Apple and Google Launch Beta Rollout of End‑To‑End encrypted RCS messaging across iOS and Android

Apple and Google have officially begun rolling out end‑to‑end encrypted Rich Communication Services (RCS) messaging in beta for iPhone and Android users, marking a historic upgrade to cross‑platform texting security. Starting with iOS 26.5 and the latest Google Messages, conversations between iPhone and Android devices will now be encrypted by default, ensuring that only sender and receiver can read messages.

What’s New in RCS Encryption

• Cross‑platform security: For the first time, iPhone‑to‑Android RCS chats are end‑to‑end encrypted, preventing carriers, tech companies, or third parties from accessing messages.
• Default protection: Encryption is automatically enabled for new and existing RCS conversations; users will see a lock icon in chats to confirm security.
• Beta rollout: Available now for iPhone users on iOS 26.5 with supported carriers and Android users on the latest Google Messages app.

Industry Collaboration

• Apple & Google partnership: Both companies worked with the GSMA to integrate encryption into the RCS Universal Profile 3.0 standard.
• Security protocol: The system is built on the Messaging Layer Security (MLS) protocol, a modern cryptographic framework designed for scalable, secure messaging.
• Statements from leaders: Google’s Android head Samer Samat called it “Big news” and a “terrific milestone.” Sundar Pichai and Rick Osterloh praised the achievement. Apple emphasized that iMessage remains fully encrypted.

Features Beyond Encryption

• High‑quality media sharing (photos, videos)
• Typing indicators & read receipts
• Improved group chats
• Cross‑platform reactions and inline replies

Comparison: SMS vs RCS vs iMessage

SMS	RCS	iMessage
Basic text only	Rich media, group chats, reactions	Rich media, stickers, apps
No encryption	End‑to‑end encryption (beta rollout)	End‑to‑end encryption (default)
Carrier‑dependent	Internet‑based, cross‑platform	Apple ecosystem only
No read receipts	Read receipts, typing indicators	Read receipts, typing indicators

Key Takeaways for Users

• Update required: iPhone users must install iOS 26.5; Android users need the latest Google Messages.
• Carrier support: Both sender and receiver must be on carriers supporting the latest RCS profile.
• Gradual rollout: Encryption will expand automatically to all conversations over time.

Google Challenges NCLAT Verdict in Supreme Court Over Android Ecosystem Abuse

Google has officially appealed to the Supreme Court of India against the March 2025 ruling by the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT), which had partially upheld the Competition Commission of India’s (CCI) findings that the tech giant abused its dominance in the Android ecosystem, reported Bar & Bench. 

Key Allegations Upheld by NCLAT

Unfair Play Store policies: Google was found to have imposed mandatory use of Google Play Billing System (GPBS) on app developers, while exempting its own apps like YouTube.

Promotion of Google Pay: The tribunal concluded that Google leveraged its dominance in licensable smartphone OS and app store markets to promote Google Pay, violating Section 4(2)(e) of the Competition Act.

Unfair conditions on developers: Mandatory use of GPBS was deemed discriminatory under Section 4(2)(a)(i).

Penalty Recalibration

• Original CCI fine: ₹936.44 crore
• Revised by NCLAT: ₹216.69 crore, based only on Play Store-specific revenues

Procedural Twist

• On May 1, NCLAT issued a clarification reinstating two key directives:
• Google must disclose data policies.
• Google must not leverage billing data for competitive advantage.

What’s Next?

Google filed its appeal on July 21, 2025.

The Supreme Court is expected to hear the case soon, potentially reshaping how digital platforms are regulated in India.

Apple and Google Join Hands to Address Issue of Unwanted Tracking in iOS and Android

Apple and Google have recently announced their collaboration to address the issue of unwanted tracking using Bluetooth devices. The two companies have worked together to create an industry specification for Bluetooth tracking devices that makes it possible to alert users across both iOS and Android if such a device is unknowingly being used to track them. 

Google and Apple have jointly created an industry specification called "Detecting Unwanted Location Trackers" (DULT) for Bluetooth tracking devices. The goal is to alert users across both iOS and Android platforms if a Bluetooth tracking device is unknowingly being used to track them. Apple is implementing this capability in iOS 17.5, and Google is now launching this capability on Android 6.0+ devices.

In iOS 17.5, users will receive an alert message saying "[Item] Found Moving With You" if an unknown Bluetooth tracking device is detected moving with them over time. This applies to devices like AirTag, Find My accessories, or other industry-compatible Bluetooth trackers. If a user receives this alert, they can view the tracker's identifier, play a sound to locate it, and access instructions to disable it.

On Android devices running Android 6.0+, users will receive a "Tracker traveling with you" warning when an unknown Bluetooth tracker is detected moving with them. Similar to iOS, they can identify the tracker, sound it, and find instructions to disable it. This functionality extends to Google's Find My Device network and other compatible devices.

