Android's New Update Brings New Find My Features
Google is starting to release a new quarterly update to Android 16. This update introduces several new features, but the two biggest are related to location sharing. The first is the ability to share your phone's location with someone else directly in the Messages app. The location continues to update for any specified period of time, or whenever you choose to stop. The second is the ability to share the location of a tracking tag with an airline (or other entity), to help find lost luggage. A new "Share item location" option in the Find My hub will generate a unique web address that can be shared with most major airlines on their lost-luggage forms. The update is known as Android 16 QPR3 (QPR = Quarterly Platform Release) and, according to Google, has started rolling out. Newer Google Pixel devices will get the update first, and now other manufacturers can prepare their own updates.
Aliro 1.0 Standardizes Digital Door Keys
The Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA) has announced the formal launch of Aliro 1.0, a new industry standard for digital door keys. Similar to digital car keys, the technology allows your phone or watch to unlock a smart door lock. Digital keys are stored in the device's native Wallet app, so no third-party apps are required. Samsung, Google, and Apple have all agreed to support the standard, as have many lock companies. The standard is designed not only for residential settings, but also offices, campuses, hotels, and more. It does not require Internet connectivity, so it can work even in underground parking garages and elevators. It supports multiple access modes: NFC for tap-to-unlock, as well as UWB + Bluetooth for complete hands-free access (walk toward door to unlock). A third mode relies only on Bluetooth but is "user-initiated", meaning the user must interact with their phone or watch to unlock. A future version of Aliro will support key sharing. The CSA is the same organization behind the Matter smart-home standard.
iPhone 17e Brings Multiple Upgrades
Apple this week is launching the iPhone 17e, a replacement for last year's iPhone 16e. Apple previously offered an "iPhone SE", refreshed every few years, but has now switched to annual release cycle for its more-affordable iPhone model. Apple is keeping the $599 price while upgrading many of the specs. The chip is upgraded to an A19 chip like the iPhone 17 (though with four GPU cores instead of five). The base level of storage is also doubled to 256 GB. The wireless charging is also upgraded to the newer MagSafe/Qi2 standard at up to 15W. The 5G cellular modem is updated to Apple's new C1X chip, which Apple claims is up to 2x faster than last year's C1. Like the 16e, the iPhone 17e sports a 48 megapixel camera, satellite service, IP68 dust and water rating, and Face ID biometric security. The iPhone 17e will be available in black, white, and soft pink, shipping next Wednesday, March 11th.
Motorola Reveals More Razr Fold Details
After "previewing" the Razr Fold two months ago at CES, Motorola has now revealed full details of its forthcoming book-style flagship foldable phone. Motorola claims that several of the specs are "industry-leading", including 6200 nits peak brightness for the large inner display. It's also the first smartphone with Corning Gorilla Glass Ceramic 3 protecting the outer display. Motorola says its tests show "75% better drop performance". The Razr Fold is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chip and a 6,000 mAh battery. It supports fast charging at up to 80 watts. The phone will also sport an IP49 rating for dust and water resistance. The phone is still slated for US release "this summer", and pricing has yet to be announced.
Qualcomm Intros New Wearable and Modem Chips
Qualcomm has announced the Snapdragon Wear Elite chipset for high-end wearable devices, as well as the X105 5G cellular modem and FastConnect 8800 Wi-Fi / Bluetooth modem. The Snapdragon Wear Elite is designed for smartwatches, pins, pendants, and other wearables, as well as more stationary "hub" devices. It supports six-radio connectivity, including 5G RedCap, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NB-NTN satellite, UWB, and GNSS (GPS). Its Hexagon NPU supports on-device AI models with up to 2 billion parameters. It also has an eNPU for always-on AI. Qualcomm claims it is the fastest wearable platform on the market. The company names Google, Motorola and, Samsung as partners "supporting the platform". The X105 5G modem-RF chipset sports a new RF transceiver that uses 30% less power and is 15% smaller. It also introduces 5G over NTN, for satellite connectivity that includes voice, data, and more, not just basic messaging. Qualcomm says it is also the first chipset to support quad-band GNSS (GPS, etc.). Although Qualcomm doesn't expect to create any actual 6G hardware before 2028, the company says the X105 "lays the groundwork for 6G development". Finally, the FastConnect 8800 chipset supports the very newest local-area radio standards, including Wi-Fi 8, Bluetooth 7, UWB, and Thread. It also supports newer features of those standards, such as Bluetooth Channel Sounding and Wi-Fi Ranging. A new 4x4 Wi-Fi radio configuration enables peaks speeds of up to 11.6 Gbps, and gigabit speeds at up to the 3x the range. Qualcomm typically introduces dedicated modem chips like these with the most advanced features, then later integrates those modems into new Snapdragon processor chips for phones and similar devices.
