Kuo predicts that "the ASP of microphones for each iPhone 16 will be at least 100–150% higher than that of the iPhone 15." AAC Technologies, which has a smaller revenue scale, might benefit relatively more from the upgrade.

According to the analyst, the upgraded microphone setup is expected to arrive on all iPhone 16 models. It will have a better signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) as a key specification to "improve the Siri experience significantly," alongside improved water resistance.

Kuo added that these changes "could indicate that Apple expects to integrate more AI/AIGC capabilities into Siri as a key selling point of the iPhone 16." Apple has to compete with the likes of Samsung, which recently introduced its generative AI model Gauss, and its Galaxy AI is expected to debut alongside the Galaxy S24 series next year.

Apple reorganized its Siri team in 3Q23 to integrate AIGC/LLM. Voice input will be the key interface for AI/AIGC/LLM on mobile smartphones, so strengthening Siri’s hardware and software features and specifications is the key to promoting AIGC.

AI-generated content (AIGC) has multiplied its presence in recent years, and Apple is no stranger to it. A recent report claims the Cupertino giant is working to bring some LLM-powered Siri features next year as part of iOS 18. The company is secretly building its own take on generative AI, unofficially known as Apple GPT.

Apple reportedly spends millions of dollars a day on its ChatGPT rival. Speaking of which, ChatGPT took the internet by storm and recently celebrated its first birthday. The generative AI chatbot is also the most searched topic on Wikipedia, with over 49 million page views.

Source: Ming-Chi Kuo

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Bloomberg reports, via unnamed sources, that the new version of the iPad Air will be released in two different sizes for the first time. In addition to its current 10.9-inch display, the report claims Apple will launch an iPad Air with a larger 12.9-inch screen.

The report stated:

The additional screen size for the iPad Air is part of a strategy to offer more options at different prices. It lets consumers get a larger display without having to pay for the iPad Pro, which costs several hundred dollars more. This approach mirrors Apple’s strategy with the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro.

The new iPad Pro tablets, which the report claims will be offered in 11-inch and 13-inch versions, will have OLED displays for the first time. The story says that the new iPad Pro tablets will include Apple's later M3 processor.

Of course, if new iPads are launching soon, it stands to reason that new accessories for the tablets will go on sale as well. Bloomberg reports that the third generation of the Apple Pencil stylus and new versions of its Magic Keyboard will be released in March 2024 as well.

Finally, the report says a new version of the MacBook Air notebook, with 11-inch and 13-inch displays and the new M3 chip, will launch alongside the new iPad in March.

The article also reminds us that Apple still has its biggest hardware launch in years happening very soon. The Apple Vision Pro mixed reality headset, which the company officially announced in June, is still scheduled to go on sale sometime in early 2024 for the price of $3,499.

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Google is bringing some sophisticated new AI smarts to the Pixel 8 Pro today, but it’s not stopping there. The company is also rolling out its December feature drop for Pixel hardware, which includes two big software features for the 8 Pro — but plenty of new tricks for other devices as well.

 

Video Boost, which is exclusive to Google’s larger-size flagship, will be available starting today. It “uploads your videos to the cloud where our computational photography models adjust colour, lighting, stabilization and graininess,” according to Google’s blog post. After that, you receive a touched-up video that “looks true to life.” This isn’t something anyone’s really gotten to test much yet, so we’re all about to find out together where Video Boost works well and where it doesn’t.

 

Video Boost also includes another bonus feature: Night Sight for video. This “uses AI to apply noise reduction to videos recorded at night or in low-light conditions so you see rich detail and colour.” Night Sight has long been a hallmark of Pixel phones but was limited to still images until now. Google says video Night Sight can produce some fantastic timelapse captures, if that’s your thing.

 

Google’s Video Boost optimizes your video clips by processing them in the cloud.

Image: Google

 

But the December drop is a big one and includes a ton of other features. There’s a new Balance portrait light mode in Google Photos that eliminates harsh shadows (including for shots already in your library), and Photo Unblur is now better at sharpening the faces of dogs and cats — not just your fellow humans. Specific to the Pixel Fold, a new “dual screen preview” will show a preview of what the camera sees on the outer screen while you’re framing up a shot with the inside display; that’ll let your friends check how they look and strike their best pose before you fire off the shutter.

 

Stuck with a mediocre built-in camera on your laptop? Google says that recent Pixel phones (the Pixel 6 and newer) can now be used as USB webcams on computers that support UVC (USB video class). And if you’re trying to wrangle and organize your receipts, you’ll likely appreciate a new “clean” option that can rid them of smudges, stains, and creases before you attach them to your expense reports.

 

Yep, there’s more. Pixel devices now include a Repair Mode that will safeguard your private data when your phone is in for servicing. This will keep your photos, messages, and other sensitive content away from anyone conducting the repair work. On the subject of security, Google’s password manager “can identify which of your accounts support passkeys and help you add them with just a few taps.”

