X is rolling out audio and video call capability to Android users, after it was introduced for iOS users in October 2023.

The news was let slip by an X engineer working on the project who relayed that the release would be available on Android after an app update.

Any user of Elon Musk’s social media platform can receive a call but only paid users can make a call. The new function on the app is one of a growing list only subscribers can utilize, although earlier this month X removed support for NFT profile images.

audio and video calls on X slowly rolling out for android users today! update your app and call your mother

— Enrique (@enriquebrgn) January 18, 2024

How to access the call function on X

Users should head to the settings selection to take control of the new call features.

Settings > Privacy and safety > Direct Messages > Enable audio and video calling.

The same menu options give you the option to manage who can call you, from different categories of people in your address book, people you follow, and verified users.

You can choose multiple options, or none, from these selections.

This development appears to signal another move toward X becoming a universal app, a one-stop shop similar to China’s WeChat. It has already set out its intentions for the coming year with AI, unsurprisingly, set to play a prominent role. It will be used to aid search and advertising capabilities whilst there are plans to launch peer-to-peer payments.

Musk also has Twitch in his sights, aiming to take on the Amazon-owned platform with monetized live streams on X.

It remains to be seen how successful this update will be for the social media entity formerly known as Twitter. It is playing catch-up with the likes of Whatsapp, Facebook, and Facetime in offering video and audio call functionality, but the new function will give users one more reason to stay on the X with more new features to follow.

Image: Andrea Piacquadio/Pexels.

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Samsung’s new flagship smartphone, the Galaxy S24 will benefit from Google’s Gemini, its latest and most advanced AI model, following a joint announcement from the tech giants.

A Google press release detailed how the S24 range would specifically benefit from Gemini Pro, the median offering of the AI feature in addition to Gemini Ultra and Gemini Nano. The three models are designed for different uses, depending on the type of task required.

Gemini Pro will be the power behind Samsung’s Notes, Voice Recorder, and Keyboard apps, set to bring “better summarization features”, including the ability to record a lecture on Voice Recorder and later receive a summary of the key details.

Gemini Nano will also be deployed on the S24, in Google Messages, with the introduction of Magic Compose which will influence messages in styles such as “excited,” “formal”, and “lyrical” without the need to be connected to the internet.

Samsung and Google’s AI collaboration is only beginning

Samsung has been confirmed as one of the first partners to test Gemini Ultra before it is generally available to wider developers later this year, in what could be a further upgrade to follow for the new smartphone series.

AI advances have been credited for delivering other new features such as Circle to Search, which will enable searching for anything on your Android handset without having to toggle between apps. The innovative technology will let users select images, videos or text on their phone with a simple gesture to search for almost anything – a product, a phrase, or an item, – that is visible on the device.

Android Auto will be able to summarize long messages and suggest relevant replies to make it easier, and hopefully, less time-consuming, to communicate whilst you are on the road.

Google said it was “excited” about the possibilities of collaboration with Samsung for Android and the Galaxy S4 series with a pledge of more to follow.

Image credit, Google press release

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WhatsApp is set to enhance user engagement on its platform with significant upgrades to its broadcasting feature, Channels, according to TechCrunch. The popular messaging app is introducing new capabilities such as voice updates, polls, and the addition of more admins to each channel, aiming to boost interaction and convenience for its massive user base.

In a move to enrich the user experience, WhatsApp has announced that channel owners will now be able to send voice updates to their followers. This feature is particularly beneficial for podcasters and content creators who can share audio snippets or teasers directly with their audience. Considering WhatsApp’s staggering statistic of 7 billion voice messages sent daily by its 2 billion users, this update is poised to significantly enhance user engagement.

Furthermore, the introduction of polls to Channels marks a new era of interaction on the platform. Previously, the only way users could engage with channel posts was through emoji reactions. With polls, channel owners can now solicit opinions, conduct surveys, and interact more dynamically with their audience.

WhatsApp update: Expanding features and admin roles

Taking a cue from Instagram’s ability to share posts to Stories, WhatsApp is rolling out a similar feature for Channels. Channel admins can now share updates to their personal WhatsApp Status, the app’s version of Stories. This integration offers a seamless way for admins to inform their personal network about their Channel activities, fostering greater visibility and reach.

Initially launched in Singapore and Colombia in June 2023 and globally in September 2023, WhatsApp’s Channels feature initially allowed only one admin per channel. In a significant update, the Meta-owned company is now expanding this limit to up to 16 admins per channel. Channel owners can invite others to become admins through the “Invite admins” option on the channel description page, enhancing collaborative content management and distribution.

Since its inception, WhatsApp Channels have witnessed rapid growth, with over 500 million people using the feature monthly. This expansion reflects the platform’s commitment to evolving and adapting to user needs, providing tools that facilitate better communication and content sharing.

This latest update from WhatsApp comes on the heels of Telegram’s addition of channel discovery and customization features, including the ability to post channel updates to stories. As messaging apps continue to compete for user attention, these enhancements are crucial for platforms like WhatsApp to maintain their relevance and appeal in an increasingly crowded digital space.

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Vodafone has announced a 10-year deal with Microsoft in a bid to scale its generative AI, digital services and cloud platforms to more than 300 million businesses, public sector organizations, and consumers across Europe and Africa.

The British multinational telecommunications company said it plans to invest $1.5 billion in cloud and customer-focused AI services developed in conjunction with the tech giant, giving Microsoft access to Vodafone’s fixed and mobile connectivity services.

In exchange, Microsoft said it intends to become an equity investor in Vodafone’s managed Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity platform, which will become a separate, standalone business by April.

Vodafone reported better top-line growth in July, driven by higher prices in the UK and improvements in Germany, Italy and Spain, which marked a positive start for the new Chief Executive Margherita Della Valle’s turnaround plan.

We’ve announced a 10-year strategic partnership with @Microsoft to bring #GenerativeAI and the #Cloud to more than 300 million customers.

Read the full announcement below.

— Vodafone Group (@VodafoneGroup) January 16, 2024

Della Valle, aiming to return the company to growth, described the partnership as a “bold commitment” to the digital future of Europe and Africa. “This unique strategic partnership with Microsoft will accelerate the digital transformation of our business customers, particularly small and medium-sized companies, and step up the quality of customer experience for consumers,” she continued.

“This new generation of AI will unlock massive new opportunities for every organization and every industry around the world,” said Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, adding that they were “delighted” by the collaboration.

According to Reuters, Vodafone’s Chief Financial Officer Luka Mucic stated that Microsoft’s expertise in AI, bolstered by its partnership with OpenAI, is set to revolutionize the telecom company’s customer services.

He said, “That’s the part that is really going to catch each and every one of our customers,” adding that a TOBi chatbot, enhanced by Microsoft’s AI technology, will offer more coherent and intelligent responses to inquiries.

