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Tag: Android

  • Android Apps Are Finally Coming to Windows 11 Next Month

    Android Apps Are Finally Coming to Windows 11 Next Month

    Microsoft has announced that Android apps, along with a slew of other improvements, are finally coming to Windows 11 next month.

    Support for Android apps was one of the biggest features touted in Windows 11. Unfortunately, the feature didn’t make it into the initial release, with Microsoft saying it would be included at a later date.

    The company has announced that Android apps are finally making their way to Windows 11, albeit in a public preview, slated to be released next month. The new release will also feature interface improvements, as well as new Notepad and Media Player apps.

    “Next month we’re bringing new experiences to Windows that include a public preview of how you can use AndroidTM apps on Windows 11 through the Microsoft Store and our partnerships with Amazon and Intel, taskbar improvements with call mute and unmute, easier window sharing and bringing weather to the taskbar, plus the introduction of two new redesigned apps, Notepad and Media Player,” writes Panos Panay, Chief Product Officer, Windows + Devices.

  • DC AG Sues Google For Using ‘Dark Patterns’ to Undermine Privacy

    DC AG Sues Google For Using ‘Dark Patterns’ to Undermine Privacy

    Google is once again in the crosshairs for its privacy (or lack thereof), with the DC Attorney General suing it over “Dark Pattern” practices.

    Dark Patterns are deceptive practices some websites and apps use to trick users into buying things or taking actions they otherwise wouldn’t, or didn’t mean to. The website DarkPatterns.org is dedicated to shaming companies that engage in this type of behavior.

    Google is now facing accusation from the DC Attorney General Karl A. Racine that it is using such Dark Patterns to get its customers to compromise their privacy.

    To gain access to user location data, Google manipulates its users through deceptive design choices that alter user decision-making in ways that harm the user and benefit Google. These practices are known as “dark patterns.” Google has made extensive use of dark patterns—such as repeated nudging, misleading pressure tactics, and evasive and deceptive descriptions of features and settings—to stop users from protecting their privacy and cause them to provide more and more data inadvertently or out of frustration.

    AG Racine also accuses the company of making it impossible for customers to truly opt out of location tracking, deceiving customers about how much control they have over their privacy, and misleading customers about how much changing device settings really protects their privacy.

    AG Racine is leading a coordinated, bipartisan effort to take Google to task for these actions, with the Indiana, Texas, and Washington AGs also filing lawsuits against Google in their states.

    “Google falsely led consumers to believe that changing their account and device settings would allow customers to protect their privacy and control what personal data the company could access,” said AG Racine. “The truth is that contrary to Google’s representations it continues to systematically surveil customers and profit from customer data. Googles bold misrepresentations are a clear violation of consumers’ privacy. I’m proud to lead this bipartisan group of attorneys general that will hold Google accountable for its deception. Through this lawsuit, we will hold Google accountable, and in the process, educate consumers on how their personal data—particularly sensitive data about their physical location—is collected, stored, and monetized. This result of our collective action is that consumers, not Google, will determine how their data is or is not used.”

  • Twitter Communities Comes to Android

    Twitter Communities Comes to Android

    Twitter has brought its Communities to Android, after first rolling out the feature to iOS in September 2021.

    When Twitter introduced Communities, it billed it as a way to for like-minded people to engage in more intimate conversations.

    Some conversations aren’t for everyone, just the people who want to talk about the thing you want to talk about. When you join a Community, you can Tweet directly to that group instead of to all your followers. Only members in the same Community are able to reply and join the conversation so it stays intimate and relevant. 

    Now the feature has made its way to Android, significantly expanding the room for engagement.

    Android is HERE!

    if you’re on Android, you can now engage in Communities via the Twitter app (make sure to update to the latest version!)

    — Twitter Communities (@HiCommunities), January 19, 2022

  • Yes, the Blackberry 5G Phone Is Still Coming

    Yes, the Blackberry 5G Phone Is Still Coming

    Despite delays, a 5G Blackberry phone is still in development, complete with the iconic physical keyboard.

