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Authors/Presenters: Xueqiang Wang, Yifan Zhang, XiaoFeng Wang, Yan Jia, Luyi Xing Many thanks to USENIX for publishing their outstanding USENIX Security ’23 Presenter’s content, and the organizations strong commitment to Open Access. Originating from the conference’s events situated at the Anaheim Marriott; and via the organizations YouTube channel. Permalink The post USENIX Security ’23 – Union Under Duress: Understanding Hazards of Duplicate Resource Mismediation in Android Software Supply Chain appeared first on Security Boulevard. View the full article

New iPhone activations are down to a low not seen in the U.S. smartphone market for the last six years, according to a new Consumer Intelligence Research Partners (CIRP) report. While CIRP notes that Apple's installed smartphone base is higher than recorded activations, the figures show its share of new iPhone activations fell from 40% to 33% over the past year, suggesting a shift away from the higher market shares Apple enjoyed in previous years. Historically, around the time when competitors like Blackberry and Windows phones were more prevalent, iPhone's activation share hovered around one-third. This increased steadily until the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic when various factors contributed to a spike in activations. However, Apple's iPhone share appears to have reverted to its long-term average, with two out of three new smartphone activations now from Android devices. CIRP suggests the decline is due to the increased price of modern smartphones as well as better durability. While innovation has slowed, there has been a shift from two-year subsidized purchases to more transparent buying plans, which has prompted consumers to hold onto their devices for longer. This trend appears to impact iPhone sales more significantly than those of Android devices, suggesting Apple may need to adjust its strategy to regain market momentum. The report covers a 12-month period ending each quarter and includes data from CIRP's quarterly survey of mobile phone customers. The aim of this approach is to remove the seasonal spikes typically associated with new device launches and holiday sales, providing a clearer view of ongoing trends, according to the firm.Tag: CIRP This article, "Android Bosses iPhone in Smartphone Activation Market Share" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

Up until now, you've needed a phone running Android 12 or later to make use of the Google Gemini AI app for Android, but that has now changed – while a new 'conversation mode' for the chatbot has also leaked. As per Android Authority, some digging by well-known tipster @AssembleDebug revealed that Android 10 was the new minimum requirement for Gemini, and the Play Store listing now also reflects the support for more devices. Android 10 and Android 12 launched in 2019 and 2021 respectively, so a substantial number of older phones should now be Gemini-compatible. The app can replace Google Assistant on handsets, if requested, though it doesn't yet support all of the same features. According to the official Gemini support page, you also need 4GB of RAM in your phone to run the AI chatbot properly. That page still mentions compatibility with Android 12 and higher, though we're assuming it'll be updated soon. For now, you can only get at Gemini on an iPhone by going through the Google app for iOS. A little more conversation Gemini assistant to get a new 'Conversation' mode on Android Read - https://t.co/aIPx8sAuTcThere is definitely some uncertainty about this feature about how it will exactly work #Google #Android pic.twitter.com/GWbmwVZfqfApril 24, 2024 See more Yet another new find from @AssembleDebug (who we're assuming never sleeps) and PiunikaWeb points to something called 'conversation mode' in Gemini for Android. The code for it is disabled right now, but could be enabled in the near future. As it doesn't work yet, it's difficult to say for sure what it could be. It might match the 'continued conversation' feature in Google Assistant, where you can keep chatting without having to manually trigger the Assistant's listening mode each time. Alternatively, it could be something to do with live translation, a feature that's already appeared in several AI-powered apps from Google and others. Time will tell, if indeed this is something Google keeps developing and sets live. The next date of note for Google and Gemini AI news is May 14, when Google I/O 2024 gets underway. Google is expected to tell us a lot more about its AI efforts then, and there should also be updates on Android 15 and the Google Pixel 8a. You might also like Android tablets could soon support GeminiGoogle Gemini has plenty of ideasAn annoying Gemini problem gets fixed View the full article

Android 15 could come with a smart new feature that can check the health of your phone's onboard storage, thereby alerting you to the risk of losing files or running out of usable space when you most need it. The feature is dubbed Device Diagnostics, as spotted by Android Authority in the latest Android 15 beta, and provides users with a percentage readout of how much of your internal storage is still usable. So why would you need such a feature? Well despite quotes onboard storage space, a lot of phones lose a portion of that to the operating system and native apps, and then overtime the universal flash storage (UFS) smartphones use, chosen for its speed, compact size, and low power consumption, can cause it to degrade over time. Such degradation comes at the hands of downloading flies, saving photos and transferring flies back and forth. This happens to all forms of storage, eventually losing data or becoming completely unreadable, which loses anything not backed up. Currently, there aren’t any tools for checking the status of your phone's internal storage, like some phones use for assessing battery health. So, without warning, your storage could fail, and you could lose valuable data that isn’t backed up. However, the Device Diagnostics could provide access to battery and storage health information in the same place, making it easier to track components more prone to degrading over time. It could also include the ability to test your phone's display and touchscreen functionality to see if they are still working properly. This could help you decide when to transfer your files to another storage option or switch to a newer device. The wrinkle here is that Device Diagnostics is in the Android 15 beta meaning there's no guarantee it will make it into the full release which we're predicting will come sometime between August and October with more information likely to b revealed at the upcoming Google I/O 2024 event on May 14. Furthermore, if it does become part of the full Android 15 rollout, Device Diagnostics may only be available to Google Pixel devices. This is because not all Android devices share the relevant information with the Android OS. As a result, it may not be able to provide precise storage lifetime information or support it at all. After following the instructions from Android Police, I downloaded the Activity Launcher app on my Google Pixel 7 Pro running Android 15, I could access the device diagnostics without needing to root my phone. From here I could see the component health of my Pixel and could confirm that my phone is maintaining 98% of its 128GB storage. I was also able to check my battery status with a detailed breakdown of its capacity, cycle count, and manufacturing date. So such a feature could be rather handy for people who want an extra layer of insight into their phone's health and have yet to go big on cloud-based backups. Maintaining memories While not every phone could support the Device Diagnostics feature, you can still do a few things to prevent the loss of important files and phones right now. The first is to backup your important files to another device or use cloud storage. The second is to perform performance maintenance on your device by deleting unnecessary documents and duplications and removing apps you no longer use or that are not supported. You can also clear most apps' cache and data within your phone's settings; however, this may require you to sign in to those apps again. You might also like Xiaomi 14 review: Bigger on the insideGalaxy users claim they're running into infamous green line problem after update5 things the Xiaomi 14 Ultra's Photography Kit needs to truly elevate smartphone photography View the full article