Which areas will Microsoft and Vodafone collaborate in?

The companies have pinpointed five primary areas for collaboration, one of which includes using generative AI to enhance customer satisfaction. This will involve leveraging Microsoft Azure OpenAI to provide real-time, personalized experiences for Vodafone customers.

Vodafone also intends to become part of the Azure ecosystem making the IoT platform available to developers and third-party communities using open APIs. Microsoft also hopes to help further scale M-Pesa, which is the telecoms company’s mobile money service in Africa, while enhancing digital literacy.

Aside from cloud transformation, the Berkshire-based company aims to distribute Microsoft services across businesses in Europe.

Featured Image: Mike Mozart / Canva / Vodafone

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Google is set to broaden the horizon for real-money gaming (RMG) apps on its Play Store, according to Tom’s Guide, marking a significant shift in its app policy. Starting June 2024, the tech giant plans to extend support for more types of RMG apps, including those from operators not currently covered by existing licensing frameworks. This expansion will initially roll out in countries like India, Mexico, and Brazil, with plans to extend to additional markets in the future.

Karan Gambhir, Google’s director of global trust and safety partnerships, expressed enthusiasm about the new approach, stating it will “provide new business opportunities to developers globally while continuing to prioritize user safety.”

This move follows Google Play Store’s initial steps in 2021 to allow certain RMG apps in 15 countries, including the U.S. The decision builds on successful test pilots conducted in India and Mexico in 2022, which saw the inclusion of daily fantasy sports gambling apps and rummy apps in India. Unlike the previous policy, which only permitted RMG apps within preexisting regulatory frameworks, the updated policy will open the Play Store to new RMG game types and operators that are legal but not under any existing licensing framework.

Developers, particularly those outside the U.S., have long lobbied Google to allow more diverse types of RMG games, including online versions of local card games that lack formal regulations. The eligible game types listed on Google’s RMG support page include online casino games, sports betting, horse racing, lotteries, and daily fantasy sports.

In addition to expanding the range of RMG apps, Google is also considering revising its service fee model for subscriptions and in-app purchases within these apps. While Google has yet to disclose any specific details of the new fee structure, Gambhir noted that the updated model would reflect the value provided by Google Play and support the sustainability of the Android and Play ecosystems.

Google plans to release more information on these policy changes in the coming months. The company assures that the updated policies will include necessary safeguards like age limits and geo-restrictions to protect consumers.

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For over 10 years Samsung has reigned supreme over the smartphone market as the world’s biggest brand, but that changed in 2023 as Apple overtook them to the top spot.  This is the first time the American giant has ever sold the most smartphones in a year, an achievement Samsung has laid claim to since 2010.

Apple, the maker of the iPhone, sold 234.6 million iPhones in 2023, which amounted to 20.1% of the market share in 2023, whereas South Korea’s most valuable company shipped 226.6 million Galaxy smartphones, which was 19.4% of the market, according to market research firm IDC, as reported by Business Wire. The data also shows that the global smartphone market was down in 2023 by 3.2%, though this still represents 1.17 billion smartphones being sold.

This number marks the lowest full-year volume in a decade, but despite this overall decline, data suggests that the market will recover into growth in 2024. Quarter four of 2023 showed 8.5% year-over-year growth, which was higher than forecasts of 7.3%.

Of the top five smartphone brands, only Apple and Chinese company Transsion saw growth in 2023, with gains of 3.7% and 30.8% respectively. Transsion is focused on developing markets such as Africa and South America. Samsung saw the largest losses year on year, ending 2023 at -13.6%. Xiaomi and OPPO were also down by -4.7% and -9.9% respectively.

What can Samsung do to regain its position as the largest smartphone brand?

Samsung won’t take this lying down and has much in the pipeline in 2024 which may help it recover the top spot. Unified Quick Share, unveiled at CES 2024, with Google, Samsung, and Windows computers will help bridge a gap created by Apple’s popular AirDrop feature.

In addition, leaks suggest that Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy S24 range will be a doozy, with impressive specs and features. Samsung reportedly aims to sell over 35 million of its S24 range by the end of 2024, though issues with a recent update launch will not help consumer confidence.

Featured image: John Tekeridis/Pexels

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A group of scientists from Stanford University have designed an affordable robot with the ability to carry out intricate tasks autonomously by leveraging artificial intelligence (AI). Known as Mobile ALOHA, the robot was constructed using readily available components and 3D-printed hardware, with costs amounting to $32,000. The Mobile ALOHA project aims to revolutionize the robotics industry by providing a low-cost yet highly efficient solution for various applications, including manufacturing, healthcare, and research. By utilizing advanced AI algorithms and computer vision, the robot demonstrates exceptional precision and adaptability, proving that sophisticated robotic systems can be achieved without breaking the bank.

Training the AI-driven robot

The researchers trained the AI-driven robot to accomplish various tasks, such as preparing shrimp, tidying up spills, and managing elevators — all without human input. This autonomous robot utilizes advanced machine-learning algorithms, allowing it to adapt and improve its performance over time. Additionally, the AI system powering the robot is designed to understand and predict human behavior, ultimately leading to seamless and efficient collaboration with human workers in everyday environments.

To help Mobile ALOHA learn tasks swiftly, the team employed a “co-training” strategy, which blends new and old data. This technique enabled the robot to acquire skills quickly — instead of relying on thousands or millions of instances. By combining previously learned information with new data, Mobile ALOHA can constantly adapt and improve its efficiency in executing tasks. This co-training approach reduces the need for extensive training data sets, making it more practical for real-world applications where rapid learning is crucial.

Tackling complex issues with affordable robotics

The work conducted by the Stanford team on Mobile ALOHA highlights that cost-effective robotic hardware can tackle complex issues. Incorporating affordable components and cutting-edge algorithms, the researchers have demonstrated the potential of these innovative robotic systems in addressing real-world challenges. As technology advances, the accessibility and applications of cost-effective robots will inevitably expand, offering impactful and sustainable solutions across various industries.

The Mobile ALOHA project presents an innovative approach to creating affordable and adaptable robotic systems using AI algorithms. With a focus on co-training, efficient learning, and improving grasping and maneuvering abilities, this research has the potential to transform various industries and applications. As the team continues developing the robot and incorporating more advanced techniques, we expect to see even more practical and cost-effective robotic solutions.

Featured Image Credit: Pavel Danilyuk; Pexels

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Apple has made the rare move to cut prices of its iPhone 15 models in China by around 5%.

As reported by Reuters, the promotion on its Chinese website, which is being dubbed a ‘Lunar New Year Event,’ will last between January 18 and January 21 and comes after reports of a 30% drop in sales in China in the first week of 2024.

