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Qualcomm Expands Snapdragon 8 Series to Cover More Price Points

Yesterday, 1:30 AM   by Rich Brome

Qualcomm has revealed the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 Mobile Platform, an expansion of the 8 series to a slightly more affordable price point. Traditionally, the 8 series (like the new 8 Gen 3) powered top-end "flagship" phones, and the 7 series chips powered "affordable flagship" phones one tier below that. The "s" designator in 8s represents an expansion of the Snapdragon naming scheme to create a new sub-tier between "8" and "7" or "7+". The specs of the new Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 are effectively a blend of the current 8 Gen 3 and last year's 8 Gen 2. Qualcomm says that AI and camera are two areas where Qualcomm hasn't compromised, bringing over nearly the full capabilities of the 8 Gen 3. This includes the ability to perform generative AI and run multi-modal AI models with up to 10 billion parameters, all on-device. The 8s Gen 3 borrows several other features from full 8 Gen 3, including Arm Cortex-X4 architecture for the prime CPU core, support for up to 24 GB of RAM, USB version 3.1 Gen 2, and Bluetooth 5.4. Other specs are similar to last year's 8 Gen 2, such as an X70 modem (instead of X75) and 4200 MHz maximum RAM speed (instead of 4800). One area that puts it below both the 8 Gen 2 and 8 Gen 3 is video capture, which tops out at 4K instead of 8K. Qualcomm expects the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 to appear in phones launching globally, and soon (in a few months or even weeks.) Read on for a more detailed comparison between the 8 Gen 2, 8s Gen 3, and 8 Gen 3.

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Google Schedules I/O 2024 for May 14th

Thursday, 3:42 PM   by Rich Brome

Google's big annual developer event "will be broadcast in front of a small live audience and is open to everyone online" on May 14th this year. Google often announces new products and features at this annual event. At last year's event, the company announced the Pixel Fold and Pixel 7a. It also announced new features coming to Android and Wear OS.


Asus Goes Big with Zenfone 11 Ultra

Thursday, 11:15 AM   by Rich Brome   updated Thursday, 11:59 AM

Asus has revealed its latest global flagship phone: the Zenfone 11 Ultra. This year's model abandons the compact form factor that was a hallmark of the Zenfone series in recent years; the 11 Ultra has a 6.78" FHD+ AMOLED display, whereas last year's model was just 5.9". This change in strategy allows Asus to all but combine its ordinary and gaming lineups; the Zenfone 11 Ultra is basically the same phone as the ROG Phone 8, with only a different outer design. The 11 Ultra has all of the top-end specs expected of a flagship phone in 2024. Unusually, it also includes a 3.5mm headset jack, which supports Hi-res Audio and Dirac Virtuo. The US model has very good support for T-Mobile and AT&T 5G and 4G networks. It will be available in four colors: black, gray, blue, and sand. For $900 unlocked, it comes with 12 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage. Pre-orders start today. From now until April 14, 2024, Asus is offering a free pair of ROG Cetra True Wireless earbuds worth $100. Read on for more specs.

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House Passes Bill to Force Sale of TikTok

Mar 13, 2024, 12:31 PM   by Rich Brome

The US House of Representatives has passed a bill that would force Chinese company ByteDance to sell TikTok within six months or face a complete ban on the app in the US. It would also grant the President the power to include other foreign-owned apps in the future. This specific bill (H.R. 7521, or the "Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act") moved quickly from proposal to vote, and received broad bipartisan support, passing 352 - 65. President Biden has indicated he supports the measure and would sign it. The bill's prospects in the Senate are unclear, however. Supporters claim TikTok remaining under Chinese ownership poses a national security threat. Chinese companies can be forced to turn over information to the Chinese government at any time. The EFF and civil rights groups oppose this bill, arguing that it would be both ineffective and unconstitutional. They also argue that only tighter regulation of how personal data can be collected and handled — by all companies and apps — can achieve the goal of protecting the personal data of US persons from falling into the wrong hands.