    Blackberry devices were once some of the most popular PDAs and smartphones on the market, before getting trounced by Apple’s iOS and Google’s Android. Despite its fall from grace, the Blackberry maintains a loyal customer base, with many preferring the physical keyboard to software-based, onscreen options.

    Blackberry no longer manufactures its own devices, but has licensed the rights to do so to outside companies. TCL lost its license to make Blackberry devices in February 2020, but OnwardMobility gained the contract in August 2020, and promised to deliver a new, 5G model in 2021.

    Despite 2021 having passed with no new Blackberry, OnwardMobility wants its customers to know they are coming.

    To all of you who have patiently waited so long for updates from OnwardMobility, we are humbly aware that we owe you some form of communication as we enter 2022. And to misquote Mark Twain, as so many do, “Contrary to popular belief, we are not dead.”

    The company also promises to provide more updates to future customers moving forward.

    While we encountered various delays that prevented us from shipping in 2021, we will be providing more regular updates starting this month that will clarify and answer many of your questions about the ultra-secure 5G enterprise smartphone (still with a keyboard!) we’re bringing to market.

  • Google Under Closer Scrutiny From German Antitrust Watchdog

    Google Under Closer Scrutiny From German Antitrust Watchdog

    Google has been labeled a company of “paramount significance” by the German antitrust watchdog, opening the door for more scrutiny.

    Google is facing scrutiny and legal challenges worldwide over antitrust concerns related to its search dominance, advertising business, and its Android operating system.

    According to SFGATE, Google’s designation was changed by the Bundeskartellamt, the German antitrust group, allowing it “to intervene earlier and more effectively” to block anti-competitive behavior. The classification lasts for five years.

    “This is a very important step, since based on this decision, the Bundeskartellamt can now take action against specific anti-competitive practices by Google,” said the watchdog’s president, Andreas Mundt.

    Google has already said it will not appeal the decision.

    “We are confident that we comply with the rules and, to the extent that changes are necessary, we will continue to work constructively with the (Federal Cartel Office) to find solutions that enable people and businesses in Germany to continue to use our products,” Google said in a statement.

  • Surface Duo Owners Left in the Cold As Microsoft Fails to Deliver Update

    Surface Duo Owners Left in the Cold As Microsoft Fails to Deliver Update

    Microsoft promised an Android 11 update for the Surface Duo before the end of 2021, but the company has failed to deliver.

    The Surface Duo is Microsoft’s ambitious attempt to take on foldable devices. Unlike its previous attempts at a smartphone, the Duo runs Android, combining the world’s most popular mobile OS with Microsoft’s ecosystem of software and services.

    Original Surface Duo owners were waiting on an update to Android 11, which Microsoft promised to deliver before the end of 2021. Unfortunately for consumers, the new year has come and gone without an update, an update that promises to bring the V1 Duo closer to the V2 model, in terms of features and stability.

    Windows Central’s Zac Bowden placed the blame squarely on Microsoft’s mishandling of the situation.

    I’ve said this before, but Microsoft is the problem with Surface Duo. If the Surface Duo was a Samsung, Google, or Apple product, you can bet that those companies would have done everything in their power to fix up the product within the first few months of it being on the market. They would have been responsive about issues, and would’ve kept its customers assured that improvements and fixes were on the way.

    Bowden also makes the case that if Microsoft wants the Surface Duo to be taken seriously, it first needs to take the device seriously itself.

    Microsoft is going to be the sole reason this product ultimately fails if it doesn’t start taking Surface Duo more seriously. Surface Duo 2 launched in a much better state, which hopefully means that a Surface Duo 3 will be even better out of the gate whenever that launches. But now Microsoft needs to prove to its existing customers that it’s going to properly support Duo V1 and V2 with new features, bug fixes, and improvements on a regular basis throughout 2022.

    Hopefully Microsoft learns from this misstep and corrects course. The Duo is too unique of a device to let fall by the wayside.

  • Samsung S22 May Offer Google’s New Fuchsia OS

    Samsung S22 May Offer Google’s New Fuchsia OS

    Samsung’s S22 line may be the first mainstream smartphone and tablet devices powered by Google’s new Fuchsia operating systems (OS).