 

If you’ve bought into the Pixel ecosystem and are sporting a Pixel Watch or Pixel Watch 2 on your wrist, Google’s wearable can now automatically unlock your phone. That’s ever so slightly faster and more convenient than relying on face unlock or Google’s sometimes inconsistent fingerprint readers to bypass your lock screen.

 

Also, Call Screen will now appear on the Pixel Watch, so you can dismiss or pick up a call from your wrist as you watch the live voicemail transcription. And for owners of the Pixel Tablet, Google is adding spatial audio — both via its built-in speakers and through the Pixel Buds Pro — and Clear Calling with the December update.

 

To read the full rundown, including a new combined clock / weather widget, new watchfaces for the original Pixel Watch, and more, check out Google’s blog post. The December update also contains bug fixes aplenty. It’s encouraging to see Google wrapping up 2023 by bringing even more synergy and cohesion to its product portfolio. And don’t forget that, as of the time of this writing, the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro are still on sale at prices that match their Black Friday discounts.

 

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The instant messaging app already allows users to send HD photos and HD videos to other users and groups. As per a screenshot posted by the website, a new "HD" button will show up in the drawing editor while creating a WhatsApp Status to upload media in HD quality.

For the unversed, WhatsApp Status works similarly to Instagram Stories and lets you share text, photo, video, and GIF content for up to 24 hours. You can find Status updates in the Updates tab but you and the other person need to be in each other's contacts to send and receive Status updates.

WhatsApp beta for iOS v23.25.10.72 suggests a future update will allow users to share music audio during video calls. While it isn't ready for beta testers as of now, a screenshot shared by WABetaInfo shows a preview of the underdevelopment feature.

WhatsApp introduced screen sharing for video calls on Android, iOS, and Windows earlier this year, but it doesn't allow audio for shared content, such as YouTube, Netflix, or video games. The underdevelopment feature will bring WhatsApp closer to FaceTime which lets users watch movies or listen to music together during video calls via SharePlay.

Building more on its username feature that is yet to reach the stable version, WhatsApp recently started working on the ability to search usernames in the app. It is also testing the search messages by date option for Android and a new shortcut button that will take users to its AI-powered chatbot.

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The messaging company Beeper has launched its latest app, Beeper Mini, on Android phones. The app successfully implements full iMessage capabilities, with Android phone numbers being able to both send and receive iMessages from iOS devices without using a server or Mac based backend, which caused issues with the recently launched (and pulled) Nothing Chats.

Once the app is installed, group chats will detect that the phone number is now capable of receiving iMessages and will convert accordingly without losing messages. It will also enable all functionality of iMessage, including the improvements brought in with iOS 17 in September.

Beeper's original app, as well as the previously mentioned Nothing Chats (which was provided by Sunbird), have previously made use of a Mac relay server in a data center to enable this communication. However, this exposes a lot of security concerns which eventually led to Sunbird (and Nothing Chats) being pulled from Google Play. Beeper Mini however, utilises a different approach. It connects directly to the Apple servers, which maintains the end-to-end encryption, as well as not requiring visibility or access to Apple ID's.

The app is currently available on Google Play, and it has a subscription model to maintain access. There is a 7 day free trial and then there is a charge of $1.99 a month, which for some Android users may be a small price to pay to gain access to iMessage functionality.

Apple has yet to comment, and whether it will take action against Beeper in any way (even though Beeper has confirmed to The Verge that it is well within the law) remains to be seen. Apple may patch out this access route for Beeper in future updates to the iMessage protocol to encourage the use of RCS messaging instead, which it is bringing to iOS sometime next year.

Source: The Verge

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The update focuses heavily on improving messaging. The latest update to Emoji Kitchen will allow people to remix two emojis into combo stickers that can be shared with friends as messages or Snapchat snaps. Users can combine their favorite emoji, like a camera and mind-blown face, to start conversations.

A highlight is "Voice Moods", currently in beta, which analyzes your voice and adds a corresponding background and emoji theme to voice messages. "Reaction Effects" is another beta feature that lets you react to individual messages with large animated emojis.

Smartwatch users get more control of their smart home right from their wrist. Google is bringing Assistant routines to Wear OS, allowing users to start hands-free tasks like navigating or checking their agenda by telling their watch to start its "commute to work" routine.

Using their watch, they can now manage smart devices, light groups, home status and routines. An "Assistant At a Glance" widget consolidates important information like weather, events and travel updates.

The update aims to help more people participate fully even when they can't hear a call. AI-powered image descriptions in TalkBack will help blind and low-vision users better understand photos read aloud. Live Captions on phone calls will support additional languages while allowing call recipients to reply by text.

Security and accessibility get a boost, too. Users can set custom PINs for passwordless logins to select websites and apps.

