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Apple shuts down app that let Android users send blue-bubble texts to iPhones

Business Insider

Business Insider · 1y ago

Apple shuts down app that let Android users send blue-bubble texts to iPhones

Apple has blocked Beeper Mini, an app that allowed Android users to send blue-bubble texts to iPhones, citing security and privacy concerns. The app charged users a monthly fee to bypass the green text bubbles typically associated with Android to iPhone messaging. Apple has taken steps to protect users by blocking techniques that exploit fake credentials to gain access to iMessage, as they pose significant risks to security and privacy. The decision highlights Apple's determination to maintain control over its messaging platform despite pressure to make it more open.

Related News

Nothing Phone to bring Apple's blue chat bubbles to Android in select countries

Economic Times

Economic Times · 1y ago

Nothing Phone to bring Apple's blue chat bubbles to Android in select countries

Young consumer tech brand Nothing has launched its own messaging service called "Nothing Chats" to address the frustration between Android and iOS users. The service, available only for Nothing Phone users, allows direct messaging using blue bubbles similar to Apple's iMessage. However, experts express concerns over data security. The move aims to eliminate discrimination between Android's green bubble and iOS's blue bubble, which has sparked a social media storm. Some view the launch as a publicity stunt, criticizing Nothing for delayed releases and lack of transparency regarding Apple account security.

Beeper Took On Apple’s iMessage Dominance. Now It’s Been Acquired

Wired · 1y ago

Beeper Took On Apple’s iMessage Dominance. Now It’s Been Acquired

Messaging app Beeper, which caused a stir with its ability to recreate Apple's "blue bubble" messaging on Android, has been acquired by Automattic, the parent company of WordPress and Tumblr. The deal, valued at $125 million, will see Beeper continue to exist as a stand-alone product within Automattic. Beeper's aim was to bridge the gap between Android and iOS messaging, and while it faced resistance from Apple and struggled to monetize its app, the acquisition by Automattic provides a positive outcome for the startup.

Here's what the DOJ suit could mean for Apple Watch

TechCrunch · 1y ago

Here's what the DOJ suit could mean for Apple Watch

Apple is facing a lawsuit filed by the U.S. Department of Justice and 16 states for alleged antitrust practices. The lawsuit focuses on Apple's iPhone and controversial practices such as its walled-off app sales approach. The Apple Watch is also mentioned in the filing, noting that it is only compatible with iPhones, making it costly for users to switch to Android. The lawsuit claims that cross-platform smartwatches can reduce iPhone users' dependence on Apple's proprietary hardware and software. Opening up Apple Watch functionality could potentially impact iPhone sales and allow Android users to access the device.

How Apple Stands to Lose From Europe’s New Tech Law

Livemint

Livemint · 1y ago

How Apple Stands to Lose From Europe’s New Tech Law

Apple and Google could see their rivalry impacted by a new European law called Digital Markets Act. Apple will be required to open up its app ecosystem in the EU, allowing third-party app stores and alternative in-app payment services on iPhones. This could potentially harm Apple's integrated app ecosystem, which has been a key differentiator for the company. On the other hand, Google has already allowed outside app stores on its Android operating system and could benefit from provisions in the law to attract more users to its Chrome browser on Apple devices.

Welcome to the era of the AI smartphone

Economic Times

Economic Times · 1y ago

Welcome to the era of the AI smartphone

Apple and Google are introducing major software updates to smartphones, focusing on artificial intelligence. Apple announced enhancements to iOS 18, including a revamped Siri that is easier to use and an AI system that generates images and article summaries. Google's Android updates include an AI system that summarizes audio transcripts and detects phone scams, as well as an AI assistant called Gemini. Additionally, Apple and Google are addressing the messaging divide between iPhones and Androids, with Apple adopting a messaging standard that will improve image and video quality in texts.

Now You Can Message Google Gemini From Any Android Phone

Gizmodo

Gizmodo · 1y ago

Now You Can Message Google Gemini From Any Android Phone

Google has announced new AI features for Android users, including the ability to access Gemini, a virtual assistant, directly from Google Messages. This allows users to draft messages, plan events, and pin ideas without installing the Gemini app. Other AI features include Android Auto summarizing long texts and providing possible replies, Lookout on Android offering AI descriptions of photos, and enhanced screen reader support for Lens in Google Maps. In addition, the next Wear OS update will enable Android watch wearers to access tickets and transit directions from their wrist, and Health Connect will aggregate third-party health data into the Fitbit app.

Fortnite returns on iPhones in EU, globally on Android

Economic Times

Economic Times · 11m ago

Fortnite returns on iPhones in EU, globally on Android

Fortnite has been relaunched on iPhones in the EU and on Android devices worldwide after a four-year hiatus. This follows legal action taken by Epic Games against Apple and Google in 2020, resulting in the removal of Fortnite from their app stores. The European Union's Digital Markets Act has now allowed Epic to launch its own game store in the region. However, Apple is still blocking access to Fortnite for users outside of Europe. Epic expects to gain 100 million new mobile users by the end of the year.

Microsoft to roll out Teams app on Google's Android Auto next month

Economic Times

Economic Times · 1y ago

Microsoft to roll out Teams app on Google's Android Auto next month

Microsoft is set to launch a Teams app for Google's Android Auto platform next month. The app will enable users to make calls, join meetings, and send messages while driving, all through voice commands or the car's touchscreen. This move aims to enhance productivity and collaboration on the road, as the app can seamlessly integrate with other Microsoft 365 services and allow users to access shared documents and calendars.

Sunbird shuts its iMessage app for Android amid 'security concerns'

Economic Times

Economic Times · 1y ago

Sunbird shuts its iMessage app for Android amid 'security concerns'

Sunbird, the iMessage app for Android, temporarily suspended its service due to "security concerns." Recently associated with Nothing for the "Nothing Chats" app, allowing iMessage on the Nothing Phone (2), Sunbird faced scrutiny over privacy and security issues. Nothing pulled the app from the Google Play Store after a day of release. Users reported Sunbird's notification stating a pause in service for security investigations. The app assured users about the temporary shutdown, focusing on media sharing. Despite recent installations, Sunbird is no longer available on the Play Store.

iOS 17.5 Beta unveils Apple's 'Repair State' for iPhone servicing: How it works

Livemint

Livemint · 1y ago

iOS 17.5 Beta unveils Apple's 'Repair State' for iPhone servicing: How it works

Apple has introduced a new "Repair State" feature in iOS 17.5 that allows users to send their iPhones for repair without disabling Find My and Activation Lock. This feature simplifies the repair process while maintaining security measures. Previously, deactivating Find My also turned off Activation Lock, making the device vulnerable to theft. The new repair state feature allows users to keep Find My active and the device trackable during the repair process. This feature is currently limited to iPhones and is expected to be released alongside iOS 17.5 in May.

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