News
Android Now Supports Digital Credentials Among Apps and Websites
Google announced that the Credential Manager component of Android now supports the OpenID4 industry standard for digital credentials. Android's implementation extends existing digital state ID technology to the whole Android ecosystem, allowing any Android app to issue a digital credential to one or more wallet apps, and any app or web site to request a verifiable credential. The Android OS will now manage such requests with a new interface that lets a user choose among matching credential types from across all installed wallet apps. These credential types can include not just state IDs, but education certifications, insurance policies, memberships, permits, loyalty programs, and more. Companies and apps already onboard include CVS, MyChart by Epic, Uber, Bumble, Samsung Wallet, 1Password, and, of course, Google Wallet.
FCC Cracking Down on Another Loophole Used by Robocallers
The FCC is proposing that all phone calls within the US must maintain caller ID authentication info even when passing through non-IP networks. This will will close a key loophole used by malicious robocallers to disguise their identity and avoid detection. There are three technical proposals to meet this new requirement, two of which the FCC is giving its blessing to, and a third it is still accepting comment on. Most voice traffic moves through IP-based networks, and the FCC has already implemented rules requiring "STIR/SHAKEN" caller ID authentication for that traffic, one of many steps the FCC has taken in the last decade to tackle the scourge of malicious robocalls and scam calls.
Google Improves Age Verification in Google Wallet
Google is rolling out new features in Wallet that make it easier for web sites and apps to verify minimum age in a way that preserves user privacy. The features are tied to digital ID cards, and implement Zero Knowledge Proof (ZKP), a best-practice privacy technology.
Nothing Debuts CMF Phone 2 Pro
Nothing has revealed the CMF Phone 2 Pro, its second phone under its CMF (Color, Material, Finish) sub-brand. Unlike the first CMF phone, this model has decent support for key US network frequency bands (4G and 5G). However, Nothing is still selling the phone in the US as a "test device" under its "beta program", which requires that the customer provide feedback to Nothing, and the phone only carries a 14-day warranty. The phone does have a distinctive design, and offers impressive specs given its $279 price. These include a 6.77" FHD+ AMOLED display with 120 Hz refresh and HDR10+, 5,000 mAh battery, 33W fast charging, MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Pro processor, 8 GB RAM, 256 GB storage, 50 megapixel main camera, 50 megapixel 2x tele camera, 8 megapixel wide camera, Wi-Fi 6, NFC, fingerprint reader, and IP54 dust/water rating. Screws on the back serve as attachment points for accessories. A dedicated "Essential Key" on the side provides quick access to screenshots and voice memos. The CMF Phone 2 Pro is available in orange, black, or white. Pre-orders start today, with shipments starting May 7.
T-Mobile Launches 5G Advanced
T-Mobile announced that it is the first US carrier to roll out new 5G technologies from the 3GPP release 18 standard (also known as 5G Advanced) nationwide. This includes new low-latency technology such as Low Latency, Low Loss, Scalable throughput (L4S), which will improve responsiveness for applications such as gaming, AR/VR, XR, and video calls / conferencing. Another new feature is 5G RedCap (Reduced Capability), which simplifies the 5G standard in ways that make 5G practical for devices like smartwatches and IoT devices. 5G Advanced also brings enhanced location precision features. 5G Advanced brings a long list of other, smaller improvements to the 5G standard in areas like network slicing. Carriers can choose which features to implement on their network, and indeed T-Mobile says it is "blending elements from Releases 17 and 18".
Boost is the Third US Carrier to Offer a TCL NXTPAPER Phone
Boost is now offering the TCL 50 XL NXTPAPER 5G, with TCL's unique "NXTPAPER" matte-finish display technology. Spectrum and C Spire also offer NXTPAPER phones.
Verizon Dedicates 5G Network Capacity to First Responders
Verizon is rolling out network slicing — a new technology introduced with 5G — for first responders, starting with 30 markets around the country. This will give first responders a certain amount of guaranteed network access no matter how busy the network gets. Verizon can also adjust the slice "in real-time based on the operational needs of first responders." Verizon calls this service "the Verizon Frontline Network Slice". T-Mobile rolled out a similar offering last September. The 30 markets include Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta, San Francisco, Tampa, and more.
