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Tag: 9to5Google

  • Details Emerge Regarding Google’s Upcoming Pixel Fold

    Details Emerge Regarding Google’s Upcoming Pixel Fold

    New details have begun emerging regarding Google’s upcoming Pixel Fold phone, and it’s definitely a mixed bag.

    Google has been rumored to be working on a foldable version of its hit Pixel phone. According to 9to5Google, the upcoming phone will be heavier than any existing fold on the market, including its biggest competitor, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4.

    According to the outlet, the upcoming phone will be approximately 5.5 inches tall by 3.14 inches wide. This puts it roughly the same height as the Oppo Find N2, the closest existing phone, but the Pixel Fold will be a bit wider. As a result of the phone’s size, the Pixel Fold will be closer in weight to a small tablet than a traditional smartphone.

    On the flip side, however, the new phone will have a substantially larger battery than many of its competitors. The Z Fold 4 comes with a 4,400 mAh, while the Oppo comes with a 4,520 mAh battery. In contrast, the Pixel Fold will have a battery closer to 5,000 mAh, although sources said it will still come in below that number.

    The Pixel has already helped Google make major headway in the smartphone market, and it looks like the Pixel Fold could help it build on that success even more.

  • Google Fi Impacted by Latest T-Mobile Breach

    Google Fi Impacted by Latest T-Mobile Breach

    T-Mobile’s latest data breach may have cast a wider net than previous ones, with Google Fi customers among those impacted.

    T-Mobile alerted customers in mid-January that it had been hit by a data breach, one that impacted some 37 million customers. However, it appears T-Mobile’s customers weren’t the only ones affected.

    Google Fi has sent a notice to its customers indicating their data may also have been included in the T-Mobile breach. Below is the email customers received, via 9to5Google:

    Dear Google Fi customer,

    We’re writing to let you know that the primary network provider for Google Fi recently informed us there has been suspicious activity relating to a third party system that contains a limited amount of Google Fi customer data.

    There is no action required by you at this time.

    This system is used for Google Fi customer support purposes and contains limited data including when your account was activated, data about your mobile service plan, SIM card serial number, and active or inactive account status.

    It does not contain your name, date of birth, email address, payment card information, social security number or tax IDs, driver’s license or other form of government ID, or financial account information, passwords or PINs that you may use for Google Fi, or the contents of any SMS messages or calls.

    Our incident response team undertook an investigation and determined that unauthorized access occurred and have worked with our primary network provider to identify and implement measures to secure the data on that third party system and notify everyone potentially impacted. There was no access to Google’s systems or any systems overseen by Google.

    If you are an active Fi user, please note that your Google Fi service continues to work as usual and was not interrupted by this issue.

  • Android 14 Will Block Outdated Apps to Reduce Malware

    Android 14 Will Block Outdated Apps to Reduce Malware

    Google is updating its policies regarding Android APIs, with plans to block outdated apps in Android 14.

    Outdated and abandoned apps are a big problem for both Apple’s App Store and Google’s Play Store. In fact, recent research shows that some 32% of Android apps are abandoned. Unfortunately, outdated software poses a significant security risk, opening up an attack vector for bad actors to abuse.

    Google is looking to address the problem with changes to how Android 14 handles apps. According to 9to5Google, Android 14 will not install apps that use outdated APIs, or are designed for older versions of Android. An exception will be made for apps a user previously downloaded and have not yet been updated to use the latest APIs.

    Google emphasized the need for these changes in an update to its Android developer guidelines:

    Every new Android version introduces changes that bring security and performance improvements and enhance the Android user experience. Some of these changes only apply to apps that explicitly declare support through their targetSdkVersion manifest attribute (also known as the target API level).

    Configuring your app to target a recent API level ensures that users can benefit from these improvements, while your app can still run on older Android versions. Targeting a recent API level also allows your app to take advantage of the platform’s latest features to delight your users.

  • Google May Be Releasing a Chromecast With Google TV

    Google May Be Releasing a Chromecast With Google TV

    Google may be prepping a new Chromecast with Google TV, one that could be a significant upgrade over previous devices.

    Google’s Chromecast is a streaming TV dongle powered by a version of Android TV called Google TV. The existing versions of the Chromecast have been a bit underwhelming, but 9to5Google says there’s reason to believe the next version could be an improvement.

    While the 9to5Google has not been able to confirm any details or specs, the outlet is hoping to see a faster processor, more storage, and a second USB-C port.

    The Apple TV has long been a superior device to any of Google’s options. If the next version of the Chromecast does include meaningful updates, however, it could finally be a contender.

