News
FCC Waives 60-Day Phone Unlocking Rule for Verizon
The FCC today waived a long-standing rule that required Verizon — and only Verizon — to unlock its phones 60 days after purchase. The rule was a condition attached to the unique nationwide license for the C block of the 700 MHz band. Verizon paid nearly $5 billion for this license in 2008, and these frequencies (band 13) became the cornerstone of its 4G network. The FCC re-affirmed this rule as a condition of Verizon buying TracFone in 2021. Verizon claims that TracFone saw fraud increase 55% after adopting Verizon's 60-day policy. Verizon will now adopt unlocking policies in line with other carriers. Specifically, as a member of the CTIA industry group, Verizon will follow unlocking policies outlined in the CTIA's Consumer Code for Wireless Service. This generally means when a postpaid device is fully paid off, or after one year for a prepaid device. The FCC will no longer enforce a phone-unlocking policy.
Apple to Base Apple Intelligence on Google's AI
Apple and Google have released a statement confirming that "the next generation of Apple Foundation Models will be based on Google's Gemini models and cloud technology. These models will help power future Apple Intelligence features, including a more personalized Siri coming this year." Apple clarified that privacy features of Apple Intelligence, and Apple's privacy promises, will remain unchanged, including on-device processing and Private Cloud Compute where necessary. After struggling to deliver competitive AI features for several years, and delaying key Apple Intelligence features several times, Apple now says that it "determined that Google's Al technology provides the most capable foundation for Apple Foundation Models".
Ikea Launches Cheaper Phone Chargers
Ikea has launched a new fast phone charger that it sells for just $4. The "Sjöss 20W 1-port USB charger" offers 20 watts over USB-C PD. It joins an existing 30W version in the lineup that sells for $8. Ikea also just launched a $10 Qi2 magnetic wireless charger, which can be used together with a Sjöss charger. The "Västmärke" wireless charger has a unique, donut-shaped silicone ring that can be used for cord storage or like a "pop-socket" for better grip of an attached phone.
Moto Tag 2 Lasts 500+ Days
Motorola has announced the Moto Tag 2, its newest location-tracking device for Google's Find Hub network. The tag supports both Bluetooth 6.0 Channel Sounding and Ultra Wideband (UWB) for quick item finding with precise distance and direction information. The device has an IP68 rating for dust and water. It gets over 500 days of battery life from its user-replaceable standard CR2032 coin battery. The tag also has a 77dB speaker and a button, which can be used to make your phone play a sound so you can find it (even when it's on silent), or as a remote shutter for your phone's camera. The device is ~32mm in diameter and 8mm thick. Pricing and release date have yet to be announced.
Motorola Previews razr fold
Motorola has taken the wraps (mostly) off its newest and most ambitious foldable phone to date: the "razr fold". The device has a 6.6-inch outer display, but unfolds to reveal an 8.1-inch flexible inner display. Those measurements are just slightly larger than the displays on Samsung's competing Galaxy Z Fold7. The phone isn't coming to market until this "summer", so Motorola isn't releasing full specifications, just a handful of details. Like that it will have three rear cameras and all will be 50 megapixel, including a Sony Lytia sensor on the main camera and a 3x periscope telephoto camera. The external selfie camera will be 32 megapixel and the inner camera, 20 megapixel. It will support Dolby Vision video capture. It will also support a new moto pen ultra stylus, which has both pressure sensitivity and tilt detection. Color options will be: Pantone Blackened Blue and Pantone Lily White. Further details will announced closer to launch.
Motorola Teases Book-Style Foldable
Motorola has posted a teaser on its official US Instagram account showing a new phone that folds like a book, similar to Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold series, with the tagline "The future unfolded". The post is promoting a major press conference that Motorola and Lenovo will hold tomorrow at the CES trade show. The implication, of course, is that Motorola will announce this new foldable phone tomorrow. Few details can be gleaned from the short video clip, although it does show a large square camera bump with four "lenses", a centered camera hole on the outer display, and a camera hole in the corner of the large inner display. The press conference starts at 5pm PT at The Sphere in Las Vegas and will be streamed online. Until now, Motorola has only sold clamshell-style foldable phones under its "razr" brand. Its current lineup of includes the 2025 razr, razr+, and razr ultra.