When Google and then Samsung promised seven years of major OS updates for the latest Pixel 8 and Galaxy S24 families, I was left agog. That’s longer than any other phone maker before; even longer than Apple, which quietly supports every iPhone with five years of iOS. Since then, I’ve been looking for potholes on the road to seven years. I’ve been looking for off-ramps where Google or Samsung renege on the promise. That’s why I hope Google doesn’t promise seven years for the rumored Pixel 8a. It would just be too stressful for me. See, I don’t think Google can do it. I don’t think Google can support the Pixel 8a for seven years of updates. I’m pretty sure that there will be disclaimers and caveats for the Pixel 8 by the time we reach the finish line. We’ve already seen hints. So I don’t want to deal with this promise on the Pixel 8a, the next bargain Pixel from Google, rumored to be coming in May at Google I/O 2024. I just want to enjoy the phone on its own merits, and not worry about Google disappointing us long term. Is seven years realistic? Nobody knows for sure Would a phone from seven years ago be able to run today’s version of Android? In 2017, Samsung launched the Galaxy S8 – certainly one of the best Galaxy phones. That phone had respectable specs, even by today’s standards. It used an Exynos or Snapdragon 8-core processor and packed either four or six gigs of RAM. It also used USB-C, had wireless charging, and even offered microSD card expansion. The Samsung Galaxy S8 from seven years ago By today’s standards, this would be a fine bargain phone. You can find cheap phones with less than 4GB of RAM. Therefore, you might expect that the Galaxy S8 would be upgradeable from its original Android 7 to Android 14. Sadly, Samsung never pushed the Galaxy S8 past Android 9. Yup, that flagship phone got two major OS updates, and that’s all, folks. The Galaxy S23 family only gets four years of updates, which will take that phone from Android 13 to Android 17 in 2027. The Pixel 7 family, launched the same year, only gets two measly years of Android updates. Google isn’t promising any new Android updates, even for the Pixel 7 Pro, after 2025. Now, Google and Samsung expect me to believe the newest phones will be supported for seven years. Google is more than tripling its support promise, from two to seven years, in one generation. Already, we’ve seen cracks begin to show, and some wavering on updates. One Pixel gets a new feature but another doesn't Google’s Gemini Nano large language model (LLM) was offered on the Pixel 8 Pro to live on that device and create generative AI language suggestions. For the Pixel 8, it was not offered, and the base model had to commune with Google’s cloud for AI answers. That seemed a bit odd, since the two phones use the same AI-forward Tensor G3 chipset, though the Pixel 8 admittedly has only 8GB of RAM to the Pixel 8 Pro’s 12GB. Can you tell if this phone has an AI inside? (Image credit: Future | Philip Berne) Still, the red flags went up. The alarms began to blare. If Google can’t add the same features to both devices now, only a few months after launch, how can it possibly keep that promise for the next seven years? What’s going to happen in two years when the Pixel 8 has been left woefully behind on feature after feature? Will we even be able to say that it’s an up-to-date phone if Google doesn’t update everything? Google changed course and ended up endowing the Pixel 8 with Gemini Nano, so for now the phones achieve parity. There have been no more unexpected omissions from the Pixel 8. We may question why the Pixel Fold has been so abused with missed updates, but Google’s most expensive phone never got the same promise as the Pixel 8 family, and it runs an older Tensor G2 chipset, like the Pixel 7a. The Pixel 8a should be a bargain phone with bargain promises Which brings me to the Pixel 8a. There is no Pixel 8a yet, though rumors suggest we will see the phone soon at Google I/O. If Google follows the same pattern as previous A-series phones, I expect some cool colors, reduced camera specs, and a cheaper price tag than the Pixel 8. The Google Pixel 6a came in some nice colors (Image credit: Future) It will probably cost $100 more than I want it to cost, just like the last two A-series phones, and I’ll suggest waiting for a price drop. The Pixel 8a should be a bargain phone. It will probably pack the same Tensor G3 chipset as the Pixel 8 because Google puts the same chips in everything launched in the same model year. It should also get the same 8GB of RAM as the Pixel 8, just like the Pixel 7a had the same RAM as the Pixel 7. But even if performance is similar between the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8a, I won’t have the same expectations for software updates and support. I’ll expect less because buyers will pay less. That’s the idea of a bargain phone. It’s okay, as long as Google sets the right expectations. Google should learn how Apple makes people happy Just this once, I want Google to under-promise and over-deliver. Promise three years of updates for the Pixel 8a. Give us every single update on time, at the same time as the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro. Make it happen. You know, just like Apple. Say what you will, Apple doesn't disappoint its fans (Image credit: Future / Philip Berne) I really hope Google doesn’t promise seven years of updates, because then I’m going to have to hound company reps every single time the Pixel 8a misses an update. Every time the Pixel 8 gets a new AI search feature, and the Pixel 8a is left off the list, I’m going to ask why Google has forsaken its bargain phone. I don’t want to do that for the next seven years. I don’t want to do that at all. So don’t make me, Google. Don’t make me doubt and question the updates. Don’t bother promising so much for this bargain phone. Make it a bargain. Make it good. Then, make a promise for support that can be delivered. That’s what I want from the Pixel 8a for the years to come. Google Pixel 8a: latest news, rumors, and everything we know so farThe Google Pixel 8a leaks twice, hinting at its design, and four color optionsGoogle Pixel 8a leaks may have revealed the mid-range phone's specs and design View the full article

