News
TikTok Returns to App Stores
Apple and Google have both made TikTok available to download once again from their respective app stores. Almost a year ago, congress passed a law effectively banning the app over national security concerns, and President Biden signed it. TikTok challenged the law in court, but the effort failed, with the US Supreme Court upholding the law. In spite of this, President Trump's new US Attorney General Pam Bondi sent a letter to both Apple and Google assuring the companies that the ban would not be enforced, at least for now.
Apple Brings Apple TV+ to Android
Apple has launched an Android version of its Apple TV app, allowing people to watch the Apple TV+ and MLS Season Pass streaming services on their Android device. Apple TV+ includes Apple original TV shows like Severance, Slow Horses, Masters of the Air, and Ted Lasso, as well as original films like Wolfs and Killers of the Flower Moon. MLS Season Pass streams every Major League Soccer match, for all 30 clubs, with no blackouts. Apple TV is available now from the Google Play app store.

Google Makes Useful Parental Controls Part of Android
Google has announced a major update to its Family Link service that adds "School Time" and parent-managed contacts for Android phones. This brings Family Link much closer to a complete service for parents, that previously would have required a third-party Android device with specialized software, such as a Pinwheel or Bark phone. School Time lets parents set a schedule for extra restrictions during school hours to reduce distractions, with custom exceptions for apps that may be useful at school. Family Link also lets parents manage screen time, apps, web sites, and videos. It also includes location tracking. While Family Link can manage kids' "supervised" Google accounts, Google also announced a new AI-powered system that will attempt to guess the age of any Google account holder. This will enable Google to deliver an age-appropriate experience even for accounts that kids create on their own.

Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 Brings More AI to Mid-Range Phones
Qualcomm has introduced the Snapdragon 6 Gen 4, its newest chip to power mid-range smartphones. It offers across-the-board improvements compared to the 6 Gen 3, including 11% better CPU performance, 29% better GPU (graphics) performance, and 12% "power savings" for better battery life. (Even though it uses the same 4nm manufacturing process.) On the AI front, the Gen 4 brings new capabilities to the Snapdragon 6 series for the first time. This includes new on-device generative AI capabilities, AI-based background noise cancellation, and INT4 precision for faster / more efficient AI operations. Also new are Bluetooth 5.4 with LE Audio, triple-frequency location service (GPS), and support for 144 Hz display refresh. The 6 Gen 4 can also output 4K to an external display and includes new features for 4K gaming. The first phones using the Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 are expected to be announced "in the coming months".
T-Mobile Opens Up Satellite Service to Non-T-Mobile Customers
T-Mobile has opened up its new satellite coverage service to everyone in the US as the next phase of its beta testing program. The service is free for anyone who signs up (even Verizon and AT&T customers), until July. The company also announced pricing for the service when it fully launches this July. T-Mobile's satellite coverage is unique as the first to launch that works with existing phones. Starting in July, T-Mobile will include the service with its most premium plans. Other T-Mobile customers will be able to add it for $15/month. Customers of other carriers will be able to sign up for $20/month. T-Mobile has partnered with SpaceX on the service, which is a recent upgrade to its Starlink network. AT&T and Verizon are beginning to test a similar service that works with existing phones, in partnership with AST SpaceMobile, but full launch could be up two years away.
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.
Qi2 Wireless Charging Gains Momentum with Samsung Adoption, New Features
The Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) provided a status update on the Qi2 wireless charging standard. Samsung has committed to including Qi2 in Samsung Galaxy Android devices in 2025. Android phone makers have previously been slow to adopt the standard. Apple iPhones include Qi2, which is based on a combination of the original Qi and Apple's MagSafe. Qi2 uses magnets for better alignment, and supports faster 15-watt charging. WPC announced that Qi v2.1 will include a "Qi2 Ready" designation for phones and phone cases. When a Qi2 Ready phone is used with its corresponding Qi2 Ready case, the combination will fully support Qi2. The Qi v2.1 specification will also include support for a moving coil in automotive applications. Instead of relying on magnets for alignment, the coil built into the car would physically move as it "looks for the phone's exact location, so it can lock in a perfect connection every time". WPC also mentioned Qi v2.2, which will include "high-power wireless charging technology" contributed by Google. Google says it "is committed to the Qi2 wireless charging standard and increasing the penetration of Qi2 into Android handsets", but stopped short of promising to include the tech in its own Pixel phones this year.