Eufy's new Tracker Card has Wireless Charging
Anker brand Eufy has launched the new SmartTrack Card E40, a Bluetooth tracking card. It's just 1.7mm thick, making it suitable for putting in a wallet, etc. It works with both the Apple and Google Bluetooth tracking networks (Find My / Find Hub). It lasts up to five months on a single charge and supports Qi wireless charging. It also features a loud (100dB) alert speaker to assist locating a lost item when nearby. It will ship later this quarter for $35. It will be available individually or in packs of up to four.
Anker's Tiny New iPhone Charger has a Display
Anker has launched a new "Nano" smart charger for iPhones with a "smart display" and controls for a "tailored" charge. This tiny charger can charge at up to 45 watts, providing 50% more power while being 47% smaller compared to an Apple 30-watt charger. It has unique plug prongs that fold 180º. It will be available January 20 for $40.
Punkt Updates its Privacy-Focused Smartphone
Swiss phone maker Punkt has announced a new version of its privacy-centered 5G smartphone. The Punkt MC03 is an update to the Punkt MC02, with updated specs like a 120 MHz AMOLED (full-color) display, MediaTek Dimensity 7300 processor, 8 GB of RAM, and an IP68 rating for dust and water. Like the MC02, it runs AphyOS (based on Android Open Source) and offers both a curated set of privacy-first apps (now referred to as "Vault"), plus the ability to run third-party Android apps with extra privacy options (now appearing in a separate section called "Wild Web"). New with the MC03, core apps like email, calendar, and cloud storage are provided by Proton. AphyOS continues to require a $10/month subscription for full functionality, which Punkt explains as replacing the money that other phone OSes make from selling your data. A one-year subscription is included. Discounts are available for purchasing several years in advance. The Punkt MC03 will be available in North America this spring for $699.
Clicks Launches New Ways to Add a Physical Keyboard to Your Life
Clicks — the company previously known for its keyboard cases — has announced two entirely new types of products: The Clicks Power Keyboard is a magnetic wireless charging power bank that snaps to the back of your phone but also has a slide-out physical QWERTY keyboard. Attached to a phone, it can be used in portrait or landscape orientation, and has multiple slide positions for phones of different sizes. It works with both iPhones and Android phones. It can also be used by itself as a small Bluetooth keyboard for a tablet, TV, or VR headset. Its battery is rated 2,150 mAh. The Clicks Communicator is a full-on Android 16 smartphone that can be used as a primary phone, or as a companion device to a traditional smartphone. It's designed to discourage "doom-scrolling" by having a smaller, 4.03-inch display. It has a notification light on the side that can light up in different colors for different contacts and/or apps. The physical keyboard is touch-sensitive for scrolling, and has a fingerprint sensor built into the space bar. It also has a 3.5mm headset jack. Its features are otherwise robust, with 5G (including good support for US networks), a 50 megapixel main camera (with OIS) and 24 megapixel front camera, 4,000 mAh battery, Qi2 wireless charging, NFC, Wi-Fi 6, and 256 GB of storage that's also expandable. The Power Keyboard will run $109, or $79 for those who pre-order soon. It ships this spring. The Communicator has a full price of $499, or $399 for those who "reserve" one before February 27. Those who pay in full when they reserve will receive two free back covers (worth $100 total). The Communicator will ship "later this year".