Google Reveals Key New Features of Android 17
Google has released the second beta version of Android 17 for developers. In doing so, it has revealed a list of new features that users can expect in the new OS. The first is Bubbles, which is a full multi-window capability, like a desktop OS. Although most useful on large-screen devices like foldables and tablets, it will work on regular phones as well. "Users can create an app bubble ... by long-pressing an app icon on the launcher." Also new is a Contacts Picker, which gives apps a more privacy-oriented way to gather specific contact data. It works similarly to the Photo Picker introduced in Android 13, in that it puts the OS in-between apps and contacts data, so that only minimum necessary contact data is shared with the app, instead of the app being given unrestricted access to all contacts data. A new "Handoff" API will enable cross-device app handoff, where users can start a task in an app on one device (such as an Android phone) and seamlessly continue the same task on another device (like an Android tablet). The API supports both native app-to-app handoffs, and app-to-web handoffs as a fallback. Android 17 will also support two new ranging technologies: UWB DL-TDOA for indoor navigation, and the Proximity Detection feature of the newest Wi-Fi standards. Another new privacy-enhancing API is the EyeDropper, which lets apps gather a color sample from any visible pixel without needing to "see" other apps. Finally, Android 17 introduces new restrictions on messaging APIs, intended to keep third-party apps from maliciously accessing one-time passcodes (OTP).
Google Beta-Testing Agentic AI in Android
Google is beginning to roll out an "agentic" version of Google Gemini AI for Android, meaning you can ask Gemini to perform multi-step tasks on its own on your phone. Gemini will carry out these steps in a "virtual window" in the background, with a live notification showing progress on the task over time (with the option to stop at any time). The feature is strictly limited to select apps and devices for now, and is only in "beta" testing status. The feature is launching first on the Google Pixel 10 series and Samsung Galaxy S26 series. Initially, it is designed to work only with "select apps in the food, grocery and rideshare categories". As an example, you could ask Gemini to "reorder your last meal on DoorDash".
Samsung's S26 Series Saves the Big Upgrades for the Top-End Ultra Model
Samsung has announced its Galaxy S26 series of flagship phones for 2026. The company has seemingly reverted to its traditional arrangement of models: S26, S26+, and S26 Ultra, with no mention (yet) of a thinner "Edge" model. All models sport updated specs, including the custom Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy chipset. The S26 base model also has a larger battery (4,300 mAh, up from 4,000) but at the expense of mmWave 5G support. Samsung has saved its biggest upgrades for the top-end S26 Ultra. This includes a first-of-its-kind Privacy Display. This feature limits visibility of on-screen content from side angles. But unlike traditional privacy films, it can be switched on and off dynamically, and works in both portrait and landscape orientations. Furthermore, it can be controlled on a pixel level, so it can obscure only your notifications (that might contain one-time codes), for example. The Ultra model also has main and telephoto cameras with wider apertures, enhancing photo quality. The Ultra also supports the new APV video codec, enabling "visually lossless video quality that stays true even after repeated editing." The S26 Ultra also sports Samsung's 60-watt "Super Fast Charging 3.0", which can reach "up to 75% charge in just 30 minutes." Most other specs of the lineup are similar to last year's models. While the Ultra still starts at $1,300, the S26 and S26+ are now $100 more expensive, at $900 and $1,100, respectively. (This increase comes as the whole industry faces skyrocketing memory prices due to the boom in AI datacenter construction.) The S26 series will come in Cobalt Violet, White, Black, and Sky Blue. Samsung.com will also exclusively offer the Pink Gold and Silver Shadow colors. The Galaxy S26 series will ship March 11th.
Samsung Previews New AI Features Ahead of Flagship Phone Launch
Samsung has announced several new AI features of its next flagship phones, which are expected to be announced this Wednesday. First "a new Galaxy camera experience" that will let users "turn a photo from day to night" and "restore missing parts of objects in images". It will also introduce new AI functions for capturing better low-light photos, and new ways to combine multiple photos into one. Samsung is also adding Perplexity as a new option for an AI agent users can ask questions of and give instructions to. Perplexity will be able to access Samsung Notes, Clock, Gallery, Reminder and Calendar, as well as "select third-party apps". Samsung's new flagship phones — presumably the Galaxy S26 lineup — will be announced this Wednesday during an event that starts at 1pm ET. Samsung is offering a variety of credits and discounts for those who "reserve" in advance of the event and/or pre-order a device.
Google Adds Satellite SOS to its Affordable Pixel Phone
Google has announced the Pixel 10a, its $499 phone for 2026. The most significant upgrade over the Pixel 9a is the addition of satellite connectivity for emergency situations. This Satellite SOS feature was first introduced with the higher-end models of the Pixel 9 series. It works similarly to Apple's Emergency SOS via satellite feature, where it requires specific hardware in the phone to work, connects to existing satellite networks, and often requires a process of aiming the phone at a specific point in the sky. The Pixel 10a has a handful of other upgrades, including faster charging, 11% brighter display, Gorilla Glass 7i cover glass on that display, and some new AI features like Auto Best Take, which combines faces from several frames of a group shot to "find the perfect shot." The 10a also has "the most recycled material of any A-series Pixel yet, including for the first time recycled cobalt, copper, gold and tungsten." Most other specs are similar to last year's Pixel 9a, including a 6.3-inch display, 48 megapixel main camera, 13 megapixel wide-angle camera, Google Tensor G4 chip, IP68 water and dust resistance, and seven years of software updates. The Pixel 10a will be available for $499 starting March 5. It comes in four colors: Fog, Obsidian, Berry, and Lavender.