    Android may be the most widely-used mobile OS on the market, but Google has been working on its replacement, Fuchsia, for some time. The company only acknowledged the existence of Fuchsia in 2019, after working on it in secret.

    According to reports, Fuchsia is designed to be Google’s end-all, be-all OS for all of its devices, including those with and without a screen. According to BGR, Samsung is preparing to offers its S22 devices, including a Note-like model, with Fuchsia.

    As BGR points out, one of the biggest advantages of Fuchsia is seamless updates, a major downside of Google’s current Android OS. Whenever Google releases an Android update, it cannot simply push the update to all Android devices. Instead, it must rely on carriers and manufacturers to push the update to their phones. As a result, compared to Apple’s iOS/iPadOS, the installed Android base is much more fractured, with many users on older versions of the OS.

    If the rumors are true and Samsung does make Fuchsia an option on S22 devices, it’s a safe bet other manufacturers will quickly follow suit.

  • J.P. Morgan: 5G iPhone SE Could Attract More Than One Billion Android Users

    J.P. Morgan: 5G iPhone SE Could Attract More Than One Billion Android Users

    Apple may be poised for a breakout hit with its upcoming 5G iPhone SE, potentially attracting more than a billion Android switchers.

    Apple has been rumored to be preparing to release an update to the less expensive iPhone SE, an update that brings 5G to the model. According to J.P. Morgan, via Reuters, the combination of lower price point and 5G could be a winning ticket for Apple, and lead to substantial defections from the Android community.

    “Apple’s trade-in program for non-iPhones is admittedly not as attractive as the iPhone trade-in values, it could nonetheless lead to an average starting price range of $269 to $399 for the 5G iPhone SE, which is still very competitive,” said analyst Samik Chatterjee. Notably, Chatterjee is rated five stars on Refinitiv Eikon for his estimate accuracy. 

    Apple is well known for its premium, high-end devices, a corner of the market the company has a virtual stranglehold on. If J.P. Morgan is correct, the 5G iPhone SE could help the company make major inroads in the cheaper Android market.

    In the meantime, J.P. Morgan has raised its target for Apple stock from $180 to a Street high of $210.

  • Android Games Coming to Windows in 2022

    Android Games Coming to Windows in 2022

    Google is bringing a native Android gaming experience to Windows in 2022, straight from the Google Play Games app.

    Android support in Windows 11 is one of its most anticipated features. Originally scheduled to ship with Windows 11, Android support was delayed and missed the initial release date, but nonetheless remains one of the operating system’s most unique features.

    Google is looking to build on Microsoft efforts, bringing Android games to Windows 11, as well as Windows 10, via a native Google Play Games app.

    “Starting in 2022, players will be able to experience their favorite Google Play games on more devices: seamlessly switching between a phone, tablet, Chromebook, and soon, Windows PCs,” Greg Hartrell, Google’s product director of games on Android and Google Play, said in a statement to The Verge. “This Google built product brings the best of Google Play Games to more laptops and desktops, and we are thrilled to expand our platform for players to enjoy their favorite Android games even more.”

    “This will be a native Windows app distributed by Google, which will support Windows 10 and up,” continues Hartrell. “It will not involve game streaming.”

  • PSA: Update Microsoft Teams on Android Now

    PSA: Update Microsoft Teams on Android Now

    If you’re running Microsoft Teams on Android, you should update immediately to avoid a bug that crippled 911 calling.

    News broke Thursday that a bug in Microsoft Teams on Android could prevent users from calling 911. The issue occurred when Teams was installed, but the user was not logged in to the service..

    Microsoft has released an update to Teams that fixes the issues. All users should update immediately to avoid any issues.

  • Microsoft Teams and Android 10 or Later Preventing 911 Calls

    Microsoft Teams and Android 10 or Later Preventing 911 Calls

    Google is warning that having Microsoft Teams installed, but not logged in on Android 10 or later can prevent 911 calls.

    user on Reddit with a Pixel 3, running Android 11, reported being unable to successfully call 911 when their grandmother appeared to be having a stroke.