Android 15 looks set to introduce several features that allow users to perform simple tasks and see information at a glance. These include a new screensaver that allows you to control your Google Home devices, the return of lock screen widgets for tablets, and changing your default wallet app for Google Wallet. All three new features were found in the Android 15 Beta, which was released on April 11, 2024, and can be downloaded for Pixel devices. However, it’s probably better to wait for the full release to ensure the best stability. We can expect the full release of Android 15 around Q3 of 2024, with announcements of some of Android 15's new features at Google I/O 2024, held on May 14. 1. Return of widgets Widgets could return to Android tablets' lock screens as part of the Android 15 update. Widgets offer quick access to key app information without opening the app itself, allowing you to see things like notes, emails, and calendars at a glance, but are only available from the home screen of Android devices. Lock screen widgets used to be available to both phones and tablets back in 2012 as part of Android 4.2 Jelly Bean but were later removed in Android 5.0 Lollipop. Currently, with your device locked, you have access to just three apps: Google Calendar, Google Clock, and the Google App. However, the potential update means you won’t have to unlock your tablet to access handy widgets like YouTube Music or your photos, contacts, and many others, thus adding an extra layer of customization to your device. As previously reported, widgets were initially thought to be rolling out to only the Google Pixel Tablet. However, the lock screen widgets are expected to appear on Android tablets running Android 15 but not on Android phones. Android Authority discovered the return of widgets after digging through the code for the Android 15 Beta. It found a new “communal space” that allows users to add widgets from select apps. This space can be accessed by swiping inward from the right side of the lock screen. More details refer to a “glanceable hub,” which is where the widgets will be stored. They aren’t directly placed on the lock screen but on a page accessible from the lock screen which is still faster and more convenient than opening the apps directly. 2. Screensaver control of your smart home The Android 15 update may introduce a new screensaver named 'Home Controls,' allowing users to access their home controls straight from the screensaver. The update will add Home controls to that list, allowing you to control your compatible Google Home devices when your phone or tablet is charging. This can include Google Nest devices like cameras, thermostats, and doorbells. Once selected and when the screensaver is active, Home Controls will display your favorite controls for enabled devices. However, the Home Controls screensaver apparently only supports Google Home devices and not other device controls, meaning other smart home apps will need to develop dedicated screensavers of their own. Screensavers have been part of Android phones since Android 9, allowing you to display photos, colors, or a simple clock while charging. The addition of Home controls could be helpful, and while it'll be available on both Android phones and tablets, it’ll probably see more use on tablets. Currently, to access the Google Home settings, you would need to open the Google Home app, activate it by using the Google Assistant or by using a lock screen shortcut or by selecting the quick setting tile. While none of these are too difficult, the addition of a screen saver could be a handy time saver if you want quick access to your smart home settings and have an idle docked tablet. 3. Google Wallet as your default wallet app Lastly, the Android 15 could introduce the ability to set your preferred default wallet app for making payments and storing wallet information. Digital wallets allow users to store credit cards, discount and loyalty cards, train tickets and boarding passes, and event tickets. Android is well known for allowing you to set preferred apps as the default for most phone functions, such as web browsing, file management, media playback, and calendars. However, making payments using NFC currently requires you to use only the Google Wallet app. This could be about to change with the Android 15 update, which appears to allow you to select from a list of apps to use your phone's NFC function to make payments and store wallet information. This is in contrast to Apple users who are currently locked into using only Apple Wallet on their devices. However, 9to5Google reports that at the moment only the AMEX app can currently be selected, and it doesn’t work yet. Hopefully, we’ll see other wallet apps and banks provide compatible digital wallet apps in the future providing Android users with more options to make payments and store wallet information. Android 15 caveats Like all leaked beta features, it's essential to bear in mind that some if not all of the possible additions to Android 15 discussed above aren't guaranteed. Code inspections often can be open to interpretation. They may be introduced in a later update like Android 16 or 17, or they could be abandoned completely. Those adventurous enough to try out the Android 15 Beta should remember that as an early version of the OS, it’s unstable and could lead to glitches and possible crashes. So it’s best to back up your device first or wait until the official release. 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Amazon Location Service has released the Tracking SDK for iOS and Android platforms. Developers can now easily add location tracking capabilities into their mobile applications to support customer engagement, geo-targeting, and delivery use cases. View the full article

Gemini is lining up to become an even bigger part of the Android ecosystem as a toggle switch for the AI may soon appear on the official Google app. Evidence of this update was discovered in a recent beta by industry insider AssembleDebug who then shared his findings with news site Pianika Web. The feature could appear as a toggle switch right above the search bar. Flipping the switch causes the standard Search interface to morph into the Gemini interface where you can enter a prompt, talk to the model, or upload an image. According to Android Authority, turning on the AI launches a window asking permission to make the switch, assuming you haven't already. If this sounds familiar, that’s because the Google app on iOS has had the same function since early February. Activating the feature on either operating system has Gemini replace Google Assistant as your go-to helper on the internet. Gemini's new role You can hop between the two at any time. It’s not a permanent fixture or anything – at least not right now. Google has been making its AI more prominent on smartphones and its first-party platforms. Recently, hints emerged of Gemini possibly gaining a summarization tool as well as reply suggestions on Gmail. It is possible to have the Gemini toggle switch appear on your Android phone. AssembleDebug published a step-by-step guide on TheSpAndroid, however, the process will take you a long time. First, you’ll need a rooted smartphone running at least Android 12 which is a complicated process in of itself. We have a guide explaining how to root your mobile device if you're interested in checking that out. Then you’ll need the latest Google App beta from the Play Store, the GMS Flags app from GitHub, and Gemini on your device. Even if you follow all of these instructions, there’s still a chance it may not work, so you’re probably better off waiting for the switch to officially roll out. No word on when that’ll happen. Although we could see the feature make its official debut during next month’s Google I/O 2024 event. The tech giant is cooking up something big and we can’t wait to see what it is. While you wait, check out TechRadar's list of the best Android phones for 2024. You might also like Gemini Nano will indeed roll out to Pixel 8 despite claims of "hardware limitations"This is what Gemini AI in Google Messages may look likeGoogle’s ‘affordable’ Pixel 8a may not be so affordable after all View the full article

Google today introduced the Find My Device network for Android-based products, mirroring the functionality of Apple's ‌Find My‌ network that's designed to locate Apple devices. Like Apple ‌Find My‌, the Android ‌Find My‌ Device network is able to use the millions of Android devices (running Android 9 or later) out in the wild to track down lost, stolen, and missing Android products. A lost Android smartphone is able to ping nearby Android devices using Bluetooth, relaying location information back to the owner. Because the network uses Bluetooth, it works even when Android devices are offline and do not have a cellular or Wi-Fi connection. Some devices, such as the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, will be locatable even when powered off or when the battery is dead. ‌Find My‌ offers the same feature set for iPhones. Starting in May, the ‌Find My‌ Device network for Android smartphones will also work with Bluetooth trackers from companies like Chipolo and Pebblebee, allowing Android users to attach trackers to items to locate them with the Android network. While Google isn't designing its own trackers, these third-party trackers will work in the same way that AirTags work. To keep iPhone users from being tracked without their knowledge using this new network, Google worked with Apple to create an industry specification that lets both ‌iPhone‌ and Android users get alerts about nearby unknown item trackers regardless of the brand of the tracking device. Google waited until Apple implemented support for third-party tracker alerts to launch its network, based on code found in iOS 17.5. iOS 17.5 appears to expand the "Found Moving With You" AirTag alerts to third-party item trackers, allowing the ‌iPhone‌ to recognize Android-based item trackers and those from other companies. "You can disable this item and stop it from sharing its location with the owner. To do this, follow the instructions provided on a website by the manufacturer of this item," reads some of the iOS 17.5 code. Google was able to learn from the criticism that Apple faced after launching AirTags. There have been numerous news stories and reports of criminals using AirTags for stalking, car thefts, and more, leading Apple to make multiple changes to unwanted tracker alerts. Apple upped the frequency of notifications and also designed a Tracker Detect app for Android devices, but Apple's work with Google ensures a more permanent solution that keeps Android and ‌iPhone‌ users safe as another major tracking network launches.Tags: Google, Android This article, "Google Launches Android Find My Device Network" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