  • Rust Is Paying Off in Android, Cutting Memory Safety Vulnerabilities

    Rust Is Paying Off in Android, Cutting Memory Safety Vulnerabilities

    Google’s decision to include Rust support in the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) is paying off with less vulnerabilities.

    Rust is a relatively new programming language, one that places an emphasis on memory safety, security, and performance. Google made the decision to support Rust in Android in early 2021, a decision that is already paying off.

    According to 9to5Google, Google says there has been a considerable drop in the number of memory safety vulnerabilities, going from 223 in 2019 to 85 in 2022. Such vulnerabilities now comprise just 35% of known vulnerabilities in Android, as opposed to 76% four years ago. As a result, Google says “2022 is the first year where memory safety vulnerabilities do not represent a majority of Android’s vulnerabilities.”

    Rust has been gaining traction because of its memory safety features. The NSA recently advocated for the use of Rust and similar languages in an effort to cut down on software vulnerabilities. Similarly, the language has been added to the Linux kernel, making it only the second language supported, behind C.

  • No More Standalone Google Street View App

    No More Standalone Google Street View App

    Google is retiring its standalone Street View app, with plans to kill it effective March 2023.

    First spotted by 9to5Google, the latest version of Street View contains hidden notices that point to the app’s impending demise.

    Street View App is going away

    The app is going away and support will end March 21, 2023.

    To publish your own 360 video, switch to Street View Studio. To view Street View and add Photo Spheres, use Google Maps.

    Users will still be able to access the Street View feature in the Google Maps app.

  • Google Adding Direct Reply Feature to RCS Messages

    Google Adding Direct Reply Feature to RCS Messages

    Google is prepping a major upgrade to its RCS messages, adding the ability to directly reply to individual texts.

    Direct replies are a common feature of Apple’s iMessage, as well as Signal and WhatsApp. Traditional SMS messaging does not support the feature, and Google’s RCS successor has lacked it as well. Google is working to address this, according to 9to5Google.

    The outlet runs a regular “APK Insight” series, where it decompiles Android applications to gain insights into upcoming features. In the latest APK Insight, 9to5Google decompiled Google Messages and found evidence of a direct reply feature in the making.

    According to the findings, long pressing on a message displays a reply arrow that can be used to directly reply to a single message. Similarly, swiping a message to the side activates the feature as well. A reply includes a preview quote, much like iMessage, Signal, and other platforms. Some users are already reporting the feature is live for them.

    This new feature is the latest in a long series of improvements Google is adding to its RCS implementation that helps bring feature parity with Apple’s iMessage. iMessage is largely considered one of Apple’s biggest advantages in the battle between iOS and Android, with Apple execs reluctant to do anything that would bring iMessage’s advantages to Android, for fear users would opt for a cheaper Android phone if they could still have the “blue bubble” experience.

    Google has repeatedly called out Apple for its refusal to support RCS, saying its choices lower the overall security and privacy of all iOS > Android communication since iOS defaults to sending cross-platform texts via SMS. Unlike iMessage or RCS, SMS has virtually no modern security features, such as encryption, nor does it support group administration, file sharing, read receipts, or the like.

    Google has made the case that Apple could continue to use iMessage for iOS to iOS communication and only fall back to RCS for cross-platform texts. Only time will tell if Apple will do so, but it’s highly unlikely without regulatory intervention.

  • Google One Now Offers 5TB Plan For $24.99 a Month

    Google One Now Offers 5TB Plan For $24.99 a Month

    Google is now offering a middle-of-the-road storage plan for users, unveiling a 5TB plan for $24.99, filling a major hole in the company’s storage offerings.

    Google changed the terms of its Photos storage in late 2020, ending its free, unlimited storage option. Users looking to replace that option have been turning to Google One. Paid plans start at 100GB for $1.99, 200GB for $2.99, 2TB for $9.99 and 10TB for $49.99.

    The new option, first spotted by 9to5Google offers users a potential Goldilocks plan, offering a decent amount of storage at that ‘just right’ price.

  • Google Assistant Driving Mode Now Replacing Android Auto

    Google Assistant Driving Mode Now Replacing Android Auto

    Google is killing Android Auto, replacing it with its Google Assistant Driving Mode.

    According to XDA, Users on Pixel phones running Android 12 have started receiving a message that Android Auto is no longer available on their devices.

    Android Auto is now only available for car screens. On your phone, try Google Assistant driving mode instead.

    Android Auto on phones was never meant to be a long-term solution, and only served as a stopgap measure until Google could finish rolling out Google Assistant Driving Mode. 