The US tech giant is under pressure to increase sales globally, particularly in China as competition from the likes of Huawei begins to regain market share in the region. It is the first time Apple has offered discounted prices in any of their markets for many years, while online retailers in the country have been cutting prices of iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro models by as much as 16% since the turn of the year.

When the California-based company launched its iPhone 15 range in September last year, it surprised many by not raising prices. This is believed to be in response to an ongoing reluctance amongst iPhone users to upgrade their handsets as regularly as they used to. However, it appears that hasn’t had a positive effect on sales as Apple continues to see declining sales.

Senior vice president of market research business Canalys, Nicole Peng, told Reuters: “It is clear that Huawei is making a comeback.

“Some Chinese consumers may return to using Huawei as driven by patriotism.

Another blow for Apple in China?

While Apple is masking this as a holiday sale in China, it is hard not to see this as an attempt to arrest the slide of sales in the region to claw back lost market share to growing competitors.

It saw its share of the global smartphone market drop to 17.7% in the final quarter of 2023, which is well below its peak of 24.1% just 12 months earlier.

Canalys now expects Apple sales in 2024 to remain flat globally, while its decline in China will remain.

This also comes as Apple’s standing as the world’s most valuable company was put at risk last week as Microsoft’s market cap grew to within £100 billion of the tech giant.

Featured Image: Photo by Amanz on Unsplash

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British telecommunications giant BT is in talks with Elon Musk’s Starlink to bring broadband and mobile services to remote areas in the United Kingdom, according to a Telegraph report.

Successfully tested last week, SpaceX’s satellite-based network sent its first text messages between two mobile phones in a breakthrough moment for the space transport services company.

It was delivered using the T-Mobile network in the United States but up to now, no UK carrier has been in place to enable a rollout of services on the other side of the Atlantic. That could now change with news of work being carried out in England as BT is said to be testing Starlink equipment at its Adastral Park research centre, near Ipswich.

The British firm wants to be able to deliver connections to hard-to-reach locations, which is something that Startlink wants to replicate across the globe. At this stage, BT is exploring what the satellite system can do for broadband services whilst also considering the capability to improve mobile connectivity.

Business priority for the partnership

The BT Group operates EE, the second-largest mobile network operator in the UK but approval would be required from the regulator Ofcom if a direct-to-mobile deal was to be agreed with Starlink.

Whilst there is obvious potential for both consumer and business markets, initial talks between both parties are said to be concentrating on the latter.

BT wants to be able to deliver effective broadband and mobile services to sites such as oil rigs, mines, and secluded remote workplaces. It is expected that a consumer offering would follow, given the crossover in providing services that were previously out of reach.

The British government has worked with mobile operators in a £1 billion scheme to target rural “not spots” but Vodafone, Three, and Virgin Media O2 have tempered expectations with a warning that the first phase of the project will be delayed by around two years.

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Chinese authorities have claimed they now have access to a tool that enables them to identify users of Apple’s AirDrop feature, commonly used for sending encrypted messages to bypass government censorship.

China’s Judicial Bureau reported that Beijing’s Wangshendongjian Forensic Appraisal Institute had created a device that allowed them to break through “the technical difficulties of anonymous traceability through AirDrop,” adding that the move had enhanced the efficiency and accuracy of case detection, and helped prevent the further spread of inappropriate remarks and “potential bad influence.”

In a statement, it said that a video had been circulated with “inappropriate remarks,” using the AirDrop function and that others had begun sharing the same. “Therefore, it was necessary to find the source and determine their identity as soon as possible to avoid any negative impact,” officials added.

The bureau also claimed that the project was also targeted at people with “malicious purposes,” who would use the function to send “illegal pictures, videos, audio and […] illegally delivering and spreading bad information to nearby people in crowded places such as subways, buses and shopping malls.”

It was also suggested that since AirDrop does not need an internet connection for delivery, “this behavior cannot be effectively monitored through conventional network monitoring methods,” which is why they say they appointed the lab to assist with their security apparatus.

Why does China want to restrict AirDrop?

Government officials had previously sought to restrict the use of mobile file-sharing services, in order to stop activists from mobilizing. File-sharing services such as Bluetooth and AirDrop have become essential instruments in the country, where the so-called Great Firewall has led to one of the most tightly controlled internet environments.

In recent years, AirDrop has become a popular tool among anti-government protesters for organizing and communicating their political demands. For example, in 2022, activists used AirDrop to distribute anti-Xi Jinping posters on the Shanghai subway, coinciding with the Chinese president’s anticipation of a historic third term as the country’s leader.

Apple has faced criticism for reportedly appeasing Beijing after it released a new version of the feature that limits users to a 10-minute window for receiving files from non-contacts. After this period, users can only receive files from contacts. There was also widespread backlash during the COVID-19 pandemic when workers at an Apple supplier factory in Zhengzhou were forced to work under poor conditions.

Featured Image: Canva 

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The first week of 2024 has seen a steep decline in Apple iPhone sales in China, according to analysts.

The 30% drop has come despite ongoing discounting across iPhone’s range of models throughout the Chinese online marketplace. Reuters reports that there has been a 16% price drop on iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max models already this year, but that has done nothing to arrest an ongoing decline in sales in what is its third-largest market, behind the US and Europe.

This points towards ongoing competitive pressures from Android brands such as China-based Huawei, which launched a new range of Mate 60 phones last year.

For Apple, this latest decline comes off the back of a 3% year-on-year drop in sales in China in 2023. Jefferies researchers estimate that decline to equate to a 0.4% decrease in the tech giant’s market share. In comparison, Huwaei enjoyed a 6% increase in the Chinese smartphone market in the final quarter of 2023.

The investment bank now claim Apple is expected to face more competitive pressure from Chinese rivals throughout 2024, with shipment volumes decreasing steadily while Huawei’s market share continues to grow.

Huawei’s Mate 60 series is being described as the company’s route back into the high-end smartphone market, with an estimated 64 million handsets being shipped worldwide this year. That would be up significantly from its estimated 35 million shipped in 2023.

What is Apple’s global market share?

While the California-based tech giant remains the UK’s leading smartphone provider, with a reported market share of between 49.9% and 56.1% in 2022 and 2023, they are not currently the world’s leading smartphone manufacturer.

According to statista.com, Apple claimed 17.7% of the smartphone market in the third quarter of 2023, which was slightly lower than Samsung’s majority market share of 19.7%.

At its peak, iPhone’s largest market share – based on global shipment volumes – reached 24.1% back in the final quarter of 2022, which followed the much-anticipated release of their iPhone 14 range.

However, the fact the iPhone 15 release in 2023 does not yet appear to have had the same impact on the company’s market share may be of concern to some inside Apple HQ.