TCL Teases Sub-$100 5G Phone, Next NXTPAPER Phone
TCL is using CES to give the first official glimpse of two new phones it plans to launch later in 2025. The TCL K32 (shown on right) will be TCL's first 5G phone "under $100". It will launch exclusively in the US, but not until September. Other details will be announced closer to release. The TCL 60 XE NXTPAPER 5G will be TCL's first phone for the US with both a matte-finish NXTPAPER display and a dedicated NXTPAPER Key to switch the phone into "Max Ink Mode", which mimics an e-ink display. The display measures 6.8 inches, with FHD+ resolution and up to 120 Hz refresh. The phone also has 8 GB RAM, 256 GB storage, a 50 megapixel main camera, and a 32-megapixel front camera. It will launch first in Canada in May at $199, with a US release to follow.

Your Phone Can Now Automatically Unlock Your Front Door
Schlage has introduced a new smart deadbolt with Ultra Wideband (UWB) technology. UWB is a radio feature of popular high-end smartphones that is often used to let your phone unlock your car. With the new Schlage Sense Pro Smart Deadbolt, your phone can unlock your home in the same hands-free way. The lock can "intelligently calculate speed, trajectory and motion, ensuring seamless, intuitive entry that understands intent to enter and unlocks precisely as the user reaches their door." The lock can also be activated via NFC tap or the built-in keypad. It also features Matter-over-Thread for smart home integration. The Sense Pro will be available "later this year", pricing TBA. Phones with UWB include recent Apple iPhones, Samsung Galaxy S "Plus" and "Ultra" models, and Google Pixel "Pro" models.

The Motorola/Bullitt Satellite Dongle is Now the HMD Offgrid
Following the collapse of Bullitt a year ago, HMD has picked up the rights to the Motorola Defy Satellite Link, and will release a tweaked version called the HMD Offgrid. The small Bluetooth device gives any Android or iPhone satellite connectivity where cellular service isn't available. HMD claims to have enhanced the service with better coverage, better plans, and new enterprise features. They also redesigned the SOS button to reduce accidental presses. The basic functions are otherwise similar. It can automatically share live location data with up to five contacts. Its messaging function works from the dedicated app, but you can text any phone number, and messages you send come from your phone number. It can be configured to share location at intervals from every three minutes to four hours. With 30 minute intervals, the 600 mAh battery can last at least three days. The device is rated IP68 and military-grade rugged. In the US, service is available up to 70 miles from shore (coverage includes Hawaii and Alaska). The Offgrid connects to the Viasat network through a partnership with Skylo. Focus Point handles SOS response, and they have partnered with Overwatch X for rescue operations when necessary (at no additional charge). The device goes on sale this month for $199 from hmd.com. Service plans start at $80/year for the "Freedom" plan which includes unlimited manual check-ins and 350 messages. Live tracking costs 10¢ per ping. A higher-end "Unlimited" plan runs $15/month for unlimited messages, check-ins, and SOS services. Live tracking can be added to that plan for $5/month. Activation fees may also apply.
Court Strikes Down FCC's Net Neutrality Rules
A U.S. appeals court ruled today that the Federal Communications Commission did not have legal authority to reinstate landmark "net neutrality" rules. The rules were first established in 2015, then killed in 2018. Biden sought to revive them in his term and succeeded in April. The incoming administration is unlikely to appeal the decision. Net-neutrality advocates could appeal the decision to the Supreme Court, but FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel called on Congress to pass a Net Neutrality law.