Motorola Brings More Affordable 5G Phones to its 2024 Lineup

Mar 12, 2024, 9:00 AM   by Rich Brome

Motorola has announced the 2024 editions of the moto g 5G and moto g power 5G, priced at $200 and $300, respectively (MSRP, unlocked). Both phones offer 5G, a vegan leather finish on the back, 120 Hz display refresh, 50 megapixel main camera, 5,000 mAh battery, 128 GB storage (expandable), NFC, fingerprint reader (on the side), and a headset jack. For the moto g 5G, NFC is a key addition compared to last year's version. For the extra $100, upgrades on the moto g power 5G (compared to the moto g 5G) include a sharper display (FHD+ instead of HD+), double the RAM (8 GB instead of 4), better front camera (16 megapixel instead of 8), an 8-megapixel wide-angle camera (instead of 2-megapixel macro), faster charging (30-watt instead of 18), and wireless charging. Compared to last year's moto g power 5G, improvements include more RAM, the wide-angle camera, NFC, wireless charging, and faster wired charging. Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile will all offer both phones. The moto g 5G (2024) will come to T-Mobile and Metro by T-Mobile first, on March 21st. Boost, Consumer Cellular, Cricket, TracFone, US Cellular, Xfinity, Google Fi, Optimum, Cox, Straight Talk, Total by Verizon, Simple Mobile, Walmart Family Mobile, and Visible will also offer it. The moto g power 5G (2024) will launch with Cricket on March 22nd, and later with Metro, US Cellular, Straight Talk, Total by Verizon, Walmart Family Mobile, and Visible as well. Motorola's g series for 2024 also includes the already-announced, 4G-only moto g play (2024), which retails for $150.


Google Links Gmail with Wallet for Boarding Passes, Movie Tickets

Mar 11, 2024, 3:56 PM   by Rich Brome

Google has created a new link between Gmail and Wallet to automate airline boarding passes and movie tickets. When these types of passes are detected in an email received in Gmail, Google will attempt to automatically add them to the user's Wallet on their phone. Google already has this type of automation between Gmail and Google Calendar. Google says this "integration is live for some global movie chains and airlines and we are working to expand this." Google is also making it easier to "archive" old passes, a function that was previously labeled "Expired Passes".


T-Mobile Fills in the Gaps in its Mid-Band 5G Network

Mar 7, 2024, 12:00 PM   by Rich Brome

T-Mobile is activating large swaths of fast mid-band 5G coverage across the country, primarily in rural areas. This new coverage is the result of the FCC's Auction 108 for 2.5 GHz spectrum, which concluded in late 2022. The newly-acquired spectrum covers 80 million people, and T-Mobile is lighting up 5G service in that band covering 60 million people over the next few days. 2.5 GHz, also known as band 41, is already the backbone of T-Mobile's 5G network, offering the most bandwidth of any sub-6 GHz band, which is why T-Mobile brands it as "Ultra Capacity 5G". As a mid-band frequency, it also offers a good balance of fast data speeds and good physical reach. T-Mobile already owned licenses for this band and operated 5G service with it across much of the country. But the 2.5 GHz band was originally licensed in an unusual way that left many geographic gaps. Auction 108 aimed to fix that, and T-Mobile forked over $304 million to the FCC for licenses covering the gaps in its mid-band 5G network. The affected rural areas may have had 5G service before, but only in other frequency bands that don't offer as much bandwidth, resulting in relatively slow data speeds.


Tap to Pay on iPhone Comes to Venmo, Zettle

Mar 7, 2024, 11:33 AM   by Rich Brome

PayPal announced that it now supports Tap to Pay on iPhone for Venmo business profile and PayPal Zettle users in the US. This allows small businesses to accept NFC tap payments directly with just an iPhone; no extra hardware required. Customers need only their usual contactless payment method, be it a physical card or their phone (Apple Pay or Google Pay); customers do not need the Venmo app, for example. In both apps, the new feature fully supports taxes, tips, receipts, and refunds. Apple announced Tap to Pay on iPhone in early 2022, and Square added support for it in late 2022.