Featured Image: Photo by Daniel Romero on Unsplash

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Apple has started issuing payments as part of a $500 million settlement in a class-action lawsuit in the United States, according to the BBC. This lawsuit accused the tech giant of deliberately slowing down older iPhone models. Each claimant in the U.S. is set to receive approximately $92, a part of the settlement agreed upon in 2020.

The lawsuit dates back to December 2017 when Apple admitted to slowing down some older iPhone models. The company claimed this was to prolong the phone’s lifespan as batteries aged and performance decreased. However, this led to widespread criticism and accusations of Apple not being transparent with its customers, resulting in the legal action.

At the time of agreeing to the settlement, Apple denied any wrongdoing but expressed concerns about the costs of ongoing litigation. The actual payout per claimant turned out to be significantly higher than the initially estimated $25.

Parallel legal action in the U.K.

In the United Kingdom, a similar lawsuit is underway, spearheaded by Justin Gutmann, representing an estimated 24 million iPhone users and seeking £1.6 billion in compensation. This lawsuit extends beyond the iPhone 6 and 7 models included in the U.S. case, also covering iPhone 8, 8 Plus, and X models. Apple has consistently denied the allegations, stating it would never intentionally shorten the life of its products.

Despite the developments in the U.S., the U.K. lawsuit remains unaffected. Gutmann noted that Apple’s settlement in the U.S. is a moral victory but does not directly impact the U.K. case. Apple is vigorously contesting the U.K. class action, which is expected to be heard at the Court of Appeal. The trial could potentially take place in late 2024 or early 2025.

The payout in the U.S. lawsuit marks a significant development in the ongoing saga of Apple’s alleged iPhone slowdown. While it represents a closure for U.S. claimants, the U.K. case continues to unfold. The outcome of the U.K. lawsuit could set a precedent for how tech companies manage device performance and communicate with their users about such practices. As the legal battles continue, they highlight the growing scrutiny of tech giants and their responsibility toward consumers.

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As a tech guy and a parent, I’ve been torn about the trend over the past few years where kids as young as five have their own smartphone. All over my kids’ school, I see young kids with iPhones and Android phones. Here is Gabb Wireless: A smartphone for kids to keep them safe and minimize screen time.

Why Kids Shouldn’t Have Smartphones

As a tech guy, I understand that these devices have become the way we communicate and keep track of everyone, including the apps that allow you to see exactly where your kids are at any time. However, as a parent, I worry about what they’re looking at on their smartphones and what else they have access to. Plus, I’d prefer that my kids — especially the younger ones — don’t spend most of their lives hunched over one of these devices.

A recent article in the National Review furthers my own concerns about young kids and smartphone ownership. As adults, we know what’s out there on the internet. However, as the article so glaringly points out, young kids — whether on their own smartphone or a friend’s device — are seeing and learning about things at a much younger age than is healthy or appropriate.

Then there are the headlines that are sure to alarm any parent about young children being groomed by adults through games and other apps. Even scarier is the realization that all the parental controls in the world on your child’s iPhone won’t protect him from much of this content and contact.

Setting Boundaries Is Key

Being a parent has shown me just how much boundaries matter. My kids aren’t old enough to hold themselves accountable, so it’s up to me to set the rules. 

In my house, for example, we have a “no phones over dinner” rule. My kids can shoot off a quick text before they eat, and I don’t mind if they check their messages after the meal. I don’t want to see any devices out when family members should be checking in with each other, though. Young people don’t yet understand how inappropriate screen use can corrode relationships. 

Another one is the “8 p.m.” rule. After that, all devices are supposed to be put away until 8 a.m. the next day. Whatever the latest drama is, it can wait until tomorrow morning. 

The reason is that screens sabotage sleep. The blue light from screens inhibits the release of melatonin, which is a hormone that signals the body that it’s time to rest. Worse, before-bed phone usage makes sleep less restful by disrupting the body’s REM cycle.

The final and most important rule? No phone use in the car. Although my kids still have a few years before they can legally get behind the wheel, I want to set good habits now. That way, they won’t be tempted to take their eyes off the road to read a text when it comes time. 

What about text-and-driving laws? At 16, a lot of kids don’t take legal consequences seriously. It’s up to parents to find ways to promote safe behaviors on the road. The “no phone use in the car” rule helps me be a good role model. 

Unfortunately, I’ve learned that parental control tools don’t always work. Kids are constantly looking for ways to bend the rules. If an app has a hidden “disable” or “delete” button, trust me: My kids will find it. 

That’s how I stumbled on Gabb Wireless: I needed a way to stay in touch with my kids while encouraging positive screen-time habits. And in my experience, a kid-safe phone is the only workable solution. 

About Gabb Wireless

Apparently, there are many other parents, grandparents, and family members out there who share my sentiments and concerns about giving smartphones to their kids.

Stephen Dalby, a father living in Palo Alto, California, developed and founded Gabb Wireless, a cellular network designed to be safe for kids. Gabb offers devices that provide communication and connection without all the features of a regular mobile device.

When Stephen couldn’t find a phone for his teenage son that didn’t have access to apps and other content he was concerned about, Dalby decided to make his own phone. Both the classic Gabb phone and the latest Z2 model have no access to the internet, games, social media, app stores, or picture messages.

Everything that scares parents about smartphones for kids has been removed from Gabb devices. Stephen designed a phone that would not only be safe, but it would also enable his son to spend less time on the device.

To a degree that surprised even Stephen, word spread like wildfire. He then worked with Landon Ainge, Lance Black, Jarid Love and John Rampton to create what is now Gabb Wireless. To reward fans, they set up Gabb Advocate. Every time a phone is purchased through the program, $10 is donated to Defend Innocence, a nonprofit dedicated to fighting child sexual abuse. 

Gabb Wireless’s Z2 Kids Phone

New for August 2020, Gabb’s Z2 kids phone is a mature-looking, Android-based device that kids enjoy using. An upgraded version of the classic Gabb Phone, the Z2 looks just like a smartphone and offers some of the same features.

While the original Gabb Phone had a five-inch display, the Z2’s measures 5.45 inches. The Z2 also features an 8MP rear camera, compared to the original’s 5 MP camera. The classic Gabb Phone and Z2 both include 2GB RAM, but the Z2’s ROM is doubled to 32GB. The Z2’s processor is a quad-core 2 GHz unit — nearly twice the speed of the original’s 1.1 GHz processor. In both phones, the battery lasts up to three days between charges.

What about apps? The Z2 has everything parents want for their kids and nothing they don’t. The phone includes a calendar app, Bluetooth, a fingerprint reader, FM radio, photo gallery, voice recorder, alarm clock, and a calculator. The primary purpose of the phone is for kids to text and make and receive calls. Contact information can be stored to make it easier for your kids to reach you, friends, and family members.