Recent Android 14 betas have been a treasure trove of information about possible features coming to Android 15. We learned not too long ago that the operating system may introduce Private Space for securing sensitive information on a smartphone. Now new details are emerging on future changes that could alter how users interact with their mobile devices. News site Android Authority unearthed these details inside the Android 14 QPR2 patch from early March. Several lines of code reference something called “Bluetooth Auto-On”. According to the publication, it will automatically activate Bluetooth connectivity if it’s turned off. They state that if someone turns it off, a toggle option will appear to give the phone the ability to turn on Bluetooth the following day. Android 15 reportedly will include text reminding users that enabling the connection is important for certain features; namely Quick Share and Find My Device. Of course, this is all optional. You’ll still be able to deactivate Bluetooth any time you want for as long as you want without having to toggle anything. Insight into Bluetooth Auto-On doesn’t stop there as more information was dug up from the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) by industry insider Mishaal Rahman. Rahman states only system apps work with the tool. It’s not going to be compatible with third-party software. Also, it may not be exclusive to Android 15. There’s a chance the update could come to older OS versions; however, it won’t work on all devices. Adapative screens The second feature is “Adaptive Timeout” which was discovered within a developer preview for Android 15. Very little is known as the lines of code don’t reveal much. But they do say it will automatically turn off your “screen early if you’re not using your device.” On the surface, this may seem like Screen Timeout although Rahman states it’s something totally different. Judging by its description, it operates similarly to Attention Aware on iPhone. Adaptive Timeout would utilize some sort of metric, either by detecting your face through the camera or taking collecting input through sensors, to know if you’re directly interacting with the smartphone. If you stop using the device, the feature will turn off the display. Screen Timeout, by comparison, is just a timer. The screen will stay on until the timer runs out even if you’re not interacting with the phone. An argument could also be made that, due to its proactive nature, the tool can extend a device's battery life and protect your data from prying eyes. What's interesting about Adaptive Timeout is it may be an exclusive update for Google Pixel. Rahman says he found evidence of the tool referencing a Google namespace, suggesting it won’t be available on the “open-source version of Android”. As always, take everything you see here with a grain of salt. Things can always change. And be sure to check out TechRadar's list of the best Android phones if you're looking to upgrade. You might also like Google Pixel 8a leaks may have revealed the mid-range phone's specs and designHow to connect AirPods to Android phones and tabletsAnother leak hints that Android 15 will come with satellite messaging View the full article

Did you know that Android OS has had a desktop mode similar to Samsung Dex for the past five years or so? It’s true. The mode first came out back in 2019 on Android 10. It allowed you to connect your smartphone to a monitor, mouse, and keyboard setup turning it into a mini-desktop. No one can blame you for not knowing it existed in the first place. It was primarily meant for developers to use as a testing ground for their apps. It was as barebones as a system can be. However, recent evidence suggests Google is expanding the feature to be more friendly for the everyday user. News site Android Authority dove into the Android 14 QPR3 Beta 2.1 update and with some technical know-how, activated desktop mode “to see how the… system has evolved.” As it turns out, it’s advanced quite a bit since 2019. Their demo video shows windows can now be dragged around and resized on the screen. Resizing causes the page to go blank save for the app’s logo in the center. Moving a window over to either side causes it to snap into place. They then opened another app, clicking into place on the other side letting them have two pages side-by-side similar to Windows 11. Grabbing a full-screened page by dragging the top handle causes it to shrink, letting users make quick adjustments. At the top of every full-screen is a small menu. Android Authority states it “contains the app’s name, icon, and three buttons to switch between full-screen, split-screen, and freeform mode. That last option lets you drag the window around. While the app is in freeform, apps gain a URL bar, a dropdown menu for altering the viewing mode, plus maximize and close buttons. Basic, yet important This may seem like basic functionalities that all web browsers come with. Well, that’s because they are. Earlier when we said desktop mode is as barebones as a system can be, we meant it. The thing to keep in mind is this update signifies a continued effort to improve this feature. We could see where Android smartphones can turn into capable computers that are more portable than laptops. Technically, they already are, but they're missing the necessary support. There is still a lot of work to be done, as the publication points out. Most apps, for instance, “don’t support drag-and-drop”. A few keyboard shortcuts are apparently present, but the report doesn’t go into detail. No word on when the revamped mode will launch. Considering it’s part of a late beta, we could see the feature arrive on Android 15 which is scheduled to come out somewhere between August and October. Take this information with a grain of salt. After all, Google could suddenly change its mind and kill the project. Something similar happened recently with the WSA (Windows Subsystem for Android) app on Windows 11. It gives users a way to run Android software natively on the Windows operating system, however, starting on March 5, 2025, support is going cut off. While we have you, be sure to check out TechRadar's roundup of the best Android phones for 2024. You might also like The best computer 2024: top desktop PCs for work and playAnother leak hints that Android 15 will come with satellite messagingSamsung Galaxy S23 users complain of 'totally unresponsive' touchscreens after One UI 6.1 update View the full article

Google Podcasts is gone. The streaming platform recently went offline on April 2, bringing the six-year saga to a close. Now it joins the likes of YouTube Stories and the Stadia console over in the Google Graveyard. If you open the app or go to the official website, you get a message stating the service is no longer available. Google asks you to transfer your subscriptions to either YouTube Music or export them to a third-party service. We recently published a guide teaching you how to migrate subscriptions over. Moving things to YouTube Music is pretty straightforward as it all can be done on the Google Podcasts app. Migrating to a third-party is a little trickier as it requires creating an OPML file then uploading that file to a supporting service. Be aware you have until July 31 to move your data. After that, you're out of luck. The push for YouTube Music YouTube Music will take the place of Google Podcasts as the company coalesces its audio content onto the app. As a service, it’s not the worst replacement, but it’s nowhere near the best. The main problem with podcasts on YouTube Music is it plays second fiddle to, well, music. It’s not the main appeal. Yes, the platform has made multiple updates to improve podcast support, however there’s a lot of work to be done. The search bar still prioritizes musical artists and playlists, even if the “Podcast” filter is on. Some people find the user interface to be really messy since it’ll be clogged with song recommendations, making it difficult to find shows. The list goes on. So, for those of you who are looking for a new podcast home besides YouTube Music, below is a list consisting of the best alternatives. 1. AntennaPod – Best alternative on Android (Image credit: Future) AntennaPod is a volunteer-built platform that is totally free. It has no ads whatsoever (unless the publisher of a podcast puts them in there), and you can subscribe to whatever show you want via RSS feed. New episodes will appear on the home screen with the option to download them for offline listening. You can set up a queue for back-to-back episodes with a history tab for future reruns. What’s more, it’s all easy to use. The UI is streamlined to minimize headaches. The developers posted a series of instructions last November teaching people how to migrate over to AntennaPod from Google Podcasts. Like we mentioned, it involves creating an OPML file. The main problem with this app is it's only available on Android. iPhone owners will have to look elsewhere. 2. PocketCasts – Best feature rich alternative (Image credit: Future) Compared to AntennaPod, PocketCast has way more features. It offers a wide array of resources to discover new shows. Categories include content that’s popular in the US, podcasts originating from Ireland, books, Women’s History Month, music, and so on. The player has an interesting set of tools as well. You can increase the playback speed to be twice as fast and trim the silent parts in episodes. You can even set up sleep timers. Everything we just mentioned is available completely for free. You can add more by purchasing a subscription. Pocket Casts Plus, for example, offers access to both a desktop and smartwatch app among other things. The app is available on Android and iOS. 3. Overcast – Best features for iOS (Image credit: TechRadar) Rounding the trio is the iOS-exclusive Overcast. It’s an incredibly popular app on iPhone, currently sitting with a near-perfect 4.7 out of 5 rating on the Apple App Store. Much of its praise is levied at its intuitive design, and reviews mention its “many useful features.” It’s similar to the previous entries as Overcast shares some of the same capabilities, like downloading episodes for offline listening, although it boasts some unique tricks up its sleeve. Voice Boost cleans up audio mixing so all podcasts play at the same volume. Smart Speed cuts out those awkward silences. Overcast does have ads, but you can get rid of them with the Premium subscription. We also want to give an honorable mention to Spotify. It’s done a lot of work in fostering that side of its business, becoming a major player in the podcasting world. However, it’s difficult to recommend it as a replacement to Google Podcasts for the same reason we can’t really suggest YouTube Music. Spotify is a space for a variety of content, not just one. If you want something solely for enjoying podcasts, go with the three above. Be sure to check out TechRadar's list of the best earbuds for 2024 while you're at it too. You might also like Spotify may be raising prices, here are my 3 favorite alternativesTidal's game-changing feature lets your friends open shared songs in SpotifySpotify will now automatically transcribe your favorite podcasts as you listen View the full article