Verizon Makes it Easy to Add a Second Number to One Phone

Mar 7, 2024, 11:21 AM   by Rich Brome

Verizon today launched Second Number, a new add-on plan that adds a second line and telephone number to your existing phone. People might use a second number for safely selling on online marketplaces, operating side gigs, or replacing landlines, for example. The plan can be added to any postpaid service for $10/month "plus fees" for a limited time ($15/month after June 5th). The plan requires a phone capable of dual-SIM via eSIM, which includes many current higher-end phones. Phones with this feature active are designed to clearly identify which line is associated with an incoming call or message, and make it easy to choose a line for outgoing communication. Verizon says the service will automatically transfer when a customer upgrades their phone.


Microsoft Kills Android-on-Windows

Mar 6, 2024, 12:34 PM   by Rich Brome

Microsoft is removing Android app compatibility from Windows. The Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA) was a feature of Windows 11 that enabled Android apps to run on PCs. A limited selection of Android apps were available primarily via the Amazon Appstore. Users who have already downloaded the Appstore and Android apps can continue using (and updating) apps for one year. However the Amazon Appstore is no longer available to download for users who don't already have it installed, and Amazon is no longer accepting new apps for it.


iOS 17.4, Out Today, Brings Transcripts to Apple Podcasts

Mar 5, 2024, 2:33 PM   by Rich Brome

iOS version 17.4 is officially available for iPhones starting today. One major new feature of the update is podcast transcripts in the Apple Podcasts app. The feature improves accessibility and gives users a new option in other scenarios where listening to audio may be difficult. Text stays in sync with audio, highlighting the current word. Crucially, it also includes a search feature, which lets you search for any word or phrase and tap it jump to that part of the podcast. Starting today, transcripts are available for English-, French-, Spanish-, and German-language podcasts with iOS 17.4. Transcripts will automatically be available for new episodes shortly after episodes are published; previously released episodes will be transcribed over time.


Google Details Pixel Feature Drop for March

Mar 5, 2024, 1:27 PM   by Rich Brome

The March software update for Pixel devices includes support for 10-bit HDR photos and videos within Instagram. It also brings Circle to Search to the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro.


Google Brings Wallet Passes, Transit Directions to Wear OS

Feb 26, 2024, 10:41 AM   by Rich Brome

Google has finally updated Wallet on Wear OS to more closely match the functionality of Wallet on Android, supporting all types of cards, passes, and tickets. Wallet for Wear OS previously only supported credit and debit cards. Now it will support "boarding passes, event tickets, gym memberships, loyalty cards and more". For people who have many such cards, some can be hidden, so that the ones you use most often can be accessed without excessive swiping. Wear OS also now supports transit directions, including trip by bus, train, or ferry. "Look up departure times right from your smartwatch, then get compass-guided navigation directions to your destination."


Google Brings AI to Messaging in Android

Feb 26, 2024, 10:12 AM   by Rich Brome

Google today announced two major new AI features for messaging in Android. The first is in Android Auto, where AI will now automatically summarize long texts or busy group chats while driving. It will also "suggest relevant replies and actions you can take with a single tap – helping you navigate to an address, make a call, or share your ETA when someone asks for it." This feature is rolling out starting today. Separately, the Messages app for Android now lets you Chat with Gemini, where you can have a conversation with Google's new AI chatbot as if it were a person in your contacts. You can even send it photos as part of your conversation. The feature includes thumbs-up and thumbs-down feedback buttons to help Google improve Gemini, and a "Report legal issue" button. This feature is only available to users enrolled in the messages beta channel and only to adults 18 and older. For now it only supports English, and French in Canada.


