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Search results for: “Android Auto”

  • Google says iOS 26 borrows key Android features

    Google says iOS 26 borrows key Android features

    Apple recently announced iOS 26, and Google has pointed out that some of its new features are very similar to ones Android has had for a while. Here are the three main features that Google says Apple has borrowed:

    1. Improved Call Recording

    Apple is adding call recording to iPhones with iOS 26. This feature lets users record phone calls and even get a summary of the conversation. Google notes that Android phones have offered call recording for years, and some models even provide automatic summaries.

    2. Smarter Messaging with RCS

    iOS 26 will support RCS (Rich Communication Services) in the Messages app. This means iPhone users can now send high-quality photos and videos, see typing indicators, and enjoy better group chats with Android users. Google has supported RCS on Android for a long time, making texting between different phones easier and more modern.

    3. Customizable Home Screen

    Apple is allowing users to place app icons and widgets anywhere on the home screen, not just in a fixed grid. Android users have enjoyed this flexibility for many years, letting them organize their home screens however they like.

    Google commented on social media, welcoming Apple to these features and playfully reminding everyone that Android has had them first. While Apple fans are excited about these changes, it’s clear that iOS 26 is catching up to some things Android users already know and love.

  • Apple should boost CarPlay for electric cars

    Apple should boost CarPlay for electric cars

    Apple’s CarPlay makes it easy to use your iPhone in the car, letting you access apps safely on the road. However, for electric vehicle (EV) owners, CarPlay falls short. Its EV routing tool, which plans trips with charging stops, only works with a small number of models, like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Porsche Taycan. This leaves most EV drivers without proper support.

    The issue is that CarPlay’s charging and battery tracking features depend on carmakers sharing live battery data, and only a few do. Meanwhile, rivals like Google’s Android Auto face similar challenges, but some automakers are creating their own EV-friendly systems. For instance, General Motors is phasing out CarPlay in its electric models to build custom software that better handles navigation and charging needs.

    To stay ahead, Apple could add features that don’t rely on carmakers, like improved charger finders or simple battery range predictions. Including more EV-focused apps, such as those for locating charging stations or optimizing routes, would also make a big difference. With CarPlay in nearly 98% of new U.S. cars, Apple has a golden chance to shine in the EV world. It just needs to move quickly to meet the rising demand for electric vehicles.

  • GM puts a stop to custom CarPlay upgrades

    GM puts a stop to custom CarPlay upgrades

    General Motors (GM) is taking strong action against a popular way people upgrade their cars with Apple CarPlay. Many drivers love CarPlay because it lets them use their iPhone apps, like maps and music, right on their car’s screen. However, GM has decided it doesn’t want this feature added to its older vehicles through unofficial methods.

    A company called Nifty City had been selling a kit that allowed GM car owners to add CarPlay to vehicles that didn’t come with it. This kit was a hit among drivers who wanted a modern touch in their older cars. But GM wasn’t happy about it. They sent a legal notice to Nifty City, telling them to stop selling the kit right away. GM says this kind of upgrade messes with their car systems and could cause safety problems.

    Nifty City shared the news with its customers, explaining that they had to pull the product off the market because of GM’s demands. They’re disappointed, and so are the drivers who were excited about the upgrade. Some people even wonder if GM just wants to push buyers toward newer models that already have CarPlay built in.

    This isn’t the first time GM has made headlines about CarPlay. Last year, they announced plans to drop CarPlay and Android Auto from their future electric vehicles, betting on their software instead. That decision upset a lot of fans who prefer the familiar feel of Apple’s system. Now, by blocking these custom kits, GM is doubling down on controlling how its cars work.

    For drivers who still want CarPlay in their older GM cars, this news is a letdown. They’ll have to stick with what their vehicle already has or look for other options—though those might be harder to find now. GM’s move shows they’re serious about keeping their tech their way, even if it leaves some customers frustrated.

  • Apple Maps to add Tesla supercharger locations for Ford EV users

    Apple Maps to add Tesla supercharger locations for Ford EV users

    Apple Maps is getting a big update that will make planning trips easier for people driving Ford Mustang Mach-Es and F-150 Lightnings.

    The Apple Maps feature for electric vehicles (EVs) helps you plan your journey by adding stops for charging when you need them. It keeps track of your car’s battery and looks at things like how fast you’re driving, how high the road goes, and how quick the chargers are to figure out when you should charge and for how long.

    Right now, this feature only works with three cars: the Ford Mustang Mach-E, the Ford F-150 Lightning, and the Porsche Taycan. Last year, Ford started sending out adapters to let these Ford cars use Tesla’s Superchargers. These cars have a CCS charging port, and the adapter changes it to work with Tesla’s NACS plug.

    However, Apple Maps hasn’t known about this yet. It only shows you where to go for CCS stations. But, that’s going to change. Ford’s lead engineer for the Mustang Mach-E, Donna Dickson, mentioned in a forum post that the system will soon know about these changes.

    Soon, you’ll be able to see where compatible Tesla Superchargers are right from the navigation in the new 2025 Mustang Mach-E. These locations are already visible on Google Maps for Android Auto users and will soon appear on Apple Maps for those using Apple CarPlay.