    My phone got stuck immediately after one ring and I was unable to do anything other than click through apps with an emergency phone call running in the background. This is all while the phone informed me that it had sent my location to emergency services. Sadly I couldn’t tell the person on the other end what apartment I was in, or what the actual emergency was as I was unable to speak to a human.

    Google investigated the incident and discovered an unexpected interaction between Android and Microsoft Teams. The issue only occurs on Android 10 or later, when Teams is installed but the user is not logged in to their Teams account.

    We determined that the issue was being caused by unintended interaction between the Microsoft Teams app and the underlying Android operating system. Because this issue impacts emergency calling, both Google and Microsoft are heavily prioritizing the issue, and we expect a Microsoft Teams app update to be rolled out soon – as always we suggest users keep an eye out for app updates to ensure they are running the latest version. We will also be providing an Android platform update to the Android ecosystem on January 4.

    In the meantime, Google recommends a couple of mitigation steps. If an individual needs Microsoft Teams, they should make sure they are signed in and stay signed in until the fix is released. On the other hand, if an individual has Teams but is not signed in, they are better off uninstalling the app and reinstalling it. Google says this will fix the issue temporarily, but an update from Microsoft will be required to permanently fix it.

  • Australia May Force Google to Give Users a Choice of Android Search

    Australia May Force Google to Give Users a Choice of Android Search

    Australia may soon force Google to give users a choice for their default search engine on Android phones.

    Google has come under increased scrutiny for its dominance in the search market. While the company argues that its dominance is the result of simply being better, critics say its overwhelming market lead all but ensure it faces no real competition. Add in aggressive deals with other companies, as well as its ability to make its search the default on Android, and Google’s position is all but unassailable.

    According to Reuters, Australia wants to change that by forcing Google to present users with a screen during initial configuration that will allow users to choose their default search engine. While it is already possible to change the default on Android, less tech-savvy users may not readily know how, something a selection screen would solve.

    “We are concerned that Google’s dominance and its ability to use its financial resources to fund arrangements to be the default search engine on many devices and other means through which consumers access search, such as browsers, is harming competition and consumers,” said Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) Chair Rod Sims  in a statement.

    “Google pays billions of dollars each year for these placements, which illustrates how being the default search engine is extremely valuable to Google’s business model.”

  • Google Lowering Play Store Fees to as Low as 10%

    Google Lowering Play Store Fees to as Low as 10%

    Google has announced it is lowering its Play Store fees for subscriptions to 15%, and Media Experience apps to 10%.

    Like Apple, Google originally charged a flat 30% commission for all paid Android apps in the Play Store. While developers were initially thrilled to pay a commission in exchange for Apple and Google handling the sales end of their business, many have since soured on the fees, claiming they are too high.

    Google has been making changes to its fees structure, but its most recent change is its biggest yet. The company’s fee for recurring subscriptions already dropped from 30 to 15% after 12 months, and Media Experience apps were subject to a 15% fee.

    The company is lowering those fees even more, with all recurring subscriptions slated to enjoy a flat 15% fee starting January 1, 2022. This change was made to address customer churn that prevented some developers from ever realizing the lower fee that only kicked in after the first year.

    Google is also lowering the fee for Media Experience apps to as low as 10%

    Google’s announcement is welcome news for Android developers, and puts additional pressure on Apple to adapt its App Store fees to the current market.

  • Windows Subsystem for Android Documentation Now Available

    Windows Subsystem for Android Documentation Now Available

    Microsoft has released its documentation for the upcoming Windows Subsystem for Android.

    Windows Subsystem for Android will allow Microsoft Windows to run Android applications. The company had originally planned on releasing it as part of Windows 11, but ultimately ended up postponing the feature.

    The company has now released documentation for Windows Subsystem for Android, making it easier for Android developers to get their apps ready.

    Windows Subsystem for Android enables your Windows 11 device to run Android applications that are available in the Amazon Appstore.

    If you’re a developer interested in targeting Windows desktop devices and optimizing for the Windows operating system, this guide is for you.

    The full documentation is available here.