Qualcomm's Next Modems Will Support Standards-Based Satellite Service and UWB

Feb 26, 2024, 7:00 AM   by Rich Brome

Qualcomm today announced the Snapdragon X80 modem and FastConnect 7900, its most advanced modem/RF solutions for 5G and other radios (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc.) The Snapdragon X80 includes modem and radio support for the Skylo satellite network, which offers satellite service in cellular dead zones using the 3GPP release 17 NB-NTN standard and existing satellites from multiple companies. This represents an abrupt change in strategy after Qualcomm tried and failed to launch its own satellite service with Iridium last year. The X80 is also the first 5G modem to support six carrier aggregation (6xCA) and the first to support 6 cellular antennas (6xRx) in a smartphone. The X80 also has 30% better location (GPS) accuracy compared to it predecessor. The X80 expands the use of AI in the modem to improve data speeds, latency, quality of service (QoS), coverage, location accuracy, spectrum efficiency, power efficiency, and multi-antenna management. The FastConnect 7900 for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth is the first such solution from Qualcomm to integrate Ultra Wideband (UWB), a technology that usually requires a separate chip. UWB is used for "proximity experiences such as digital key, object finding and indoor navigation." Uniquely, the 7900 can combine UWB with Wi-Fi Ranging and Bluetooth Channel Sounding for improved proximity performance. The 7900 supports Wi-Fi 7 and introduces a new AI function that optimizes for Wi-Fi latency vs. power usage by analyzing workload and context. This improves power efficiency up to 30%. It also supports XPAN, Qualcomm's unique new technology that can route audio connections over Wi-Fi instead of Bluetooth. Both the Snapdragon X80 and FastConnect 7900 are expected to ship in the second half of 2024.


TCL Shares Pricing for 50 Series

Feb 26, 2024, 7:00 AM   by Rich Brome

TCL has released launch info for its 50 series of phones, first previewed at CES a few weeks ago. The first to launch will be the TCL 50 XL 5G (shown in photo), coming to Metro by T-Mobile in the second quarter for "under $169". The two models with TCL's unique matte NXTPAPER display be available in North America from tcl.com in the third quarter. The higher-end 50 XL NXTPAPER 5G will sell for "under $229" while the 50 XE NXTPAPER 5G will cost "under $199". TCL was less specific about the TCL 50 XE 5G, saying only that it will come to North America in Q3 for "under $149". The 4G-only TCL 50 LE "will be arriving later this year for around $99".


Qualcomm Aims for Sub-$100 5G Phones

Feb 26, 2024, 7:00 AM   by Rich Brome

Qualcomm has announced a goal of enabling phone makers to offer 5G phones under $100 with true 5G (gigabit) data speeds. These new phones would shed costs by supporting only 5G SA (stand-alone) networks, not 5G NSA (non-stand-alone) networks that rely on 4G networks for some functions. Most 5G NSA networks are being upgraded to 5G SA. These phones would also reduce costs by utilizing only two cellular antennas instead of the usual four. Presumably this strategy involves a new modem chip(set) that Qualcomm has yet to announce.


Motorola Commits to Gorilla Glass on All Phones

Feb 25, 2024, 6:00 PM   by Rich Brome

Motorola announced that its entire lineup of phones will feature Corning Gorilla Glass starting in the second half of this year. Gorilla Glass is widely used on higher-end smartphones and known for its toughness and durability. Different versions of Gorilla Glass offer different properties. Gorilla Glass 3 focuses on scratch resistance, while Gorilla Glass 5 and 6 are optimized to protect against damage from drops. Gorilla Glass Victus is designed for both, and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 further improves drop performance on rougher surfaces like concrete.


Motorola to Seamlessly Link Phones with Lenovo Laptops and Tablets

Feb 25, 2024, 6:00 PM   by Rich Brome

Motorola and Lenovo have announced Smart Connect, a set of software features that will intelligently link various device types to function as a seamless suite. Cross control lets a single keyboard and mouse navigate between your PC, tablet, and phone. Swipe to stream lets you move a video stream or podcast to a different device and pick up right where you left off. Notification sync puts your notifications on all of your devices. Share hub lets you "access and share large files across connected devices without taking up tons of storage." Smart clipboard lets you copy and paste across devices. Webcam lets you use the superior camera on your smartphone for video calls or livestreams on another device like a laptop or PC. Smart Connect will be available "in the coming months".