Hands On with the 2025 Moto razr Lineup
Motorola has new razr flip foldable phones for 2025, and this year there are three — including, perhaps for the first time — a truly flagship-class model. They have a whole lot in common with last year's models, and in fact are difficult to tell apart from the old models, and even from each other. But they have interesting new colors, materials, and textures, and some updates to both the hardware and software. The most important part — the hinge — is a an all-new design in all three. Of course, they're loaded up with more AI features than ever. What else should you know? What are they like in person? Read on for our hands-on report.
Moto Intros razr Ultra, its New Flagship Foldable
Motorola has introduced a fully flagship-level foldable phone with the new razr Ultra. It borrows its design from the existing razr+, with the only obvious external difference being a new AI button on the side, and new finish options including brushed metal sides and real wood (shown) or Alcantara synthetic suede on the back. The specs have all been bumped up compared to the razr+, including the top-end Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, 16 GB of RAM, up to 1 TB of storage, brighter and sharper (Super HD) main display, larger 4,700 mAh battery, faster 68W wired charging, faster 30W wireless charging, and triple 50 megapixel cameras (including a main with a top-end Sony sensor, a wide-angle, and the inner camera). Motorola also introduced 2025 versions of the razr and razr+, although they have minimal changes compared to the 2024 models. The razr has a slightly updated processor, and all three models have new titanium hinge mechanism that Motorola claims is 4x stronger. On the software side, Motorola has updated its Moto AI to include multiple chatbots, including Meta Llama, Google Gemini, Perplexity, and Microsoft Copilot. Meta's Llama can run on-device to power privacy-sensitive AI features of Moto AI, like "Catch Me Up", which summarizes your notifications. The new razr models launch in mid-May. Both T-Mobile and AT&T will offer the new razr+ and razr Ultra. Just about every US carrier except AT&T will offer the more-affordable razr 2025. The razr Ultra will retail for $1300, the razr+ for $1000, and the razr for $700.
Hands On with Anker's Largest "Pocket Size" Power Bank
Anker is well-known for phone chargers, "power bank" battery-powered portable chargers, and charging cables. They have a new flagship power bank for phones — and even larger devices like tablets and laptops — that looks compelling. It has a 9,600 mAh capacity, enough to charge your phone twice, or top up both your phone and laptop. It can charge at up to 65W, which is very fast. It has two USB-C ports, for output or input. And it has a handy flip-out plug for charging it from a wall socket. It also has a full-color display and some configurable settings. We check it out in this quick hands-on report.
TSMC Unveils New, Industry-Leading Chip-Making Process
TSMC has announced its next microchip manufacturing process "node", which it calls A14, equivalent to a 1.4-namometer (nm) scale. Compared to its N2 (2nm) process — entering volume production later this year — A14 "will offer up to 15% speed improvement at the same power, or up to 30% power reduction at the same speed, along with more than 20% increase in logic density." N2, in turn, offers similar performance improvements compared to the 3nm process used for chips in today's flagship phones. TSMC specifically named smartphones as one of the leading applications for the new A14 process. TSMC says A14 development is going smoothly and even ahead of schedule. It plans to enter production with A14 in 2028.
Xfinity Mobile Upgrades Plans, Offers Free Year on Second Line
Xfinity Mobile has launched a new premium plan and added new deals that apply to all plans. The new Unlimited Premium plan replaces Unlimited Plus at the same $50/month price for the first line ($30/month for additional lines). This plan now includes unlimited data instead of 50 GB, 30 GB of high-speed hotspot data instead of 15, and 4K video instead of HD. Xfinity is also adding twice-a-year phone upgrades worth up to $830 with eligible trade-in, as well as spam call blocking. As always, Xfinity Mobile service is only available to customers of Xfinity home internet service. Xfinity is also offering new and existing customers a whole year of Unlimited plan service for free on a second line. For new customers, one line would be full-price and the second one free for a year. For existing customers, the free year is on a new extra line. With this deal, customers can also choose Unlimited Premium on the new second line for just $10/month for a year. Finally, for new customers, Xfinity has also launched a new Device Contract Buyout program offering up to $500 per line when switching from another carrier but still paying off a phone.
