Samsung goes with Google Messages for Galaxy smartphones: Check the reason

Samsung goes with Google Messages for Galaxy smartphones: Check the reason


Google Messages app for Android

In a move to give precedence to Google Messages over its own messaging app, Samsung has reportedly announced that it will not pre-install Samsung Messages on Galaxy devices. The South Korean electronics maker has already phased out the app in some regions. The company had discontinued its messaging app with Galaxy S22 series in 2022 after offering it on Galaxy smartphones over the years. This also coincided with Google’s Rich Communication Services being promoted. Samsung Messages do not support RCS but Google Messages does. Additionally, Google Messages was made the default SMS/RCS app on Galaxy devices by Samsung in 2022 but Samsung had pre-installed its own app to offer the option to users to use it.


Now, according to 9to5Google Samsung will no longer pre-install Samsung Messages on Galaxy phones starting with Galaxy Z Fold and Flip 6. This was reportedly informed to users by Samsung through a notice found in the Samsung Members app. It is not certain, if this will apply to all devices globally according to reports Samsung Messages was not pre-installed on Galaxy Z Fold in the US. It is possible that Samsung Messages is pre-installed on devices sold outside the US in addition to Google Messages.


As RCS compatibility gets implemented on iPhones in the upcoming months, Samsung is continuing to push for Google Messages instead of Samsung Messages on their devices. It should be noted that RCS chat features will be available only in Google’s product.  


RCS has reportedly been enabled by default on Galaxy Z Flip 6 in the Google Messages app for some users and Samsung Messages app is available for download through the Galaxy Store but some features will be excluded according to Samsung.

First Published: Jul 23 2024 | 12:04 PM IST



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Apple iOS 18: Public release schedule, eligible iPhones, and new features

Apple iOS 18: Public release schedule, eligible iPhones, and new features


Apple has released iOS 18 in developer beta and the first public beta versions is out too. This roll out has been in line with the release schedule that Apple has followed over the year for introducing its new iPhone operating system. If Apple continues with this trend, the first stable public release for the iOS 18 could be released after the launch of the next generation iPhone series, which would likely take place sometime in September.

According to a report by 9To5Mac, iOS 18 is expected to make its official debut in mid-to-late September, unless Apple decides a drastic change in their release schedule. The report stated that if Apple were to hold the iPhone 16 series launch event between September 9 to September 17, iOS 18 public release would likely roll out between September 16 to September 23.

For reference, iOS 17 was released on September 18, 2023 after the iPhone 15-series launch event on September 12. Similarly, iOS 16 was publicly released on September 16, 2022 after the Apple fall event on September 7 that year. Apple is expected to follow a similar trend for releasing iOS 18 on eligible iPhone models.

iOS 18: What’s New

Apple launched the next-generation iPhone operating system, the iOS 18, at the WorldWide Developers Conference (WWDC) this year. The highlight features of the iOS 18 has to be the artificial intelligence tools and features coming to iPhones that Apple collectively calls Apple Intelligence. Apple Intelligence brings system-wide AI capabilities such as writing assistance, summarisation, image generation and more. According to reports, Apple will only offer these AI capabilities as a preview with the initial iOS 18 release. It should also be noted that all eligible iPhones for iOS 18 will not get AI integration, rather the features will only be available on iPhone 15 Pro models alongside the anticipated iPhone 16 series devices.

Another highlight feature of the iOS 18 is the AI-powered Siri. The updated version of Siri features an interactive interface with enhanced control over in-app actions for native Apple apps. Additionally, the AI-backed Siri also offers improved contextual understanding for more personalised responses. A significant feature is the integration of OpenAI’s ChatGPT, allowing users to send queries or prompts directly to ChatGPT for assistance. The updated version of Siri is not expected to be the part of initial iOS 18 release, rather, Apple will reportedly roll-out the more powerful Siri in spring next year, likely as part of the iOS 18.4 system update.

What the initial iOS 18 version would likely bring, is new Home Screen customisation features, allowing users to place icons and widgets anywhere on the home screen, and add tint to the app icons for a more personalised look. Additionally, iOS 18 will allow users to customise the two controls that appear on the iPhone Lock screen, customise Control Center layout, a revamped Photos app, new messaging features such as effects to individual words and RCS (Rich Communication Services) message support in select regions.

iOS 18: Eligible iPhone models


  • iPhone 15

  • iPhone 15 Plus

  • iPhone 15 Pro

  • iPhone 15 Pro Max

  • iPhone 14

  • iPhone 14 Plus

  • iPhone 14 Pro

  • iPhone 14 Pro Max

  • iPhone 13

  • iPhone 13 mini

  • iPhone 13 Pro

  • iPhone 13 Pro Max

  • iPhone 12

  • iPhone 12 mini

  • iPhone 12 Pro

  • iPhone 12 Pro Max

  • iPhone 11

  • iPhone 11 Pro

  • iPhone 11 Pro Max

  • Phone XS

  • iPhone XS Max

  • iPhone XR

  • iPhone SE (2nd generation or later)



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Google planning to keep third-party cookies in its Chrome browser

Google planning to keep third-party cookies in its Chrome browser


Google, Google Inc (Photo: Bloomberg)


Google is planning to keep third-party cookies in its Chrome browser, it said on Monday, after years of pledging to phase out the tiny packets of code meant to track users on the internet.