AT&T Will Credit Customers for Outage

Feb 25, 2024, 5:50 PM   by Rich Brome

AT&T has provided more details on its response to the unusually widespread and lengthy outage of its wireless network on Thursday. The company's only explanation of the cause remains "the application and execution of an incorrect process". But in a letter to employees, CEO John Stankey did note that the company "prioritized FirstNet service restoration, in line with our commitment to our nation's first responders." To compensate "potentially impacted customers", the company will issue an automatic one-time $5 credit to its postpaid consumer and small business customers. The letter to employees explains that this amount is equivalent to "essentially a full day of service". As for other categories of customers, the letter says "prepaid customers will have options available to them if they were impacted. We are also working closely with our Mid-Market and Enterprise customers and will address their concerns as those discussions take place."


AT&T Explains What Caused Outage Yesterday

Feb 23, 2024, 11:15 AM   by Rich Brome

AT&T has issued a statement on what caused a major outage of its wireless network yesterday morning, lasting up to 11 hours for some customers. "Based on our initial review, we believe that today’s outage was caused by the application and execution of an incorrect process used as we were expanding our network, not a cyber attack." The outage started around 4am ET. By the middle of the day, AT&T said that 3/4 of its network had been restored, with full recovery by mid-afternoon. The FCC has launched an investigation into the incident. During the outage, most customers were still able to call 911 via other networks, (as indicated by an "SOS" icon in the status bar), as required by the FCC. However the outage did affect FirstNet, the AT&T-operated network dedicated to public safety.


AT&T Suffers Large Cellular Outage

Feb 22, 2024, 9:44 AM   by Rich Brome   updated Feb 22, 2024, 3:38 PM

AT&T suffered a large outage of its mobile network this morning. AT&T acknowledged the issue and said it was working "urgently" to restore service. As of mid-day, AT&T said that "three-quarters of our network has been restored." Then at 3:10pm ET, the company said wireless service had been completely restored. The service DownDetector showed the outage started around 4am ET this morning, and starting to resolve around 1pm ET. DownDetector also showed corresponding outage reports for other national wireless carriers, but an order of magnitude smaller. Verizon and T-Mobile told the New York Times that their networks are operating normally, so the reports for other carriers are likely people trying to communicate with AT&T customers.


Samsung Update Brings Galaxy AI to More Phones

Feb 21, 2024, 10:00 PM   by Rich Brome

In late March, Samsung will release its One UI 6.1 software for the Galaxy S23 series, S23 FE, Z Fold5, and Z Flip5. It adds the following "Galaxy AI" features that debuted on the S24 series: Circle to Search, Live Translate, Interpreter, Chat Assist, and Generative Edit.


Apple Upgrades iMessage Encryption for Quantum Threat

Feb 21, 2024, 11:48 AM   by Rich Brome

Apple announced that it is upgrading the end-to-end encryption in iMessage to guard against the threat that future quantum computers may be able to easily defeat today's traditional encryption. Although no such quantum computer is known to exist today, it is possible that today's encrypted messages could be intercepted, stored, and decrypted by a future quantum computer; hence the need to move to post-quantum cryptography (PQC) today. Apple's new "PQ3" messaging protocol does this, along with several other security enhancements. The protocol includes periodic "rekeying", to ensure that even if a one key is compromised, only part of a conversation could be decrypted. It also utilizes a hybrid approach that combines PQC and a more traditional ECC algorithm, so that if flaws are found in the new PQC algorithm, content is still protected by proven ECC encryption. Support for PQ3 is included in iOS 17.4. PQ3 will fully replace the existing protocol within all supported conversations this year.