Google today began letting Android customers know that it will soon launch a promised Android-based Find My Device network, reports 9to5Google. Google announced the upcoming ‌Find My‌ feature last year, but it has not yet debuted because Apple and Google were working to develop a cross-platform solution for unwanted tracking alerts. Code in iOS 17.5 suggests that Apple is adding support for discovering nearby third-party item trackers and alerting iPhone owners when one has been located. "You can disable this item and stop it from sharing its location with the owner. To do this, follow the instructions provided on a website by the manufacturer of this item," reads some of the code. With Apple likely planning to add alerts for third-party trackers in iOS 17.5, Google is clear to launch its new ‌Find My‌ Device network, which will allow Android smartphones to be used to locate lost phones, Bluetooth trackers, headphones, and other accessories. Apple and Google first announced plans for an industry tracker specification in May 2023, with the aim of putting an end to the misuse of Bluetooth item trackers for tracking individuals. Both companies have been working to implement AirTag-style tracking alerts so people will know when a tracker of any kind is nearby. After Apple launched the ‌Find My‌ network alongside AirTags, there were countless news stories and reports of criminals using AirTags for stalking purposes, leading Apple to make several changes to unwanted tracker alerts. iPhones were initially able to identify nearby AirTags and alert customers if they were being used for stalking purposes, but Android devices could not. Apple remedied this with a Tracker Detect app for Android, but the partnership with Google will allow for a more permanent and reliable solution that will work regardless of device. Google says that the ‌Find My‌ Device network will let Android users find their devices even when offline, and it will work with compatible Fast Pair accessories as well as Android-based electronics. Google plans to launch the network early next week.Tags: Google, Android, Find My This article, "Google to Launch Android Find My Network After Apple Adds Third-Party Tracker Alerts to iPhone" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

Explore the best password managers for Android devices that offer secure storage and easy access to your passwords. Find out which one suits your needs best.View the full article

A new version of a known Android banking trojan is making rounds on the internet, stealing sensitive data, and possibly even money, from its victims. Cybersecurity researchers from NCC Group’s Fox-IT sounded the alarm of a new, upgraded version of the Vultur banking trojan, first spotted in early 2021 but having received a number of important changes and upgrades since then. While previous versions were being distributed via dropper apps that were smuggled onto the Play Store, this new version uses a combination of smishing and legitimate app abuse. The researchers said that the attackers would first send an SMS message to their victims, warning them of an unauthorized payment transaction and sharing a phone number for the victim to call. Full takeover If the victim takes the bait and calls the number, the attacker then persuades them to download a compromised version of the McAfee Security app. While on the surface the app works as intended, in the background it delivers the Brunhilda malware dropper. This dropper drops three payloads, including two APKs and a DEX file which, after obtaining Accessibility Services, establish a connection with the command and control (C2) server, and grant the attackers remote control over the Android device. For a trojan, Vultur is quite competent. It can record the screen, log keystrokes, and grant the attackers remote access via AlphaVNC and ngrok. Furthermore, it allows the attackers to download and upload files, install apps, delete files, click, scroll, and swipe through the device, and block different apps from running. It can also display custom notifications and disable Keyguard to bypass the lock screen. Finally, Vultur encrypts its C2 communications to further evade detection. As usual, the best way to defend against these threats is to use common sense, and only download apps from legitimate, proven repositories. Via BleepingComputer More from TechRadar Pro This nasty new Android malware can easily bypass Google Play security — and it's already been downloaded thousands of timesHere's a list of the best firewalls around todayThese are the best endpoint security tools right now View the full article