Samsung Intros Entry-Level Phone for 2025: the Galaxy A16 5G
Samsung has announced the Galaxy A16 5G, the company's primary entry-level 5G model for the year, retailing for $200. The phone launches in one week, on January 9th. Key improvements compared to the A15 it replaces include a larger display (6.7" FHD+ AMOLED instead of 6.5"), and IP54 dust/splash resistance rating. It also switches to a Samsung Exynos 1330 processor chip instead of a MediaTek chip. Other specs remain similar, including a 5,000 mAh battery with 25W fast charging, 50 megapixel main camera, 5 megapixel wide camera, 13 megapixel front camera, 4 GB RAM, 128 GB storage (expandable), and NFC. The A16 comes with Android 14 and a promise of 6 generations of OS upgrades and 6 years of security updates. The A15 was offered by nearly every wireless carrier in the US, and the A16 is expected to receive similarly wide distribution. Samsung offers two color choices: Blue Black and Light Gray. For a limited time, Samsung is offering 50% off the new Galaxy Fit3 fitness tracker (normally $60) when you purchase both devices together from samsung.com.
NSO Group Found Liable for Hacking WhatsApp to Install Spyware
A federal judge in California has declared that Israel-based NSO Group violated the U.S. Computer Fraud and Abuse Act when it designed its Pegasus phone spyware to leverage Meta's WhatsApp servers. NSO sells Pegasus to governments and law enforcement around the world. One of the ways Pegasus spyware can be installed on a victim's phone is via a modified WhatsApp client that uses WhatsApp servers. The spyware is installed remotely and silently, without user interaction. Meta claims that happened to more than a thousand targeted phones. The case will continue, to determine the civil damages owed by NSO. The case could be appealed.
Qualcomm Scores Partial Win in Arm IP Case
The current Arm lawsuit against Qualcomm over its newest CPU designs has ended with a jury finding partly in favor Qualcomm. This means Qualcomm can continue selling the Snapdragon 8 Elite and other chips that use the new Oryon CPU architecture, the fruit of its acquisition of Nuvia in 2021. Arm alleged that Qualcomm improperly transferred CPU design licenses when it acquired Nuvia. The jury found that Qualcomm did not breach its license with Arm and that Qualcomm's current chips are properly licensed. However the jury could not agree on whether Nuvia breached its license with Arm. This opens the door for another lawsuit, which Arms claims it will pursue.
T-Mobile Opens Beta Program for Satellite Coverage
T-Mobile has launched a registration web page where any voice customer can sign up to potentially beta-test the company's forthcoming satellite coverage service. A limited number of spots are available in the program, so not everyone that signs up may be selected. The service enables two-way text messaging in areas where T-Mobile's land-based cellular network doesn't reach. It's powered by a constellation of 330 (and counting) new Starlink satellites that act like cell towers in space. Unlike some other satellite messaging services, it works with existing phones, doesn't require pointing your phone at a particular spot in the sky, and doesn't require a special messaging app. This step follows formal FCC permission to launch the service less than a month ago.
Android Gains More Robust Protection Against Unknown Bluetooth Trackers
Google today announced three new upgrades to help Android users deal with unknown Bluetooth tracking devices (potentially used for stalking and other surreptitious location tracking.) Both Android and iOS will detect an unknown Bluetooth tracking device making the same movements as a phone, and show an "unknown tracker" alert to the user. This detection is now cross-platform, thanks to a multi-year effort by Google and Apple. Recently, Google tweaked this technology to make these alerts happen "faster and more often." Second, Find Nearby now works with unknown trackers, to interactively help you pinpoint the tracking device quickly and precisely. Previously, users could only see its general location on a map and make it play a sound. Apple made similar changes to iOS in 2022. Finally, a new option lets users "Temporarily Pause Location" on your phone for up to 24 hours. Since Bluetooth trackers rely on other nearby Bluetooth devices — like your own phone — to track location, this prevents your own phone from being used against you, until you can find and disable the unwanted tracking device.
Verizon Gives Premium Customers More Reliable Video Calls
Verizon today announced "Enhanced Video Calling", a network feature that provides guaranteed bandwidth for certain customers' video calls even when and where the network is congested. The feature is now included with the Unlimited Ultimate and Business Unlimited Pro 5G plans. Currently, it only works with iPhone (14 or newer, running the just-released iOS 18.2). It works automatically with "applications like Facetime, WhatsApp and Zoom". The feature utilizes a feature of 5G networks called network slicing.

