Gmail is killing its Basic HTML view next year
Google will discontinue the simpler, faster Gmail interface
As technological advancements continue to reshape our online experience, we move further away from the early era of the internet. Google, in particular, has a penchant for killing things that get a little long in the tooth, always looking toward the next moonshot that just might catch on. Now, the company has announced that it is discontinuing the Basic HTML view for Gmail early next year.
T-Mobile just upgraded your RCS experience in Google Messages
The carrier is switching to Google's Jibe for its RCS backend
As we've moved deeper into the internet era, our communication methods have seen significant shifts. From the straightforwardness of SMS, we've transitioned to the advanced features of RCS (Rich Communication Services). Messaging apps have rapidly adopted this tech, offering people a more dynamic and enriched way to chat. Now, T-Mobile is stepping up, collaborating with Google to offer its customers an even better messaging experience.
Facebook's new logo is here, and it's just as unimaginative as you'd expect
Another Facebook redesign? Cue the dramatic gasp
In what seems like the billionth episode of Tech Companies Revamp Their Logos, Facebook is at it again, pushing forward with a flat design aesthetic. It's almost as if all the major tech powerhouses, including the usual suspects of Google, Apple, and Microsoft, have formed a club — slowly but surely so as not to arouse suspicion, they’ve each vowed to reduce their logo's details until it's a simple dot on the screen. And let's face it, Facebook is striving to be the club president.
Pixel Fold repair costs reveal the high price of innovation
The beauty of foldable screens comes with a hefty price tag for mishaps
Smartphones are a vital tool but also a potential weak point. We all love exploring the newest bells and whistles, but the ease with which they can break and the ensuing repair bills serve as stark reminders of their fragility. Not long ago, I experienced this firsthand when someone inadvertently knocked my Pixel 6 from my grip. A day and $300 later, with a screen that felt a tad different, I had it back. A significant inconvenience for a brief slip-up.
Enhanced UI in Google Messages streamlines the forwarding process
The new look makes forwarding to multiple contacts easier than ever
The art of communication is constantly evolving. As with any development, providing ease-of-use remains a key concern for some of the best messaging apps out there. And in this vein, Google Messages has now unveiled a notable update to its forwarding capabilities, enabling users to forward a single message to multiple contacts with ease.
LG's smartphone days are officially over as it transitions to global entertainment
From smart TVs to in-vehicle infotainment, LG wants webOS on more surfaces
In the ever-evolving world of technology, companies must adapt to thrive. Once a key player in the mobile sector, LG Electronics is charting a bold new direction: pivoting to become a prominent media and entertainment platform company.
The Google Play Store could soon let you manually archive unused apps
Manual app archiving on Android could offer more control
Every smartphone user can relate to the seemingly age-old struggle of managing storage space, especially when we encounter the infamous "storage almost full" notification. This challenge isn't new, and tech giants like Google have been tirelessly working on solutions to help users streamline their device storage. One of the recent innovations from Google in this domain is the introduction of app archiving, which has so far been automatically activated, targeting unused apps when storage dwindles. But now, it seems, there might be potential for users to manually decide which apps to archive.
T-Mobile app glitch exposes users' billing details to other customers
Waking up to someone else's bill isn't a dream, it's a personal data nightmare
Read update
Data breaches are sadly becoming all too common. Relying on big companies to protect our personal details is now a topic of concern. T-Mobile, a leading US telecom provider, has recently been under scrutiny for multiple data security incidents. Adding to its list of challenges, the firm's primary app accidentally revealed users' personal data to other customers.
Fitbit's refreshed app debuts with enhanced features and a new look
Today's new update brings streamlined tabs and customizations
The world of fitness apps has been buzzing with anticipation, and now, the moment has finally arrived. Now, the revamped Fitbit app begins its rollout, promising an enhanced user experience with a fresh design and intuitive features.
AT&T and SpaceMobile flaunt 5G's capabilities by phoning home from space
A major breakthrough as an everyday smartphone connects seamlessly with a satellite
Space-based telecommunications aren't exactly new. But while previous endeavors have had companies like Nokia mulling over 4G connections on the moon, a recent breakthrough puts terrestrial 5G connectivity quite literally in the stratosphere. AST SpaceMobile, in collaboration with AT&T, is hyping up a noteworthy achievement in telecommunications. Together, the two companies successfully established the world’s first 5G connection for voice and data between an everyday, unmodified smartphone and a satellite in space.