Calling all the Firebase fanatics, Android experts, Flutter enthusiasts, Kaggle competitors, machine learning wizards, and anyone deeply involved with open-source Google AI projects! We're excited to unveil Dev Connect, a new experience built to help you harness the power of Google Cloud and build bridges between developer communities at Google Cloud Next ‘24. Designed for developers not currently utilizing Google Cloud, but eager to explore it for building and deploying applications written in Firebase, Android, Kaggle, Angular, Flutter, and Go, Dev Connect launches at Google Cloud Next '24. Dev Connect: Your Google Cloud launchpad Dev Connect at Next ‘24 is your fast-track to building apps and solutions with Google Cloud, no matter your existing technical stack. Get hands-on workshops, expert sessions, an AI competition, and dedicated networking — all designed for developers not already working with Google Cloud technologies. Immerse yourself in Google Cloud Prepare to unlock the full potential of Google Cloud. Expect a packed schedule overflowing with experiences tailored for developers including: Tailored sessions: Dive into topics like building and deploying apps, proven cloud development strategies, and inspiring success stories from real-world Google Cloud users. You can expect sessions like: AIML163: Boost your Android app with generative AI: building the next generation of apps DEV222: Scale and deliver GenAI apps with Google's Firebase and Firestore DEV247: Live-coding an app with Cloud Run and Flutter AIML209: Build production AI applications in Go AIML233: Use large language models to answer difficult science questions This is just a sample of the many sessions curated for developers like you. Whether you care about full-stack, web, or mobile app development, want to compete in Kaggle’s AI and ML competitions, or are interested in getting experience with Google AI models, we’ve got you covered! Hands-on workshops: Get ready to learn by doing. Code, build, and create alongside experts. Networking central: Connect with like-minded developers from diverse Google communities, building valuable connections and sharing knowledge. But wait, there's more… Dev Connect is so much more than just sessions and workshops. Get ready for: The developer keynote: Hear about announcements that will make you smile, and discover the latest ways to accelerate your work. Community Hub: Visit Innovators Hive and immerse yourself in the vibrant world of Google communities. AI, Android, Firebase, Flutter, Kaggle experts are waiting for you to engage in 1:1 conversations, show you exciting demos, present you with inspiring projects, and swap ideas about extending projects to Google Cloud. Lightning talks: Get quick bursts of inspiration from real-world case studies and demos that showcase the power of Google Cloud. Catch these exciting talks and more: IHLT217: Using Firebase for gamification on WhatsApp: A next-level DevRel strategy to measure impact IHLT107: From idea to full-stack solutions with Dart and Google Cloud IHLT216: OSS + AI: Framework and resources for technologists IHLT110: Power up your Android app: a guide to generative AI integration AI & ML Kaggle competition: Put your skills to the test in a friendly Kaggle challenge with awesome prizes up for grabs. Kaggle Grandmasters and fellow AI enthusiasts will all be on hand. Whether you're a seasoned data scientist or just starting to explore LLMs, the LLM Trivia Time Kaggle competition is your chance to experiment, have fun, and compete for $20k in prizes. And you get to tune an LLM to tackle an entertaining collection of trivia, riddles, and brain teasers. And we also have a separate AI hackathon happening in case the Kaggle competition is not enough for you. Fun learning: Quizzes, demos, and developer badges turn education into fun. Happy Hour: Unwind, network, and socialize with Googlers, experts, and fellow devs. Whether you're a Firebase fanatic, Android aficionado, or an AI enthusiast ready to explore cloud technologies, attending Dev Connect at Google Cloud Next '24 is a great opportunity to accelerate your development journey. Discover why Google Cloud is the ideal platform to power your Firebase and Android projects, experiment with the latest AI innovations, and connect with Google's vibrant open-source communities. Mark your calendars! Google Cloud Next '24 kicks off on April 9th in Las Vegas. Keep an eye on the Google Cloud blog for the latest on Dev Connect sessions, the Kaggle competition, and how to get the most out of this thrilling developer experience. This is your chance to supercharge your development journey. Get ready to learn, connect, and be inspired – Dev Connect awaits! Reserve your seat in your favorite sessions today! View the full article

A new phishing service has been detected sporting a unique way of approaching iOS and Android users. The Phishing-as-a-Service (PhaaS) tool, called “Darcula” and uncovered by researchers at Netcraft, stands out from the crowd as it reaches out to its victims via the Rich Communication Services (RCS) protocol for Google Messages and iMessage, instead of the usual Short Message System (SMS). There are two reasons for the move to RCS, they explain, with the first one being an improved sense of legitimacy of the messages. The second one is that RCS messages are end-to-end encrypted, making them impossible to intercept, or block based solely on the contents of the message. Thousands of domains and IP addresses It’s impossible to say how many people received these smishing messages, but we do know that they’re located in more than 100 countries around the world. Hackers who sign up for the service can impersonate dozens of organizations, choosing between more than 200 phishing templates. After paying for the subscription, the threat actors can choose one of many companies in the postal, financial, government, tax, telecommunications, airlines, and utility verticals, and get a dedicated phishing website with properly aligned fonts, logo images, and more. The researchers described the phishing websites as “high quality”. “The Darcula platform has been used for numerous high-profile phishing attacks over the last year, including messages received on both Apple and Android devices in the UK, as well as package scams impersonating United States Postal Service (USPS) highlighted in numerous posts on Reddit’s /r/phishing,” the researchers explained in their writeup. The PhaaS apparently has some 20,000 domains, across 11,000 IP addresses. More than 100 new domains are being added to the tool, every day. As usual, the best way to defend against phishing is to use common sense. If the message is unexpected, sounds strange, or too good to be true, extra caution is advised. Via BleepingComputer More from TechRadar Pro A new phishing kit is targeting Gmail and Microsoft email accounts — and it can even bypass 2FA Here's a list of the best firewalls around today These are the best endpoint security tools right now View the full article

Doogee has unveiled a low cost tablet with a surprising selling point. The Doogee T30 Max, a new and upgraded version of the firm’s T30 series tablet, sports a 12.4 inch IPS 4K Display. Yes, 4K. That’s an impressive achievement for any tablet, let alone one retailing for $329 (or $296 when you apply the 10% off coupon code available on the website). For comparison, Apple's iPad Pro has a slightly larger screen (12.9 inch) and a resolution of 2732 x 2048 pixels or 2.7K. We recently reported on NEC’s LAVIE Tab T14 which we said had “probably the highest ever resolution on a tablet”, and even that only manages 3000 x 1876 (QHD+) and costs nearly $1,000. Doogee T30 Max has an 87.5% high screen ratio, and is reasonably thin at just 7.9mm. For comparison again, the iPad Pro is 6.4mm thick. Android 14 Doogee’s new tablet runs on Android 14 and is powered by a MediaTek Helio G99 Octa Core processor. This comprises two high performance Arm Cortex-A76 processors clocking up to 2.2GHz, and an Arm Mali G57-class GPU. The tablet comes with up to 20GB DDR4X RAM (8GB plus up to 12GB Extended RAM), and 512GB of storage (plus up to 2TB expansion). The Doogee T30 Max features a 10800mAh battery with support for 33W fast charging. There’s an AI dual camera setup (50MP+2MP) and a 20MP front shooter. It also supports face unlock and side fingerprint recognition. In addition, the device has received TÜV SÜD blue light certification and conforms to High-Resolution Audio standards defined by the Japan Audio Association. It also supports a 4096 level active capacitive pen and a docking plug-in interface for a magnetic keyboard connection. The Doogee T30 Max is encased in a nano injection molded one-piece shell with a leather texture rear and comes in black, khaki, and green. It’s available for pre order now with shipping expected to start on April 1 for all regions except the EU/UK, where buyers will have to wait until April 30th. More from TechRadar Pro These are the best business tablets around todayAnd these are the best rugged tablets available to buyNEC's latest slate beats iPad, Samsung Galaxy Tab with high-res display View the full article

