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Google tests RCS indicator update and Android 15 strengthens factory reset protection

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Google

Key Points:

  1. Google Messages Update: Testing new RCS status labels for clearer messaging.
  2. Android 15 Security: Factory Reset Protection (FRP) is tougher to bypass.
  3. Stronger FRP: New restrictions prevent unauthorized access after resets.

Google is making changes to how users see message types in its Messages app and tightening security on Android devices with its latest Android 15 update.

Google Messages Tests RCS Label Change

Google is experimenting with a new way of labeling messages in its Messages app. Right now, when you send a message, it shows either “Text message” or “RCS message.” RCS stands for Rich Communication Services, which allows more advanced features like higher-quality media and encryption.

In this new test, the labels are shorter: “RCS” for RCS chats and “Text” for regular SMS messages. This update makes the labels more concise, but some users have pointed out that the use of parentheses around “(RCS)” or “(Text)” looks unnecessary and could be simplified further. This test is still being rolled out to a limited number of users, with more changes like a colorful send button already appearing for some.

Android 15 Enhances Factory Reset Protection (FRP)

When it comes to security, Android 15 introduces stronger protections against phone thieves. One of the biggest risks after a phone is stolen is that the thief could try to reset the phone to sell it. Android’s Factory Reset Protection (FRP) makes this difficult by requiring the original Google account to unlock the device after a reset.

However, clever hackers have found ways to bypass this protection in the past. With Android 15, Google has added new security measures to make it much harder for thieves to get around FRP. Here’s what’s new:

  1. No Bypassing Setup: Thieves can’t skip the setup process to avoid signing in with the original Google account.
  2. Lock Screen and Apps Disabled: After a reset, the phone won’t allow setting a new lock screen PIN, adding another Google account, or installing apps until the original account is signed in.
  3. Secret Key Verification: Android 15 now stores a special key in a secure part of the phone’s memory. If the phone is reset without permission, the phone will ask for this key when it restarts, which can only be unlocked by signing into the original Google account.

These changes make it almost impossible for thieves to sell or reuse stolen Android phones. Google is also allowing phone manufacturers to add their security layers on top of this, making Android phones even more secure in future updates.

In summary, Google is testing more user-friendly updates to messaging and has made major improvements to phone security in Android 15, making it far harder for thieves to bypass critical protections.

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Android

Android Auto gets a behind-the-scenes update

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Android Automotive

Google has released a new version of Android Auto, version 13.0. While you won’t see any big changes on the surface, some important updates are happening under the hood.

What’s New?

  • Car Media: Google is working on a new feature called “Car Media.” This feature will allow you to easily control your car’s AM/FM radio and local media.
  • Bug Fixes: The update includes bug fixes and improvements to make Android Auto run smoothly.

When Will Car Media Be Available?

Google hasn’t announced an official release date for Car Media yet. But they’re actively working on it, and we might see it in a future update.

How to Get Android Auto 13.0

The Android Auto 13.0 update is available now on the Google Play Store. Just search for “Android Auto” and install the latest version.

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Android

Google Maps incident reporting now available on Android Automotive

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Android Automotive

Android Automotive users can now report traffic incidents directly from their cars, thanks to a recent update that brings this feature to Google Maps on the in-car operating system. This is a significant improvement over the previous limitations, which restricted incident reporting to mobile devices only.

With this new functionality, Android Automotive users can easily report a variety of traffic issues, such as accidents, road closures, traffic congestion, and other hazards. To report an incident, simply open Google Maps and tap the yellow hazard triangle. You’ll then be presented with a list of options to choose from, allowing you to accurately describe the situation.

This feature is particularly useful for keeping roads safe and improving traffic flow. By reporting incidents promptly, users can help other drivers avoid potential dangers and plan their routes more efficiently. Additionally, the data collected from these reports can be used by traffic management authorities to make informed decisions about road closures, detours, and other measures to alleviate congestion.

Overall, the ability to report traffic incidents directly from Android Automotive is a valuable addition that enhances the user experience and contributes to safer roads for everyone.

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Android

Google cancels One-Click Chrome OS on Android

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Google

Google’s dream of turning Android phones into powerful PC replacements has taken a hit. The company has decided to stop developing an app that would have made it super easy to run Chrome OS on Android devices.

What does this mean?

It used to be that you could run Chrome OS, a lightweight operating system designed for computers, on your Android phone. This would have turned your phone into a mini-laptop, allowing you to do things like work, browse the internet, and use productivity apps.

Why did Google cancel the app?

While Google didn’t give a specific reason, it seems like they might be focusing on other projects or exploring different ways to integrate Chrome OS into their Android ecosystem.

What’s the big deal about Chrome OS on Android?

Imagine being able to use your phone like a computer. You could use office apps, run multiple apps at once, and even connect a keyboard and mouse for a more desktop-like experience. It’s a cool idea that many people were excited about.

Is there still hope?

Even though Google canceled the app, they might revisit this idea in the future. Plus, there are other ways to run Chrome OS on Android, although they are more complicated and require technical know-how.

So, while Google’s one-click Chrome OS dream is on hold for now, it’s still something to keep an eye on. Who knows what the future holds for Android and Chrome OS?

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