Google has added more than 10 new free streaming channels to Google TV, expanding the free entertainment options available to users. The new channels join the service's existing lineup of more than 100 free channels that offer movies, TV shows, sports, news and more without requiring a subscription.

You can read more about them in the official blog post.

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What are open extensions anyway? If a developer marks their add-on as compatible with Android devices, Mozilla will list the extension as openly available for Firefox for Android, hence the name, open extensions.

Firefox users have long been frustrated with the state of the Android browser, since Mozilla debuted a redesigned version of Firefox in 2019. It required web extension developers to create a separate version of their add-on compatible with mobile devices, this nearly killed support for add-ons as very few developers made their plugins compatible with Firefox for Android. Most add-ons are designed for desktops, which has the largest user base among Firefox fans.

This resulted in Firefox for Android being limited to around 22 add-ons, as opposed to over 35,000 extensions on desktop. The main problem with this was the collection curated by Mozilla was not necessarily accurate. Many extensions were indeed compatible with the mobile browser, but Mozilla did not allow users to install them. You could bypass this restriction by using Firefox Beta or Firefox Nightly, to create a custom add-on collection and install the ones that you wanted. This isn't exactly a user-friendly process, besides it also impacted the discoverability of add-ons.

Things changed for the better in August 2023, when the browser maker revealed its plans to extend support for all extensions, providing a breath of relief for developers and users alike. The add-ons were tested in the beta channel of Firefox version 119. At that time, the open extensions library boasted over 250 add-ons, which was quite impressive considering the official collection had less than 2 dozen plugins.

Mozilla to allow open extensions on Firefox for Android from December 14

Mozilla had originally planned to introduce Open extensions on Firefox for Android on December 19, 2023, which would coincide with the release of Firefox 121. According to a new announcement on Mozilla Add-ons Community Blog, the browser maker will enable open extensions 5 days earlier, i.e. on December 14th.

You don't have to wait until then to see what's in store for us. Check out the new "Explore All Android Extensions" section on the AMO today to get a sneak peek of the upcoming collection. When you browse the page using the stable version of Firefox on your Android phone, you will only be able to view 47 extensions. But if you access it via the Firefox Beta or Firefox Nightly versions, you will be able to browse a much larger catalog that comprises over 400 extensions.

This will allow Firefox for Android users to install various extensions including the likes of SponsorBlock, SteamDB, SingleFile, Old Reddit Redirect, Simple Translate, Keepa, and more. This could improve the browsing experience greatly on mobile devices.

The availability of more extensions on Firefox for Android could give Mozilla's browser a much-needed edge over the competition. Most of its rivals are Chromium-based, and do not support add-ons. And it could not arrive at a better time, users have been frustrated by Google's anti-ad blocker practices on YouTube. You could already bypass these issues with uBlock Origin, but if you throw in SponsorBlock into the mix, it can basically replace the YouTube app to deliver a distraction-free experience. Perhaps this is the time for Firefox to set the mobile web ablaze.

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Google seems to be experimenting with a new interface for its search app on Android. It moves the primary search bar from the top of the screen to the bottom.

According to AssembleDebug, the company has enabled a hidden flag in a recent beta version of the Google app that places the search bar at the bottom. Screenshots of the updated interface show the search box sitting directly above the bottom navigation bar.

The query automatically populates in the lowered search bar when an active search is underway. The rest of the search interface, such as filters, sections, and account options, remain at the top of the screen. Only the search bar itself has been relocated.

AssembleDebug reported finding this bottom search bar option in Google app version 14.48.26.29.arm64 while investigating hidden features. However, it's unclear if the change will be rolled out more widely or just an experiment. Google often tests interface tweaks without fully implementing them.

With Google now offering a bottom address bar option on Chrome for iOS as well, extending this design to more Android apps seems possible. A bottom search bar could make Google's core search functionality more accessible for today's larger smartphones.

This wouldn't be Google's first foray into bottom navigation. The company previously experimented with moving the address bar to the bottom of Chrome for Android but eventually stopped the test. Other browsers like Firefox have adopted bottom navigation bars, though.

For now, the new bottom search bar in the Google app remains an obscure flag-enabled feature. But it provides an early glimpse at how Google may rethink touchscreen interfaces.

In other news, Google has added a new feature to Search designed to give users the latest information on specific topics they are interested in. The new feature is called Follow.

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Pixel phones always seem to ship with some bizarre hardware malady, and this year it's that not all the parts fit inside the phone quite right. Some users are reporting "bumpy" screens on their Pixel 8 and 8 Pros. The bumps aren't in the top surface, which is still smooth glass, but in the OLED display under the glass, which can show raised, usually circular bumps. It looks like components inside the phone are pressing up against the back of the OLED display, resulting in visible bumps under the right lighting conditions. Google gave a statement about the issue to 9to5Google and says it's nothing to worry about.