Major Bluetooth tag manufacturers such as Chipolo, eufy, Jio, Motorola, and Pebblebee have committed to making their future tags compatible with this new specification. This cross-platform collaboration, involving community and industry input, provides instructions and best practices for manufacturers to build unwanted tracking alert capabilities into their products.

Apple and Google are actively participating in the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) via the Detecting Unwanted Location Trackers working group. Their aim is to develop an official standard for this technology, ensuring broad adoption and consistent implementation across the tracking tech industry.

Remember that not all existing trackers will trigger alerts, as some may lack compatibility with the newly introduced industry specification. However, this initiative represents a significant step toward enhancing user privacy and safety in the world of Bluetooth tracking devices.

OPPO Find N2 Flip Will Be One of the 1st Devices to Receive the Android 14 Beta 1 Update

OPPO, the leading global smart devices brand, announced today that it’s very first clamshell foldable phone, the Find N2 Flip, will receive the new Google Android 14 Beta 1 update. Furthermore, the OPPO Find N2 Flip will be among the first smartphones to receive this update. As a result, developers and early adopters can get their hands on the developer’s version of ColorOS built around the first beta of Android 14, experimenting with new features and APIs on their OPPO flip phone.

OPPO Find N2 Flip –One of the First Devices to Receive the Android 14 Beta 1 Update

“OPPO Find N2 Flip sets a high bar for new flip smartphones. We have combined industry-leading engineering and innovation with intuitive design principles to create Find N2 Flip, “said Peter Dohyung Lee, Head of the flagship product line at OPPO. “Cooperating with Google, OPPO recently brought the Speech-to-Text feature to the cover screen of Find N2 Flip. Further, with Android 14, we will continue taking foldable phones to new heights by combining cutting-edge hardware with unparalleled software.”

Android 14 includes several updates to enhance productivity, performance, privacy, security, and user customization. It offers more intuitive system user interfaces, such as the new mid-display back arrow and an improved system share sheet. To strengthen users’ privacy, the system allows apps to limit the visibility of specified views only to accessibility services. These days, foldable devices provide an opportunity for innovative app development. Developers are also encouraged to use Android APIs, tools, and resources provided by Google to build apps suited to large and small screens.

Android 14 Beta 1 update will be available for OPPO Find N2 Flip, which was launched globally in February 2023. OPPO Find N2 Flip features one of the largest cover screens of its kind, a seamless hinge with its New Generation Flexion Hinge, and a day-long battery life with SUPERVOOC flash charging. Moreover, it also promises four major ColorOS updates and five years of security updates for its global users.

Developers can download the developer’s version of ColorOS built around Android 14 Beta 1 from here right now. Later this year, global users of the Find N2 Flip can expect to have access to the public version of ColorOS that is built on Android 14.

About OPPO Mobiles India Private Limited

OPPO is a leading global smart device brand. Since the launch of its first mobile phone - "Smiley Face" - in 2008, OPPO has been in relentless pursuit of the perfect synergy of aesthetic satisfaction and innovative technology. Today, OPPO provides a wide range of smart devices spearheaded by the Find and Reno series. Beyond devices, OPPO provides its users with the ColorOS operating system and internet services like OPPO Cloud and OPPO+. OPPO operates in more than 50 countries and regions with more than 40,000 of OPPO's employees dedicated to creating a better life for customers around the world.

YouTube, Gmail will Not Run on Smartphones with these Android Versions After September 27

There is bad news for the users of Android phones. This is because Google will no longer offer sign-in support on Android phones running version 2.3.7 or lower. It has been learned from the email sent by Google to the users that this change will be implemented from September 27. 

Older smartphones users have been advised to update to at least Android 3.0 Honeycomb to continue using Google apps beyond September. This will affect system and app level sign-in, but users should be able to sign in to Gmail, Google Search, Google Drive, YouTube and other Google services through their phone's browser.

According to a report by 9to5Google, users who are likely to be affected by the change. There are very few such users who are using very old version of Android. 

Email from Google

The report by 9to5Google shared a screenshot (screenshot above) of an email sent to Google, according to which Google is making this change for the account security and data security of the users. This email  may be seen as a warning sign to some of these users who are still using older software versions. Such users are being requested to update the software or switch phones. 

Starting September 27, users on phones running Android version 2.3.7 and lower will see a 'username or password error' whenever they try to sign-in to any of the Google apps that are loaded.

The report said that after September 27, users of older Android versions will see an error when they try to sign in to Google products and services such as Gmail, YouTube and Maps. If users try to sign in again by creating a new Google account or factory resetting the phone, they will still see the same error on their phone screen. This error will be visible to users even after creating a new password, and signing in again.

Post September 27, phone users with Android version 2.3.7 or lower will not be left with any workaround, so that they can use Google apps and services. Therefore, it is better that before this, users should search for a new phone for themselves.

Huawei Launching Its Android Competitor 'Harmony OS' Today

Chinese smartphone maker Huawei is set to roll out its Google’s Android competitor platform, Harmony OS, today. The operating system was first unveiled after the United States’ trade ban led Google to withdraw Huawei’s Android license last year.

