Google Expands Scam Detection on Android Using AI
Google is adding new types of scam detection and protection using on-device AI on Android. Android can already detect scams in progress and warn users in phone calls and messages. Now, the Chrome browser can detect scam-related notifications from web sites. Soon, Google also plans to apply this type of scam detection to whole web sites in Chrome. Google is already rolling this feature out to the desktop version of Chrome, but says "Our goal is to expand this protection to Android devices and even more types of scams in the future."
Android's New Design Guidelines Leaked
Google seems to have accidentally, prematurely published a blog post about its new "Material 3 Expressive" design guidelines for Android. The new templates feature a bolder design with floating toolbars, larger buttons, more color, and more varied shapes and fonts. These guidelines are used by Google for Android itself and its own Google apps, but are also suggested for third-party app developers. Google says the new system is the fruit of extensive research, including "46 separate research studies with hundreds of designs, and more than 18,000 participants from around the world". Google claims multiple benefits, including users being able to perform certain actions up to 4x faster, as well as strong user preference (vs. Apple's iOS Human Interface Guidelines) and "brand coolness".
Samsung Wallet Will Let You Tap Phones to Pay a Friend
Later this month, an update to Samsung Wallet will enable direct peer-to-peer (P2P) cash payments between Samsung phones. The feature requires that both phones have a Visa or Mastercard debit card stored in their Wallet, and moves money directly from one bank account to another, via those debit cards. The transaction can be initiated via NFC — by tapping phones together — or remotely, using a phone number to look up the other person's Samsung account. Someone with a Samsung phone can also send money to someone without one by tapping the recipient's physical debit card to the phone. Apple has a somewhat similar feature called Tap To Cash, although it has its own Apple Cash wallet balance, instead of being tied to bank accounts via debit cards. Google Pay used to offer P2P payments, but discontinued that service last year.
Class-Action Lawsuit Filed on Behalf of iOS Developers
Following a judge's ruling last week that Apple has been in contempt of an earlier injunction ruling regarding its App Store fees, law firm Hagens Berman has started a class-action lawsuit on behalf of iOS developers. "The lawsuit’s named plaintiff is Pure Sweat Basketball Inc., a corporation offering an app used by players across the country to train and improve their basketball skills. Had Apple complied with the injunction, as required, Pure Sweat would have been able to sell subscriptions to its app directly to its customers, using 'link-out' buttons directing customers to Pure Sweat's own website." This significantly impacted Pure Sweat's revenue. The firm estimates that more than 100,000 app developers may have experienced similar harm and may be eligible to join the lawsuit. Apple is appealing the judge's recent contempt ruling, but has already changed its App Store policies in the US to comply.
Apple Updates App Store Rules in US to Comply with Court Order, Developers React
Apple has officially updated its rules and practices for its App Store in the US to allow commission-free third-party payments. This follows a court order on Wednesday demanding such. Apple will no longer demand a cut of payments made through non-Apple systems. Apple will also stop requiring a special "entitlement" approval for in-app links to other payment methods, and will remove other restrictions on such links. These changes only apply in the US. The court case in question was filed by Epic Games, which has promised to bring its Fortnite game back to the Apple App Store soon as a result. Spotify has already updated its app to reflect the changes, showing clear subscription pricing and payment links in its iOS app for the first time. Patreon is also working to update its app in response.
Apple Reprimanded for Illegally Taking a Cut of Third-Party Payments
In the ongoing saga of the Epic Games v. Apple legal case over Apple's App Store fees and rules, the judge has ordered Apple to immediately stop collecting fees on purchases made outside of apps. Further, Apple is no longer allowed to restrict how apps point users to third-party payment options. The judge had already issued injunctions to this effect as long ago as 2021, but Apple's selective interpretation of its obligations amounts to "willful" non-compliance, according to the judge. So much so that the judge has requested that the case be reviewed for possible criminal contempt proceedings. Apple said it would comply, but appeal. Epic Games responded that it will bring its Fortnite game back to Apple's App Store "next week".