 

Pixel 8 phones have a new display. When the screen is turned off, not in use and in specific lighting conditions, some users may see impressions from components in the device that look like small bumps. There is no functional impact to Pixel 8 performance or durability.

That's certainly an interesting take. All phones come with "new" displays, so what exactly does that first sentence mean? The bumps definitely aren't on every Pixel 8, and even the bumpy displays aren't noticeable in normal usage. The pictures and videos out there all involve people shining flashlights into a turned-off display, so it's not the end of the world. It's just worrying to have the delicate OLED panel be dented by internal components. Is this going to be ok long-term? Does this make the glass or OLED panel more susceptible to breaking after a shock? It's certainly not normal phone construction.

 

Match up anyone's pockmark video with a teardown and you'll usually be able to spot the offending item. It's usually screw heads, spring clips designed to ground some component to the display copper, or the corners of some other component poking through. No one item accounts for every pockmark, so the components seem just a little too close to the display on some models. YouTuber JerryRigEverything actually took apart a Pixel 8 Pro that had a bumpy screen. It wasn't noted in the video, but freeze-frame it and you'll see some pretty alarming indents in the copper sheet on the back of the display that you can try to match up to the other half of the phone. They are almost puncture marks!

 

It's also strange that this happens only on some Pixel 8s, indicating it's a QC issue and not some purposeful decision in the never-ending quest for device thinness. So what's going on, Google? Are some of the screws a bit too long? Are things not being torqued-down properly? If you really want to smash components together like this, you know you can get screws in flat-head, flush-mount style, right?

 

The tell-tale sign of this being an actual problem will be an OLED display that's internally broken but doesn't have a shattered glass cover. We've yet to see this happen, but if it does, you know where to send an email.

 

 

Listing image by Ron Amadeo

 

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Ultra HDR is an image format that takes existing JPEG formatted images, and includes HDR metadata on top of it, which gives the benefit of showing the standard image on non-HDR displays while also displaying the HDR version on displays that support it. There is no clear indication that an image is Ultra HDR when sent via messages, and the image will get the HDR gain map applied once the image is viewed confirming that this is not being stripped by the app.

Google first published information to its Developers page regarding the Ultra HDR Image Format v1.0 in July 2023, and then launched the feature with Android 14 in during its October Google Event. Google went on to say that the technology would build upon the existing high dynamic range (HDR) video that was included as a feature in Android 13.

This update comes not long after Apple confirmed that it would begin supporting the RCS messaging standard on iOS, with a software update due in 2024. All iPhones since the iPhone 12 series have supported the capture of HDR images by default, which means that this update would support viewing HDR photos taken on iPhones that are sent via RCS to Android phones that support it as well.

The RCS (Rich Communication Services) standard was implemented into Android 3 years ago now, granting the benefits of other chat apps such as iMessage and WhatsApp, to Android users within the default messaging app on the platform. Ever since then it has been gaining more features such as emoji reactions, and reminder nudges as well.

Source: TheSpAndroid

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OnePlus have also been sharing some of the specs of the device on Weibo, including the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, a new Sony sensor for the 50-megapixel main camera, and also including a 64-megapixel 3X periscopic telephoto camera. The display will be supplied by BOE going up to 2K resolution, and the phone will also inlcude the usual alert slider, wireless charging, infrared remote and touch optimisation under rainfall which is a feature that has been carried over from the Ace 2 Pro.

Other than what OnePlus has shared on Weibo, no further details have been revealed or leaked so far for the device. OnePlus has confirmed that the global launch date for the upcoming OnePlus 12 will be announced on 15th December. The OnePlus 11 shipped with Android 13 and started from $699 back when it launched in February, but there has been no indication so far as to what the price of the OnePlus 12 will be, however expect it to launch with Android 14 pre-installed.

The launch of the OnePlus 12 comes in the same month as the anniversary of the company, and the global launch announcement on 15th December comes the day before its 10th Anniversary as OnePlus was originally founded on 16th December 2013. The company then went on to launch its first smartphone, the OnePlus One, on 23rd April 2014, originally running CyanogenMod 11S with a 1080p 5.5 inch screen and 13-megapixel rear camera.

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Google is constantly adding new features to its Messages app; the latest update is welcome. The app is now getting animated emoji reactions, which are similar to the ones that are already available in Telegram. The new reactions are bigger and more animated, and they are sure to make Messages a more fun and expressive way to communicate.

To use animated emoji reactions, simply long-press on a message and select the emoji you want to react with. The emoji will then appear above the message with a little animation.

Animated emoji reactions are a fun and expressive way to communicate, and they can help to add personality to your messages. They are also a great way to show your friends and family you are paying attention to them.

In addition to animated emoji reactions, Google Messages has been getting several new features like noise cancellation and profile and chat UI overhaul in recent months.