Metro's New, Simpler Plans are Mostly a Better Deal
Metro by T-Mobile has rolled out new service plans, with some improving in value. At the low end, the company keeps a Starter plan with 10 GB of high-speed data for $40 (with auto-pay, $5 extra in the first month), taxes and fees included. The only change with the Starter plan is that — like the new T-Mobile plans announced today — all of the new plans come with a five-year price lock guarantee. (However, this guarantee only covers "the price of talk, text and data", so other plan details could potentially change.) Metro's main "Flex" plans are being simplified from three plans that run $50–70/month (for a single line) to just two plans, at $50 or $60 per month. The new Flex Unlimited is the same $50/month price as the old Flex Start plan and has most of the same features, such as "unlimited" data, 8 GB of hotspot data, Scam Shield, and 100 GB of free storage with Google One. New is regular phone upgrades via trade-in, plus the price guarantee. The premium Flex Unlimited Plus plan replaces Flex Plus, priced at $60/month instead of $70, while adding HD video. It also includes everything in the old Flex Plus plan, such as 25 GB of hotspot data, international texting, and Amazon Prime included. Of course it also includes the new phone upgrade program and price guarantee. Multi-line discounts are available. For example, for a family of four, the Flex Unlimited Plus is $35/month/line. A new plan exclusively for new customers switching to Metro is the Starter Plus plan, which is $40/month for a single line. Uniquely, this price does not require auto-pay. It does include "unlimited" 5G data, a major perk over the regular $40/month Starter plan. Also, this plan features multi-line discounts, as low as $25/month/line for four lines. Metro is also keeping and even expanding its $25/month bring-your-own-device (BYOD) plans for new customers. (That price requires auto-pay.) These plans include unlimited data if the customer ports over their existing phone number, and 10 GB data if they do not. All of Metro's "unlimited" data plans have the footnote "you may notice slower speeds when our network is busy" after using 35 GB in a month.
T-Mobile Simplifies Plans
T-Mobile is eliminating two of its cheaper service plans: Essentials Saver and Go5G, while replacing Go5G Plus with Experience More, and replacing the top-end Go5G Next with Experience Beyond. The existing Essentials plan remains unchanged, and becomes the company's new cheapest plan at $60/month for a single line. (The old Essentials Saver was $50/month.) The new Experience More plan is $85/month for a single line — compared to $90 for Go5G Plus — but taxes and fees are no longer included. T-Mobile is also boosting high-speed mobile hotspot data from 50 GB to 60 GB, and promising a five-year price lock. (The price lock applies to "the price of their talk, text and data", implying that other plan features could change.) Otherwise, Experience More is the same as the Go5G Plus plan it replaces. The new top-end plan is Experience Beyond, which carries the same $100 price as the old Go5G Next, but, again, taxes and fees are no longer included. It does greatly increase the high-speed data allotments for hotspot (now 250 GB) and international (30 GB in North America; 15 GB in the rest of the world). T-Mobile is also now extending its "third line free" deal to this top-end plan, and offering the same five-year price lock guarantee. Both "Experience" plans keep key features of the old premium plans like unlimited premium data, regular phone upgrades, unlimited talk and text in North America, some high-speed international data, and free in-flight Wi-Fi with select airlines. T-Mobile is also including its new satellite coverage service with the top-end plan, while Experience More has the service included just through the end of this year. All of these plans offer discounts for additional lines.
Two New "Mindful" Phones Sport E-Paper Displays
This month, both Minimal and Mudita have launched new minimalist phones that are designed to discourage excessive screen time primarily by having the main touch display use e-ink / e-paper display technology, which is typically slow to refresh and does not work well with scrolling. The Mudita Kompakt takes a traditional approach of a custom OS with limited features, including calling, texting, camera, e-reader, and maps. A switch on the side activates "Offline+" mode, which cuts off the cellular modem and microphones at the hardware level. It has a 4.3-inch display, 3,300 mAh battery with up to 6 days of standby battery life, wireless charging, 32 GB of expandable storage, 3.5mm headset jack, 8 megapixel camera, and IP54 dust/water rating. A version specifically for North America will starting shipping in May for $439. The Minimal Phone takes a different approach, with a full version of Android, including Google's Play Store, plus a physical QWERTY keyboard. It also has a 4.3-inch display, 3.5mm headset jack, and expandable storage. Besides the QWERTY keyboard, it also has a touch "navigation bar" between the display and keyboard, plus a 5 megapixel front camera. It also has NFC supporting Google Pay, a 16 megapixel main camera, fingerprint reader in the side lock button, and comes in either 6 / 128 GB or 8 / 256 GB memory configurations. It also ships in May, starting at $399 for pre-orders for a limited time ($499 normally). These phones join the same growing category as the Light Phone III, launched last month.