 


The major reversal follows concerns from advertisers – the company’s biggest source of income – saying the loss of cookies in the world’s most popular browser will limit their ability to collect information for personalising ads, making them dependent on Google’s user databases.

 


The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority had also scrutinised Google’s plan over concerns it would impede competition in digital advertising.

 


“Instead of deprecating third-party cookies, we would introduce a new experience in Chrome that lets people make an informed choice that applies across their web browsing, and they’d be able to adjust that choice at any time,” Anthony Chavez, vice president of the Google-backed Privacy Sandbox initiative, said in a blog post.

 


Since 2019, the Alphabet unit has been working on the Privacy Sandbox initiative aimed at enhancing online privacy while supporting digital businesses, with a key goal being the phase-out of third-party cookies.

 


Cookies are packets of information that allow websites and advertisers to identify individual web surfers and track their browsing habits, but they can also be used for unwanted surveillance.

 


In the European Union, the use of cookies is governed by the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which stipulates that publishers secure explicit consent from users to store their cookies. Major browsers also give the option to delete cookies on command.

 


Chavez said Google was working with regulators such as the UK’s CMA and Information Commissioner’s Office as well as publishers and privacy groups on the new approach, while continuing to invest in the Privacy Sandbox program.


The announcement drew mixed reactions.

 


“Advertising stakeholders will no longer have to prepare to quit third-party cookies cold turkey,” eMarketer analyst Evelyn Mitchell-Wolf said in a statement.

 

Lena Cohen, staff technologist at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, said cookies can lead to consumer harm, for instance predatory ads that target vulnerable groups. “Google’s decision to continue allowing third-party cookies, despite other major browsers blocking them for years, is a direct consequence of their advertising-driven business model,” Cohen said in a statement.


(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

First Published: Jul 23 2024 | 7:51 AM IST



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Nokia achieves 5G download speed of 1.2 Gbps during trial with Airtel

Nokia achieves 5G download speed of 1.2 Gbps during trial with Airtel


The trial was conducted using cloud network technology that eliminates the requirement to have several physical network elements. Photo: Shutterstock.com


Finnish telecom gear maker Nokia has achieved a top download speed of 1.2 gigabit per second for 5G services several times during trials it concluded recently, the company said on Monday.


The download speed was achieved during the first 5G non-standalone (NSA) Cloud radio access network (RAN) trial with Bharti Airtel (Airtel) in India.


“The trial took place in an over-the-air environment utilising 3.5 GHz spectrum for 5G and 2100 MHz for 4G. Data calls were successfully performed with commercial user devices over Airtel’s commercial network achieving a throughput of over 1.2 Gbps,” Nokia said in a statement.


Nokia spokesperson said the top speed of over 1.2 Gbps was achieved several times during the trial in the mid-frequency band of 3.5 Ghz.


“This successful trial with our long-term partner, Bharti Airtel supports their ambitions for building scalable, agile and highly automated networks. Nokia’s approach to Cloud RAN means that our customers can flexibly evolve to Cloud RAN with choices in Cloud infrastructure and data centre hardware. This will drive efficiency, innovation, openness, and scale in their RAN evolution,” Nokia President of Mobile Networks Tommi Uitto said.


The trial was conducted using cloud network technology that eliminates the requirement to have several physical network elements.


“This successful Cloud RAN trial is a significant step forward in our consistent efforts to integrate the latest and most-efficient technologies into our network and leverage these to deliver brilliant customer experiences. This partnership with Nokia has enabled us to pioneer innovative solutions to upgrade our capabilities in 5G,” Bharti Airtel, Chief Technology Officer, Randeep Sekhon said.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

First Published: Jul 22 2024 | 11:42 PM IST



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Tech wrap Jul 22:  Google Play Store, Meta Quest, OPPO K12x, iOS 17.6, more

Tech wrap Jul 22: Google Play Store, Meta Quest, OPPO K12x, iOS 17.6, more



Google has stringent rules for scrutinising Android apps before they make their way to Play Store but now Google is making the vetting process even more strict. The US-based software giant has revised its minimum quality requirements for Android apps and will not allow those that do not meet requirements on Play Store from August 31. Further, it could remove such Android apps from Play Store, too.