Today's iOS Update Includes Major New Apple Intelligence Features
Apple has released iOS 18.2, which finally brings several major Apple Intelligence (AI) features, announced as part of iOS 18, to iPhones that support it (iPhone 16 series and 15 Pro models.) This includes Image Playground, Genmoji, Visual Intelligence, and ChatGPT integration in Writing Tools. Image Playground — available both as a standalone app and within Messages — lets users generate an image from a text description and/or from a photo input. The resulting images are stylized rather than photo-realistic. Genmoji works similarly, accepting text or a photo of a person as input within the emoji keyboard, creating a completely custom "emoji" that can be added inline to messages, or shared as a sticker or reaction in a Tapback. Visual Intelligence — exclusive to the iPhone 16 series with its Camera Control — functions similarly to Google Lens. It "can summarize and copy text, translate text between languages, detect phone numbers or email addresses with the option to add to contacts, and more". It can also forward an image to Google or ChatGPT for more advanced image-based searches. ChatGPT integration in the system-wide Writing Tools enables more advanced text manipulation and generation, as well as complex image generation. Apple has added privacy protections so that a ChatGPT account is not required, OpenAI will not store requests, will not use the data for model training, and users cannot be tracked across sessions. Apple promises additional Apple Intelligence features in the coming months, including making Siri smarter, more context-aware, and more capable.
FCC Prepares to Block Companies That Don't Block Robocalls
The FCC is taking the final step in its plan to tackle the problem of nuisance and illegal robocalls once and for all. 2,411 voice service providers face being cut off from the US phone network as a result. These companies have failed to properly file certification in the Robocall Mitigation Database to demonstrate their level of STIR/SHAKEN implementation and describe their robocall mitigation plans. Voice providers that do comply with these new FCC rules will be required block call traffic from non-compliant providers. The FCC is also proposing to "increase accountability" by instituting base fines of $10,000 for submitting false or inaccurate information to the Robocall Mitigation Database, and a $1,000 fine for failing to keep information current. "In addition, today, the bipartisan 51-attorney general Anti-Robocall Multistate Litigation Task Force put a number of providers on notice following state investigations."
Starlink Completes Direct-to-Cell-Phone Satellite Constellation
SpaceX announced last week that a recent rocket launch — carrying 20 new Starlink satellites — marks the completion of its first satellite constellation offering Direct-To-Cell capability. The company has been launching new Starlink satellites with Direct-To-Cell all year. Now that the constellation is complete, it should be able to offer continuous service nationwide. SpaceX and T-Mobile have been testing the service using the partially-built network. The companies recently received FCC permission to commercially launch the service, and T-Mobile is expected to enable it for customers soon. The service works with existing phones and automatically provides coverage in "dead zones" of the land-based cellular network. It currently supports text messaging over 4G LTE. SpaceX will continue launching mare Direct-To-Cell satellites in 2025, increasing capacity and enabling voice and data service at some point in 2025.
TikTok Loses Crucial Appeal, Faces US Ban in One Month
A federal court has denied TikTok's appeal of a new law that could effectively ban the app in the US. TikTok and its Chinese parent company ByteDance now have until mid-January to spin off or sell the US operations of TikTok, or face an effective ban on the app in the US. TikTok has indicated it will continue fighting the law, potentially up to the Supreme Court. The law is intended to address national security concerns.
Google Reveals New Features in December's Pixel Feature Drop
Google's December software update for Pixel devices includes a long list of small new features. You can now ask Gemini Advanced to remember things about you to improve its responses. This "saved info" feature can remember things like if you're a vegetarian. Foldable devices now support Dual Screen, which puts the real-time viewfinder on both displays at the same time. The relatively new Pixel Screenshots app now automatically categorizes your screenshots and lets you apply filters when searching. It also adds new suggested actions, Like creating a calendar invite, getting directions, or adding a ticket to Google Wallet. The Recorder app has a new "Clear voice" option that reduces background noise. A new Simple View mode "increases your phone’s font size and touch sensitivity, making it easier to see and use controls, apps and widgets." A new Identity Check anti-theft feature automatically requires biometric authentication to change sensitive settings when it detects that you're in a new location. Other features and apps getting minor improvements include Gboard, Gemini Live, Call Screen, Made You Look, Emoji Kitchen, Circle to Search, Now Playing, Instagram, and Snapchat. Google also announced several new features coming to both Pixel and non-Pixel Android devices this month.

Google Announces Several New Android Features
Google is rolling out multiple new or enhanced features for Android outside of the version-number update cycle. While many involve Google's Gemini AI, the features address disparate functionality.
- Expressive Captions is a major update to the existing Live Caption feature of Android. It adds emotion, nuance, and context to captions. Human noises like sighing, grunting, and gasping will now be spelled out. Emphasis will be noted in all-caps. Finally, ambient sounds like applause will be noted. Live Caption works at the OS level, across all apps that output sound.
- Quick Share now supports fast connections between phones using just QR codes. This eliminates the need to add the other person as a contact, verify devices, or change sharing settings, just to send a file to a nearby device.
- Google Drive can now auto-enhance document scans. When using your phone's camera to add a new file to Drive, the enhance button will now detect things like documents, receipts, ID cards, and automatically straighten, improve contrast and white balance, and remove shadows and blurring. You can then save in the format of your choice, such as PDF.
- Google is also adding new Extensions to Gemini that link to more functionality across apps. This includes calling and messaging your contacts, setting alarms, changing phone settings, using the camera, and controlling Spotify. Soon, you'll also be able to use Gemini to control smart home devices, and get more information about places on Maps.
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