Meta Disables Apple Intelligence in Facebook and Other Apps
Meta has apparently disabled Apple Intelligence features in Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and WhatsApp. This includes writing tools and Genmoji. App developers can opt out of Apple Intelligences for their iOS apps, and Meta appears to have done just that. Meta has been pushing its own AI features in recent years.
Google Rolls Out Free Gemini Live with Vision to All Android Users
Google is expanding the free version of its Gemini AI app for Android to include Gemini Live with camera and screen share. This lets you ask Gemini about anything on your phone's screen, or anything your phone's camera can see.
Chipolo's New Bluetooth Tracker is Cross-Platform
Chipolo has introduced its newest Bluetooth tracking tag: the Chipolo Pop. Following Pebblebee, Chipolo has made its new trackers cross-platform, meaning they work with either Apple Find My or Google's Find My Device network. The Pop has a simple round "chip" design that comes in six colors. They're rated IP55 for splash protection. The CR2032 battery (the same used by Apple AirTags) is user-replaceable and lasts up to one year. They have a range of 300 feet, but can be found globally via either of the Find My networks. Chipolo also offers its own app, which offers features like adjusting the tracker's ringtone, and using the tracker's button to locate your lost phone, or as a remote trigger for your phone's camera. The Chipolo Pop is on sale now for $29, or $89 for four (under $23 each).
Samsung Updates its Rugged Enterprise Phone
Samsung today announced the Galaxy XCover7 Pro, its newest rugged phone targeted at business customers across various industries. Compared to the XCover6 it replaces, it sports a much newer Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chipset, and larger battery at 4,350 mAh. Most other specs are similar, including a waterproof, rugged body, with Gorilla Glass Victus+ protecting a 6.6-inch FHD+ display that works with gloves and when wet. It has 6 GB RAM and 128 GB storage (expandable). It can charge in a dock using POGO pins, and the battery is user-replaceable. It also comes with Wi-Fi 6E, NFC, Bluetooth 5.4, fingerprint reader, a 50 megapixel main camera, and an 8 megapixel wide-angle camera. It has two programmable shortcut buttons: one on the top and one on the side. It will be available in the US on May 8th.
Smartphones in Limbo Under New Tariff Plans
On Friday, US Customs and Border Patrol issued a notice saying that smartphones, computers and some other electronic devices would be exempt from most new tariffs. By the end of the weekend, the administration started to walk back the exemption, when Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick characterized the exemption as only a "temporary reprieve". He indicated that smartphones would be included in new "semiconductor tariffs" coming in "a month or two", adding "These are things that are national security that we need to be made in America."
AT&T Offers Free Pixel Buds with Pixel 9a
The Google Pixel 9a is available starting today from all three major national carriers, as well as US Cellular and Xfinity Mobile. Existing AT&T customers can snag a free pair of Google Pixel Buds A-Series Bluetooth earbuds with their new Pixel 9a when purchased online. New customers can also get the free earbuds, provided they sign up for a postpaid service plan of at least $60.99/month (before Autopay and Paperless Bill discounts). However, AT&T is charging $520 for the Pixel 9a, while Google and all other carriers are charging the originally-announced price of $500. The free earbuds offer is available through April 24.
AT&T Ending Email-to-SMS Service
AT&T has put up a new support page stating that the company will switch off its email-to-text and text-to-email gateway. Currently, people can send an email to an address such as 5551234567@txt.att.net or 5551234567@mms.att.net to send a text message or MMS to any AT&T customer. After June 17, that service will no longer work. AT&T will also be shutting down the corresponding service for Cricket customers. Verizon and T-Mobile offer similar services, and have not announced plans to discontinue them.