Samsung Stays The Course with its Entry-Level Model
Samsung has announced its newest entry-level phone for the US, the Galaxy A17 5G. It replaces the Galaxy A16 5G while changing essentially none of the hardware specs or features. The primary change is the body, which is now more durable thanks to Corning Gorilla Glass Victus on the front, and a "glass fiber reinforced polymer" on the back. These material changes also make the phone lighter and slightly slimmer. The software has also been updated, to Android 16, and Samsung promises six years of software updates. It will be available in black, blue, and gray. It goes on sale January 7 for $200. It will be offered by AT&T, T-Mobile, Metro by T-Mobile, and Verizon. It will also be available from samsung.com, where customers "can receive up to 30% off Galaxy Buds3 FE or up to 10% off Galaxy Watch7."
Europe Forces Apple to Open up More of iOS
Apple will add new interoperability between iPhones (and iPads) and non-Apple devices in two key areas starting with iOS 26.3, in response to Europe's Digital Markets Act. In Europe only, iOS 26.3 will allow third-party devices like smartwatches to receive notifications and react to them. Pairing Bluetooth devices like earbuds will also potentially get easier with Proximity Pairing, where you can simply bring two devices near each other to pair them. These features were previously proprietary to Apple devices like the Apple Watch and AirPods, and, for now, will remain that way in the rest of the world. The features do require work on the part of device makers in order to be supported. Developers can start that work now with beta versions of iOS 26.3, while the features are expected to be "fully available in Europe" in 2026.
OnePlus 15R Boasts Huge 7,400 mAh Battery
OnePlus has revealed full details of the OnePlus 15R, the company's more-affordable cousin to the recently-launched OnePlus 15. Where the 15 led the market at launch with a huge 7,300 mAh battery, the new 15R one-ups that with a 7,400 mAh battery. It also can fast-charge at up to 55 watts, or even 80 watts with a special OnePlus "dual ports" charger. Compared to the 13R it replaces, the 15R also has upgraded waterproofing and durability with an IP69K rating and Gorilla Glass 7i. The front camera also sees a step up to 32 megapixel and auto-focus, the processor is the brand-new Snapdragon 8 Gen 5, and the display is now capable of up to 165 Hz refresh (only in certain compatible games). Unfortunately, the 15R lacks the telephoto camera found on the 13R and 15. Other specs include 12 GB RAM, 50 megapixel main camera with OIS, Wi-Fi 7, infrared emitter, and good support for most 5G and 4G networks in the US. The OnePlus 15R will be available January 15 for $700 with 256 GB storage and a choice of black or mint green colors. A 512 GB version will also be available, in black only, for $800.
Motorola Refreshes moto g power for 2026
Motorola has revealed a new version of its moto g power, the company's $300 Android phone for the US. The new 2026 model is very similar to last year's model, with just a handful of changes. The battery size has increased from 5,000 to 5,200 mAh, at the expense of wireless charging. The display glass has been upgraded to Corning Gorilla Glass 7i for added protection. Finally, the front camera has been upgraded from 16 megapixel to a 32 megapixel sensor (pixel-binned to output 8 megapixel photos.) Other specs and features are unchanged, including a 6.8-inch FHD+ display with 120 Hz refresh, MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chip, 8 / 128 GB memory, and a 50 megapixel main camera sensor (again, pixel-binned to output 12.5 megapixel images.) It also has as IP68/IP69 rating for water, military ratings for durability, expandable storage, headset jack, NFC, and a fingerprint reader. It will be offered in two Pantone colors: Pure Cashmere (beige) and Evening Blue. It will be available starting January 8, from Verizon and unlocked. Later, it will come to Cricket, Tracfone, Visible, Total, Straight Talk, Simple Mobile, and AT&T.
Google Brings Live Video Sharing to 911 Calls on Android
Google has launched a new feature of Android that makes it easy to share live video with an emergency dispatcher during an emergency phone call or text. Emergency Live Video on Android is a new feature that can be initiated by the dispatcher. "During an emergency call or text, a dispatcher can send a request to your phone to share live video. With a single tap, you can start securely streaming from your camera, allowing responders to quickly assess the situation and get you the right help in the moment." The feature requires no setup and works with a single tap. It is also optional (you can decline the request) and you can end video sharing at any time with a single tap. "The feature is rolling out today across the U.S., as well as select regions of Germany and Mexico, and is supported on Android phones running Android 8+ with Google Play services."