Since the outset, Anbox Cloud was developed with a variety of use cases for running Android at scale. Cloud gaming, more specifically for casual games as found on most user’s mobile devices, is the most prominent one and growing in popularity. Enterprises are challenged to find a solution that can keep up with the increasing user demand, provide a rich experience and keep costs affordable while shortening the time to market. Anbox Cloud brings Android from mobile devices to the cloud. This enables service providers to deliver a large and existing ecosystem of games to more users, regardless of their device or operating system. Existing games can be moved to Anbox Cloud with zero to minimal effort. Canonical has built Anbox Cloud upon existing technologies that allow for a higher container density compared to traditional approaches, which helps to reduce the overall cost of building and operating a game streaming service. The cost structure of a casual game, based in the cloud, also shows that density is key for profitability margins. To achieve density optimisation, three factors must be considered: container density (CPU load, memory capacity and GPU capacity), profitability and user experience optimisation. Additional considerations include choosing the right hardware to match the target workload, intended rendering performance and the pricing sensitivity of gamers. Finding the optimal combination for these factors and adding a layer of automation is crucial to improve profitability margins and to meet SLAs. To further address specific challenges in cloud gaming, Canonical collaborates with key silicon and cloud partners to build optimised hardware and cloud instance types. Cloud gaming has a high demand on various hardware components, specifically GPUs which provide the underlying foundation for every video streaming solution. Utilising the available hardware with the highest density for cost savings, requires optimisation on every layer. Anbox Cloud specifically helps to get the maximum out of the available hardware capacity. It keeps track of resources spent by all launched containers and optimises placement of new containers based on available capacity and resource requirements of specific containers. Next to finding the right software and hardware platform, cloud gaming mandates positioning the actual workload as close to the user as possible to reduce latency and ensure a consistent experience. To scale across different geographical regions, Anbox Cloud provides operational tooling and software components to simplify the deployment without manual overhead and ensures users get automatically routed to their nearest location. By plugging individual regions dynamically into a control plane allows new regions to be easily added on the go without any downtime or manual intervention. Anbox Cloud builds a high-density and easy-to-manage containerisation platform on top of the LXD container hypervisor which helps to minimise the time to market and reduce overall costs. It reflects Canonical’s deep expertise in cloud-native applications and minimises operational overhead in multiple ways. With the use of existing technologies from Canonical like Juju or MAAS, it provides a solid and proven platform which is easy to deploy and maintain. Combined with the Ubuntu Pro support program from Canonical, an enterprise can ensure it gets long-term help whenever needed. As differentiation is key in building a successful cloud gaming platform, Anbox Cloud provides a solid foundation which is extensible and fits into many different use cases. For example, integrating a custom streaming protocol is possible by writing a plug-in and integrating it via provided customising hooks into the containers which power Anbox Cloud. To make this process easy, Canonical provides an SDK, rich documentation with example plugins and engineering services to help with any development around Anbox Cloud. In summary, Anbox Cloud provides a feature rich, generic and solid foundation to build a state of the art cloud gaming service which provides optimal utilisation of the underlying hardware to deliver the best user experience while keeping operational costs low. If you’re interested to learn more, please come and talk to us. Android is a trademark of Google LLC. Anbox Cloud uses assets available through the Android Open Source Project. View the full article

Cybersecurity researchers have found a new version of a well-known Android banking trojan malware which sports quite a creative method of hiding in plain sight. PixPirate targets mostly Brazilian consumers with accounts on the Pix instant payment platform, which allegedly counts more than 140 million customers, and services transactions north of $250 billion. The campaign’s goal was to divert the cash to attacker-owned accounts. Usually, banking trojans on Android would try to hide by changing their app icons and names. Often, the trojans would assume the “settings” icon, or something similar, tricking the victims into looking elsewhere, or simply into being too afraid to remove the app from their device. PixPirate, on the other hand, gets rid of all of that by not having an icon in the first place. Running the malware The big caveat here is that without the icon, the victims cannot launch the trojan, so that crucial part of the equation is left to the attackers. The campaign consists of two apps - the dropper, and the “droppee”. The dropper is being distributed on third-party stores, shady websites, and via social media channels, and is designed to deliver the final payload - droppee - and to run it (after asking for Accessibility and other permissions). Droppee, which is PixPirate’s filename, exports a service to which other apps can connect to. The dropper connects to that service, allowing it to run the trojan. Even after removing the dropper, the malware can still run on its own, on certain triggers (for example, on boot, on network change, or on other system events). The entire process, from harvesting user credentials, to initiating money transfer, is automated, and done in the background without the victim’s knowledge or consent. The only thing standing in the way, the researchers claim, are Accessibility Service permissions. It is also worth mentioning that this method only works on older versions of Android, up to Pie (9). Via BleepingComputer More from TechRadar Pro This nasty new Android malware can easily bypass Google Play security — and it's already been downloaded thousands of timesHere's a list of the best firewalls around todayThese are the best endpoint security tools right now View the full article

Apple's well-publicized decision to shut down iMessage for Android app Beeper Mini has attracted attention from U.S. lawmakers concerned that the Cupertino company is suppressing competition. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Mike Lee along with Representatives Jerry Nadler and Ken Buck on Sunday penned a letter to Assistant Attorney General Jonathan Kanter calling for an investigation into the Beeper Mini dispute. The letter suggests that Beeper Mini reduced Apple's iMessage "leverage" over iPhone users, leading Apple to shut it down.As you know, interoperability and interconnection have long been key drivers of competition and consumer choice in communications services, from telephones to email. Startups and small businesses drive innovation, create jobs, and can disrupt entrenched incumbents when allowed to compete. But consumers will never benefit from competition if dominant firms are allowed to snuff out that competition at its incipiency. We are therefore concerned that Apple's recent actions to disable Beeper Mini harm competition, eliminate choices for consumers, and will discourage future innovation and investment in interoperable messaging services. We also fear these types of tactics may more broadly chill future investment and innovation from those that seek to compete with existing digital gatekeepers. Thus, we refer this matter to the Antitrust Division to investigate whether this potentially anticompetitive conduct by Apple violated the antitrust laws. Though Beeper Mini's developers have tried to push the privacy angle by pointing out the encryption its app offered for Android to ‌iPhone‌ communications, Beeper Mini launched using a reverse engineered version of iMessage that surreptitiously registered Android phone numbers as Apple device owners. It took advantage of Apple's own iMessage servers with fake credentials, so it is not surprising that Apple viewed Beeper Mini as a security risk. Apple said that it shut Beeper Mini down because the app "posed significant risks to user security and privacy, including the potential for metadata exposure and enabling unwanted messages, spam, and phishing attacks." Apple put a stop to Beeper Mini's full functionality just days after it launched, but the Beeper Mini team was able to come up with a workaround shortly after. The updated version of the app requires an Apple ID unlike the first version, and it only works with email addresses, not phone numbers. In a CBS News interview, Beeper CEO Eric Migicovsky said that he is simply trying to provide a secure service for Android users, and he decried Apple's iMessage monopoly. As of now, Beeper Mini continues to experience outages as Apple tweaks the iMessage service. Beeper Mini engineers are aiming to keep the app up and running, and for now, it is free to use. Apple may be facing scrutiny over Beeper Mini, but the pressure may ease after the company adopts Rich Communication Services, or RCS in 2024. ‌RCS‌ will be used for chats between ‌‌iPhone‌‌ and Android users, and it includes support for high quality video and images, emoji reactions, typing indicators, read receipts, and more, providing Android users with many of the same features available to iMessage users. Encryption for ‌iPhone‌ to Android chats will be missing until Apple is able to work with the GSM Association that developed the ‌RCS‌ protocol to add end-to-end encryption. Google's version of ‌RCS‌, Google Messages, supports end-to-end encryption on Android devices, but Apple is adopting the ‌RCS‌ Universal Profile and not the version of ‌RCS‌ that was modified by Google. It is worth noting that there are many cross-platform apps that ‌iPhone‌ and Android users can download to communicate privately, including WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, and more. This article, "Lawmakers Express Concern Over Apple's 'Anticompetitive Treatment' of iMessage for Android App" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