Google Releases First Beta Version of Android 17
Google has released the very first beta version of Android 17, intended only for developers at this time. Google continues to refine its Android version release cycle; now, instead of specific, monthly "Developer Preview" and public beta versions, Google has a continuous "Canary channel" where those who opt in will get new features and APIs "as soon as they pass internal testing". Google will still be aiming to reach the "Platform Stability" milestone in March, to be followed by "several months" before the final Android 17 release. Google is also still planning a more minor Android update for the latter part of the year.
T-Mobile Announces Live Audio Language Translation as a Network Feature
T-Mobile will soon allow its mobile network customers to access live audio language translation during any voice call by simply pressing *87* during the call. The AI-powered feature can translate over 50 different languages and auto-detects the language(s) being spoken. The person(s) on the other end does not need to be a T-Mobile customer and could even be a landline. As a purely network-based feature, it works with any phone and does not require any software on the phone. The feature will be available to T-Mobile customers roaming internationally in "select countries on partner networks with VoLTE enabled." Current T-Mobile customers can register now for a chance to beta-test the feature "this spring". The beta test will be free, but "commercial launch later this year" may carry a fee.
NASA to Allow Astronauts to Bring Smartphones to Space
NASA is making a new exception to its policies regarding the technology astronauts are allowed to bring and use on space missions. Astronauts will now be allowed to bring smartphones, primarily for camera functions. Previously, astronauts were limited to a short list of approved devices that has gone through extensive testing and/or modification, including a special, cumbersome Nikon DSLR camera. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman announced the new policy on social media, saying "We are giving our crews the tools to capture special moments for their families and share inspiring images and video with the world." The first missions with the new policy include the upcoming Artemis II mission to the moon, and the Crew-12 rotation to the International Space Station.
AT&T Launches New Samsung Phone for Kids
AT&T is launching a new version of the Samsung Galaxy A16 with software fully tailored for use by kids, including comprehensive parental controls. The "AT&T amiGO Jr. Phone" joins an existing watch and tablet in AT&T's amiGO lineup. AT&T is also updating its amiGO watch with a more durable version. All amiGO devices support location sharing, geo-fencing, screen-time limits, approved contacts, app and settings control, and schedules for "school time", etc. The app for parents is available on both Android and iOS. The AT&T amiGO Jr. Phone is available now for $210, or $3/month.
US Version of TikTok off to Bumpy Start; Competitors Surge
The US version of the TikTok app is now officially controlled by a US-based joint venture instead of Chinese company ByteDance. This completes a long-delayed deal that was required by a US law passed in 2024. Users must agree to new legal terms to continue using the app, and those terms allow TikTok to collect and use more personal data than before, including precise location data. The service has also seen an uptick in glitches and errors, although TikTok blames a power outage at a data center. The deal brings US control over the service amid concerns of Chinese influence. However, some users have complained of being unable to upload anti-ICE content, sparking accusations of new censorship. The company denies this, saying the glitches are random. TikTok's new owners include Oracle, whose founder Larry Ellison is a major supporter of President Trump. Two alternative services have surged in popularity in recent days: Skylight is an open-source app built on the same AT protocol as BlueSky. Meanwhile, UpScrolled is an indie app alternative from an Australian developer.
Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold Comes to US This week for $2900
Samsung's new top-end, double-hinged foldable phone will go on sale in the US this Friday for $2,899 from samsung.com. It comes in black, with 512 GB of storage.
Apple Intros Improved AirTag
Apple has introduced a new version of its popular AirTag Bluetooth location-tracking device. The new model has the same form factor, but has a new UWB (Ultra Wide-Band) radio chip that enables nearby Precision Finding (showing both distance and direction) with up to 50% more range. The speaker design is also upgraded to be 50% louder, which Apple says can be heard from twice as far away. Pricing remains the same at $29 each or $99 for a four-pack. The new version is available online today, and later this week in stores. The smooth disc of a device can be placed in a pocket, bag, or glovebox, but has no built-in lanyard hole. Apple sells an official keychain holder separately for $35.
Iridium Begins Testing its own Satellite Service for Phones
Iridium has successfully tested its new "Iridium NTN Direct" service, which will provide global direct-to-device (D2D) satellite service — including two-way messaging — for cell phones, among other devices. Iridium's service operates similarly to those currently offered for Apple, Google, and some Samsung phones, in that it requires specific support built into the phone. Iridium's service is fully standards-based, implementing the NB-IoT protocol defined by the 3GPP. Iridium's service will be the only such service to operate fully globally, including polar regions. Iridium originally partnered with Qualcomm for its Snapdragon Satellite service, but pivoted to a standards-based service when that failed to gain traction. Iridium's pivot to 5G standards is made possible by its advanced "software-defined satellites", which allowed this new capability to be added to its existing satellites via software update. Iridium will continue to test the service with partners, aiming to launch the service commercially before the end of 2026.