Google Bard Extensions brings more AI power to Maps, YouTube, Gmail, and more
Dive into your emails, documents, and files with Bard by your side
In an age seemingly dominated by artificial intelligence, generative AI tools like OpenAI's ChatGPT have captivated global attention. Google, with its AI-first mantra initiated at I/O 2017, may not be as synonymous with the general public as ChatGPT, but it's doing everything it can not to lag behind. Enter Google Bard: a generative AI chatbot designed to communicate in a nuanced, conversational manner and deliver answers seamlessly. It's getting another massive update today with Extensions, something that could make it a much more useful tool across the board.
WhatsApp says Channels will be available for everyone imminently
Initially piloted in Colombia and Singapore, the feature is now global
In the encrypted messaging app realm, WhatsApp has stood out with its consistent feature additions that seem to trickle in every other day. Yet, even with its vast user base, there were still areas where competitors such as Telegram and Discord held an edge. This began to change when Meta introduced the Channels feature for WhatsApp, taking a significant step forward in its broadcasting prowess.
Spam texts could be a thing of the past for Google Voice users
You'll now get suspected spam warnings for SMS messages
From its inception, Google Voice has positioned itself as an advantageous Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service that effortlessly connects users over the internet. The service, essentially free with a US number and Google account, worked well but had largely remained devoid of significant user-centric updates until recently. In March 2023, it incorporated a touch of Material You design for a sleeker user interface. Going back a little further, December 2022 heralded the enhancement of call safety with warnings for spam calls, and now that feature appears to be extending to SMS messages sent to your Google Voice number.
Google's working on a Download Buddy for the Play Store
Plus a mysterious Cubes feature and other in-progress changes
Google makes sure the Play Store's interface is constantly evolving so that things always seem fresh and new anytime you're thinking of installing an app. As most Android users already know, Google is always looking ahead to a fault, focused on the next big thing and the latest catchy features. After months of digging into code and uncovering hidden flags in the app, Android researcher AssembleDebug has revealed several upcoming changes spotted in development for the Play Store app.
Google's Pixel Tablet gets official parts and repair guides on iFixIt
From the Pixel 2 to the Pixel Tablet, Google stands by the right to repair movement
In today's technology-driven world, where the spotlight increasingly falls on sustainability and the individual's right to repair their devices, Google has again risen to meet the expectations of environmentally conscious consumers. Continuing its tradition of bridging innovation with responsibility, the company has introduced the Google Pixel Tablet to its ever-growing list of devices that champion user-friendly repairs and longevity.
Google's Watch Unlock is poised to streamline security for wet fingers and masked faces
A look at the upcoming feature in action
The future of seamless phone access is nearly upon us. Imagine being able to swiftly unlock your phone simply by bringing your smartwatch close. While the concept might sound like a futuristic dream, Google is about to turn it into reality with its intriguing Watch Unlock feature.
Google wants to intelligently organize your Chrome tabs for you
Chrome Canary 119 reveals a mysterious Organize Tabs feature
In the expansive digital realm, many find their browser windows brimming with myriad tabs, often mirroring the unpredictability of the internet itself. This scenario isn't limited to a particular group; both students diving into research and professionals juggling multiple tasks confront this disarray daily. Recognizing the inherent challenges of this cluttered environment, Google, in its perpetual pursuit of innovation, appears poised to introduce a novel solution for its Chrome aficionados.
Proof-of-concept video shows a very specific Android credit card vulnerability
A flaw with App pinning could potentially expose credit card details
The digital age has ushered in unprecedented convenience, transforming the way we transact, communicate, and even work. At the heart of this transformation are smartphones, the quintessential devices where we store a trove of sensitive information. Yet, with this convenience comes the ever-pressing issue of security.
Ukraine's treasured landmarks are now a click away with Google's 3D art initiative
Celebrating the war-torn country's resilience, one digital monument at a time
Technology is often future-focused, but it can be leveraged to immortalize our past, ensuring that history is not only remembered but also experienced. From ancient artifacts to historical landmarks, the quest to digitally preserve our cultural heritage has been a pursuit shared by tech giants and preservationists alike. Delving into this amalgamation of technology and history, Google's recent endeavor illuminates the significance of preserving landmarks that have come under threat.
Apple just pushed ahead of Google in the race for pocket satellite connectivity
The iPhone 15 will feature always-connected roadside assistance
The race for dominance in satellite connectivity among leading smartphone manufacturers is accelerating at an impressive pace. Apple, ever the innovator and never one to trail its competitors for too long, has recently unveiled a significant upgrade to its Roadside Assistance feature. This enhancement, unique to recent iPhone models, now benefits from robust satellite support.