  • Study Shows Android Has Serious Privacy Issues, Snoops on Users

    Study Shows Android Has Serious Privacy Issues, Snoops on Users

    A new study is showing just how much Android snoops on its users, transmitting large quantities of data to third-parties and Google.

    In the age-old iOS vs Android debate, the common argument against Android is the perceived lack of privacy. A team of researchers at the University of Edinburgh and Trinity College Dublin attempted to get to the bottom of the situation, and their findings were disturbing, to say the least.

    The researchers looked phones made by Samsung, Huawei, Xiaomi and Realme. They also looked at two forks of the Android OS, LineageOS and /e/OS. At its heart, Android is an open source OS where anyone is free to modify it for their own uses, just as Google does. LineageOS and /e/OS are two such forks that place an emphasis on privacy by “de-Googling” the OS.

    The researchers found that, with one exception, all flavors of Android transmitted substantial data to Google. Even worse, they also transmitted data to third-party companies, including Facebook.

    We find that, with the notable exception of e/OS, even when minimally configured and the handset is idle these vendor-customized Android variants transmit substantial amounts of information to the OS developer and also to third-parties (Google, Microsoft, LinkedIn, Facebook etc) that have pre-installed system apps. While occasional communication with OS servers is to be expected, the observed data transmission goes well beyond this and raises a number of privacy concerns.

    Here’s a detailed list of the information being sent:

    Table of Android Data Sharing - Credit University of Edinburgh & Trinity College Dublin
    Table of Android Data Sharing – Credit University of Edinburgh & Trinity College Dublin

    The researchers also expressed concern about the possibility of companies being able to cross-link data in an effort to build a more comprehensive profile of the user.

    We find that typically multiple parties collect data from a handset. For example, on a Samsung handset Samsung, Google and Microsoft/LinkedIn all collect data. That raises the question of whether the data collected separately by these parties can be linked together (and of course combined with data from other sources). While we are not in a position to know whether such linking actually takes place, by inspection of the identifiers jointly collected by the parties we can see whether the potential exists for data linking.

    Potential for Android Data Cross-Linking - Credit University of Edinburgh & Trinity College Dublin
    Potential for Android Data Cross-Linking – Credit University of Edinburgh & Trinity College Dublin

    Overall, the researchers said the current situation raises serious concerns about the privacy Android offers — or doesn’t.

    We present an in-depth analysis of the data sent by the Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei, Realme, LineageOS and /e/OS variants of Android. We find that, with the notable exception of e/OS, even when minimally configured and the handset is idle these vendor-customized Android variants transmit substantial amounts of information to the OS developer and also to third-parties (Google, Microsoft, LinkedIn, Facebook etc) that have pre-installed system apps. While occasional communication with OS servers is to be expected, the observed data transmission goes well beyond this and raises a number of privacy concerns.

    Google has been working to improve its image as a company that respects its users’ privacy. Creating an OS that serves to vacuum up large quantities of user data — and then sends that data to itself and third-parties companies — falls far short of what the company promises and what users deserve.

  • Google SVP Wants to Help Apple Support RCS Messaging

    Google SVP Wants to Help Apple Support RCS Messaging

    Google SVP Hiroshi Lockheimer has extended an open invitation to help Apple embrace RCS messaging.

    RCS is the next-gen text messaging that brings Android on par with iOS. For years, Android’s messaging was little more than basic SMS. As a result, it had limited to no support for read receipts, group management, file sharing and encryption.

    Google has been pushing RCS for some time, and many of the major carriers have finally started adopting the newer protocol. Google’s RCS implementation brings those features that were sorely lacking, including end-to-end encryption.

    Unfortunately, there is no cross-platform compatibility between Apple’s iMessage and RCS. As far as iOS is concerned, texting an Android phone is no different from texting a phone with basic SMS — even if that phone is using RCS. That means no read receipts, no file sharing, no group management and no end-to-end encryption between the platforms.

    Google, at least, appears willing to change that. Hiroshi Lockheimer, SVP for Android, opened the door in a tweet.

    Hopefully Apple will take Google up on the offer, easing a major cross-platform pain point. Realistically…it’s probably never going to happen.