Android Now Supports Digital Credentials Among Apps and Websites
Google announced that the Credential Manager component of Android now supports the OpenID4 industry standard for digital credentials. Android's implementation extends existing digital state ID technology to the whole Android ecosystem, allowing any Android app to issue a digital credential to one or more wallet apps, and any app or web site to request a verifiable credential. The Android OS will now manage such requests with a new interface that lets a user choose among matching credential types from across all installed wallet apps. These credential types can include not just state IDs, but education certifications, insurance policies, memberships, permits, loyalty programs, and more. Companies and apps already onboard include CVS, MyChart by Epic, Uber, Bumble, Samsung Wallet, 1Password, and, of course, Google Wallet.
FCC Cracking Down on Another Loophole Used by Robocallers
The FCC is proposing that all phone calls within the US must maintain caller ID authentication info even when passing through non-IP networks. This will will close a key loophole used by malicious robocallers to disguise their identity and avoid detection. There are three technical proposals to meet this new requirement, two of which the FCC is giving its blessing to, and a third it is still accepting comment on. Most voice traffic moves through IP-based networks, and the FCC has already implemented rules requiring "STIR/SHAKEN" caller ID authentication for that traffic, one of many steps the FCC has taken in the last decade to tackle the scourge of malicious robocalls and scam calls.
Google Improves Age Verification in Google Wallet
Google is rolling out new features in Wallet that make it easier for web sites and apps to verify minimum age in a way that preserves user privacy. The features are tied to digital ID cards, and implement Zero Knowledge Proof (ZKP), a best-practice privacy technology.
Nothing Debuts CMF Phone 2 Pro
Nothing has revealed the CMF Phone 2 Pro, its second phone under its CMF (Color, Material, Finish) sub-brand. Unlike the first CMF phone, this model has decent support for key US network frequency bands (4G and 5G). However, Nothing is still selling the phone in the US as a "test device" under its "beta program", which requires that the customer provide feedback to Nothing, and the phone only carries a 14-day warranty. The phone does have a distinctive design, and offers impressive specs given its $279 price. These include a 6.77" FHD+ AMOLED display with 120 Hz refresh and HDR10+, 5,000 mAh battery, 33W fast charging, MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Pro processor, 8 GB RAM, 256 GB storage, 50 megapixel main camera, 50 megapixel 2x tele camera, 8 megapixel wide camera, Wi-Fi 6, NFC, fingerprint reader, and IP54 dust/water rating. Screws on the back serve as attachment points for accessories. A dedicated "Essential Key" on the side provides quick access to screenshots and voice memos. The CMF Phone 2 Pro is available in orange, black, or white. Pre-orders start today, with shipments starting May 7.
T-Mobile Launches 5G Advanced
T-Mobile announced that it is the first US carrier to roll out new 5G technologies from the 3GPP release 18 standard (also known as 5G Advanced) nationwide. This includes new low-latency technology such as Low Latency, Low Loss, Scalable throughput (L4S), which will improve responsiveness for applications such as gaming, AR/VR, XR, and video calls / conferencing. Another new feature is 5G RedCap (Reduced Capability), which simplifies the 5G standard in ways that make 5G practical for devices like smartwatches and IoT devices. 5G Advanced also brings enhanced location precision features. 5G Advanced brings a long list of other, smaller improvements to the 5G standard in areas like network slicing. Carriers can choose which features to implement on their network, and indeed T-Mobile says it is "blending elements from Releases 17 and 18".
Boost is the Third US Carrier to Offer a TCL NXTPAPER Phone
Boost is now offering the TCL 50 XL NXTPAPER 5G, with TCL's unique "NXTPAPER" matte-finish display technology. Spectrum and C Spire also offer NXTPAPER phones.
Verizon Dedicates 5G Network Capacity to First Responders
Verizon is rolling out network slicing — a new technology introduced with 5G — for first responders, starting with 30 markets around the country. This will give first responders a certain amount of guaranteed network access no matter how busy the network gets. Verizon can also adjust the slice "in real-time based on the operational needs of first responders." Verizon calls this service "the Verizon Frontline Network Slice". T-Mobile rolled out a similar offering last September. The 30 markets include Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta, San Francisco, Tampa, and more.