Mophie Debuts new Travel Charger Lineup
Mophie has introduced a new lineup of "Speedport" USB-C chargers that make use of compact, efficient GaN technology. The lineup sports a clean, minimalist design and folding power prongs. The range spans a variety of wattages and price points. The external plastics are made from 75% post-consumer recycled materials. The most affordable is the Speedport 20 (shown), offering a single USB-C port and 20W of power for $15. The Speedport 35 (not shown) steps up to 35W and sells for $25. The Speedport 45 (shown) offers two USB-C ports and 45W of shared power for $40. Also available are the Speedport 70, 100, and 140, with the 140W model offering three USB-C ports. All six of those models are available now. Coming "soon" will be the Speedport Plus 67 (shown, middle), which has two USB-C ports plus a built-in retractable USB-C cable on the bottom. It will offer 67W of shared power for $60.
Samsung One UI 8.5 Will Offer New Features
Samsung has launched a limited beta program for its next version of Android, One UI 8.5. It includes a few key new features: Audio Broadcast will let you broadcast audio — including your own voice — to multiple nearby devices using Bluetooth Auracast. Proactive Quick Share will automatically recognize your contacts' faces in the photos you take, and suggest that you share those photos with those contacts. Storage Share will unify file storage between Samsung devices, letting you access files on nearby TVs, tablets, and PCs from the My Files app on your phone. The One UI 8.5 beta program will initially be available to Galaxy S25 series users. Eligible users can apply to join the beta program via the Samsung Members app.
OnePlus 15 Ships December 22
After a delay due to the government shutdown, OnePlus has started taking pre-orders for its OnePlus 15 flagship phone. The company's web site currently shows that it "ships in 18 days", and only the pricier 16/512 GB version is available for now.
AT&T Sues T-Mobile Over "Easy Switch" Tool
AT&T has taken T-Mobile to court over its "Easy Switch" tool that uses AT&T or Verizon account data to recommend an equivalent T-Mobile plan and streamline the process of switching to T-Mobile. Originally, the tool asked users to log in to their AT&T or Verizon account from within the T-Life app, and a T-Mobile bot would then extract (or "scrape") account data on the user's behalf. AT&T claims that "more than 100 categories of private information" were extracted, and that this process violated its web site terms and conditions. T-Mobile has since modified the process, but AT&T is still pursuing temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction "to stop T-Mobile from taking customer data from secure, password-protected websites on AT&T's computer systems without AT&T's consent."
Play Store Customers to Receive Automatic Payments from $700 Million Google Settlement
New York Attorney General Letitia James has announced details of how consumers will receive payment as part of a $700 million settlement with Google over anticompetitive practices with its Play Store policies. In most cases, the payments will be calculated and paid automatically. Anyone who made a purchase via the Google Play Store between August 2016 and September 2023 should be eligible. Affected consumers started receiving notices this week. Google will try to make payments automatically by matching Play Store account email addresses and/or phone numbers with PayPal or Venmo accounts. Where an eligible Play Store account email address or phone number cannot be matched to a PayPal or Venmo account, "consumers have the option to create a new account or direct the payment to a PayPal or Venmo account at another email address or phone number." There will also be a supplemental claims process for consumers who don't receive an automatic payment. The settlement still needs to be formally approved by the court, which will happen no sooner than April 30, 2026. The lawsuit was led by the Attorneys General of New York, Utah, North Carolina, and Tennessee, and joined by Attorneys General of all 50 states.