This Year's moto g stylus is a Better Value
Motorola has revealed the 2025 edition of the $400 phone in its lineup: the moto g stylus. This year's model supports super-fast 68W charging, up from 30W last year (the 68W charger is sold separately). Motorola claims the 68W charging can give the phone a day's worth of power in just 15 minutes. The 2025 model also adds IP68 waterproofing and military-grade ruggedness ratings. The display is also sharper, with a unique resolution of 1220 x 2712 pixels, which Motorola calls "Super HD". The processor has been upgraded to a Snapdragon 6 Gen 3, and the Wi-Fi is faster with support for Wi-Fi 6E. Naturally, it has a built-in stylus, which Motorola claims is now 6.4x more responsive. Like last year's model, it has a 50 megapixel main camera with OIS, 13 megapixel wide-angle camera, and 32 megapixel front camera. What looks like a third camera is actually a 3-in-1 light sensor for the camera system. The phone comes with 8 GB RAM and either 128 or 256 GB of storage, with a memory card slot for adding up to 1 TB of storage. It also has a 5,000 mAh battery, wireless charging (15W), and a 3.5mm headset jack. This year's color options are PANTONE Gibraltar Sea (navy) and PANTONE Surf the Web (bright purple). The moto g stylus (2025) will be available unlocked starting at $400 on April 17th. It will also be offered by Metro, Verizon, Visible, Total Wireless, Straight Talk, AT&T, Cricket, Spectrum, Consumer Cellular, UScellular, Xfinity Mobile, Google Fi, Optimum, and Boost.
Verizon Promises Free Satellite Text Messaging, 3-Year Price Lock
Verizon today is announcing that all customers on a current myPlan service plan will received guaranteed free satellite text messaging on qualifying devices. The company is also introducing a new three-year price lock guarantee for all myPlan customers. This applies to both new and existing customers, and starts fresh when a customer changes plans.
T-Mobile Drops DEI to Get Deals Approved by FCC
The FCC has approved T-Mobile's deal to effectively acquire fiber-to-the-home provider Lumos. New FCC chair Brendan Carr has publicly threatened to block merger & acquisition deals in telecom with companies that promote DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion), and opened official FCC probes into DEI programs at both Comcast and Verizon. As recently as March 26th, T-Mobile had a dedicated Diversity and Inclusion page on its public web site; that has now been taken down. On March 27th, Mark Nelson, T-Mobile EVP and General Counsel, sent a letter to the FCC saying "T-Mobile is conducting a comprehensive review of its DEI policies, programs, and activities." The next day, March 28th, the FCC approved the Lumos deal. T-Mobile and AT&T are also working to gain FCC approval for buying up various parts of US Cellular.
Visible Reshuffles Premium Plans
Visible has tweaked its premium Visible+ plan and added a new, even-more-premium Visible+ Pro plan. (The baseline Visible plan remains unchanged.) The Visible+ plan stays at $35/month (taxes & fees included), but now has unlimited premium 4G and 5G data (including "Ultra Wideband") on Verizon's network, instead of the previous 50 GB/month cap on premium data. It also now includes unlimited data while roaming in Mexico & Canada, instead of the previous cap of 2 GB/day. Streaming video quality also improves to 1080p instead of 720p. However, smartwatch service is no longer included in the Visible+ plan, nor is free international calling and texting. Those perks are now reserved for the new, $45/month Visible+ Pro plan, which also includes even faster mobile hotspot service, 4K streaming video, and two days of Global Pass international roaming per month (instead of just one day/month with the Visible+ plan). Existing customers already on a Visible+ plan will see no changes; they will continue to receive a "legacy" version of the Visible+ plan.
You'll Soon be Able to Set WhatsApp as Your Default Phone & Messaging App on iPhone
In iOS 18.2, Apple added an option to designate a third-party app as the default for calling and/or messaging. Now, third-party apps are starting to support the feature, starting with WhatsApp. The latest beta version of WhatsApp can be set as your default messaging app, default voice calling app, or both. Presumably, the feature will come to the non-beta version of WhatsApp soon. Apple initially developed the feature to appease EU regulators and was expected to limit it to that region, but later rolled out the feature worldwide. It is now part of a whole section in Settings for "Default Apps" that also includes email, Call Filtering, web browser, and Passwords & Codes.