    Google confirmed to 9to5Google that the warning is not Android-version-specific, but is part of a larger plan to end support for the app on phones.

    Google Assistant driving mode is our next evolution of the mobile driving experience. For the people who use Android Auto in supported vehicles, that experience isn’t going away. For those who use the on phone experience (Android Auto mobile app), they will be transitioned to Google Assistant driving mode. Starting with Android 12, Google Assistant driving mode will be the built-in mobile driving experience. We have no further details to share at this time.

  • Google Play Movies & TV App Ending Roku and Smart TV Support

    Google Play Movies & TV App Ending Roku and Smart TV Support

    Google has announced it is ending support for its Play Movies & TV app on Roku and smart TVs by LG, Samsung and Vizio.

    Google has been moving away from its Play Movies & TV app, with the eventual goal being to replace it with Google TV, which the company unveiled in September 2020. In the meantime, the company is steering users toward its YouTube TV streaming service.

    Starting 6/15/2021, the Google Play Movies & TV app will no longer be available on Roku, Samsung, LG, and Vizio smart TVs. The YouTube app will be your new home for movies and shows. Just log in with your Google account in the YouTube app today, you’ll have access to all of your past purchases, and will be able to browse, purchase, and rent new content.

    Google says past purchases will be available in YouTube, Google Play credits can be used in YouTube and Play Family Library purchases can be viewed on YouTube. Watchlists will not make the transition, however.

    As 9to5Google points out, one disadvantage of of this approach is that YouTube TV doesn’t offer the wide range of 4K support as a dedicated app, like Play Movies & TV app.

  • Google Bringing End-to-End Encryption to RCS Messages

    Google Bringing End-to-End Encryption to RCS Messages

    Google appears prepared to bring end-to-end encryption to RCS messages, helping it better compete with Apple iMessages.

    RCS is considered the successor to basic text messages, offering a number of feature not possible with the older technology. Larger groups chats, read receipts, chat over WiFi, typing indicators, group management (adding/removing participants) and more. These are features Apple iMessages have had since the beginning, but only work when communicating with other Apple devices.

    The one area where RCS has lagged behind, however, is security. While RCS does have encryption, it does not support end-to-end encryption, which is considered the gold-standard of protecting user privacy. Now, that appears to be changing.

    According 9to5Google, APKMirror has discovered one of Google Messages internal “dog food” builds. The term “dog food” is used in software development to describe using your own product to find the flaws in it, before asking customers to use it—as in “eat your own dog food.”

    There are a number of interesting features Google appears to be working on. Just as iMessages can fall back to SMS or MMS, Google Messages will have the same option. In an improvement over iMessages, however, Google Messages will warn the user that SMS and MMS does not support encryption when falling back to it. Similarly, Google will ask if a user wants to grant access to encrypted messages to apps that otherwise have access to standard messages.

    Overall, this is a welcome upgrade to RCS messages, especially since Google rolled them out to all users in the US late last year.

  • Google Accidentally Sent Video Backups to Strangers

    Google Accidentally Sent Video Backups to Strangers

    Google has admitted it accidentally sent videos from its Google Takeout archive service to the wrong users, according to 9to5Google.

    Google Takeout is a service that lets users download all their data to migrate to another service, or merely to use as a backup. According to the report, however, Google accidentally downloaded and saved some users’ videos to the wrong archives, essentially sending them to complete strangers.

    Google provided 9to5Google with the following statement:

    “We are notifying people about a bug that may have affected users who used Google Takeout to export their Google Photos content between November 21 and November 25. These users may have received either an incomplete archive, or videos—not photos—that were not theirs. We fixed the underlying issue and have conducted an in-depth analysis to help prevent this from ever happening again. We are very sorry this happened.”

    The company asks users who were impacted to delete their previous export and request another one.

  • Waze Adds Snow Warning Feature With Winter Weather Reports

    Waze Adds Snow Warning Feature With Winter Weather Reports

    Waze, the popular community-driven traffic app, just received a major new feature in preparation for the winter season.

    According to a press release provided to 9to5Google, Waze has launched Snow Warning, a feature aimed at helping drivers navigate through dangerous winter weather.

    The new feature was created in partnership with the Virginia Department of Transportation and will build on the app’s crowdsourcing feature by allowing users to report snow covered, unplowed roads and icy conditions. This can be especially helpful when dealing with black ice, something that is difficult to detect.

    The Virginia DoT plans to use data from Waze to better plan for future bad weather. In the meantime, Snow Warning is now live in 185 countries and can be accessed via Hazards > Weather.