  • Google Maps Now Features Eco-Friendly Routing

    Google Maps Now Features Eco-Friendly Routing

    Google Maps has introduced a new feature, eco-friendly routing, to help individuals be a little greener in their travels.

    Google Maps already offers a number of routing options, including the fastest route, a route that avoids tolls, one that avoids highways and more. The latest option will appeal to environmentally conscious drivers, giving them the ability to choose the route that is the most fuel-efficient. Google estimates eco-friendly routing could help eliminate up to one million tons of carbon emissions annually.

    “Not only does Google Maps’ eco-friendly routing bring NREL’s fuel-efficient technology from the lab to the road, but it has huge potential to significantly lower emissions and save drivers money on gas — something that’s good for both people and the planet,” said Jeff Gonder, from the US Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).

    Users who always want the fastest route can still set that as the preferences as well.

    The new feature is available on Android and iOS in the US, with plans for Europe in 2022.

  • Android SMS Malware Using Fake COVID-19 Notifications to Spread

    Android SMS Malware Using Fake COVID-19 Notifications to Spread

    A dangerous Android SMS malware has been using fake COVID-19 notifications to spread in the US and Canada.

    Security firm Cloudmark has issued a report on the new malware, dubbed TangleBot. The malware is particularly dangerous, as it allows the attackers a significant degree of information access and control over the compromised device.

    TangleBot uses SMS text message lures with content about COVID regulations and the third dose of COVID vaccines to trick mobile subscribers into downloading malware that compromises the security of the device and configures the system to allow for the exfiltration of confidential information to systems controlled by the attacker(s). The malware has been given the moniker TangleBot because of its many levels of obfuscation and control over a myriad of entangled device functions, including contacts, SMS and phone capabilities, call logs, internet access, and camera and microphone.

    Until a security patch is released, Cloudmark recommends users not respond to unsolicited enterprise or commercial text messages. Users should not click on any links in such text messages. If a users believes the text may be legitimate, it’s still safer to manually enter the address in a web browser, rather than click on the link in the text.

  • Google Working to Bring Android Closer to Linux Kernel

    Google Working to Bring Android Closer to Linux Kernel

    Google is working to bring Android closer to the Linux kernel in a move that could significantly speed up development time.

    Android is arguably the biggest Linux-based operating system (OS) in existence, powering billions of devices the world over. Unfortunately, the OS is a far cry from the base Linux kernel, being forked several times before it gets to a user’s device. The first fork occurs when Google takes the Linux kernel to create the base Android kernel, and then again by each chip maker, and yet again by device manufacturers.

    The end result of repeated forking is that it can take a significant amount of time for improvements, features and fixes to make their way from the top all the way to the end user.

    According to Ars Technica, Google is working on an innovative solution to the problem, one that will only require a single fork from the Linux kernel. From that point forward, System on Chip (SoC) venders — Qualcomm, Samsung and others — and device manufactures will be able to use plugins to customize Android, rather than relying on additional kernel forks.

    The end result will be a much shorter path from the original Linux kernel to end user devices. This will allow Google and its Android ecosystem partners to develop and release updates and patches much faster than the current fragmentation allows.

    Fragmentation and delayed update cycles have been a major problem for Android since its inception. Unlike iOS, where the majority of users quickly migrate to the latest version, Android users are far more spread out over multiple versions of the OS. This poses a problem for Google, as well as the many third-party developers. Google’s efforts to address this are good news for developers and users alike.

  • Surface Duo to Get Android 11 This Year

    Surface Duo to Get Android 11 This Year

    Microsoft has confirmed that original Surface Duo devices will receive an upgrade to Android 11 by the end of the year.

    The Surface Duo is Microsoft’s dual-screen Android device that integrates the company’s software and services with Android. Microsoft is preparing to ship the Surface Duo 2, and the second-generation device will come with Android 11 pre-installed.

    Owners of the original device won’t be left out in the cold however, as the company told The Verge users can expect an Android 11 upgrade in the coming months.

    “We remain committed to providing updates to Surface Duo, and we’re working to bring Android 11 to existing customers before the end of this year,” a Microsoft spokesperson told The Verge.