The operating system is set to roll out to the company’s device today, on devices across Asia.

HarmonyOS 1.0 was announced in August 2019, and was first used by Huawei smart TVs for the Chinese market. HarmonyOS 2.0 was then announced in September 2020, and beta versions were available for selected Huawei smartphones from December 2020.

Huawei gadgets have been cut off from updating Google’s Android operating system since August, following a series of U.S. sanctions against the Shenzhen-based company. The ban also cost Huawei access to the U.S. company’s package of smartphone software known as Google Mobile Services, used widely across the industry.

Huawei claimed that HarmonyOS is a microkernel-based, distributed OS that is completely different from Android and iOS. However, it was later revealed that HarmonyOS 1.0 was based on Android 9 Pie, and supported Android Debug Bridge.

Posiflex Announces Android 10 Google Mobile Services Certification for Kiosk Platforms

Posiflex Technology, Inc., a world leader in the design and manufacture of retail POS, kiosk, computing, and self-service transaction peripherals, is proud to announce a new Android 10 GMS certification, applicable to the kiosk portfolio of both Posiflex and KIOSK Information Systems (KIOSK).

Powered by POSIFLEX, Certified with GMS (Graphic: Business Wire)

Posiflex CEO Owen Chen notes, “This new Android 10 GMS certification milestone is quite significant. By offering GMS Certified kiosks, it allows Google Play and other GMS applications to be installed on our Android platforms. It streamlines onboarding onto Google’s proven and secure network, while unlocking kiosk access to the full suite of applications in the Google Play Store.”

 

Further, as mobile devices become increasingly pervasive in delivering retail and hospitality services, corporate Mobile Device Management (MDM) platforms rely on Android or iOS compatibility to optimize efficiencies within an edge device management ecosystem. Not a problem when considering mobile devices and tablets, but robust kiosk solutions require greater durability and significantly more ability to house transaction peripherals than are provided on commercial Android tablet devices. The Android 10 GMS certified kiosk platforms are equipped with ample computing and enough USB ports to power a kiosk platform with multiple integrated transaction peripherals.

 

KIOSK President Kim Kenney adds, “We have seen an increased demand among major retailers and hospitality clients for Android GMS capability to access Google Play Services to register and manage their kiosk fleet within their existing infrastructure. Through the certification efforts of the Posiflex R&D Team, both KIOSK and Posiflex can now provide best-in-class self-service features that can be consistently managed through existing Android OS networks. Without question, this provides niche competitive advantage and enables us to uniquely meet important new market requirements.”

 

About Posiflex Group, Inc.

 

Posiflex has designed and manufactured world-class POS solutions for more than 30 years. Since 2016, the company has acquired KIOSK and Portwell, further expanding into self-service and embedded PC offerings. The global Posiflex Group is in place to provide world-class B2B Serviced IoT solutions. For more information: www.posiflex.com

 

About KIOSK Information Systems

 

KIOSK provides self-service automation solutions to increase operational and cost efficiencies, while enhancing the customer experience. With over 27 years of experience and >250,000+ kiosks deployed, the company is a trusted digital transformation partner for Top 100 Retailers and Fortune 500 clients. KIOSK delivers proven expertise in design engineering and manufacturing, application development, integration, and comprehensive support services. An innovative portfolio of self-service solutions paired with managed services and IoT capabilities ensure a seamless user experience. Learn more at kiosk.com, 800.509.5471.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210222005417/en/

Paytm Launches Its Own Android App Store; Ola, Domino, 1MG among 300 Apps to Join the Store

After getting temporarily de-listed from Google Play Store last month, digital payments firm Paytm has launched its own mini Android app store to support Indian developers, announced the company today, om a move seen as a counter to Google’s dominance in the space.

App Store -- https://business.paytm.com/miniapps

More than 300 apps, including Decathlon, Ola, Rapido, Netmeds, 1MG, Domino’s Pizza, FreshMenu, NoBroker, have joined the Paytm app store, the company said.

The "mini" App Store comes with a developer dashboard for analytics, payments collection along with various marketing tools to engage with the users. The company claims that the app store has been running in beta with select users and witnessed over 12 million visits in the month of September.

In a blog post, Paytm said -- We are excited to announce the launch of our Android Mini App Store to support Indian developers to take their innovative products to the masses. Mini apps are a custom-built mobile website that gives users app-like experience without having to download them, which would greatly benefit millions of citizens to save their limited data and phone memory.

Founder & CEO, Vijay Shekhar Sharma said, 

I am proud that we are today launching something that creates an opportunity for every Indian app developer. Paytm Mini App Store empowers our young Indian developers to leverage our reach and payments to build new innovative services. For Paytm users, it will be a seamless experience that doesn’t require any separate download and enables them to use their preferred payment option.

According to the payment firm, it has created the digital infrastructure to enable small developers and businesses to set up low-cost, quick-to-build mini-apps which can be built using HTML and javascript technologies. 