Gabb Watch – Smartwatch For Kids

I couldn’t help but notice a Gabb Watch on the company’s site. To me, it looks like a great complement to the Z2. Notifications, hands-free calling, and GPS functionality are all included. Kids get the look and key features of a smartwatch, while parents get additional peace of mind.

How Gabbs Safe Smartphone for Kids Works

For anyone who has used a smartphone, the Gabb phone works similarly to Android phones because it uses the same operating system. You can see icons that represent the minimal apps that are available on the phone. The phone icon allows users to make a phone call and look up numbers in the contacts list.

The photo gallery is where pictures that have been taken with the phone are stored. You can share these or organize and store the photos in albums within the photo gallery. The user can also take video footage and store videos in the gallery. The camera and photo feature even allows users to customize their photos with fun design flourishes.

The calendar app allows kids to add events and learn how to organize what they have going on in their lives. The FM radio only works with earphones that double as an antenna. This feature makes it peaceful and relaxing for anyone around your child while he’s listening to music.

Other features include a voice recorder, settings, and file manager, all of which are basic and straightforward because the phone is made for a kid to use.

What I Like About the Z2 Phone

There’s nothing to dislike about the Z2 kids phone. The price is fair, and the phone does exactly what you want it to do for young kids. Even better is that my kids only use it when they need it instead of becoming glued to the screen, day and night. Even the phone plan pricing is fair. More on those details to follow.

Minor Issues

If I were to find anything wrong with the phone, it would be that some of the things parents did like about traditional smartphones — like tracking apps — tracking doesn’t work with this phone.

For example, Google’s Family Link app, which enables a parent to pinpoint the location of the phone on a map and establish alerts when certain geofences are crossed, doesn’t work on the Gabb device.

Gabb will need to add cellular data to make future options like this possible. Other than that, this is an excellent option for kids.

Gabb Wireless Reviews

For a deeper look, I dug in: What do Gabb’s customers have to say? Online reviews have a way of revealing the real story. 

On BestCompany, parents say Gabb balances safety with kids’ social needs. Ellen, a mom from Middleton, Wisconsin, calls it “a smart, inexpensive way for teens to be in touch with their parents and friends without the addictive quality of an internet connection, and without making them feel too different from peers.”

Others on BestCompany point to Gabb’s hands-off nature. “It has all the limits you want without all the fuss of trying to keep up with it. Their service has great connection and no problems in the local area where the kid needs it most,” writes a customer from Sandy, Utah.

On Gabb’s own site, many parents say it’s a way to keep kids in touch without jeopardizing their real-world relationships. Samantha, a mom in Fishers, Indiana, writes, “I mostly love that once she’s done sending a text, she can put it away because there are no other distracting games or apps on it.”

Another good sign? Gabb’s on-site reviews include high marks from educators. 

“As a teacher, I was thrilled to find out about Gabb Wireless! It gives me hope in knowing there are other concerned adults out there that want something better for this generation,” explains Jessica, a grade-school teacher in Bolivia, North Carolina. 

“In all the work I do with high schoolers, I have yet to see a situation where having a phone created a benefit or even had a neutral impact on mental health and relationships,” Kristin, a mom and educator, points out. “I don’t envy our kids in this world of hyper-connectivity.”

Over at Gabb’s Facebook page, the reviews seem just as positive. There, the device itself gets a lot of attention. 

“The quality of the phone is actually better than I was expecting,” wrote a reviewer who’d been with Gabb for two weeks. “The device does what it was advertised to do. Great for parents who need basic connectivity for their kids, but don’t want to worry about apps.” 

The lack of apps doesn’t seem to bother kids, though. “My child was sooooo happy to get this phone,” exclaims a Facebook user named Tana. “The plan is a great price and the phone is excellent quality!”

Jen, another Facebook user, put it this way: “A perfect phone to teach responsibility and keep kids connected. No internet is a huge positive.”

A few Facebook posters criticize Gabb’s customer service. For the most part, device malfunctions seem to be to blame. Because Gabb’s devices aren’t sold by other providers, it’s likely the startup still has a few hardware wrinkles to iron out. 

In a couple of cases, reviewers seem to misunderstand the goal of Gabb’s devices. One Facebook user mentions that Gabb devices don’t come with parental controls — when, in fact, Gabb’s goal is to take the burden of disabling features off parents’ shoulders.

Another Facebook reviewer is frustrated that Gabb doesn’t provide call screening. Spam calls are a problem for customers of every carrier; to me, it doesn’t seem fair to pin this on Gabb. Plus, adding a call-screening service would likely force Gabb to raise its price point. More on that later, but most parents need to keep the budget in mind when buying their kids’ first phone.

The good news? Even when the feedback is negative, Gabb’s team responds promptly and positively. Every company makes mistakes; only the ones worth dealing with make an effort to put things right.

Gabb doesn’t sell fully featured, next-generation iPhones — but that isn’t the point. Parents and teachers know kids don’t need access to every app and website in the world. And when the rubber meets the road, kids want the same thing: a modern smartphone that helps them stay in touch with their friends.

Gabb Wireless Alternatives

Of course, your decision to purchase a first phone for one of your children is a highly personal one. There isn’t a service provider in the entire world who knows your child as well as you do. Kids mature at different rates, they have varying temperaments, and each one is entirely unique. A first phone that works great for one child may not be the right choice for his or her sibling.

When picking out a child’s first phone, it’s generally best to wade in at the shallow end and move slowly, adding capabilities as a child consistently demonstrates responsible behavior.

Parents need to be aware that there is a spectrum of internet access available when picking out a child’s first phone. For example, the two competing products listed below move further down the road to full-blown adult smartphones than the Gabb Wireless product. 

With increased access comes a greater need to monitor usage and perform regular check-ins. These service providers are all touted as protecting your child from internet dangers, they just differ in their approach. Only you know your child well enough to make the final call.

Pinwheel

Pinwheel is marketed as a child’s first safe smartphone. Parents should think of Pinwheel as something more than a fully-locked-down child’s phone and a full-blown smartphone. It allows kids to become comfortable with the daily operation, care, and maintenance of a phone without exposing children to internet-related risks.

Pinwheel phones do not allow for the installation of social media apps, web browsers, email, or games. Instead, apps are available only through Pinwheel and carefully screened in advance with child safety as the primary concern. Of course, audience appropriateness also factors heavily into Pinwheel’s evaluation process.

Pinwheel users have the ability to request specific types of apps or suggest safe versions of popular apps otherwise available for unrestricted smartphones. It comes with intuitive parental controls, a messaging app, and even allows access to Spotify. For parents who are comfortable landing somewhere in the middle in terms of functionality for kids, Pinwheel is worth a look.