The Minimalist Light Phone III Adds a Camera
The Light Phone III is now available for pre-order. This minimalist phone supports basic phone and text messaging features, but does not support apps, social media, or email. A curated set of essential features is designed with privacy in mind. These includes Directions, for step-by-step navigation via car or public transit, powered by Here. It also includes Directory, for finding basic info about businesses, powered by Google Places. It can also do voice-to-text transcription, powered by Rev.ai. It also supports music, podcasts, a calendar, audio and text notes, a timer, and alarms. Compared to the Light Phone II, the new model adds a simple 50 megapixel camera with dedicated two-stage shutter button, matte OLED display (instead of e-ink), metal frame, USB-C, fingerprint security, flashlight, and 5G. The Directions feature has been revamped to continuously update in real time, taking advantage of the OLED display. 5G is useful for the mobile hotspot feature as well as general future-proofing. It is sold unlocked and supports all three top US networks, (4G and 5G, in almost all frequency bands). The battery is also user-replaceable. Although not enabled at launch, it also has a front-facing camera and NFC hardware, so that a future software update can bring video calling and tap payments. The Light Phone III also sports a clickable, physical scroll wheel on the side. The phone is powered by a Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 processor and comes with 6 GB RAm and 128 GB storage. It's rated IP54 for dust and water. Its full price is $799, although it's currently available for $599 for a limited time. Pre-orders placed today should ship in July. (Earlier pre-orders will ship sooner.)
Utah Age-Verification Bill Signed Into Law
Utah Governor Spencer Cox has officially signed a law requiring app stores to verify user's ages and obtain parental consent for users under 18. Apple and Google oppose the law and may still challenge it in court.
FCC Proposes Stricter Rules for Vertical Location of 911 Callers
The FCC is drafting new rules that would require cellular service providers to report the vertical location of cell phones calling (or texting) 911 in a more useful measurement of Height Above Ground Level. They are also working to strengthen the testing and certification requirements of this technology in various environments (urban vs. rural).
Spectrum and Xfinity Launch Satellite SOS and Messaging
Spectrum Mobile and Xfinity Mobile have both launched emergency messaging via satellite for the Samsung Galaxy S25 series and Google Pixel 9 series Android phones. In the coming weeks, they will also launch non-emergency text messaging via satellite. The service offers basic connectivity in cellular dead zones, and uses the NTN satellite feature of those specific phones. Both Spectrum and Xfinity use Verizon's network, and Verizon enabled non-emergency satellite messaging just yesterday. All three companies rely on Skylo to provide this satellite service. NTN is an industry standard and specific technology found only in some phones, that lets a phone communicate directly with existing satellite networks, much like Apple's proprietary satellite features on iPhone. Other satellite services for phones (Starlink and AST SpaceMobile) offer greater phone compatibility, but require new satellites to be launched.
Verizon Launches Non-Emergency Satellite Messaging
As announced and promised last August, Verizon is now launching non-emergency text messaging via satellite in cellular dead zones for compatible Android phones. Currently, phones compatible with this NTN technology include the Google Pixel 9 series and the Samsung Galaxy S25 series. Verizon already offers emergency SOS and location sharing via satellite for these phones. Verizon is also working with AST SpaceMobile to offer expanded satellite service within two years, including more types of services and greater phone compatibility.
Google Intros Pixel 9a
Google has announced its newest mid-range Pixel phone, the Pixel 9a. At $499, it's significantly more affordable than $799 Pixel 9. Upgrades over last year's Pixel 8a include a display that's 35% brighter, an IP68 water-resistance rating (improved from IP67), macro camera mode, and a the same new Google Tensor G4 chip as the Pixel 9, bringing with it a full suite of Gemini Nano and Gemini Live AI features. It also comes with hallmark Pixel features like Car Crash Detection, a free VPN service, and seven years of software updates. Google also offers Family Link for parental controls and now Google Wallet For Kids with parental controls. The Pixel 9a has a 6.3-inch display with 120 Hz refresh, 48 megapixel main camera, 13 megapixel wide-angle camera, and 128 GB storage. A version with 256 GB storage is also available for $100 more. It will be available in April in Obsidian (black) or Iris (purple). Google, Verizon, and AT&T will sell it. Google is also the selling exclusive colors Porcelain (white) and Peony (pink), but only with 128 GB storage.