It makes one think that Google is improving Google Messages by promoting RCS, which offers features like read receipts, typing indicators, and group chats with over ten people. Apple’s support for RCS is a significant breakthrough. Messages will soon be able to send RCS messages to iPhones, making it a more desirable choice for users.

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This month, Google Messages has been on a roll, adding new features such as noise cancellation for voice messages. With beta versions of Google Messages – messages.android_20231117_01_RCO0.phone.openbeta_dynamic, Google Message is working on changing the UI of the bottom chat bar and the profile page, as revealed by SPAndroid.

In the bottom chat bar where you type your text, the + button and gallery icon on the left change their positions and are now placed inside the input field layout. The smiley icon is taking the place of the + icon. Also, the voice message icon is being placed alone on the right.

The Profile UI has changed completely from plain, boring texts and icons to new ones with material you theme and elements.

Users’ reactions to the changes have been overwhelmingly positive. Many take to social media to express their excitement about the new UI. “This is gorgeous,” one user commented on the Reddit post sharing this update. “I can’t wait to try it out!” Another user said, “The new design is so good. It makes me want to use Messages even more.”

These UI changes are currently hidden behind flags and may soon appear for beta testers.

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Undoubtedly, Enabling email linking for your WhatsApp account provides an extra layer of security and accessibility by offering an alternative way to receive the login code.

If you have the latest WhatsApp beta for Android, go to WhatsApp Settings, then Account, and select Email address. Here, you will find an option to link your email address, as revealed by the source.

However, it’s essential to note that while email linking provides an alternative login method, a phone number is still required initially to create a WhatsApp account.

The latest stable release of WhatsApp for iPhone appears to be rolling out email linking for all iOS users. However, the option may not be immediately available on your device due to the phased rollout process.

Overall, I believe that WhatsApp is taking the security and privacy of its users seriously by implementing robust security features. Knowing that my personal information and conversations are protected gives me peace of mind.

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According to a recent discovery in the insider community, at least ten different accents are available for selection: four “American” accents, two British, two Indian, and two Australian. The addition was spotted in Chrome Canary, the experimental channel of the browser, on Android devices. 

Take a look at the discovery below, courtesy of @Leopeva64 on X (fka Twitter): 

After working on the feature for quite some time on desktop, Google finally added it to Canary on Android. That means we’re probably going to see this feature in action for Stable any time soon. 

The new browser’s “Read aloud” feature reportedly goes beyond simply reading text aloud. It may also allow users to translate the text and then have the browser read it aloud on both mobile and desktop devices, but this functionality seems to be under development.

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The latest version, WhatsApp 23.24.70, introduces the ability to associate an email address with a WhatsApp account.

This feature provides an alternative method for account verification and recovery, offering an additional layer of protection and convenience for users.

Why is this such a big deal?

Previously, WhatsApp relied solely on phone numbers for account creation and verification. With the introduction of email associations, users can now link their email addresses to their WhatsApp accounts.

This feature introduced at WhatsApp 23.24.70 serves a dual purpose:

1. Account verification: During the account creation process, users can opt to receive a six-digit verification code via email instead of SMS, providing an alternative method to confirm their identity
2. Account recovery: In case of phone loss or number changes, users can utilize their associated email address to regain access to their WhatsApp accounts. This eliminates the reliance on phone numbers and ensures that users can maintain their communication channels even in unforeseen circumstances

Gradual rollout on the way

WhatsApp is gradually rolling out this feature to iOS users, ensuring a smooth transition and allowing for timely feedback collection.

While the official changelog on the App Store may not reflect this update immediately, users can check their WhatsApp Settings > Account to see if the option to associate an email address is available.

In addition to email association, the latest update also addresses a known bug that caused app slowdown for some users. This fix improves overall performance and ensures a more seamless user experience.

How to get WhatsApp Beta for iOS and Android

If you often lose your phone, the e-mail verification coming with WhatsApp 23.24.70 update is for you. You can register for WhatsApp Beta as explained below.

How to join WhatsApp Beta for iOS

1. Install the TestFlight app: If you haven't already, download and install the TestFlight app from the App Store. This app will allow you to install and test beta versions of iOS apps, including WhatsApp
2. Find a TestFlight invitation: WhatsApp Beta invitations are typically distributed through email or public links. You can try searching for WhatsApp Beta invitations online or on social media
3. Accept the invitation: Once you have an invitation, open the email or tap the public link on your iOS device. You'll be prompted to accept the invitation and install the WhatsApp Beta app
4. Install the WhatsApp Beta app: Tap "Install" to download and install the WhatsApp Beta app on your device.

Once installed, you'll be able to log in with your WhatsApp account and start testing the beta features mentioned in the

Note: WhatsApp Beta invitations are limited, and there may be a waitlist to join the program.

