Here is what’s trending in the tech world this weekend!
-
Contents show
Apple Finally Embraces RCS, Bringing iMessage-Like Features To Android Users
In a surprise move, Apple announced adopting the RCS (Rich Communication Services) messaging standard.
This means iPhone users will soon enjoy features like read receipts, typing indicators, and high-quality media sharing when messaging Android users.
RCS is a modern messaging protocol that has been around for several years.
Still, it has only recently started to gain traction thanks to support from Google and other Android manufacturers.
With Apple’s adoption of RCS, the standard is now poised to become mobile users’ de facto messaging protocol.
Apple’s decision to adopt RCS is significant, as it has long resisted calls to do so.
However, the company has finally recognized that RCS is the future of messaging and that supporting the standard is in its best interests.
-
Microsoft to Offer a Less Bloated Windows 11 for EEA Users
Microsoft is set to introduce a streamlined version of Windows 11 for users in the European Economic Area (EEA), which includes the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway.
This move comes in response to the European Commission’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), which aims to promote fair competition in the digital sector.
The EEA-specific Windows 11 will allow users to uninstall Bing and Edge, the default search engine and browser.
These changes are expected to be available in a preview update of Windows 11 (version 23H2) this month and will be fully implemented when the DMA takes effect in March 2024.
This decision by Microsoft reflects the growing scrutiny of tech giants’ practices in Europe and the potential impact of regulations like the DMA on how companies design and offer their products and services.
-
OnePlus 11 Starts Receiving Stable Android 14 Update
OnePlus is rolling out the stable Android 14 update to the OnePlus 11 smartphone.
The update rolled out in stages first arrived for users in India who participated in the beta program. It will be available to all OnePlus 11 users in the coming weeks.
The Android 14 update brings several new features to the OnePlus 11, including:
Several new OxygenOS features include Fluid Cloud, File Dock, Content Extraction, and Smart Cutout.
To download the Android 14 update, OnePlus 11 users should go to the System Update option. The update is approximately 4.5GB in size, so it is recommended to download it over a Wi-Fi connection.
-
Microsoft Brings AI-Powered Copilot Assistant to Windows 10
In a move to enhance the capabilities of Windows 10, Microsoft is bringing its AI-powered Copilot assistant to the operating system as it has introduced for Windows 11.
The announcement was made during the company’s Ignite 2023 summit, where it showcased several advancements for Windows 10.
This integration marks a significant step in Microsoft’s efforts to extend AI capabilities to a broader range of users.
The availability of Copilot for Windows 10 is expected to expand in phases, gradually reaching a broader user base.
This move underscores Microsoft’s commitment to providing innovative AI solutions that empower users and enhance their computing experience.
-
Nothing Chats App Pulled From Google Play Store Amid Widespread Privacy Concerns Cover A Short News
In a swift response to mounting privacy concerns, Nothing has pulled its messaging app, Nothing Chats, from the Google Play Store.
The decision came just a day after the app’s beta release, marred by concerns over its handling of user data.
Critics pointed to the app’s lack of end-to-end encryption and the use of HTTP instead of HTTPS for transmitting Apple ID credentials. These vulnerabilities raised red flags about the app’s ability to protect user privacy and security.
Acknowledging the concerns, Nothing swiftly removed the app from the Play Store and announced a delay in its launch until further notice. T
The company is working with Sunbird, the messaging platform powering Nothing Chats, to address the identified bugs and protect users’ privacy.
-
Google News to Shut Down Purchased Magazine Content, Offering Refunds
Google stopped selling magazine content in 2020, but it continued to host purchased magazines for users who had already bought them.
However, Google News is shutting down its purchased magazine content service on December 18, 2023.
Users must export and save their purchased issues before December 18 to keep them.
Some magazines will be refund-eligible, but not all. Google says this is because some magazines contain interactive elements that cannot be downloaded and saved for future access.
Google says that the decision to shut down the service was made to “simplify” its product offerings.
Users affected by the shutdown will receive an email from Google explaining their options.
Closing Thoughts
Follow us to stay ahead of the curve with the latest technology news.