The company said, "We provide Paytm wallet, Paytm Payments Bank account and UPI at zero charges and levies a 2% charge for other instruments like credit cards. Our local India’s app store aims to drive the Atmanirbhar Bharat mission while keeping the digital consumer spends within India."

Esper Partners with Point Mobile on Lifecycle Management for Rugged Android Devices

Android Leaders Simplify Android Deployment and Management for Industrial Fleets

Esper, a global leader in the Android DevOps space, has announced a partnership with Point Mobile Co., Ltd., one of the world’s fastest-growing manufacturers of rugged, handheld mobile computers. Industrial fleet managers have off-the-shelf access to the industry’s most powerful tools for Android device deployment and management on Point Mobile devices. Esper and Point Mobile want to help firms in energy, materials, and the supply chain rapidly deploy and secure Android devices.

“Point Mobile is among the most quality-focused mobile device makers in the world. They’re a globally-leading source for rugged Android devices and purpose-built mobile hardware,” says Esper’s COO and Co-Founder Shiv Sundar. “We’re proud to announce that Esper’s cloud tools are offered as part of Point Mobile’s leading options for post-sales support.”

“Together, we can help our customers in the supply chain, energy, and materials streamline operations and gain a competitive edge with connected Android,” says Sundar. Esper’s Android DevOps tools can reduce fleet OpEx by 60% versus traditional mobile device management (MDM) solutions by offering remote features to provision, update, and debug devices. 

“Point Mobile partners with innovators like Esper to drive our mission of transforming industry mobility,” says SK Kang, CEO of Point Mobile. “Remote Android management features significantly lower fleet operating expenses, which allows our customers to focus on transforming industrial workflows.”  

Esper and Point Mobile’s partnership was formed, in part, because both firms share a mission to provide stable, simple, and cost-effective Android mobility solutions. Point Mobile customers can gain a mobile advantage with built-in cloud tools for ultra-reliable, rugged Android devices. 

About Esper

Founded in 2017 in Bellevue, Washington, Esper is the industry’s first complete toolchain for connected Android devices like kiosks, point-of-sale, digital signage, and purpose-built hardware. Esper’s cloud console and open APIs provide the infrastructure for secure connection and real-time data exchange between Android devices and cloud. You can learn more at esper.io or on the company’s LinkedIn page. 

About Point Mobile
Founded in 2006 in Seoul, Point Mobile is one of the fastest-growing enterprise handheld mobile device manufacturers in the world. Point Mobile’s products include handheld mobile computers, rugged smartphones, LTE/Android mobile payment devices, healthcare terminals, RFID readers, and portable bluetooth scanners. Every part of Point Mobile’s devices and accessories is made in-house, with an aim of absolute ruggedness and high product quality.  Learn more at PointMobile.co.kr or on the company’s LinkedIn page.

Dish TV India planning to Launch Android Set Top Boxes in few Weeks

DTH major Dish TV India is planning to launch android set top boxes in the next few weeks responding to the changing scenario in entertainment space, a top company official said.

In addition to this, the direct-to-home (DTH) operator is also betting big on its over-the-top (OTT) platform for online streaming and hopes to stay afloat in the upcoming competition which poses a threat to the company to retain its premium segment customers, the official said.

The DTH operator claimed it categorises 30-35 per cent of its 23 million customers as premium as they pay in excess of Rs 400 per month.

"We are monitoring new technology developments and are responding to these. In the next few weeks, we are going to introduce connected boxes (android boxes) for the customers who seek new age media entertainment. We also have smart stick at Rs 599," Dish TV India Corporate Head (Marketing) Sukhpreet Singh told PTI.

The company expects to upgrade 20 per cent of its customers to online streaming services with the connected devices in the next 18-24 months, he said.

The move to launch the android set top boxes came after the announcement of all-in-one home entertainment solution by Jio. Singh, however, did not reveal price of the proposed set top boxes.

He also said the content on its OTT (over-the-top) platform, 'Watcho', will also help the operator to keep the existing customers enthusiastic and also on-boarding of new subscribers in its network, he said.

The term OTT refers to applications and services which are accessible over the internet.

"Currently, Watcho is free for six months. But it will attract rentals as we also offer exclusive content," Singh said.

New technologies are being introduced targeting at the premium segment customers but there is immense opportunity in the traditional DTH platform, he said, adding that it is estimated, out of 19.7 crore homes having television sets, around 66 per cent own CRT sets.

The DTH operator claimed in the April-June period of FY'20, it has on-boarded over 2 lakh new subscribers with a target of 8 lakh in the year. In 2018-19, the net customer accretion was 7 lakh, the company said.

According to KPMG's Media and Entertainment Industry report, DTH companies saw a marginal growth in their subscriber base from 62 million homes in FY'18 to 67 million in FY'19. Singh said its net ARPU (average revenue per user) was at Rs 116 and it remains "flat".