How to join WhatsApp Beta for Android

1. Open the Google Play Store app on your Android device
2. Search for "WhatsApp" and tap on the app's listing
3. Scroll down to the "Join the beta" section and tap on the "Join" button
4. If you haven't already, you'll be prompted to sign in with your Google account
5. Once signed in, tap on the "Confirm" button to join the WhatsApp Beta program
6. You'll be redirected to the app's listing again. Tap on the "Update" button to download and install the WhatsApp Beta app

Once installed, open the WhatsApp Beta app and log in with your WhatsApp account. You'll now be able to start testing the beta features of WhatsApp 23.24.70.

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Your phone is the guardian of your digital life. It has that video of your child’s first words, the heart-warming message from your significant other that never fails to cheer you up, and the latest save from your favorite mobile game. You have invested time in getting it just the way you want, and there are irreplaceable memories onboard. Spending a couple of minutes backing up is a small price to pay to ensure you don’t lose it all.

We will show you how to back up your Android phone in a few ways, so pick the one that appeals. We have separate guides on how to back up your iPhone and how to back up your computer.

Updated November 2023: We added Samsung's new Temporary Cloud Backup option, more information on Google One, and a table of contents.

• Backing Up to Google
• Managing Backups and Extra Storage
• Backing Up to Your Windows PC
• Backing Up to Your Mac
• Backing Up to Your Chromebook
• Backing Up to Another Cloud Service
• Backing Up a Samsung

The simplest and easiest backup option is Google’s cloud service, which is built into Android.

Android via Simon Hill

1. Go to Settings, Google, and choose Backup.
2. You can see how much storage is available for the Google account you are signed into listed at the top.
3. Below that, you will likely see an option that says Backup to Google Drive with a toggle next to it. (If you have Google One installed, it might say Backup by Google One.) Make sure it is toggled on.
4. There is a Back up now button beneath. Tap it. Remember that backups can take several hours to complete if you haven't backed up before. It’s best to leave your phone plugged into a charger and connected to Wi-Fi overnight.
5. The section at the bottom shows details of your backup. Tap on Photos & Videos and make sure that Backup is toggled on. You can also do this in the menu in the Google Photos app.
6. At the bottom of the Backup details section, you can tap Google Account data (also accessible via Settings > Accounts > [Your Google Account] > Account sync). This is where you can choose what to sync with your Google Account. The list of toggles that appears here differs based on the apps and services you use.

Google via Simon Hill

You can find your backups in the Google Drive app by tapping the menu at the top left and choosing Backups.

It can be a challenge to stay under Google Drive’s free 15 GB of storage, so you might consider signing up for a plan with Google One. You can get 100 GB for $2 per month or $20 annually, 200 GB for $3 per month or $30 annually, or 2 TB for $10 per month or $100 annually. Once you subscribe you will see options for even more storage from 5 TB for $25 per month or $250 annually all the way up to 30 TB for $150 per month. You can share this storage with up to six family members.

The Google One app offers more insight and control for your backups, found on the Storage tab listed under Device Backup.

You might not want to pay for extra space, so let’s look at how to back up files directly to your computer before we dip into alternative backup services.

Google via Simon Hill

It is easy to back up files from your Android phone on a Windows PC. Here’s how:

1. Plug your phone into a USB port on your desktop or laptop.
2. Drag down the notification shade on your phone and look for a notification from Android System that says something like Charging this device via USB, Tap for more options and tap it.
3. Look for an option that says File transfer and select it.
4. A window should now pop up on your PC, or you can open Windows File Explorer and click your phone listed in the left pane under This PC.
5. You can dig into folders and copy and paste any files you want to back up. This isn’t the most user-friendly layout, though. For example, your photos will probably be in a folder labeled DCIM, Camera.

If you want something like iTunes to manage this process or an app to manage a wireless backup from phone to PC, then you can find various premium options online, though we don’t recommend any of them. If you're trying to send files from your Android phone to a PC, try using Microsoft’s free Link to Windows app.

To back up files from your Android phone on a Mac is also pretty straightforward. Here’s how:

1. Install the official Android File Transfer app on your Mac.
2. Plug your phone into a USB port on your Mac.
3. An Android File Transfer window should open on your Mac, and you will see a list of folders and files on your phone.
4. Dig in and copy and paste any files you want to back up. You may have to search to find the files you want. For example, your photos will be in a folder labeled DCIM, Camera.

There are some premium apps for MacOS that offer more of an iTunes-like experience, but nothing that we vouch for.

Here is how to back up files from your Android phone on a Chromebook:

1. Plug your phone into a USB port on your Chromebook.
2. Drag down the notification shade and look for a notification from Android System that says something like Charging this device via USB, Tap for more options and tap it.
3. Look for an option that says File transfer and select it.
4. The Files app will open on your Chromebook, and you can drag any files you want to copy over.

Maybe you have run out of Google storage, or you prefer another cloud service. There are Android apps for Dropbox, Microsoft’s OneDrive, MEGA, Box, and others. Most of them offer some cloud storage for free, but what you can back up and how you do it differs from app to app.