Apple Launches its own Free Sports App

Feb 21, 2024, 11:19 AM   by Rich Brome

Apple today launched Apple Sports, a free iPhone app for tracking sports scores and related info. Users can customize their scoreboards by following their favorite teams, info that is synced with the Apple TV app and Apple News. Besides scores the app also shows upcoming games, play-by-play information, team stats, lineup details, and live betting odds. For in-progress games, tap to watch the game live, via Apple TV and "connected streaming apps". It currently includes MLS, NBA, NCAA basketball, NHL, Premier League, and more. It will also support MLB, NFL, NCAAF, NWSL, and WNBA as those leagues start their upcoming seasons. The app is available today for the US, Canada, and UK.


Signal Will No Longer Make You Share Your Phone Number

Feb 21, 2024, 11:04 AM   by Rich Brome

Popular encrypted messaging app Signal is preparing to roll out usernames to replace phone numbers when starting conversations with new people. Signal has long been one of the more privacy-focused messaging apps, with the glaring exception that it used your real phone number to identify you to other people. The change fixes that issue, letting you choose a unique username which can then be used by other people to start new conversations without knowing your phone number. Usernames will be private, not displayed on your profile. Users will also now be able to hide their phone number from people who don't already have it, and limit who can use your phone number to connect with you on the app. These changes are currently in public beta testing.


Samsung Brings New Translation and Auracast Features to Galaxy Buds

Feb 20, 2024, 1:53 PM   by Rich Brome

Samsung is rolling out an update to its Galaxy Buds series of earbuds. The update brings a new live language translation feature that Samsung calls Interpreter. It means you no longer have to pass your phone back and forth. "You can listen to translations through your earbuds, while the other person hears through your phone speaker, helping you to focus better on the conversation". Samsung is also enabling Auracast (one-to-many Bluetooth audio) between Galaxy phones and Galaxy earbuds. The update will roll out first to the Galaxy Buds2 Pro in late February, followed by the Buds2 and Buds FE.


Google Starts Android 15 Testing Campaign

Feb 16, 2024, 3:11 PM   by Rich Brome

The very first release of Android 15 is now available for developers to test. This is a developer preview, not a public beta version, so it may lack some user-facing features and shouldn't be installed on anyone's primary device. Google says some of the improvements in Android 15 include partial screen sharing and recording, better camera controls in third-party apps, and better APIs for managing processor efficiency. Google plans to release the first beta version in April, with platform stability in June and a final release some time after July.


T-Mobile Successfully Tests Faster 5G Uploads

Feb 16, 2024, 11:08 AM   by Rich Brome

T-Mobile announced that it has achieved record-breaking uplink speeds of 345 Mbps on its 5G standalone (SA) network in a recent test using a new 5G technology called Uplink Transmit Switching. The technology combines carrier aggregation (CA) and SU-MIMO (single user multiple input, multiple output). This test delivered uplink speeds 25% faster than T-Mobile's previous record of 275 Mbps using sub-6 (non-mmWave) frequencies. The test used Nokia network equipment and a smartphone powered by a flagship Qualcomm Snapdragon chip. Not all 5G devices support Uplink Transmit Switching. T-Mobile's President of Technology Ulf Ewaldsson said: "we implore our partners around the globe to build the capability into the 5G ecosystem moving forward."


FDA Authorizes Samsung's Sleep Apnea Detection on Galaxy Watch

Feb 13, 2024, 12:31 PM   by Rich Brome

Samsung has received a first-of-its-kind authorization for a sleep apnea detection feature of its Galaxy Watch smartwatches. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates health and medical devices, so its authorization is required for features relating to medical conditions. "The sleep apnea feature enables users over the age of 22 who have not been diagnosed with sleep apnea to detect signs of moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) over a two-night monitoring period, a common and chronic sleep condition that often goes undiagnosed and untreated. To utilize the feature, users can simply track their sleep twice for more than four hours within a ten-day period." Samsung says it plans to roll out the feature on the Galaxy Watch series in the US in the third quarter.