Google's Second Release of Android 16 Brings Smart Notifications and More
Google today released an updated version of Android 16 (known as "Android 16 QPR2") with a range of new features. This is a new kind of update, the product of Google's new release schedule for Android. Now, major Android versions will come out every second quarter, and minor updates like this come each fourth quarter. (Unlike major version updates, these minor updates should require little work for app developers.) One key new feature is AI-powered notification summaries and prioritizing. Longer messages can be automatically summarized, and "Notification organizer automatically groups and silences your lower-priority notifications (such as promotions, news, and social alerts)". Another feature to help prioritize important communication is Call Reason in Google's Phone app, which will let you "mark call as urgent" when calling someone. This will display an "It's urgent" banner on the incoming call screen of the recipient. (This feature is "coming soon" and in beta.) Google is also updating Circle to Search so it can better determine whether a message is a scam or not. Google is also making key parental controls available in Settings (instead of having to open the Family Link app.) Google is also introducing a more aggressive "expanded" Dark theme option that will even dim apps not designed for dark mode. Finally, there are new options for customizing the look of app icons. As usual, Google Pixel devices will be first to receive the update, with other manufacturers following on their own schedule.
Samsung Announces its First Tri-Fold Foldable Phone
Samsung has announced the Galaxy Z TriFold, a foldable phone comprised of three ultra-thin (~4mm) panels and two sets of hinges, that unfolds into a 10-inch tablet. When closed, it resembles a standard smartphone with a 6.5-inch display that is 12.9mm thick. Because the main screen is so large, Samsung has created a "standalone" version of Samsung DeX, meaning it can switch to a PC-like desktop mode without attaching an external monitor. But users can still attach an external monitor to create a dual-monitor desktop setup. Standalone Samsung DeX works with or without a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse. The three panels fold up in such a way that the larger display is fully protected. This means that there is a wrong way to fold the phone, but the phone has automatic vibrating and visual alerts to keep you from doing that. The Galaxy Z TriFold is powered by a Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chip, triple-camera system with 200 megapixel main camera, and a 5,600 mAh battery system with 45W wired charging and 15W wireless charging. As with Samsung's Z Fold phones, it has "front" cameras on both the inner and outer displays. It's rated IP48 for dust and water. It ships this month in South Korea, and Q1 in the US. US pricing has yet to be announced.
Qualcomm Expands Flagship Phone Chip Series
Qualcomm has unveiled the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chip for high-end phones. Although intended for flagship-level phones, it sits just below the already-announced Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 in the lineup. It keeps many high-end features from the 8 Elite Gen 5, including dual prime CPU cores, 20-bit triple ISP (for camera processing), and Bluetooth Channel Sounding. However the top CPU speed drops from 4.6 GHz to 3.8 GHz, the maximum RAM speed drops from 5,300 MHz to 4,800 MHz, and it lacks some high-end graphics features like Tile Memory Heap and Adreno High Performance Memory (HPM). Since the last non-Elite 8-series chip was the 8 Gen 3 from two years ago, Qualcomm compares performance to that chip: 46% improved NPU (AI) performance, 36% improved CPU (general compute) performance, and 11% improved GPU (graphics) performance. Read on for a table highlighting the differences between recent 8-series chips. Qualcomm says OnePlus and other manufacturers will announce phones using the new chip in the coming weeks. OnePlus is expected to announce specs of the OnePlus 15R soon, so that phone may use this chip.
Google Adding AirDrop to Android
Google is improving Android's Quick Share wireless file-sharing feature by adding compatibility with Apple's similar AirDrop feature on iPhones. This will make it easier to share photos, videos, and other files with nearby phones, between Android phones and iPhones. The feature will have a phased rollout, starting today with the Google Pixel 10 series. Google says it plans to expand the rollout to "more Android devices" over time.