We looked at how to back up mobile photos on a few of these before, and you can usually set that up to be automatic, though other files often have to be backed up manually. If you want to automatically sync photos and other files across devices using one of these services, then check out the Autosync app. There are specific versions for Dropbox, OneDrive, MEGA, and Box.

Whatever service you choose, make sure to keep your cloud storage safe and secure.

Courtesy of Samsung

If you have a Samsung phone, then you have additional backup options. We recommend sticking with Google, because Samsung backups can be restored only to Samsung phones, but if you want a second backup or you plan to stick with Samsung, here’s how to use Samsung’s cloud service:

1. Go to Settings, Accounts and backup, then Backup and restore.
2. Under Samsung account, tap Back up data (the option to back up through your Google account is listed here too). You will have to create and sign in to your Samsung account if you haven’t already done so.
3. Tick everything you want to back up and tap Back up at the bottom.

Samsung recently added another option called Temporary Cloud Backup. Available on Galaxy S and Z series phones running One UI 6 or later, this free service stores your backup in the cloud for up to 30 days, so you can potentially backup and then sell or trade in your old phone and restore the backup as part of the setup of your new Samsung phone. There is no total storage limit, though file sizes max out at 100 GB. Here’s how to use it:

1. Go to Settings > General Management > Reset > Temporary Cloud Backup or Settings > Battery and Device Care > Maintenance Mode > Temporary Cloud Backup.
2. Select Back up data, and decide what you want to include. You can back up third-party apps, photos, videos, audio, documents, calls and contacts, messages, and files.
3. Once you have ticked the boxes next to everything you want, simply tap Back up and wait.

Samsung also offers Smart Switch, an app that lets you back up your smartphone onto a Windows or Mac computer. It makes it easy for anyone switching to a Samsung phone to copy over all their data. Sadly, although Smart Switch backups can be made from most smartphones, they can only be restored to Samsung phones.

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Just today, Qualcomm launched the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 to the masses and it’s packed with AI features, a powerful “creativity-charged” camera, and outstanding GPU and CPU performances.

Or, at least that’s what the company boasted. Christopher Patrick, Qualcomm’s senior VP, highlights that the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 Mobile Platform is smartly designed for both performance and power efficiency.

“By working closely with our OEM partners, we’re able to help make the next generation of in-demand features, such as enhanced AI and extraordinary camera capabilities, more widely accessible to consumers,” he further says. 

But, enough with tech jargon. How is Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 different than the recently-released Snapdragon 8 Gen 3? Here’s everything you need to know.

Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 vs Snapdragon 7 Gen 3: Key comparisons you need to know

Smartphone manufacturers HONOR and vivo are among the first to embrace the new Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 chipset, with the inaugural device expected to be released this month. On the other hand, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 lineup is also shaping up to be impressive, with a roster of notable brands including ASUS, HONOR, iQOO, MEIZU, NIO, Nubia, OnePlus, OPPO, realme, Redmi, RedMagic, Sony, vivo, Xiaomi, and ZTE.

What do you think about this chip? Do you believe it will outperform chips from other brands in the lower to medium classes?

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Earlier this year, the company also launched the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2, another mid-range mobile chip. However, this new Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 chip is meant to be a successor to the 2022 released Snapdragon 7 Gen 1, and actually has a lower-end CPU compared to the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 (we will save discussions about Qualcomm's confusing branding of its mobile chips for another day).

In any case, the new chip has four Cortex-A715 CPU cores, with one getting the clock speed of 2.63GHz and the other three clocked at 2.4GHz. It also has four Cortex-A510 CPU cores, all of which are clocked at 1.8GHz. Qualcomm says this gives the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 fifteen percent more CPU performance than the Snapdragon 7 Gen 1.

It also has an Adreno 720 GPU that is said to offer 50 percent better performance than the Adreno 710 GPU that's in the Qualcomm 7 Gen 1. The company is promoting its Hexagon NPU for AI app performance that's 60 percent better than the older chip.

Some of the other hardware specs on the new Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 include the Snapdragon X63 5G Modem-RF (radio frequency) System for up to 5Gbps download speeds on cellular phone networks. The Qualcomm Spectra ISP hardware can support smartphone cameras up to 200MP. The sound hardware supports features like LE audio and spatial audio. The company says the first smartphones with the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 will go on sale later in November.

Last month at the Qualcomm Summit, the company revealed its latest high-end mobile chip, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. It also announced the upcoming Snapdragon X Elite processor for personal computers, which will be inside a number of upcoming laptops in 2024, including Microsoft's Surface devices.

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The shortcut button, which gives more visibility to WhatsApp's AI chat, is currently rolling out to a limited number of testers. It is present in the Chats tab above the new chat icon and offers quick access to the AI-powered chats in WhatsApp.