New Association to Advance Satellite Connectivity for Phones

Feb 9, 2024, 1:01 PM   by Rich Brome

Five major space internet companies have come together to form the new Mobile Satellite Services Association (MSSA). The organization aims "to promote and advance the emerging Direct-to-Device (D2D) ecosystem", meaning satellite connectivity for phones and other devices in cellular dead zones. The group will coordinate spectrum and standards for the technology, including working with the 3GPP cellular standards group on NTN (non-terrestrial network) technology already being integrated into some cellular chipsets. Together, the companies already have access to over 100 MHz of L- and S-band spectrum that is well-suited to this application. The companies include ViaSat and OmniSpace, which operate global networks, TerreStar and Ligado, which focus on North America, and Yahsat, which operates nearly everywhere except North America.


FCC Wants to Outlaw AI-Generated Robocalls

Feb 1, 2024, 1:06 PM   by Rich Brome

FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel this week proposed that the FCC effectively outlaw robocalls made with AI-generated voices, including new voice cloning technology. Robocalls made using "artificial" voices are already banned, so this is more of a regulatory clarification, expressly stating that AI-generated voices qualify as "artificial" under the existing Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA). The issue made headlines recently when calls were made to New hampshire voters using AI to mimic President Joe Biden's voice.


Bullitt Shuts Down

Jan 31, 2024, 1:30 PM   by Rich Brome

Bullitt — the UK company behind CAT-branded phones, recent Motorola Defy phones, and its own satellite message service — has apparently ceased operations. The company recently tried to reorganize around the new satellite connectivity business, but that effort appears to have failed. The company has disclosed its pending insolvency in recent press statements and court filings. Now, multiple employees have posted on LinkedIn that a "critical planned restructuring" has failed and the company closed its doors and laid off all employees on January 26th. Between this development and Qualcomm giving up on Snapdragon Satellite, the last few months have called into question the future of phone-based solutions for satellite connectivity. Apple remains committed to this approach for its SOS service, and MediaTek continues to promote its standards-based NTN solution. However, the most momentum over the past year has been around satellite-based solutions that work with existing phones. Both AT&T and T-Mobile appear to be nearing the launch of such services, having recently announced successful tests.


Apple Changes Position, Will Allow Streaming Games in App Store

Jan 25, 2024, 1:42 PM   by Rich Brome

Apple is changing its App Store rules to allow game-streaming services as well as "mini-apps, mini-games, chatbots, and plug-ins" in iOS apps. "Developers can now submit a single app with the capability to stream all of the games offered in their catalog." Apple previously prohibited this type of app, requiring a whole separate app to be submitted for each game. Apple will still apply all of its other App Store rules to all experiences available from within the app. Such apps will need to carry the age rating of the highest age-rated content available within that app, so a single game rated 17+/Mature available could cause a whole game platform to be rated 17+, for example. The changes will also permit scenarios such as one app that offers individual chatbot subscriptions via Apple's in-app purchase mechanism. Apple also promises to "provide enhanced discovery opportunities" for these new experiences within apps.


Pixel 8 Phones Gain Circle to Search, Thermometer, and new Mint Color

Jan 25, 2024, 1:20 PM   by Rich Brome   updated Jan 25, 2024, 4:31 PM

Google is rolling out a new "Feature Drop" software update for its Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro phones. It adds the new Circle to Search feature that was initially announced for the new Samsung Galaxy S24 series. It also activates the body temperature sensor in the Pixel 8 Pro. The Thermometer app lets you point your phone at your forehead to take your temp, and results can be saved to your Fitbit profile. Google is also introducing a new Mint green color option for the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro. Circle to Search lets you circle, highlight, scribble, or tap to Google search anything on your screen, in any app, including images. Android phones already offer this feature in the app switcher, but this makes the feature easier to use. Finally, the update also includes the tweaked Quick Share function that replaces Nearby Share. Circle to Search launches January 31st, the same day the Galaxy S24 series goes on sale. Some other features are launching today, while some will roll out over the next few weeks.