US-based technology giant Meta is reportedly planning a new high-end model of its Meta Quest mixed-reality headset to take on Apple’s Vision Pro. According to a report by The Verge, citing The Information, Meta is working on a higher-end headset for 2027, apart from the next-generation Meta Quest headsets that would likely launch in 2026.


OPPO is set to expand its budget 5G smartphone lineup in India with the launch of the OPPO K12x 5G on July 29. The Chinese smartphone maker said that the OPPO K12x 5G will feature segment-leading durability features and will be rated IP54 for dust and water resistance. The smartphone will boast the company’s proprietary splash touch technology, which OPPO said will make the smartphone operable even when the display is wet. OPPO has also detailed some of the K12x’s key details including display and battery specifications, and AI features.


Apple is reportedly planning to release the iOS 17.6 update soon, which could be the last major update for iOS 17 as Apple’s new iOS 18 operating system nears its first stable version. According to a report by 9To5Mac, Apple has cancelled the previously planned iOS 17.5.2 update in favour of the iOS 17.6 that is expected to bring bug fixes and improvements on eligible iPhones.


WhatsApp, the Meta owned instant messaging platform is reportedly planning to launch a new feature to let users create usernames for their profiles. According to WhatsApp update tracker WABetaInfo, WhatsApp will allow users to create usernames for connecting with people, removing the requisite of exchanging numbers.


Samsung is reportedly halting the shipment of its newly launched Galaxy Buds 3 Pro wireless earphones. According to a report by Android Authority, Samsung has confirmed that it is temporarily suspending deliveries of the Buds 3 Pro to distribution channels. This comes after a few early users of the new Galaxy Buds 3 Pro alleged that the included silicone eartips are being easily torn when trying to remove them from the buds.


Google continues to improve Gemini to make it more user-friendly. Google Gemini by default offers a text-only response but it offers a speaker icon on the top of each result to read the text aloud. The US-based software giant had announced at its I/O 2024 event that Gemini will offer ten natural sounding voices, instead of just one that is default.


The Gamma PS1 emulator app for iOS is getting significant upgrades, including Multitap emulation, improved audio quality, and disc swapping functionality. The Gamma PS1 emulator is a retro-game emulation app that allows users to play video games made for PlayStation 1 on their iPhones. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Gamma PS1’s developer Benjamin Stark said that the emulator’s iOS app has been updated with improved multiplayer support, disc swapping functionality, game library cover art, and more.


Nvidia is working on a version of its new flagship AI chips for the China market that would be compatible with current US export controls, three sources familiar with the matter said.


In a display of digital creativity, Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, shared an AI-generated video on the social media platform X. The video showcases an imaginative portrayal of political and world leaders as fashion models, strutting down the runway in an array of eye-catching outfits. This one-of-a-kind video quickly captured the internet’s attention, going viral almost instantly.


Artificial intelligence (AI) could lead to India’s services export growth declining by 0.3-0.4 percentage points annually over the next decade, said the Economic Survey on Monday.

First Published: Jul 22 2024 | 8:03 PM IST



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Tesla to have humanoid robots for internal use by next year: Elon Musk

Tesla to have humanoid robots for internal use by next year: Elon Musk


Tesla will have the robots in high production for other companies’ use “hopefully” in 2026: Elon Musk | File Photo


Tesla will have humanoid robots in low production for the company’s internal use next year, CEO Elon Musk said on Monday, months after he announced that the rollout would be by the end of 2024.

 


The company will have the robots in high production for other companies’ use “hopefully” in 2026, Musk said in a post on social media platform X.

 


Musk had said in April that the Tesla robot, called Optimus, would be able to perform tasks in the factory by the end of this year and could be ready for sale as soon as the end of 2025.

 


Humanoid robots have been in development for several years by Japan’s Honda and Hyundai Motor’s Boston Dynamics.

 


Several companies are betting on them to meet potential labor shortages and perform repetitive tasks that could be dangerous or tedious in industries such as logistics, warehousing and manufacturing.

 


Musk has a history of failing to fulfill bold promises to Wall Street. In 2019, he told investors that Tesla would be operating a network of “robotaxi” autonomous cars by 2020.

 


Tesla put out the first generation of its Optimus robot, dubbed Bumblebee, in September 2022. This year, the company posted a video of a second generation of the bipedal robot folding a T-shirt at the firm’s facility.

 


(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

First Published: Jul 22 2024 | 6:56 PM IST



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