Offshore Android Development is a business strategic approach where a business hires dedicated android mobile app developers in a foreign country for their own businesses. This gives businesses an excellent access to a large market of potential clients and brings their app ideas to life with efficiency and expertise. Benefits of outsourcing offshore android development: It is a robust outsourcing that can help you beat the market competition at affordable cost and is also time saving for your business. It can give access to a rich pool of talent from all around the globe. It provides scalability and flexibility in resource allocation as it is easy for a business to expand or reduce the size of the team required as per the project. It is an excellent way of outsourcing a best development team with specialization and expertise in the field. We at Appsierra with our highly motivated and passionate development team offer you with the best offshore android development services. So, contact our consultants and start your journey with Appsierra services.

Text messages are one of the most common and convenient ways of communicating with your friends, family, and colleagues. However, sometimes you may encounter a problem where your Android phone does not notify you of new text messages, or the notification sound is not working, or the messages are not received at all. Table of Contents How to Fix/Resolve Text Message Notifications Not Functioning on Android Fix 1: Check Your Notification Settings Fix 2: Check Your Network Connection Fix 3: Check Your Battery Optimization Settings Fix 4: Clear the Cache and Data of Your Text Messaging App Fix 5: Update Your Text Messaging App Fix 6: Disable Battery Optimization for the Messages App Fix 7: Disable Do Not Disturb Mode on Android Fix 8: Restart the Android Device How to Fix/Resolve Text Message Notifications Not Functioning on Android Unable to receive the notifications for text messages can be a lot frustrating so here are some fixes that you can try to resolve this issue: Fix 1: Check Your Notification Settings Checking your text messaging app’s notification settings is the first thing you should do. Sometimes, the notification settings may be accidentally turned off or changed by a system update or a third-party app. To check your notification settings, follow these steps: Step 1: Open the Settings app on your Android phone and tap on Notifications: Step 2: Tap on Apps settings and find the text messaging app that you are using. It could be Messages, any other app that you use for texting: Step 3: Tap on the app name and then tap on Notifications and make sure that the toggle switch at the top of the screen is turned on. This will enable notifications for all messages from this app: Step 4: Now tap on Incoming messages and make sure the default is selected and then turn on the Override Do Not Disturb feature: Fix 2: Check Your Network Connection Another possible reason why your text message notifications are not functioning is that your network connection is weak or unstable. This can prevent your phone from sending or receiving messages properly. Make sure your phone is receiving a strong signal and by observing the signal bars at the top of your screen, you can verify this. Try going to a new location with a stronger signal if they are low or empty. Check to see if you have activated airplane mode on your phone as this will turn off all wireless connections on your phone, including Wi-Fi and cellular data. Swipe down the notification shade to access this by looking for an airplane icon and if it is on, tap on it to turn it off: Also, you can try turning the airplane mode on and off to reset the network so that if there is any issue with the network signal it can be fixed. Fix 3: Check Your Battery Optimization Settings Another possible reason why your text message notifications are not functioning is that your battery optimization settings are too aggressive and prevent your text messaging app from running in the background. This can cause your app to miss new messages or delay notifications until you open the app manually. To check your battery optimization settings, follow these steps: Step 1: Open the Settings app on your Android phone and from there tap on Battery and make sure that its battery saver is turned off. This mode will reduce the performance of your phone and limit some features to save battery life: Fix 4: Clear the Cache and Data of Your Text Messaging App Another possible reason why your text message notifications are not functioning is that your text messaging app has some corrupted or outdated cache or data files that interfere with its normal functioning. This can cause the app to malfunction or crash. To clear the cache and data of your text messaging app, follow these steps: Step 1: Open the Settings app on your Android phone, tap on Apps: Step 2: Tap on See all apps and find the text messaging app that you are using. It could be Messages, or any other app that you use for texting so tap on it: Step 3: Tap on the app name and then tap on Storage & Cache. From there tap on Clear Cache. This will delete all the temporary and permanent files associated with the app, including your messages, settings, and preferences: Fix 5: Update Your Text Messaging App Another possible reason why your text message notifications are not functioning is that your text messaging app is outdated and has some bugs or compatibility issues with your phone or operating system. This can cause the app to behave erratically or not work at all and to update your text messaging app, follow these steps: Step 1: Launch the Google Play Store app and tap the profile image in the top right corner, choose Manage apps & device: Step 2: Tap on updates available and find the text messaging app that you are using and if the update is available then tap on it and tap on update: Fix 6: Disable Battery Optimization for the Messages App When you enable battery optimization for an app, your phone will restrict its background activity to save battery life. However, this can also affect the app’s performance and notifications. To disable battery optimization for the Messages app, follow these steps: Step 1: Long press on the Messages app icon and then tap on App Info, from there tap on App battery usage: Step 2: Just tap on the unrestricted option so that the battery charge should not affect the performance of the application: This will allow the Messages app to run in the background without any restrictions and receive notifications normally. Fix 7: Disable Do Not Disturb Mode on Android Do Not Disturb mode is a feature that silences your phone’s notifications, calls, and alerts when you don’t want to be disturbed. However, this can also prevent you from receiving text message notifications. To disable Do Not Disturb mode on Android, follow these steps: Step 1: Swipe down and get to the notification centre and look for a moon icon or a DND icon and tap on it to turn it off: Fix 8: Restart the Android Device Sometimes, a simple restart can fix many issues on your Android device, including text message notifications not functioning. A restart can clear the cache, close the background apps, and refresh the system. To restart your Android device, long press the power button on the side of the Android device and tap on Restart or Reboot from the options that appear: After restarting your device, check if your text message notifications are working properly. Conclusion Text message notifications are an essential feature of any smartphone, as they allow you to stay in touch with your contacts and receive important information. However, sometimes they may not function properly due to various reasons, such as incorrect settings, network issues, battery optimization, cache corruption, outdated apps. To troubleshoot and resolve text message notifications not functioning on Android check and adjust your notification settings, network connection, battery optimization settings, cache and data files, and app updates. View the full article

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