The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has adopted new rules that ban any company suspected of having ties to the Chinese government from participating in the process to approve new radio devices — including phones — for use in the US. The FCC already banned the sale of devices manufactured by such companies. To be sold or used legally in the US, all radio-transmitting devices must pass a series of tests prescribed by the FCC. But the FCC does not conduct these tests itself; they are conducted by independent, accredited private labs. The FCC will now limit which entities can perform this testing — and which entities can accredit them — based on "trustworthiness" (in relation to ties to the Chinese government). The evaluations of each company will be based on determinations made by the Defense Department and Department of Commerce.
Fortnite Returns to Apple iOS App Store
Following a years-long legal battle that has fundamentally reshaped the economics of Apple's App Store, the popular game Fortnite has triumphantly returned to the App Store. Fortnite's developer, Epic Games, led the lawsuit against Apple's tight restrictions on third-party payments. Other apps, including Spotify, have also reacted quickly to the legal ruling that forced Apple to loosen those restrictions in the US.
Google Gemini Live AI App Can Now Take Action in Other Apps
Google is adding the ability for Gemini Live to integrate with other Google apps. For example, it can create calendar entries in Google Calendar or make a new list in Google Keep, upon request, based on the output of a conversation.
Spotify Adds Audiobook Purchases in iOS App
Spotify continues to update its iOS app to add newly-allowed purchasing options in the wake of Apple's App Store policy changes following a recent US court ruling on third-party payments. The most recent is the ability to buy individual audiobooks, as well as buy hours of "audiobook listening beyond the 15 hours included in Premium each month". Spotify already made it easier to buy a regular Spotify subscription from the app. The new App Store rules for the US make it easier for apps to direct users to third-party payment options, and Apple no longer collects commissions on payments made outside its ecosystem.
Charter to Merge with Cox
Charter and Cox have announced plans to merge, creating a new, larger cable and internet company. Both companies also offer mobile service for their customers as a bundle offering. The new company will officially be called Cox, but it will adopt Charter's Spectrum brand for consumer-facing services. This will make Spectrum Mobile the new mobile brand for customers of both companies. The merger is subject to regulatory and shareholder approval.
Qualcomm Upgrades its Affordable-Flagship Snapdragon Chipset
Qualcomm today announced the Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 Mobile Platform, a replacement for its existing Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 chip for high-end (but not quite top-end) phones. The new Gen 4 chip offers a 65% improvement in AI performance, 30% faster graphics (GPU) renderings, and 27% better general compute (CPU) performance. The chip also brings several advanced features from the 8 series to the 7 series for the first time, including XPAN Wi-Fi audio technology and on-device stable diffusion generative AI for images. The new chip also improves low-light photography and supports both Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6.0. The first phones using Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 are expected to be announced later this month.
Google "Find Hub" Replaces Find My Device
Google is revamping its find-my-device services into a new Find Hub. The new features will be able to find a lost Android device, or anything with a Google-compatible Bluetooth tracker attached. It can also be used to keep to share your location with family and friends. It's also gaining support for UWB (for high-end phones with that feature). Motorola's Bluetooth trackers will be the first to work with UWB. This feature lets you locate your lost item very precisely — including not just proximity but direction — when nearby. Finally, Google is working to integrate satellite connectivity into Find Hub, "helping you stay connected with friends and family even when you don’t have cellular connectivity."
5G Phones get More Affordable with TCL K32 5G on Metro
The "sub-$100" 5G phone that TCL promised at CES in January has arrived on US shelves with its launch on Metro by T-Mobile. Although Metro lists the full price as $119.99, many customers may be able to get the phone for free, through various promotions. Regardless, the phone marks a new milestone in the affordability of 5G phones in the US. The phone is powered by a Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 chip, which was specifically created to enable more-affordable 5G phones such as this one. The K32 5G has a large 5,010 mAh battery and large 6.7-inch HD+ display. Other specs are entry-level, as expected, including a 13-megapixel camera, 5-megapixel front camera, 4 GB RAM, and 64 GB storage. It does have a memory card slot and 3.5mm headset jack.
Apple Intros New Accessibility Apps, Plus Accessibility "Labels" in App Store
As it does every May for Global Accessibility Awareness Day, Apple has announced a number of new accessibility apps, features, and initiatives. Apple's App Store listings will now include "Accessibility Nutrition Labels", showing which major accessibility features each app supports. This includes VoiceOver, Voice Control, Larger Text, Sufficient Contrast, Reduced Motion, captions, and more. Apple is also introducing Braille Access, a Braille "experience" that can be used to take notes, perform calculations, read books, transcribe conversations, and launch other apps. Accessibility Reader is a new iOS feature "designed to make text easier to read for users with a wide range of disabilities, such as dyslexia or low vision". It gives users "extensive options" for how text is displayed in any app, as well as text in the real world via the Magnifier app and iPhone camera. Apple is also adding many smaller new features across its existing accessibility features, such as Head Tracking, adding new gestures to control your phone, and Name Recognition, "a new way for users who are deaf or hard of hearing to know when their name is being called."