Troomi

Troomi Wireless markets its service as featuring a proprietary KidSmart OS operating system that promises to grow with your child as he or she develops. The idea behind Troomi is that what’s considered appropriate for any child should be customizable based on age, emotional maturity, and demonstrated responsibility. Monthly plans start at $14.95 for unlimited talking and texting.

Like other phones targeting the child and preteen market, Troomi does not allow for the installation of social media apps or addictive games. The Troomi service includes protection from spam calls and provides GPS location services that parents can access at all times. Other features such as group texting, photo messages, email, and safe browsing apps can be unlocked as the child grows up.

The Troomi service is also being marketed as an ancillary support mechanism for school and learning. Emphasis is placed on protecting kids from cyberbullying, predators, and pornography. Devices are manufactured by Samsung, feature a quad camera, and offer Bluetooth connectivity to external devices.

Where to Buy Your Kid’s First Smartphone?

Right now, you can only buy a Gabb Wireless Z2 and phone plan from the company’s website.

Availability

Currently, Gabb Wireless is only available in the contiguous 49 states, and there are a few zip codes where coverage may still not be available.

Price

The Z2 costs $149.99, including activation and shipping. I don’t have to remind you how much an iPhone or Android phone like a Samsung Galaxy costs, so the price of a Gabb Phone is something else that makes it really smart for kids.

The Gabb Basic service plan costs just $17.99 per month and offers unlimited talk and text on a nationwide 4G LTE network. Step up to the Gabb Plus Plan for as low as $22.99 per month, and MMS service — which enables group and image texts — is included as well. Both plans are billed month-to-month, with no long-term contract required.

Customer Support

Their website offers instant messaging for customer support to get immediate assistance, but users can also email customer support at support@gabbwireless.com.

Overall Thoughts

Gabb Wireless is an excellent option for parents to provide their kids with a smartphone. Easy communication and connection that keeps them safe and minimizes the amount of time they spend on it. The Gabb Phone does everything it advertises and provides parents with peace of mind.

There are still plenty of features on this phone to maintain a certain level of entertainment value for kids, making it something they will enjoy using. Don’t say it’s not a smartphone. It’s still a smartphone, but it is limited in its features. This helps protect your kids — and helps them develop healthy habits with technology.

FAQs

Which network does Gabb Wireless use?

Gabb Wireless is a virtual carrier. It uses the Verizon Wireless Network, named the best network overall by Fortune in Jan. 2020. The Verizon network is consistently cited as one of the most reliable for connection speed, data transfer, and calling. Gabb Wireless chose the Verizon network for these reasons and also the fact that the Verizon network has consistently been rated No. 1 in the coverage area for the U.S.

How much does a Gabb Wireless phone cost?

Priced at $99.99, the Gabb Wireless phone is one of the least expensive models in the phone for the kids niche. Gabb has focused on developing its phones and service to be safe, smart, and affordable.

Customers also have an opportunity to receive $50 off on the purchase of a Gabb phone if you know a friend whose family already has a Gabb account. Parents simply enter the phone number of an existing Gabb account parent as a promo code during checkout to get the discounted price. Gabb phones arrive pre-activated and ready to go, with no added shipping costs.

As of June 2021, Gabb service plans start at $19.99/month. This is Gabb’s most popular option. The plan offers text-only messaging (no images or group texts), GPS location service, and unlimited talking and texting. The $24.99/month plan offers all of these features and adds the ability to send images via texting and participate in group text chats.

Neither of the Gabb plans requires a contract. Gabb backs its products and services with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Are Gabb phones good?

Gabb phones are manufactured by ZTE. They are Android devices that have been heavily modified to meet all Gabb Wireless specifications. The Gabb phone features an 8-megapixel primary camera, a 5-megapixel front camera, and 1080-pixel video recording capability. The phones also feature useful tools such as a calculator, calendar, and clock.

Gabb phones are also capable of playing music and connecting to a wireless headset or external speaker. Because Gabb phones do not connect to the internet, songs must be loaded onto the Gabb phone manually. Songs can be transferred to a Gabb phone from a desktop or laptop computer or stored as MP3 files on a microSD card.

Can you delete texts on a Gabb phone?

Yes. Gabb phones allow kids to delete specific messages or entire threads. The phone interface features an intuitive trash can icon, similar to those we’ve all seen on computers and other tech-enabled devices.

One word of caution, however.

Parents should make sure their kids understand and agree to whatever is decided with regard to the protocol for deleting messages. If, for example, your child is being harassed or otherwise made to feel uncomfortable, they should be instructed not to delete the message but instead tell you or another adult immediately. You may wish to hang onto certain messages if some form of follow-up or remedial action is needed.

Can you group text on a Gabb phone?

Yes and no. Group texting is available for Gabb customers who choose the $24.99/month plan. The most popular Gabb package costs $19.99/month but does not offer the group-texting capability.

Parents need to consider carefully before opening up a child’s phone to group texting.

Group texting is something that many kids will say they want, until they are upset by a thoughtless remark made about them by another child. Just as it makes sense to monitor your kids when they are playing with others in a real-life setting, opening up group chats will require an extra dose of parental vigilance. We all know that adults often say things to one another via text that they would never say in person. For kids, multiply that tendency by a factor of 10.

What is the best phone for kids?

The best phone is the one that works best for your child. Because kids mature at different rates, have different personalities, and vary widely in their capacity to interact wisely with technology, no provider can hope to offer a product or service that is perfect for every kid at every age. Parents must devote some time to checking out all the options before making a decision.

That said, the Gabb Wireless phone is focused first and foremost on the safety of our kids.

Research over the past several years has demonstrated clearly that kids lack the brain development necessary to make consistently good choices while connected to technology. This is why the Gabb phone does not allow internet access of any kind. Gabb phones also do not permit games to be installed, as kids can’t always tell when “enough is enough.” In addition, many games are intentionally designed to keep kids playing. Your child has other things to do.

Lastly, Gabb Wireless made a conscious decision to exclude social media from its phone services. We believe that studies linking social media to increased levels of depression (and worse) in our children ought to be taken seriously. By ensuring that both monthly plans allow kids to talk and text as much as they like, Gabb believes its phone addresses the primary reason kids ask for phones: To stay connected to their real-life friends.

Article updated with new information April 2022.

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SpaceX has launched its first set of direct-to-cell Starlink satellites that intend to provide “mobile connectivity anywhere on Earth.”

The company’s CEO, Elon Musk, confirmed on X (formerly Twitter) that the new satellites will be “a great solution for locations with no cellular connectivity” but warned that due to only supporting less than 7 MB per beam, connectivity is not yet “meaningfully competitive with existing terrestrial cellular networks.”