To check if you have the feature, tap on the new chat icon > New AI Chat. Next, you need to accept the terms and conditions and then select Meta AI or some other character to give prompts to. In a WhatsApp group chat, you can also type "@MetaAI" followed by your query to trigger the assistant.

Meta announced its generative AI chatbot for WhatsApp, Messenger, and Instagram in September this year. The chatbot is currently available in the US and only supports the English language. It can perform text-based interactions with users and also generate photorealistic images based on text prompts.

The company is working on 28 other AI personalities in addition to the Meta AI chatbot. Popular celebrities and influencers such as Snoop Dogg, Charli D’Amelio, MrBeast, Kendall Jenner, and Paris Hilton have partnered with Meta to play and embody some of the AI personalities. Apart from Meta's social media apps, the AI chatbot will also find a home in Ray-Ban sunglasses and the Quest 3 headset.

Microsoft, which is a prominent backer of OpenAI's ChatGPT, joined hands with Meta to integrate its Bing Search into Meta AI's chat features. The social media giant notes that its AI personalities, except Meta AI, Bru, and Perry, have access to information that largely existed before 2023, so their responses may be dated.

WhatsApp has been testing a stream of other features in recent months, including search messages by date, video rewind and forward, text unknown phone numbers, view-once voice messages, revamped Android user interface, a new reply bar for media, etc.

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When Apple originally unveiled the iPhone 14 series of models last year it used part of the announcement to go over one of the headlining features being added, which was Emergency SOS via satellite. This feature would allow the phones to connect to satellites to be able to send messages to emergency services, and update locations on Find My.

The feature was originally planned to be made free for two years following the launch of the device, later moving to a paid subscription. However, today Apple has announced that it will be extending its free access to the service for an additional year for existing iPhone 14 users. This applies to any iPhone 14 device that has been activated in a country that supports the feature prior to 12 a.m. PT today. Currently, 16 countries and regions support the service, the latest of which were Australia and New Zealand in May this year.

Kevin Drance, Apple's vice president of Worldwide iPhone Product Marketing said that “Emergency SOS via satellite has helped save lives around the world. From a man who was rescued after his car plummeted over a 400-foot cliff in Los Angeles, to lost hikers found in the Apennine Mountains in Italy, we continue to hear stories of our customers being able to connect with emergency responders when they otherwise wouldn’t have been able to," and that “we are so happy iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 users can take advantage of this groundbreaking service for two more years for free.”

Apple has also recently introduced the ability to make use of this feature to get Roadside Assistance in the U.S. which connects users to the American Automobile Association (AAA) if they have car trouble while outside of cellular and Wi-Fi coverage, further building on the satellite infrastructure originally introduced with the iPhone 14.

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Backups allow Android users to back up all of their chats and media to Google Drive. These backups can be restored, for instance when users switch to a new device or have reset one of their devices. WhatsApp does create local backups as well, but these don't help if the Android device dies, is lost or gets stolen.

The only backup option at the time is to back up to Google Drive. Other cloud storage services, such as Microsoft's OneDrive or Dropbox, are not supported.

Most Android users have a Google account, which they use to sign-in to the device. Free Google accounts get 15GB of storage space by default. Grandfathered accounts may have even more.

You can check and configure backups of WhatsApp data on Android in the following way:

1. Select the three dots at the top and then Settings.
2. Open Chats > Chat backup.

WhatsApp reveals whether backups are enabled. If that is the case, it lists the last date and time of the backup and the total size of it. Most users may have a size of about 1GB of storage, but it depends entirely on account activity.

WhatsApp plans to display a banner to users 30 days prior to the change, but only in Chat backup.

Some Google users may notice that the change would push them over their storage quota. Backups won't complete if that is the case. Google recommends to delete data that is no longer required or to pay a monthly fee to increase the quota. The cheapest option is available for $1.99 per month and it upgrades storage to 100GB.

Google Workspace subscriptions for work or school are not affected by the change at this time according to Google.

WhatsApp's plans

WhatsApp plans to introduce a major change that affects the backup functionality on Android. A report on Wabetainfo claims that the company is working on cloudless chat history transfers. This would allow users to transfer their chats to another device without relying on Google Drive backups.

WhatsApp is also working on reducing the size of backups and has made progress in this regard in the past couple of months already.

What you can do about it right now

Android users may open Storage and data in Settings and then "manage storage" to find out more about WhatsApp's storage use.

The interface displays files larger than 5MB at the top, which is useful to quickly spot large files. Files that are not needed anymore can be deleted right from the interface.

Just select files with a tap and then the recycle bin icon to delete them. Confirmation is required to complete the process.

WhatsApp lists the storage that each chat occupies on the same page. A tap displays media and files, which you may also delete immediately.

Closing Words

Some WhatsApp users on Android will into backup issues once the change lands. It depends on the available free storage of their Google account and the size of WhatsApp backups. To avoid this, users may delete old chats, media and files to reduce the storage requirement.

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