Mophie Launches New Fast Wireless Charging Stands
Mophie is launching a new, complete range of wireless charging stands with 3-in-1 and 2-in-1 variants to charge an iPhone plus one or two other wearables (AirPods and/or Apple Watch). All four models have a Qi2-certified 15W magnetic charging stand for an iPhone, with tilt adjustment. Also available is an elevated pad for fast charging an Apple Watch, and/or a 5W wireless charger built into the base for AirPods. All come in white, while the 3-in-1 model is also available in black. The iPhone-only and 3-in-1 models are available now, for $45 and $100, respectively. The 2-in-1 models will ship in early December, with the iPhone+AirPods model going for $60 and the iPhone+Watch model selling for $80. The multi-device models come with a 40W wall adapter with an integrated USB-C cable.
AT&T Rolls Out New Spectrum for Faster 5G
AT&T has quickly deployed 30 MHz of nearly-nationwide radio spectrum that it agreed to buy from EchoStar in August. This significantly adds to the mid-band capacity (3.45 GHz, part of band 77) that is already key to AT&T's 5G network. AT&T says mobile users should see download speeds boosted by "up to 80 percent, coast to coast" (meaning Hawaii and Alaska are not included). AT&T's deal with EchoStar is not expected to officially close until mid-2026, but the companies agreed to an interim lease deal that allows AT&T to use the spectrum now. The $23 billion deal includes another 20 MHz of lower-frequency spectrum, but that will take longer to deploy as AT&T does not currently use that band.
T-Mobile Rolls Out REVVL 8 Pro
T-Mobile has launched sales of its own-brand REVVL 8 Pro phone. Compared to both the standard REVVL 8 (that launched in August), and last year's REVVL 7 Pro that it replaces, the new model upgrades the cameras and adds IP67 water resistance. The new 8 Pro has a 13 megapixel wide-angle camera, whereas the last year's model was 5 megapixel and the standard 8 has none. The 8 Pro also upgrades to a 32 megapixel front camera and faster wired charging at 33W. As usual, the Pro model has wireless charging (15W). Other specs include a 6.8-inch AMOLED FHD+ display with 120 Hz refresh, 5,000 mAh battery, Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 chip, 8 GB RAM, 256 GB storage (expandable), and a 50 megapixel main camera. Both T-Mobile and Metro have started selling the phone for $250.
Google Loosens Stance on Side-loading Unverified Apps in Android
Google has announced new details of its plan to restrict side-loaded apps in Android to ones that come from "verified" developers. ("Side-loaded" meaning apps installed via means other than Google's Play app store, or soon, registered third-party app stores.) To address concerns that have been raised in response to the plans, Google has now announced two specific exceptions: First, Google will make an exception for apps that are only made available to a small group and not the general public. Developers of such apps will not have to go through "the full verification requirements". Second, Google will create "a new advanced flow that allows experienced users to accept the risks of installing software that isn't verified." This process will be designed specifically to thwart scammers that try to convince victims to install malware, the main issue the whole developer-verification system is intended to address. Google says it is still working out the details of these policies and systems, and is still inviting feedback on them.
OnePlus 15 Will Come to US but Date Uncertain
OnePlus has fully revealed its new flagship — the OnePlus 15 — for western markets. Although the company does plan to sell it in the US, its sale date is dependent on FCC approval, which is currently delayed due to the government shutdown. The OnePlus 15 boasts the largest battery on the market at a whopping 7,300 mAh. It also has extremely fast charging at up to 80W wired / 50W wireless. The phone adopts a new design language for OnePlus that is closer to what the leading competition has designed in recent years. Other features are similar to the OnePlus 13, such as triple 50-megapixel rear cameras, IP69 water rating, ultrasonic in-display fingerprint reader, Wi-Fi 7, and an infrared emitter. The 15 has a simple shortcut button instead of the slider switch that was a signature feature of many past OnePlus phones. The 15 is powered by the top-end Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip from Qualcomm. The phone has good support for the 5G and 4G networks of all top three US carriers. It will come in black with 12 GB RAM / 256 storage for $900. For an extra $100, it will come with 16 GB RAM / 512 GB storage, as well as sand and violet color options.