This essentially means that while the new satellites help fulfill Musk‘s goal of delivering internet access to people around the world who don’t have direct access to high-speed internet, they are not yet a suitable alternative to your everyday network usage.

This will allow for mobile phone connectivity anywhere on Earth.

Note, this only supports ~7Mb per beam and the beams are very big, so while this is a great solution for locations with no cellular connectivity, it is not meaningfully competitive with existing terrestrial… https://t.co/ymHpw8XBHl

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 3, 2024

According to Starlink‘s website, their satellites with direct-to-cell capabilities enable ubiquitous access to texting, calling, and browsing wherever you may be on land, lakes, or coastal waters. Direct-to-cell connectivity will work with all existing LTE (4G mobile connection) phones “wherever you can see the sky.” No hardware or firmware updates are required.

Starlink describes its satellite network as a “cellphone tower in space” and promises network integration similar to a standard partner.

SpaceX has initially launched the direct-to-cell satellites on its Falcon 9 rocket before Starship will take over. The satellites will then immediately “connect over laser backhaul” to the Starlink constellation, which will result in global connectivity, even in the most rural of areas on the planet.

Starlink has grown a network of roughly 5,000 satellites since 2019, becoming the world’s largest satellite operator in the world. In November last year, Musk announced the company had achieved cash-flow breakeven, as reported by Reuters, which comes after he announced in 2021 he planned to take the business public once its cash flow was predictable.

When will Starlink’s direct-to-cell be available?

The Washington-based company has set out a timeline for when it expects each feature to be functional following the launch of its new satellites.

It expects texting capabilities to be working this year, while voice, data, and roaming are due in 2025.

Featured Image: SpaceX, via X

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India’s parliament has passed a controversial bill to modernize its telecommunications and connectivity ahead of the country’s general election in spring 2024.

The new bill, voted through on Thursday, December 21, would replace original legislation dating back as early as 1885 and affect over 1.17 billion telephone connections and 881 million internet subscribers. The aim is reportedly to embrace more modern services like satellite broadband but the details of the legislation have raised some privacy concerns among digital rights groups.

Specifically, the Telecommunications Bill grants the government the power to take control of telecom networks and monitor traffic data in the interest of national security, as well as retains the right for Indian security services to intercept communications. It would also favor companies like Musk’s Starlink and Amazon’s Kuiper by allowing spectrum allocation for satellite-based services without auctioning.

This has earlier been resisted in India, due to the influence of India-based telecoms company Jio, attempting to take on global giants but lacking the resources to do so. Now, however, the Indian government seems keen to attract foreign investments through the new legislation.

When does the Telecommunications Bill come into effect?

Although now voted through the Indian parliament, the Telecommunications Bill is not yet cemented in law. It must now gain the Indian President’s approval to become an official act.

Digital rights activists and privacy advocacy groups have raised concerns over the ambiguity related to the regulation and absence of public consultations for the bill’s final version, which could also delay the bill coming into effect.

Digital rights organization Access Now has also called for the bill’s withdrawal and the creation of a new draft through consultation, citing the fact that the bill allegedly undermines end-to-end encryption, possibly endangering the privacy of individuals.

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SpaceX, the aerospace manufacturer and space transport services company, has recently received the green light from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to conduct experimental tests for a new service, according to a recent report from The Register. This service aims to enable unmodified smartphones to make calls directly through a satellite link, leveraging SpaceX’s advanced Gen2 Starlink satellites.

The FCC, which oversees network regulations in the United States, has granted Elon Musk’s SpaceX a limited period of 180 days to execute these trials. During this period, approximately 840 satellites equipped with direct-to-cellular payloads will be involved, with around 60 satellites actively serving handsets in the U.S. at any given time under this experimental authorization.

This initiative will utilize frequencies in the 1910-1915 MHz and 1990-1995 MHz bands, commonly known as the PCS G Block. T-Mobile USA, the licensee of these bands, is collaborating with SpaceX in this venture. The collaboration was announced last year, with the aim of using low Earth orbit satellites to extend cellphone coverage to the most remote locations across the U.S. and its territorial waters.

SpaceX has already started promoting a Direct to Cell satellite phone service on its website, anticipating the launch of a text messaging service in 2024, followed by voice and data features in 2025. The company is also looking to expand coverage through agreements with carriers in other regions, including Rogers in Canada, Optus in Australia, One NZ in New Zealand, Salt in Switzerland, and KDDI in Japan.

The FCC’s recent partial authorization for SpaceX to deploy and operate the Gen2 Starlink satellites is a significant step forward. This decision is expected to facilitate the rollout of high-speed satellite broadband nationwide in the U.S., while ensuring the protection of other satellite and terrestrial operators from harmful interference and maintaining a safe space environment.

Challenges in the satellite communication arena

However, not everyone shares the enthusiasm for this development. Earlier this year, AT&T filed a petition with the FCC attempting to block the plans of T-Mobile and Starlink, citing concerns that satellite-based phone operations might disrupt adjacent frequency blocks and interfere with terrestrial wireless services. Gartner VP analyst Bill Ray highlighted the potential risk of interference due to Starlink’s satellites having smaller antennas compared to competitors like AST SpaceMobile.

Despite these challenges, SpaceX is set to proceed with its testing phase, aiming to demonstrate the viability and effectiveness of its technology. However, the company faced a setback as the FCC recently denied SpaceX’s bid for $885 million in subsidies from the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund to provide internet service in the most remote areas of the U.S.

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A new report from semiconductor research organization TechInsights reveals major advances in radio-frequency (RF) chip design and engineering in Huawei’s latest flagship smartphone, the Mate 60 Pro.

The device shows progress towards using domestically-produced components rather than relying on traditional American suppliers like Skyworks and Qorvo.

The Mate 60 Pro utilizes RF switches from Chinese company Maxscend Microelectronics and power amplifier modules from Beijing OnMicro Electronics. Previously, phones from Huawei and other Chinese manufacturers depended on equivalent parts from established U.S. leaders in RF technology.

“The architecture is tailored for the Chinese industry,” wrote TechInsights in their report released Monday. “While the Mate 60 Pro shows China narrowing the technological gap with Western competitors, it hasn’t completely closed it in 2023. However, given the Chinese government’s focus on reducing dependence on Western technology, this gap is expected to continue narrowing.”

The innovations indicated in the Mate 60 Pro prove that, even under U.S. trade restrictions, the Chinese tech giant can design cutting-edge mobile devices without American help.

Huawei Mate 60 Pro catching up with Western smartphones

This revelation comes on the heels of August’s launch of Huawei’s new 7-nanometer applications processor inside the Mate 60 Pro. Produced by Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp. (SMIC) in Shanghai, it matched the complexity of equivalent system-on-chips from American giant Qualcomm.

