Weekly News is our column where we highlight and summarize some of the week’s biggest news so you can catch up on the latest tech news.
This is Android Central’s News Weekly, your go-to source for a concise summary of the week’s biggest tech stories. This is where we delve into the top headlines that provide the latest developments and innovations contributing to the digital landscape.
RCS messaging was seen for the first time on the iPhone this week, YouTube is tightening its reins on Premium subscriptions via VPN, Android 15 Beta 3 is released, Motorola teases its upcoming foldable devices, and Spotify unveils a new basic plan .
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Apple finally teases RCS messaging
RCS comes to the iPhone.h/t https://t.co/X2mRxhGcr1 pic.twitter.com/LL4ATIWDzaJune 16, 2024
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RCS was barely mentioned at Apple’s WWDC; However, days later, we got a glimpse of the messaging feature with the iOS 18 beta.
X user Dhinak I discovered this and posted an extensive thread breaking down its current availability and features. The first look shows that green bubbles are still used to identify texts from Android users despite RCS, such as expected. Apparently, Android users can send RCS messages to iPhone users in individual and group chats. In addition, user
However, it seems like Apple has a lot of work to do when it comes to RCS. Firstly, E2EE (end-to-end encryption) is missing in group chats, something that is implemented on Android last year. Emoji reactions are still up to iPhone users, as only they can see an “appropriate” reaction to messages. If an iMessage user reacts to an Android user’s message, the user in the green bubble will receive a new message saying “Liked,” followed by your text in quotes.
Replying to a specific message remains a challenge for both Android and Apple users as they do not have the option to do so. Another thing to note is that RCS is limited to iPhones on the T-Mobile and AT&T networks at this time.
YouTube Cracks Down on Premium Subscription Loopholes
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YouTubers around the world received surprise cancellations of their Premium subscription last week, as the company appears to be going after people who find ways to get cheaper premium rates in their region. A recent Reddit thread It highlighted that these cancellations were linked to users turning to VPN services to get cheaper rates by taking advantage of regional pricing loopholes.
To illustrate the price difference, a Premium subscription costs 129 rupees ($1.54) per month in India, while it normally costs $13.99 in the United States. Some use YouTube Premium for a fraction of the cost in their local market. Although the subscription worked fine after the initial VPN hack, Google seems to be aware of this loophole and is going after these users.
In response, Google indirectly confirmed to Android Central that it is tightening its reins and that “to provide the most accurate plans and offers available, we have systems in place to determine the country of our users,” the spokesperson said. “In cases where the country of registration does not match where the user accesses YouTube, we ask members to update their billing information to their current country of residence.”
Android 15 Beta 3 is here
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Google released Android 15 Beta 3 on June 18 and with it comes “Platform Stability” and improvements to passcodes and Credential Manager. Google now allows enrolled testers to have one-step login capabilities through biometrics such as facial recognition, fingerprint, or screen lock. Previously, users were offered two submenus: one asking about a “saved passcode” and another asking about their biometric data. Users will now see a unified submenu detailing the service they are signing into, a request for their fingerprint, or the option to use a PIN.
Android 15 Beta 3 wants app developers to prepare their products, libraries, tools, and game engines for Android 15. Google hopes this will prepare its apps for the new “FLAG_STOPPED” changes that ensure apps don’t run until Complete the manual user entry. detected. Support for 16 KB pages, predictive back animationsand support to Private Spaces These are elements that you have to pay attention to.
Android 15 Beta 3 is now rolling out to all registered testers and supported devices. Those with a Pixel phone can check which devices are eligible for the test and begin.
We are very excited about the launch of the Motorola Razr 2024
Pst! Some interesting news coming up… pic.twitter.com/NioPU69hLQJune 17, 2024
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Motorola released a preview of the launch of its new foldable phone this week, which will hit the US market on June 25.
The video gives us a quick look at the Razr devices that will feature orange and blue color schemes. It also looks like a vegan leather back is expected on the devices. The trailer goes on to briefly show several more color combinations for its Razr 2024 phones, such as pink and perhaps a coffee brown option.
It should be noted that Motorola set its price higher Razer Plus on the shelves before the cheapest Motorola Razr 2023 It will hit the market at the end of the year. It’s unclear if the company will follow the same trend again this year or if consumers will be able to purchase both devices simultaneously.
Some leaks suggest that Motorola is updating its new foldable devices with a larger clamshell display. It is promoting the Razr Plus 2024 to 4 inches and gives its base model a larger 3.6-inch bezel, the latter of which is the same size as the Razr Plus 2023’s bezel display.
Spotify brings a basic plan with a new family level
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Spotify users in the US can now subscribe to a new Basic plan that offers all the benefits of a Premium plan without audiobook listening time. The streaming platform recently increased its Premium individual plan from $10.99 to $11.99 monthly. However, it has launched a new basic plan for $10.99, but it comes with some limitations.
“Enjoy the music streaming benefits of your Premium plan without the monthly audiobook listening time. Starting at $10.99/month for eligible users,” Spotify notes in the announcement post.
It’s important to note that users cannot “sign up directly to the new plan” through the Spotify website, but they can switch to the new plan, as long as they are already users of the existing individual plan. Spotify still has the $9.99 per month plan that gives the user access to audiobooks with 15 hours of audiobook listening.
The Basic Family plan costs $16.99 per month, which for some reason is not mentioned in the post but is visible to Spotify subscribers.
Those are some of the biggest stories this week. In the meantime, here are some other stories worth knowing: