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Google's 'Switch to Android' app helps iOS users do just that
Google has finally countered Apple's "Move to iOS" app by releasing "Switch to Android" for iOS on the App Store, confirming earlier rumors.
Google's latest Android Messages updates include iOS reactions and YouTube previews
As it previewed last month in a beta, Google has started rolling out a feature for Messages that translates iMessaging "Tapbacks" as emojis.
Google Messages begins displaying iMessage reactions as emoji
Pretty soon, you'll no longer have to see those weird reaction texts from your iPhone-using friends.
Researchers call NSO zero-click iPhone exploit 'incredible and terrifying'
Google researchers have described NSO Group's zero-click exploit used to hack Apple devices as 'incredible and terrifying.'
Google Messages will display iMessage reactions as emoji
It's a fix to a long-standing annoyance for Android users.
iOS 15 will make FaceTime, Messages and notifications smarter
Here's what's to expect from iOS 15, based on Apple's announcements at WWDC 2021.
Facebook is reportedly preparing an antitrust lawsuit against Apple
The potential litigation could center around ad tracking and default messaging apps on Apple products.
WhatsApp accuses Apple of double standard on data privacy labels
WhatsApp claims Apple's data privacy labels are anti-competitive as they don't apply to iMessage and might scare away users.
Google adds emoji reactions to Messages on Android
Google had been testing the feature since at least the start of March.
Messages on the Mac may finally catch up to its iOS counterpart
Apple is reportedly preparing to give macOS' Messages app a long-overdue overhaul that provides parity with its iOS counterpart.
AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint and Verizon team up to push next-gen RCS texting
For years we've been hearing about the potential of RCS, a protocol replacement for SMS that would bring iMessage and Whatsapp-like features to texting. Unfortunately there's been very little to show for it, with spotty support among carriers, and only Google and Samsung showing any real movement. Today the big four wireless carriers in the US -- AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile and Verizon (parent company of Engadget) -- announced their "Cross-Carrier Messaging Initiative." It's a joint venture that they promise will "Create a single seamless, interoperable RCS experience across carriers, both in the U.S. and globally."
Apple may bring Siri Shortcuts and Screen Time to macOS
Details on what Apple may have in store for the next major versions of its operating systems are trickling out ahead of June's Worldwide Developers Conference. The latest leaks are linked to macOS 10.15, to which Apple could add some iOS features, such as Siri Shortcuts and Screen Time, according to 9to5 Mac.
Sprint lets you chat with customer service reps through iMessage
Apple's Business Chat, which lets you chat with companies through iMessage, was announced in 2017, though adoption has been somewhat slow. From today, however, Sprint customers can connect with customer service reps directly using the Messages app on their iPhone or iPad.
California considers a texting tax
Cell phone owners in California could soon pay extra for the privilege of sending text messages, thanks to landline-era legislation and changing usage patterns. According to recent public law filings, the state's Public Utilities Commission (PUC) is considering a plan that would bill users a monthly fee for any text message services they use, and phone service carriers aren't happy about it.
Dish customers can chat with service reps through iMessage
Dish announced today that its customers can now chat with service representatives through Apple's Business Chat messaging service. Apple launched Business Chat earlier this year and it lets companies interact with their customers through iMessage. So far, companies that have begun providing support through Business Chat include Discover, The Home Depot, Hilton, Lowe's, T-Mobile and Wells Fargo. Dish says that its customers will be able to ask live agents questions, make account changes, schedule appointments and order pay-per-view movies and sporting events with Business Chat.
iOS 11.4 will add multi-room and stereo audio to the HomePod today
Apple will release iOS 11.4 today, which, with the inclusion of AirPlay 2, brings more functionality to the HomePod. Though other speakers, like the Amazon Echo and Google Home already feature multi-room audio, the HomePod didn't launch with that capability. It also hasn't yet supported stereo pairing. But with today's update, the HomePod now supports both features. Users can sync their HomePods with other AirPlay 2-enabled speakers and play audio throughout multiple rooms. They can also pair two HomePods to create a stereo system. HomePod will launch in Canada, France and Germany on June 18th.
Google makes it easier to search from the comforts of iMessage
GBoard is great for accessing Google without leaving iMessage, but, unless you're already using it as your default keyboard, switching back and forth is clunky. That should change with today's update for the Google app on iOS. Now the Google app is available within the iMessage app drawer and it offers weather forecasts, trending news and location-based information in addition to GIFs, YouTube videos and search.
Mac and iOS bug crashes apps with a single character
Apple only recently fixed a bug called "chaiOS" that would cause iMessage on iOS devices and Macs to crash with a simple link, and now it's got another, more widespread issue on its hands. As explained by Mobile World and replicated by The Verge, a lone Indian-language character is capable of crashing a number of messaging apps on iOS. The problem also extends to the Apple Watch and even Macs, all of which struggle to process the character specific to the Telugu language spoken in India.
Apple will fix the 'chaiOS' text message bug next week
Yesterday, we wrote about the chaiOS bug, which is a specific link that can cause iMessage on iOS and Macs to crash. Today, Apple let us know that a fix is on the way. The chaiOS bug will be patched in a software update next week.
'chaiOS' bug can cause iMessage to crash with a text message
There's a new bug floating around called "chaiOS" that appears to be a basic GitHub link. However, when you text it to a person via the iMessage app (whether on iOS or MacOS), it will crash the app and possibly cause the device to freeze and restart. In other words: Be aware that this exists, but don't send it to anyone.
