What you need to know The GSM Association announced that its upcoming RCS standard update, RCS Universal Profile 3.0, will bring end-to-end encryption to messaging. This update works like the experience users would have in Google Messages where texts and media sent between parties remains between them. Apple confirms that it will bring encryption to … Read more
App store fees are a frequent source of friction between the store owners and publishers. Samsung is trying to lure in new app and game developers and keep existing ones happy by announcing changes to the store service fee. Starting on May 15, developers will get 80% of revenue, while 20% will go to the … Read more
Earlier this year, OnePlus stated that it has no plans to launch a foldable this year. While it may not launch a OnePlus Open 2 in 2025, it appears the company is at least working on something new. A leak hints that OnePlus is toiling away on a new device, and it’s suggested it could … Read more
What you need to know Google announced that it will be upgrading Google Assistant with Gemini “in the coming months.” By the end of this year, people will not be able to download Google Assistant from app stores as it will be discontinued. Google has not mentioned any details as to when this upgrade will … Read more
What you need to know Chromecast with Google TV users have started reporting issues following the company’s long-awaited Android 14 update. Users report missing audio, remote, and external storage problems alongside some missing settings. Google first promised an Android 14 update for the Chromecast with Google TV last year and it’s only just started arriving … Read more
Beyond the Alphabet (Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central) Beyond the Alphabet is a weekly column that focuses on the tech world both inside and out of the confines of Mountain View. As the days go by and my beard gets gray, I also seem to accumulate more ways to store my digital things. … Read more
The GSM Association (GSMA, no relation to us) has published new RCS specifications that allow end-to-end encryption across platforms. RCS messages on Android have been end-to-end encrypted for years, but now the same level of security can apply to messages sent from Android to iOS or vice-versa, since Apple has finally joined the RCS party … Read more
Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority TL;DR Right now, Google gives Android users a choice between Gemini or the Google Assistant as their AI-powered digital assistant. Before the end of 2025, Google will stop offering Assistant on devices capable of using Gemini, making the switch mandatory. Google is also looking to bring Gemini to all the … Read more
The reveal of the Google Pixel 9a appears to be just days away (if you believe the latest rumors), but retailers are already prepping for the occasion by dropping some of the best Pixel 9 deals this side of Black Friday. Two of our favorite wireless carriers, Mint Mobile and Visible, are dropping 50% off … Read more
What you need to know Samsung is rumored to be interested in plugging “variable aperture” into the Galaxy S26 Ultra. Rumors about the aperture range remain unknown; however, Xiaomi recently did this, delivering an f/1.63 to f/4.0 range on the 14 Ultra. Previous rumors claim Samsung is working on 200MP telephoto tech with a 1/1.5-inch … Read more