Apple Joins Google in Offering Passport-Based Digital ID
Apple is launching a new type of digital identification for iPhone (and Apple Watch) that it calls simply "Digital ID". It is based on the user's existing passport and can be used in place of a Real ID at TSA checkpoints for domestic travel. (It does not replace a passport for international travel.) "At launch, Digital ID acceptance will roll out first in beta at TSA checkpoints at more than 250 airports in the U.S. ... with additional Digital ID acceptance use cases to come in the future." Not all TSA checkpoints can accept this type of ID yet. Google's Android already supports this unique type of ID — which they call "ID pass" — having announced it over a year ago. On both Android and iOS, the system works the same way: To set it up, you scan your passport with your phone's camera, scan the NFC chip in the passport, and take a moving selfie to verify identity. To use it, just tap the NFC reader at the checkpoint and confirm the requested info to share with TSA. (Your phone stays in your hand.)
Google Cracking Down on Battery-Draining Apps
Google is enhancing Android and its Play app store with a new power-efficiency metric for apps. If and when an app consistently crosses a threshold for "excessive" power usage, the app's public store page may show a warning about battery usage, and Google may limit how often the app is suggested. The new policy is slated to go into effect starting March 2026. More specifically, the metric measures "partial wake locks", which let apps keep the phone "awake" to perform background tasks even while the screen is off and the phone appears idle. Google's threshold for "excessive" is 2 cumulative hours in a 24 hour period. There are exceptions for certain activities such as audio playback and user-initiated data transfers. App developers can view this and other key metrics for their app(s) in Google's "Android vitals" dashboard.
Mophie Updates Juice Packs for new iPhones
Mophie has started selling a new lineup of its Juice Pack — a combo case + extra battery — for select new iPhone models. The new Juice Packs use "up to" 50% post-consumer recycled materials, support USB-C audio passthrough for the first time, and offer longer battery life plus "stronger protection". Models are available for the iPhone Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max (but not the standard iPhone 17). Each model boosts the phone's existing battery life by additional 50–60%. They are available now from most major retailers and all retail for $100.
SpaceX Buys More Spectrum for Direct-to-Cell From EchoStar
EchoStar has agreed to sell its unpaired AWS-3 licenses to SpaceX for approximately $2.6 billion. The spectrum, designated for cellular service in band 70, will apparently be used by SpaceX for "direct-to-cell service offerings". Although SpaceX's Starlink constellation of satellites is already used for T-Mobile's T-Satellite service using T-Mobile-owned spectrum, SpaceX appears to be preparing to offer a similar service using its own spectrum.
Google Makes Maps Smarter, Conversational
Google is rolling out an update to its Google Maps app that integrates Gemini AI and adds several specific new features. Firstly, Google will now give directions using its knowledge of local landmarks, such as "turn right after the Thai Siam Restaurant" instead of "turn right in 500 feet", and landmarks mentioned this way will be highlighted on the map. Secondly, voice search will be expanded to a full "conversational" AI assistant that can handle multi-step and multi-part questions and commands. For example, you will be able to say "Is there a budget-friendly restaurant with vegan options along my route, something within a couple miles? … What's parking like there?" Followed by, "OK, let’s go there." Finally, if Maps is running, it will now proactively alert you to disruptions on the road ahead, even when you're not actively navigating to a destination. Landmark-based navigation and traffic alerts are rolling out now on Android and iOS in the US. Conversational AI will roll out on Android and iOS in the coming weeks "everywhere Gemini is available", with Android Auto "on the way."