The company also launched special tariff in the festive period to on-board new customers with 40-45 per cent discount over standard price in the Kolkata market. PTI BSM

Cochlear, GN Hearing and Android bring Direct Streaming of Music, Phone Calls to People with Hearing Loss

GN Hearing, the global leader in hearing aid connectivity, and Cochlear, the global leader in implantable hearing solutions, together with Google, today announce world-first support for direct streaming from Android™ devices to hearing devices using Bluetooth® Low Energy (BLE).

The new technology is based on a recent hearing aid specification, Audio Streaming for Hearing Aids (ASHA) on Bluetooth Low Energy Connection-Oriented Channels, which Google has developed in collaboration with GN Hearing and Cochlear. This new direct streaming technology from compatible* Android devices allows people to use their hearing devices like a headset to enjoy music, take calls and much more, while using a protocol designed to maximise battery life.

With BLE, people can use technology designed for streaming all day while preserving the battery life of their hearing devices, which is a challenge for the traditional Classic Bluetooth streaming currently available.

Around 466 million people worldwide live with disabling hearing loss**,and the number is increasing by millions every year, according to the World Health Organization.2 With the official release of Android 10, Google Pixel 3, Pixel 3 XL, Pixel 3a, and Pixel 3a XL* will be the first Android phones to support direct streaming to ReSound LiNX Quattro™ and Beltone Amaze™ hearing aids and the Cochlear™ Nucleus® 7 Sound Processor.

[caption id="attachment_134644" align="aligncenter" width="768"] ReSound LiNX Quattro - Bluetooth hearing aid (Image - Resound.com)[/caption]

The new streaming technology will be available by way of an update to Android 10, plus a firmware update on the hearing devices. The streaming specification is open source, which allows other manufacturers of hearing aids and Android devices to offer direct audio streaming in the near future.



“The streaming capability with the latest hearing devices from Cochlear or GN Hearing expands accessibility to more consumer technology. The benefit to our users is they will no longer have to use an intermediate device to stream audio from a compatible Android device to their cochlear implant sound processor or hearing aid,” says Jan Janssen, Chief Technology Officer, Cochlear. Since 1981, Cochlear has provided more than 550,000 implantable devices, helping people of all ages, in more than 100 countries, to hear.

“We’ve partnered up with some of the leading technology companies in the world to deliver innovation with the user at heart. Now people with hearing loss can enjoy effortless streaming all day long and easily connect with people,” says Jakob Gudbrand, CEO and President of GN Hearing.


Founded in 1869, The GN Group is a global leader in intelligent audio solutions that let you hear more, do more and be more than you ever thought possible. Our ambitious 150-year journey has taken us from telegraph cables to radio waves and intelligent audio engineering. To celebrate our anniversary, we look to our unique competences within medical, professional and consumer audio solutions to help us continue to transform lives through the power of sound.

~ Business Wire India

No More Dessert Names, Google to Officially Call New OS 'Android 10'

New Delhi, Aug 23 (PTI) Google, which named its operating system versions after tasty treats like Lollipop and KitKat, has announced that it will just use the version number going forward, and the latest edition is be called 'Android 10'.

In a blog post, Google said its engineering team always used internal code names for each version, based on desserts in alphabetical order.

"This naming tradition has become a fun part of the release each year externally, too. But, we've heard feedback over the years that the names weren't always understood by everyone in the global community," it said.

The blog cited examples like 'L' and 'R' not being distinguishable when spoken in some languages.

"So, when some people heard us say Android Lollipop out loud, it wasn't intuitively clear that it referred to the version after KitKat. It's even harder for new Android users, who are unfamiliar with the naming convention, to understand if their phone is running the latest version," it explained.

The blog also pointed out that 'pies' are not a dessert in some places, and that 'marshmallows' are not a popular treat in many parts of the world.

"As a global operating system, it's important that these names are clear and relatable for everyone in the world. So, this next release of Android will simply use the version number and be called Android 10," it said.

The versions included Cupcake (Android 1.5) that was launched in April 2009, Donut, Eclair, Froyo, Gingerbread, Honeycomb, Icecream Sandwich, Jelly Bean, KitKat, Lollipop, Marshmallow, Nougat and Oreo. Android P or Pie was released publicly in August last year.

Interestingly, a campaign was run in India before the release of Android L to name the version 'Ladoo' after the popular Indian sweet.

Android 10 (or Q as it was referred to previously) is the upcoming major release and is in beta testing. The final release is expected later this year.

Google said it expects the change to help make release names simpler and more intuitive for its global community.

"And, while there were many tempting 'Q' desserts out there, we think that at version 10 and 2.5 billion active devices, it was time to make this change," it said.

Google has also updated the Android logo and colour to sport a "more modern, accessible look".

"The design of the logo draws inspiration from the most recognisable non-human member of the community, the Android robot...Now, it has a special place in our logo. We also changed the logo from green to black. It's a small change, but we found the green was hard to read, especially for people with visual impairments," the blog said.