T-Mobile Reaches New 5G Speed Record
T-Mobile has achieved a record-breaking downlink (download) data speed of 4.3 Gbps on its 5G network using a Samsung Galaxy S25 in real-world conditions. The test leverages T-Mobile's 5G SA (stand-alone) network and six-carrier aggregation (6CA). 6CA is a relatively new feature of 5G. It was a little over a year ago that T-Mobile announced the world's first 6CA connection, reaching 3.6 Gbps at the time. While the commercially-available Galaxy S25 uses a Qualcomm Snapdragon X80 modem, T-Mobile also performed tests using Qualcomm's forthcoming X85 modem on a test device, and achieved even faster speeds of 6.3 Gbps on the downlink. Qualcomm expects phones using the X85 to reach the market "in the second half of this year."
T-Mobile Raising Rates on Old Plans Again
T-Mobile is raising rates on some of its older service plans by $5/line. The company did something similar with a different set of old plans last year. All affected customers should have received notice last Thursday. The company refused to explain exactly which customers were affected, saying "Not every customer on every plan is impacted, in fact, the majority of our customers are not included." The change goes into effect April 2nd. Verizon and AT&T have also raised rates on old plans in recent years, in one way or another.
Google Assistant Going 100% AI with Gemini
Google announced plans to infuse its Gemini generative AI into Google Assistant almost everywhere Assistant is available, including older mobile devices. Effectively, Gemini will replace Assistant. The change also applies to other types of devices, including tablets, home speakers, watches, and cars.
Apple Pledges to Support Encryption in New RCS Standard
The RCS industry standard for enhanced messaging has been updated to officially support standardized End-to-End Encryption (E2EE). Further, Apple has committed to support it in future implementations of RCS in iOS. This will greatly improve the security and privacy of cross-platform messaging between iPhones and Android phones. Google launched its own implementation of E2EE for RCS in 2020, but the feature was not officially part of the RCS standard until now, with GSMA's RCS Universal Profile 3.0. That is why Google's E2EE feature only worked when both parties were using Google's Messages app. Now, this standardized version of E2EE should enable it for more RCS conversations. Apple has not committed to a specific timeline for adding E2EE to RCS.
Android Gaining Support for Auracast with Newer Bluetooth Hearing Aids
The newest beta version of Android introduces a new feature that lets certain supported phones — such as the Pixel 9 series — use Auracast with Bluetooth hearing aids that support it. Auracast is a broadcast audio technology that lets many Bluetooth audio devices (such as earbuds and hearing aids) tune in to the same audio source at one time. The technology is starting to roll out in places like train stations, theaters, and gyms. Auracast is an optional part of LE Audio, the new Bluetooth audio standard. Samsung has also enabled Auracast for compatible hearing aids with its One UI 7 software on Galaxy devices. Google is also adding a feature to Pixel phones that lets users tune in to a specific local Auracast stream by a scanning a QR code. Last year, Google added Auracast info to Google Maps, to help people find nearby locations that offer the technology.
Android 16 Hits Critical Milestone Toward Release
The third public beta version of Android 16 is available now, and brings "platform stability", which means developers can begin finalizing and releasing apps that are specifically designed to be compatible with Android 16. The final version of Android 16 is expected as soon as May.
New Project Aims to Detect When Police are Using a Stingray
The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) has released a new software tool that it hopes can alert people (such as protesters) when someone (such as police) may be operating an IMSI catcher (commonly known by the brand name Stingray) nearby. An IMSI catcher pretends to be a cell phone base station (tower) and records the unique identifiers of phones nearby that automatically attempt to connect to it. This new tool from the EFF — called Rayhunter — is designed to run on a specific Orbic Speed mobile hotspot device that can be found used online for as little as $10. The interface for using the software is web-based, and needs to be accessed from a different device, either via Wi-Fi or USB.
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