Samsung Fully Reveals 5.8mm-Thick Galaxy S25 Edge
After a brief tease in January, Samsung has finally announced the Galaxy S25 Edge, its thinnest flagship phone to date. A titanium body and Corning Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2 help allow the phone to be just 5.8mm thick. The phone naturally has a smaller battery at just 3,900 mAh, but it does have fast wired and wireless charging. The phone otherwise maintains flagship specs from the S25 series, including the top-end Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chipset, 200 megapixel main camera with OIS, and 12 megapixel ultra-wide camera. Further specs include a 6.7-inch OLED display with QHD+ resolution and 120 Hz refresh, 12 GB of RAM, and IP68 dust and water rating. Color choices include Titanium Silver, Titanium Jetblack and Titanium Icyblue. The phone will be priced starting at $1,099, going on sale May 30. Pre-orders are open now, and include a free upgrade from 256 to 512 GB of storage.
Google Expands Scam Detection on Android Using AI
Google is adding new types of scam detection and protection using on-device AI on Android. Android can already detect scams in progress and warn users in phone calls and messages. Now, the Chrome browser can detect scam-related notifications from web sites. Soon, Google also plans to apply this type of scam detection to whole web sites in Chrome. Google is already rolling this feature out to the desktop version of Chrome, but says "Our goal is to expand this protection to Android devices and even more types of scams in the future."
Android's New Design Guidelines Leaked
Google seems to have accidentally, prematurely published a blog post about its new "Material 3 Expressive" design guidelines for Android. The new templates feature a bolder design with floating toolbars, larger buttons, more color, and more varied shapes and fonts. These guidelines are used by Google for Android itself and its own Google apps, but are also suggested for third-party app developers. Google says the new system is the fruit of extensive research, including "46 separate research studies with hundreds of designs, and more than 18,000 participants from around the world". Google claims multiple benefits, including users being able to perform certain actions up to 4x faster, as well as strong user preference (vs. Apple's iOS Human Interface Guidelines) and "brand coolness".
Samsung Wallet Will Let You Tap Phones to Pay a Friend
Later this month, an update to Samsung Wallet will enable direct peer-to-peer (P2P) cash payments between Samsung phones. The feature requires that both phones have a Visa or Mastercard debit card stored in their Wallet, and moves money directly from one bank account to another, via those debit cards. The transaction can be initiated via NFC — by tapping phones together — or remotely, using a phone number to look up the other person's Samsung account. Someone with a Samsung phone can also send money to someone without one by tapping the recipient's physical debit card to the phone. Apple has a somewhat similar feature called Tap To Cash, although it has its own Apple Cash wallet balance, instead of being tied to bank accounts via debit cards. Google Pay used to offer P2P payments, but discontinued that service last year.
Class-Action Lawsuit Filed on Behalf of iOS Developers
Following a judge's ruling last week that Apple has been in contempt of an earlier injunction ruling regarding its App Store fees, law firm Hagens Berman has started a class-action lawsuit on behalf of iOS developers. "The lawsuit’s named plaintiff is Pure Sweat Basketball Inc., a corporation offering an app used by players across the country to train and improve their basketball skills. Had Apple complied with the injunction, as required, Pure Sweat would have been able to sell subscriptions to its app directly to its customers, using 'link-out' buttons directing customers to Pure Sweat's own website." This significantly impacted Pure Sweat's revenue. The firm estimates that more than 100,000 app developers may have experienced similar harm and may be eligible to join the lawsuit. Apple is appealing the judge's recent contempt ruling, but has already changed its App Store policies in the US to comply.
Apple Updates App Store Rules in US to Comply with Court Order, Developers React
Apple has officially updated its rules and practices for its App Store in the US to allow commission-free third-party payments. This follows a court order on Wednesday demanding such. Apple will no longer demand a cut of payments made through non-Apple systems. Apple will also stop requiring a special "entitlement" approval for in-app links to other payment methods, and will remove other restrictions on such links. These changes only apply in the US. The court case in question was filed by Epic Games, which has promised to bring its Fortnite game back to the Apple App Store soon as a result. Spotify has already updated its app to reflect the changes, showing clear subscription pricing and payment links in its iOS app for the first time. Patreon is also working to update its app in response.
Apple Reprimanded for Illegally Taking a Cut of Third-Party Payments
In the ongoing saga of the Epic Games v. Apple legal case over Apple's App Store fees and rules, the judge has ordered Apple to immediately stop collecting fees on purchases made outside of apps. Further, Apple is no longer allowed to restrict how apps point users to third-party payment options. The judge had already issued injunctions to this effect as long ago as 2021, but Apple's selective interpretation of its obligations amounts to "willful" non-compliance, according to the judge. So much so that the judge has requested that the case be reviewed for possible criminal contempt proceedings. Apple said it would comply, but appeal. Epic Games responded that it will bring its Fortnite game back to Apple's App Store "next week".
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