It further stated that Google will officially start using the updated logo in the coming weeks with the final release of Android 10. PTI SR

Google Suspends Huawei from Using Android, Under US Govt Pressure

Huawei has immediately lost access to Android, a mobile operating system developed by Google. Search giant Google has suspended business with the Chinese company, and cancelled the license for Android. Moreover, Huawei has been barred for transfer of hardware, software and technical services, according to an exclusive report by Reuters.

However, the current Huawei phones will continue having access to services like Google Play and security from Google Play Protect, said a report by Android Authority.

According to Reuters, Google is forced to comply with the U.S. government’s order to place Huawei on its Entity List. It’s still unclear what effect this decision will have on the future of Huawei.

“Huawei Technologies Co Ltd will immediately lose access to updates to the Android operating system, and the next version of its smartphones outside of China will also lose access to popular applications and services including the Google Play Store and Gmail app,” Reuters noted.

For Huawei users' questions regarding our steps to comply w/ the recent US government actions: We assure you while we are complying with all US gov't requirements, services like Google Play & security from Google Play Protect will keep functioning on your existing Huawei device.

— Android (@Android) May 20, 2019

This effectively means no further Android updates for devices including the recent P30 and P30 Pro, Mate 20 Pro and Honor series, which was quite a successful launch for India.

It is to be noted that it was in last week when U.S. Commerce Department announced that Huawei is among about 68 affiliates on a so-called Entity List, a trade blacklist, following an executive order signed by U.S. President Donald Trump.

Huawei is now immediately forbidden from buying parts and components from U.S. companies without U.S. government approval – which includes Android.

For Huawei Smartphone Users

Existing Huawei smartphone users will be able to update apps and push through security fixes, as well as update Google Play services. But when Google launches the next version of Android later this year, it may not be available on Huawei devices.

Future Huawei devices may no longer have apps such as YouTube and Maps.

Huawei can still use the version of the Android operating system available through an open source licence.

India's Competition Watchdog CCI Orders Google Antitrust Investigation for Android abuse concerns

India has reportedly joined European Union (EU) in investigating Google over alleged Android antitrust concerns. Indian competition watchdog Competition Commission of India (CCI) has ordered an investigation into Alphabet Inc's unit Google for allegedly abusing the dominant position of its popular Android mobile operating system to block rivals, reported Reuters citing two sources aware of the matter.

Interestingly, it is still unknown that who filed complaint but it involves more than just one person. Moreover the decision of CCI to go for full investigation has not been previously reported nor it was brought to public knowledge.

According to Reuters, in February last year CCI started looking into the complaint, which is similar to one Google faced in Europe that resulted in a 4.34 billion euro ($5 billion) fine on the company. In that very month, India's CCI too imposed a fine of Rs 136 crore (~$21.1 million) on internet giant Google which was for unfair business practices in the Indian market for online search.

The Reuters report further said that, in mid-April, the CCI decided there was merit in the Android dominance accusations made in the complaint and ordered its investigation unit to launch a full probe.

The undergoing full investigation would be completed in about a year and Google executives would likely be summoned to appear before the CCI in coming months, said the report.

In a statement to Reuters, a Google spokesman said, "Android has enabled millions of Indians to connect to the internet by making mobile devices more affordable. Google looked forward to working with the CCI to demonstrate how Android has led to more competition and innovation, not less."

In last decade, EU has launched three separate antitrust investigations into Google for violating the EU's competition laws due to its dominant position in the market. These cases have resulted in formal charges against Google related to Google Shopping, Google AdSense and the Android operating system.

Android Creator's Startup Acquires Indian-Origin Email App 'CloudMagic'

Android creator Andy Rubin's consumer technology startup Essential Products has acquired CloudMagic, an Indian -origin startup based out of California and Bangalore, for an undisclosed amount. The news was first reported by LiveMint followed by confirmation from Essential Products' officials.

Founded in 2010, by Rishit Jhunjhunwala and Rohit Nadhani, Cloudmagic is maker of a popular subscription based email app CloudMagic, which has been re-branded to 'Newton' in September 2016.

Interestingly in September this year, CloudMagic had announced that it will be shutting down Newton, marking the end of the subscription-based service after five years. However, in what could be called as a dramatic twist in a tale, Essential Products announced the acquisition within few months after Cloudmagic's decision to pull the plug on Newton app.

The bootstrapped app had claimed to have 40,000 paid subscribers as of April this year.

A statement by an Essential spokesperson says, "We are always on the lookout for companies with great technology and talent to help accelerate our product roadmap."

CloudMagic was born out of another Bengaluru-based startup that was founded by Nadhani and sold earlier this year. CloudMagic was incubated inside Webyog, which built tools for database management, and was spun off as a separate company in 2013.

In April this year, Webyog was acquired by Texas-based business software firm Idera as part of an all-cash deal for an undisclosed amount.

Andrew Rubin also known as Andy Rubin, who is the co-founder and former CEO of Android Inc., acquired by Google in 2005, has started Essential Products in late 2015 and has raised $300 million in funding from investors like Access Technology Ventures, Tencent Holdings, electronics contract manufacturer Foxconn, Redpoint Ventures and Amazon's Alexa fund.

