All articles tagged with #text messaging
Google's latest Android update allows employers to archive and monitor RCS and SMS texts on work-managed devices, reducing privacy for employees and highlighting the shift from end-to-end encryption to compliance-focused messaging archiving, primarily affecting enterprise users.
Google has introduced an Android update that allows employers to archive and access employees' RCS and SMS texts on work-managed devices, effectively ending the privacy of personal messages on these devices despite previous end-to-end encryption, raising concerns about employee privacy and monitoring.
BlackBerry Messenger (BBM) revolutionized mobile communication by eliminating carrier costs and introducing a comprehensive 'everything app' that included features like music sharing and social posting, but ultimately declined due to device lock-in and changing industry dynamics, leaving a lasting legacy in messaging history.
Google Messages on Android now allows users to delete sent messages for everyone involved, provided both parties use RCS messaging. The feature, which is rolling out widely, enables users to remove messages within a certain timeframe, enhancing control over their conversations. Deleted messages disappear instantly for the recipient, with a notification indicating a message was deleted.
T-Mobile has launched its T-Satellite service, powered by Starlink, offering satellite-based text messaging and location sharing across the US, initially available as a standalone subscription and included for certain plans, with plans to expand features and device support.
A study by psychologists from Stanford University and the University of Toronto found that using abbreviations in text messages can make senders appear less sincere, leading to fewer and shorter responses. The research, published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology, analyzed messages from over 5,000 people and found that while abbreviations save time, they may negatively impact communication by signaling a lack of effort. However, some psychologists argue that the impact of abbreviations depends on the context and the relationship between the sender and recipient.
TextNow, a mobile provider, has shut down accounts allegedly responsible for sending racist text messages targeting Black individuals across 14 states. The company is cooperating with law enforcement, including the FBI, to investigate the source of these messages, which may have originated from a VPN in Poland. Authorities warn that the texts could also contain malware, and the NAACP has condemned the messages as part of a rise in racist rhetoric.
The Justice Department has accused Apple of perpetuating a "social stigma" by limiting the functionality of text messages from Android smartphones to iPhones, leading to exclusion and mockery of Android users. The DOJ's landmark antitrust case alleges that Apple's tactics have solidified its smartphone dominance and resulted in high prices and fewer choices for consumers. Apple's stock fell over 4% following the announcement of the lawsuit, which seeks to challenge the company's alleged anticompetitive behavior. Apple has vowed to vigorously defend against the lawsuit, stating that it threatens the principles that set its products apart in competitive markets.
Android 15's latest beta reveals a potential satellite messaging feature, with speculation pointing to T-Mobile as the primary provider. Users may be able to send and receive text messages via satellite, particularly in areas with poor cellular or Wi-Fi connectivity. The partnership between T-Mobile and SpaceX in 2022 suggests that T-Mobile could be the source of satellite-based text messaging for Android users. Additionally, Google's "Satellite SOS" function and Garmin Response for emergencies were also spotted, indicating potential advancements in satellite communication capabilities.
The FCC has adopted its first regulations targeting scam text messages sent to consumers. Mobile service providers will be required to block robotext messages that are highly likely illegal and come from phone numbers that are unlikely to transmit text messages. The new rules establish important blocking rules for mobile carriers to actively help protect consumers. Consumers who have been hassled or scammed by robotexts can file a complaint with the FCC, forward unwanted text messages to SPAM (7726), and should delete all suspicious texts.