AT&T and Google Invest in Space-Based Cell Service

Jan 23, 2024, 12:44 PM   by Rich Brome   updated Jan 23, 2024, 2:09 PM

AST SpaceMobile — the company currently testing space-based cellular service for AT&T — has secured a vote of confidence in the form of $206.5 million in new financing from AT&T, Google, and Vodafone. AT&T and Google are new investors. As part of the deal, AT&T has agreed to purchase network equipment from AST to support planned commercial service, and made a $20 million revenue commitment. Google has "agreed to collaborate on product development, testing and implementation plans for SpaceMobile network connectivity on Android and related devices". AST's technology works with existing, off-the-shelf 4G and 5G phones. In that sense, it's similar to the service that SpaceX and T-Mobile are currently testing. Both systems rely on new satellites being launched into earth orbit with massive antennas that can mimic land-based cellular base stations. These services are intended only to provide coverage in "dead zones" not covered by land-based networks.


Google Maps Gains Tunnel Navigation

Jan 18, 2024, 12:07 PM   by Rich Brome

Google has quietly added optional support for Bluetooth beacons to its Google Maps app for Android. This feature lets the app know its location in tunnels, where GPS signals don't reach. Google's Waze subsidiary has already deployed these beacons in tunnels in cities including New York City, Chicago, and Boston. The feature is still off by default; users must go into the app settings and enable "Bluetooth tunnel beacons" under "Navigation settings" to enable the feature. The iOS version of the app does not yet offer this option.


AT&T Raising Rates by One Dollar

Jan 18, 2024, 11:52 AM   by Rich Brome

AT&T's most popular unlimited plans are being tweaked with a 99-cent price increase. Most plans are also getting more hotspot data, but otherwise remain largely the same.


Apple Resumes Watch Sales with Blood Oxygen Features Disabled

Jan 18, 2024, 11:38 AM   by Rich Brome

Apple is once again selling its Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2 in the US, but with the blood-oxygen monitoring features disabled. Apple is in the middle of a legal battle with Masimo over a patent on blood-oxygen monitoring technology. The most recent ruling was against Apple, but the company is appealing. A separate ruling affirmed that Apple could sell the watches with the disputed features removed or disabled. Apple was forced to pause sales of these models for a period that included some of the holiday shopping season. The feature is only disabled in new watches; existing watches are unaffected by this import and sales ban.


Samsung Launching Two New Affordable 5G Phones Today, Too

Jan 17, 2024, 3:25 PM   by Rich Brome

While Samsung's big news today is the new S24 series of flagship phones, the company is also quietly launching two new affordable 5G phones today: the Galaxy A15 5G and Galaxy A25 5G. The Galaxy A15 5G updates last year's A14 5G with a 6.5-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with 90 Hz refresh, a major upgrade for a phone that sells for $200. It also has double the built-in storage (128 instead of 64 GB), faster fast charging (25W instead of 15), and replaces the depth camera with a 5 megapixel wide-angle camera. Other specs carry over from the A14 5G, including a 5,000 mAh battery, 50 megapixel main camera, NFC, fingerprint reader, expandable storage, and a headset jack. It's powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ chipset. Verizon, T-Mobile, Boost, and US Cellular started selling the phone today, and samsung.com indicates that AT&T may offer it as well. The Galaxy A25 5G doesn't seem to be nearly as popular with US carriers, as there are no indications that any of the big three national carriers plan to offer it. It's quite similar to the A15 5G, with the upgrades being OIS on the main camera, an 8 megapixel wide-angle camera, 4K video capture, and 120 Hz display refresh. It's powered by a Samsung Exynos 1280 chipset. For these upgrades, US Cellular shows a list price of $300. Boost and TracFone may offer it, as well.


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