With Essential Products (marketed as Essential), Rubin is currently developing two products, the Android smartphone Essential Phone and Essential Home, which runs Ambient OS, an open source smart home platform by Essential that is aware of the physical layout of your home, the people that live in it.

In August 2017, it was reported that Amazon, Tencent and Foxconn have invested in Essential Products and the company was valued as a unicorn.

Google Launches 'Nanodegree', A 6-12 Months Course For Android Developers

Among all the various treats that Google announced at its recently held at its Google I/O 2015 conference in San Francisco, this one takes the cake for Android Developers.

What could turn out to be a real learning opportunity for all the Android enthusiasts out there, Google, the tech giant, has partnered with Udacity to provide a six-course Android development nanodegree.

Google's aim here is to help developers learn the nuances of writing applications for the search giant's mobile operating system upto the point that they could potentially be hired by the company in the near future. Hence, the course is meant for advanced developers to horne their skills and get placed at Google.

Similar to Udacity's other degree programs, students will be able to access the videos for the Android nanodegree absolutely free of cost. They will only be required to pay a sum of $200 per month if they want to get a certificate for the degree and get help from the teaching assistants.

The student developers will be required to finish six courses and a number of projects in order to pass their program and get their degree.

The focus of the nanodegree program is to provide as much as practical knowledge regarding the field's working and concepts to the developers.

The whole program structure has been set to be completed in a period of six to nine months. While the start of the program is set, the students can finish their projects and six courses in as much as time they want, at their own pace.



In order to show it seriousness towards the whole project, the search giant has invited some fifty students to Mountain View for a three day summit by the end of 2015. The three day summit would in all its probability include a hackathon and meetings with the hiring engineers. This proves that the search giant has set plans of hiring some of the developers enrolled in the course.

In addition to all this, the search giant has also locked in a deal with the Egypt government to localise the six Android courses under nanodegree into Modern Standard Arabic. This means, for the first time in the history of Udacity, the content of the six courses would be adapted to one specific region.

The company would also provide 2000 scholarships to Egypt students and organise job fairs and sessions for them. Google considers Egypt as a great stepping stone in providing education and jobs to the students in the Arabic speaking region as it believes by providing students with alternative options, it will be able to reduce the number of wars in the area.

Google Launches Android For Workplaces

Smartphones these days have become essential tools to help us complete important work tasks like checking email, editing documents, reviewing sales pipelines and approving deals and Android is arguably the most used platform in smartphones and tablets with over a billion people today carry Android smartphones.

However, smartphones and tablets are underutilized in the workplaces or for working professionals of companies and organizations. Google thus launched Android for Work program to tap into that potential. With a group of partners, Google is trying to help businesses bring more devices to work by securing, managing and innovating on the Android platform.

In June last year, Google has announced about its plan for Android for Work program at the I/O event and it took a little more than 7 months for tech giant to fully design the program and launch it today.

Smartphones supported by the new initiative will be able to keep an employee's work and personal apps separate, and a special Android for Work app will allow businesses to oversee key tools such as email, calendar and contacts.

Google said it is partnering with more than two dozen companies including Blackberry Ltd, Citrix Systems Inc, Box Inc.



Android for Work features four key technology components:

• Work profiles – We’ve built on the default encryption, enhanced SELinux security enforcement and multi-user support in Android 5.0, Lollipop to create a dedicated work profile that isolates and protects work data. IT can deploy approved work apps right alongside their users personal apps knowing their sensitive data remains secured. People can use their personal apps knowing their employer only manages work data and won’t erase or view their personal content.


• Android for Work app – For devices running Ice Cream Sandwich through Kitkat, or that don’t run work profiles natively, we’ve created the Android for Work app. The app, which delivers secure mail, calendar, contacts, documents, browsing and access to approved work apps, can be completely managed by IT.


• Google Play for Work – It allows businesses to securely deploy and manage apps across all users running Android for Work, simplifying the process of distributing apps to employees and ensures that IT approves every deployed app.


• Built-in productivity tools – For everyday business tasks, we’ve created a suite of business apps for email, contacts and calendar, which supports both Exchange and Notes and provides document editing capabilities for documents, spreadsheets and presentations.

Discount Me: Must have app to save your money

Pranay Airan, an Engineer with Intuit has 7+ applications in google play stores with 100K+ collective downloads. An organizer of Bangalore Android User Group (World’s 2nd largest android group), he has been conducting events around Bangalore on android and mobile. He has developed Discount Me, an Android App which has made the coupon searching experience phenomenal for our users. “I love to teach and help students in getting started with android, so far I have taught more than 1500 students and steered them towards there android journey with blrdroid teach program,” says Pranay.

With people increasingly shopping on mobile phones and Flipkart, Jabong spending significant money on promoting their mobile apps, the trend to shop from mobiles and tablets is picking up. Though there are lot of shopping apps in the market, there are very few good apps for Coupons and Offers, Discount Me has bridged this gap by creating the best possible experience for our users.