Hands On with the 2025 Moto razr Lineup
Motorola has new razr flip foldable phones for 2025, and this year there are three — including, perhaps for the first time — a truly flagship-class model. They have a whole lot in common with last year's models, and in fact are difficult to tell apart from the old models, and even from each other. But they have interesting new colors, materials, and textures, and some updates to both the hardware and software. The most important part — the hinge — is a an all-new design in all three. Of course, they're loaded up with more AI features than ever. What else should you know? What are they like in person? Read on for our hands-on report.
Moto Intros razr Ultra, its New Flagship Foldable
Motorola has introduced a fully flagship-level foldable phone with the new razr Ultra. It borrows its design from the existing razr+, with the only obvious external difference being a new AI button on the side, and new finish options including brushed metal sides and real wood (shown) or Alcantara synthetic suede on the back. The specs have all been bumped up compared to the razr+, including the top-end Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, 16 GB of RAM, up to 1 TB of storage, brighter and sharper (Super HD) main display, larger 4,700 mAh battery, faster 68W wired charging, faster 30W wireless charging, and triple 50 megapixel cameras (including a main with a top-end Sony sensor, a wide-angle, and the inner camera). Motorola also introduced 2025 versions of the razr and razr+, although they have minimal changes compared to the 2024 models. The razr has a slightly updated processor, and all three models have new titanium hinge mechanism that Motorola claims is 4x stronger. On the software side, Motorola has updated its Moto AI to include multiple chatbots, including Meta Llama, Google Gemini, Perplexity, and Microsoft Copilot. Meta's Llama can run on-device to power privacy-sensitive AI features of Moto AI, like "Catch Me Up", which summarizes your notifications. The new razr models launch in mid-May. Both T-Mobile and AT&T will offer the new razr+ and razr Ultra. Just about every US carrier except AT&T will offer the more-affordable razr 2025. The razr Ultra will retail for $1300, the razr+ for $1000, and the razr for $700.
Hands On with Anker's Largest "Pocket Size" Power Bank
Anker is well-known for phone chargers, "power bank" battery-powered portable chargers, and charging cables. They have a new flagship power bank for phones — and even larger devices like tablets and laptops — that looks compelling. It has a 9,600 mAh capacity, enough to charge your phone twice, or top up both your phone and laptop. It can charge at up to 65W, which is very fast. It has two USB-C ports, for output or input. And it has a handy flip-out plug for charging it from a wall socket. It also has a full-color display and some configurable settings. We check it out in this quick hands-on report.
TSMC Unveils New, Industry-Leading Chip-Making Process
TSMC has announced its next microchip manufacturing process "node", which it calls A14, equivalent to a 1.4-namometer (nm) scale. Compared to its N2 (2nm) process — entering volume production later this year — A14 "will offer up to 15% speed improvement at the same power, or up to 30% power reduction at the same speed, along with more than 20% increase in logic density." N2, in turn, offers similar performance improvements compared to the 3nm process used for chips in today's flagship phones. TSMC specifically named smartphones as one of the leading applications for the new A14 process. TSMC says A14 development is going smoothly and even ahead of schedule. It plans to enter production with A14 in 2028.
Xfinity Mobile Upgrades Plans, Offers Free Year on Second Line
Xfinity Mobile has launched a new premium plan and added new deals that apply to all plans. The new Unlimited Premium plan replaces Unlimited Plus at the same $50/month price for the first line ($30/month for additional lines). This plan now includes unlimited data instead of 50 GB, 30 GB of high-speed hotspot data instead of 15, and 4K video instead of HD. Xfinity is also adding twice-a-year phone upgrades worth up to $830 with eligible trade-in, as well as spam call blocking. As always, Xfinity Mobile service is only available to customers of Xfinity home internet service. Xfinity is also offering new and existing customers a whole year of Unlimited plan service for free on a second line. For new customers, one line would be full-price and the second one free for a year. For existing customers, the free year is on a new extra line. With this deal, customers can also choose Unlimited Premium on the new second line for just $10/month for a year. Finally, for new customers, Xfinity has also launched a new Device Contract Buyout program offering up to $500 per line when switching from another carrier but still paying off a phone.