An ongoing U.S. investigation into SMIC highlights authorities’ concerns about China’s rapid ascension in semiconductor technology. But Huawei’s persistence in fostering domestic alternatives for supply-chain constraints demonstrates the electronics giant’s autonomous capabilities regardless of trade barriers.

With sophisticated home-grown processors and now RF circuitry to match, the Mate 60 Pro epitomizes Huawei’s strides towards self-reliance. TechInsights’ analysis proves the company can stand toe-to-toe with smartphones utilizing even the most sophisticated American components. Huawei is rapidly realizing its vision of cutting-edge, made-in-China mobile devices.

The report follows recent reports that Chinese semiconductor factory Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation (SMIC) may have surpassed the 5nm process barrier despite U.S. restrictions — by developing a cutting-edge chip for Huawei.

Featured image: Huawei.com

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Apple has begun plans to produce a quarter of the world’s iPhones in India alongside supplier Foxconn Technology Group, reports the Wall Street Journal.

Insiders told the WSJ the production plans would see the world’s most valuable company invest in India and build more than 50 million devices there annually.

After fears of dependence on China, Apple is one of several multinational tech companies moving more of its production to India.  Foxconn – a Taiwanese electronics manufacturer – will open a new plant in Karnataka, in India’s southwest, in April. This one factory alone is anticipated to mass-produce 20 million devices a year, and the majority will be iPhones.

Apple pivots to India and away from China

Apple recently opened several retail stores in India and is also making inroads with a network of Indian-based suppliers to further strengthen its ties in the country.

Foxconn currently operates one facility in the Chennai region. The devices made in this production facility were the first Indian-made models to be sold on the first day of Apple’s global product sales

The proposed Karnataka site is based near the city of Bengaluru and the southernmost major airport in India. Sometimes referred to as ‘India’s Silicon Valley, the city is seen as the current technological hotbed of India and other major global device manufacturers have invested in the area.

US technology firm Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) also opened its largest global design center in the region late last month.

TDK, the Japanese battery producer has recently announced a plant in the Indian state of Haryana.

China is still responsible for over half of Apple’s current device output, but labor and trade tensions have turned Apple’s head to other international locations like India. Apple, and ultimately Foxconn’s investment in the region, is estimated to be around $2.7 billion.

With India and other South Asian investment sites earmarked for further expansion from 2024 this is set to be a major site of Apple investment and global iPhone manufacture for the future.

Featured image:Drew Coffman on Unsplash 

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Discord unveiled a much-anticipated update on Tuesday with a new goal – to boost communicating and sharing with friends.

The refurbished Discord app will display navigation tabs upon opening, including separate tabs for notifications, messages and servers. As well as a ‘You’ tab which allows users to modify their profile and settings. All of these new functionalities have a noticeable drift from Discord’s desktop version.

Among the new changes is a global DM search tab – allowing you to view all the pins, messages and links through one tab, altogether streamlining your searching time. There has also been a new dark mode for Organic-LEDs (OLEDS) which is aptly named ‘Midnight’.

An improved mobile experience has arrived! This week, we will begin rolling out to all users new mobile updates, including:

✧ Midnight theme
✧ Supercharged search
…and so much more!

See all the updates: https://t.co/JFSHzZcRJt pic.twitter.com/OxZyy55L48

— Discord (@discord) December 5, 2023

Given the increasing number of Gen Z and millennial users spending more time on their smartphones as opposed to their desktops, the change is arguably overdue.

Discord’s group product manager Francesco Polizzi wrote a blog post about the much-anticipated update. He wrote:

“Take the Discord you know and love, squish it down to the size of a phone, and take it with you anywhere” — that’s the gist of how the Discord mobile app has worked since its release in 2015.”

“Over time, the amount of *stuff* that Discord can do has grown exponentially. And yet, the mobile app was forced to just shove it all in a tiiiny version of the desktop app. The world has also changed — as more of you spent time using Discord on the go, what was lacking on mobile became more apparent. It was missing standard features that people have come to expect from using other mobile messaging and communication apps and had speed and reliability issues.”

Whats new in the Discord update?

Discord has done some spring cleaning to a lot of the unnecessary tabs. For instance, the revamped app has removed the confusing array of tabs at the bottom and cut it down to just include servers, notifications, messages and your own member tab.

Media sharing has also been rebuffed, meaning it’s snappier and simpler – giving users a 25mb free file upload limit and the introduction of a photo grid to make sharing and viewing photos visually easier. Moreover, the mobile app has also seen an increase in its message capacity, with the ability to save up to 700 messages. This should improve loading time, as Discord claims loading time should be increased by 43% and users can expect fewer crashes.

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Cubic Telecom, a Dublin-based start-up, has confirmed it will receive a strategic investment of €473 million ($513 million) from SoftBank Corp.

The Japanese investment giant will effectively gain a new subsidiary company in Cubic as the funding means it will acquire a 51% stake in its partner in what has been dubbed Ireland’s biggest tech deal.

The two entities had already been working in tandem, including in Japan, where Cubic Telecom has been integrating SoftBank’s wireless network to provide connectivity to connected cars.

The rise of Cubic since its launch in 2016 has been rapid, reflected in this deal which values the company at more than €900 million, as reported by RTÉ:

“Through agreements with more than 90 mobile network operators, the company currently connects more than 17 million vehicles in over 190 countries and regions, adding 450,000 new vehicles a month.”

Essentially, they provide a software-based network solution for vehicles and other devices to link up with the appropriate mobile networks wherever they are located, from one country to another.

“Endless” opportunities for Cubic Telecom

On Tuesday (Dec.5), a press release outlined the future intentions of the partnership:

‘With this investment, SoftBank and Cubic Telecom will form a strategic global partnership to pioneer the future of software-defined connected vehicles and other high-value Internet-of-Things (IoT) assets by harnessing the power of global connectivity platforms.’

It also shared a forecast that “95% of new vehicles sold globally will be connected by 2030, and connected car use cases alone could deliver $250 billion to $400 billion in annual incremental value for the ecosystem, with Cubic Telecom poised to capture a leading share of this rapidly growing market.”

As part of the deal, Barry Napier will remain as CEO of Cubic where he will be joined on the board by Daichi Nozaki, SoftBank’s Senior Vice President, and two other SoftBank representatives to be confirmed. Three seats at the top table will be occupied by Cubic Telecom’s existing shareholders, including CARIAD (Volkswagen Group) and Qualcomm.

Mr Napier remarked on the significant scope of further expansion for Cubic.

“The focus on software rather than hardware means manufacturers can increase the value of a vehicle or device by adding new functionality, over-the-air, which will improve safety, comfort and performance,” he said.

“This, alongside the opportunity AI presents, will open up new collaborations and business models. The opportunities ahead of us are endless.”

Featured Image: Cubic Telecom

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