As RCS takes over the default messaging service on Android, Google Messages is leading the charge. Yesterday, Samsung and Google announced that Google Messages would be “native” to the Galaxy S21 but without going into detail on what that meant. Now, we’ve got a bit more context.
In an interview with Engadget, Google’s Hiroshi Lockheimer further details that Google Messages on the Galaxy…
US adds Xiaomi to list of alleged Chinese military companies
January 15, 2021
The Trump administration has added Xiaomi to the US military list under the National Defense Authorization Act of 1999. That means the US has designated the third-largest smartphone maker in the world — according to IDC, Counterpoint Research and Gartner — as a company…
iOS 14.4 will alert users about non-genuine cameras on iPhone
January 15, 2021
Starting with iPhone 11, Apple has added an alert in iOS that tells the user when the device has a non-genuine display — which was later expanded to third-party internal batteries as well. And now iOS 14.4 will alert users when it identifies non-genuine cameras on the…
Google Fi delays classic Hangouts shutdown, gives subscribers more time to switch to Messages
January 15, 2021
Google told Fi subscribers last year that classic Hangouts would no longer support texting or calling in January. A week before the deadline, Google has pushed back that deadline for MVNO subscribers to March.
Fi members have long been able to use classic Hangouts to send SMS/MMS, make/receive calls, and get voicemail. Given the cross-platform nature of Hangouts, Fi users could access their MVNO…
Google Doodle honors Dr. James Naismith, inventor of basketball
January 15, 2021
Today’s Google Doodle is a cute animation celebrating Dr. James Naismith and his invention of basketball in 1891.
In 1891, during his tenure as a physical education teacher at the YMCA college in Springfield, Massachusetts, James Naismith — who was not yet a doctor —…
Last year, the Google app on Android ditched Chrome Custom Tabs when opening Discover articles and Search results. Google has now redesigned the custom in-app browser with a bottom bar to make it easier to navigate.
While the old design placed controls in the top-right of…
Samsung debuted its newest flagship smartphones and more today at its Unpacked 2021 event. The major launches include three new iPhone 12 competitors with the Galaxy S21, S21+, and S21 Ultra as well as AirPods Pro and AirTags competitors.
Samsung launched its new flagship Galaxy smartphones about a month earlier than it traditionally does this year and the S21 lineup features three new…
A new video published by the YouTube channel Apple Demo this week offers a really interesting look at a prototype version of the iPhone 4S. The video shows the iPhone 4S during the design validation testing phase of its development, with an interesting tie to Steve Jobs’…
Scosche launches three iPhone 12 MagSafe mounts for car and home
January 15, 2021
Wrapping up its time at CES, Scosche is out today with three new MagSafe mounts for iPhone 12. The latest MagicMount options include a window/dash mount, cup holder mount, and a 4-in-1 kit that let’s users get the perfect view of their iPhone in cars and at home.
These…
Samsung devotes a portion of every Unpacked event to talk about its partners, and the Google segment today revealed how Messages is “native” on the Galaxy S21, while you can connect Duo video calls to your TV.
Samsung first discussed how Google Discover – as previously leaked – is now available to the left of your homescreen to provide a personalized stream of news and other relevant…