T-Mobile Launches Free Text-to-911 via Satellite for Everyone
T-Mobile is expanding its T-Satellite service to include free texting to 911 emergency services via satellite for all cell phone users in the US, not just T-Mobile customers. Although the service is free, it does require enrollment. T-Mobile customers can log in to their account and add the free add-on to their plan. Non-customers can enroll here. T-Satellite also offers a paid service with non-emergency messaging and data for select apps, for $10/month. T-Satellite is available to both T-Mobile and non-T-Mobile customers, allowing anyone to stay in touch even in cellular dead zones. Apple and Google phones that have their own satellite SOS feature will default to that service instead of T-Satellite. T-Satellite is powered by over 650 satellites in SpaceX's Starlink constellation.
Google, Epic Reach Settlement That Would Dramatically Reshape Play Store
Google and Epic Games have agreed to a new proposed settlement that would see Google revamp how its app ecosystem works, giving Epic most of what they have been seeking in years of litigation. Google has been on the losing end in a series of judgments throughout the process. Under the new agreement, Google's fee structure would become more complicated, but generally lower fees across the board. Google would allow third-party billing for in-app purchases, but still take a cut of either nine or 20 percent, depending on the purchase type and circumstances. Google would also separate out its cut for using Google Play billing as a separate five percent fee. Google will still require that developers provide Google Play billing as an option. Google also agrees to allow third-party app stores on Android, subject to its approval for security and privacy. The agreement, if approved by the judge in the case, would apply worldwide and stay in effect through June 2032.
The 2026 moto g Lineup Offers Big Batteries, More Affordable 5G
Motorola today announced the moto g 2026 and moto g play 2026. The moto g 2026 is a minor update to the 2025 model, with the headline upgrade being a 5,200 mAh battery, breaking the usual maximum of 5,000 mAh. Oher specs and features are largely the same, as is the $200 retail price point. The moto g play 2026 is a revival of the "play" model in the US, since there was no 2025 g play model. Importantly, this marks Motorola's most affordable 5G phone to date at $180. (The 2024 model was a 4G phone.) The new g play also gets a 5,200 mAh battery, and a larger display plus NFC compared to the 2024 model. Other specs and features are mostly similar. Motorola says almost all US carriers will carry both phones in the coming months, with the moto g play 2026 starting to roll out on November 13, and the moto g 2026 seeing initial launches on December 11.
FCC Flips, Won't Require Carriers to Secure Networks
The FCC is preparing to rescind a ruling that set basic cybersecurity standards for telecom providers, including mobile carriers. Just this January, the FCC passed the new ruling in response to recent attacks by China, including the "Salt Typhoon" attack where Chinese hackers accessed the wire-tap systems of most major US telecom companies, including Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile. The ruling was based on language of the Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act (CALEA), the 1994 law that requires wire-tapping systems in the first place. The January ruling found that section 105 of the law "affirmatively requires telecommunications carriers to secure their networks from unlawful access or interception of communications." The FCC was still in the process of crafting more specific rules. Instead, on November 20, the Commission is expected to vote to rescind the January ruling. Carriers have lobbied against the new ruling and rules, and now appear to have been successful.
Google Complies with Court Order on Third-Party Billing
Following a loss earlier this month with the US Supreme Court, Google is now officially allowing apps to direct US users out of Google's ecosystem for third-party in-app payments.
FCC Takes Next Step Toward Auctioning Upper C Band for 5G
The FCC today released a draft Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to seek comment on a range of options for auctioning off the Upper C Band, valuable mid-band spectrum similar to the Lower C Band (band 77) spectrum that was auctioned off in 2020 – 2022. The Lower C Band is already crucial to the performance of today's US 5G networks. The options include auctioning off bandwidth of anywhere from 100 MHz (the minimum required by legislation) to 180 MHz (spanning 3.98 – 4.16 GHz), a valuable slice that should boost 5G and 6G networks. The FCC is required by that same legislation to hold the auction by July 2027. As with the Lower C Band, there is potential for interference with radio altimeters on airplanes, and the FCC is seeking comment on that as well.
More articles in the Archive ›
What do you want to hear about? We're already working on a number of articles for the coming months, but we want to write about the things you're most interested in. So sound off: tell us what you want to know more about!