Pranay developed this app in his free time partnering with 27coupons.com for the coupons API. "My company Intuit supports employees to go beyond our work and do something different. I was able to work on the app in my free times on weekends and my brother Pravesh helped me design the app.," he said. The app is just 6 weeks old now. The backend of Discount me is powered by 27coupons.com. “From the beginning our focus was on designing the best possible experience for our users, we leveraged all the native capabilities of smartphones and made an app with no annoying popup's," he said.

"The idea started when I and my friend Ankit Bharadwaj was discussing about coupons market in India. As we started to dig more we found more about the business models and companies in India. One of the major road block was about getting the coupon data. We reached out to 27Coupons and they promptly replied back," he said. With a 3 member team based out of Bangalore, Pranay has partnered with 27coupons.com for their online coupons. They are looking to partner with few other companies for hyperlocal coupons and planning to expand the application for other geographies. The app is created for android and the iOS version is in progress.

As a message for future entrepreneurs, Pranay says "If you like doing something, go for it. No matter where you work, startup or a big company."

Check out the all the androids apps developed by Pranay here.

Be safe 24x7 using Smart24x7 mobile App

Smart24x7 is a safety application that empowers its users against incidents of violence, crime, stress, anxiety taking place in our daily life. It does so by sending stress signals and calling aid in case of an emergency. The app was initially launched in 2013 but after seeing the recent developments in the country, the app has been upgraded and revamped.

Smart24x7 is available across all leading platforms. The app is available for free download for Android, iPhone, Windows and Blackberry mobiles and devices

The app has been widely accepted by the public. It has got over more than 70,000 downloads since the day of its launch. The app has had a successful launch in Jammu, Gurgaon and Jalandhar and is being used by their police to nab the criminals and help the users.  The app will soon be launched in Noida, Mehrauli, Kashmir, Bangalore and Lucknow too while discussions are still in the initial stage with Rajasthan, Goa, Hyderabad and Mumbai.

Nowadays, newspapers are filled with stories of crime and violence. Security and safety of their own and loved ones top the priority of most individuals. Smart24x7 Response services Pvt. Ltd understand this concern and hence it has designed this phenomenal personal safety app.

Smart24x7 comes packed with great features. It instantly sends panic alerts to your loved ones if the user presses PANIC button. In addition, if the GPRS of the phone is not working, it will send alerts through SMS. It makes the user instantly available with help from Police, Hospitals located nearby to the location of the user. The app even lets the user to feed his or her medical history which could be used in case of a medical emergency. Smart24x7 also does voice recording and clicks pictures during the emergency which are then directly transferred to the police. It has also introduced a new ‘On the way to Office/home’ features which keeps the loved ones informed about the users current status.

It allows a user to save five primary contacts to which the user wants to send an alert in time of an emergency. The app doesn’t require internet connectivity. Whenever the PANIC button is pressed, it results in the deduction of 30 rupees from the phone balance.

Smart24x7 is a much needed app in today’s time. It gives you a sense of security and safety even when you are away from home.

Be safe 24x7 using Smart24x7 mobile App

Smart24x7 is a safety application that empowers its users against incidents of violence, crime, stress, anxiety taking place in our daily life. It does so by sending stress signals and calling aid in case of an emergency. The app was initially launched in 2013 but after seeing the recent developments in the country, the app has been upgraded and revamped.

Smart24x7 is available across all leading platforms. The app is available for free download for Android, iPhone, Windows and Blackberry mobiles and devices

The app has been widely accepted by the public. It has got over more than 70,000 downloads since the day of its launch. The app has had a successful launch in Jammu, Gurgaon and Jalandhar and is being used by their police to nab the criminals and help the users.  The app will soon be launched in Noida, Mehrauli, Kashmir, Bangalore and Lucknow too while discussions are still in the initial stage with Rajasthan, Goa, Hyderabad and Mumbai.

Nowadays, newspapers are filled with stories of crime and violence. Security and safety of their own and loved ones top the priority of most individuals. Smart24x7 Response services Pvt. Ltd understand this concern and hence it has designed this phenomenal personal safety app.

Smart24x7 comes packed with great features. It instantly sends panic alerts to your loved ones if the user presses PANIC button. In addition, if the GPRS of the phone is not working, it will send alerts through SMS. It makes the user instantly available with help from Police, Hospitals located nearby to the location of the user. The app even lets the user to feed his or her medical history which could be used in case of a medical emergency. Smart24x7 also does voice recording and clicks pictures during the emergency which are then directly transferred to the police. It has also introduced a new ‘On the way to Office/home’ features which keeps the loved ones informed about the users current status.

It allows a user to save five primary contacts to which the user wants to send an alert in time of an emergency. The app doesn’t require internet connectivity. Whenever the PANIC button is pressed, it results in the deduction of 30 rupees from the phone balance.

Smart24x7 is a much needed app in today’s time. It gives you a sense of security and safety even when you are away from home.