    There aren’t a lot of details yet on how this will all work, but it’s expected that Ford drivers with the NACS adapter can tell Apple Maps they can use both CCS and NACS stations. This will help Apple Maps give better, more accurate advice on where to charge.

    As a Mustang Mach-E driver, I’m excited about this update. I hope Ford and Apple will share more soon.

    If you own an electric car, consider charging it at home with solar panels on your roof. To find a good solar installer, check out EnergySage. It’s a free service where you can get personalized solar quotes, compare them online, and get advice from Energy Advisers. This way, you can save money and make sure you’re getting a quality setup without the hassle of sales calls until you’re ready.

  • iOS 26 brings easier updates, smarter features, and better design

    iOS 26 brings easier updates, smarter features, and better design

    Apple’s new iOS 26 update comes with several helpful changes to make your iPhone experience better and simpler. One of the main features is that your iPhone can now save some storage space just for automatic updates. This means you won’t have to worry about running out of space when it’s time to update your phone, so updates will happen more smoothly and won’t interrupt what you’re doing.

    iOS 26 also makes it easier to use eSIMs, especially if you want to switch from an Android phone. Now, you can move your eSIM between Android and iPhone, making it less of a hassle to change devices or carriers. Another big improvement is in visual intelligence.

    The update brings smarter and more helpful ways to interact with your phone, making everything feel more natural and easier to use. The new design changes also make the interface look cleaner and more modern, which has made some people even more excited for the next iPhone, the iPhone 17 Air.

    Security is better, too. iOS 26 makes it easier to use passkeys and lets you transfer your passwords more simply, helping to keep your information safe while making logins less of a headache. Overall, iOS 26 focuses on making your iPhone safer, smarter, and easier to use, with a fresh look and features that help you every day.

  • Google Maps might soon be the go-to map app on iPhones in Europe

    Google Maps might soon be the go-to map app on iPhones in Europe

    Google Maps could soon become the main navigation app for iPhone users in Europe, thanks to new rules. On March 28, 2025, reports hinted that Apple might have to let users pick their default apps more freely in the European Union (EU). This change comes from a law called the Digital Markets Act (DMA), which aims to make things fairer for tech companies and give users more choices.

    Right now, iPhones automatically use Apple Maps for directions. But with the DMA, Apple may need to let people choose Google Maps or other apps instead. This would be a big shift, as Google Maps is super popular—tons of people already love it for its easy-to-use features and accurate details.

    The EU has been pushing big tech companies like Apple to open up their systems. This isn’t just about maps; it’s part of a bigger plan to stop companies from locking users into their apps. If this happens, iPhone users in Europe might see a pop-up asking them to pick their favorite map app when they set up their phone.

    For Google, this is great news. More people might switch to Google Maps, especially since it’s already a top choice on Android phones. Meanwhile, Apple might need to work harder to keep users hooked on Apple Maps. Either way, iPhone fans in the EU could soon enjoy more freedom to navigate their way!

  • Try free Starlink service on your iPhone until summer

    Try free Starlink service on your iPhone until summer

    T-Mobile has launched a public beta for its Starlink satellite service, inviting everyone in the U.S. with a compatible iPhone or Android phone to join. This is great news even if you’re not with T-Mobile, as you can test this new way to stay connected without traditional cell service.

    How to Get Involved:

    • Free Beta Access: You can sign up to use Starlink for free until July, but there are only a few spots.

    Pricing After July:

    • T-Mobile’s Go5G Next plan users and those with other eligible plans will keep using it for free.
    • If you have another T-Mobile plan, you can add Starlink for $15 a month, per phone line.
    • Users on other carriers will pay $20 a month, per line.
    • Early Bird Discount: Sign up before February ends, and you’ll get the service for just $10 per month starting in July.

    Where It Works:

    • In areas outside the usual cell service range in the U.S., your phone will link up with one of Starlink’s many satellites to send and receive texts when you’re off the grid.

    Future Features:

    • While it currently supports messaging, T-Mobile plans to add voice calls and internet data soon.

    iPhone Users, Take Note:

    • Your iPhone will show “SAT” when using this satellite service.
    • To stop using it, go to Settings, find Cellular, select your carrier, and switch off Satellite.

    What You Need:

    • An iPhone 14, 15, or 16 model.
    • The newest iOS update.
    • A compatible carrier plan.

    This isn’t the first time iPhones have used satellites; Apple already has a deal with Globalstar for emergency messaging. However, Starlink’s network is much bigger, offering smoother, automatic connections without aiming your phone.

    Remember:

    • Apple’s satellite features are currently free, but this might change.
    • The service is available in the U.S., with varying availability elsewhere.

    Starlink’s wide reach could change how we think about staying connected, making it an exciting time for smartphone users looking to stay in touch no matter where they are.

  • Microsoft Defender VPN for Mac and iPhone to end service soon

    Microsoft Defender VPN for Mac and iPhone to end service soon

    If you’re a Mac or iPhone user with a Microsoft 365 subscription, there’s some news you should know. Microsoft has announced that the Defender VPN service will stop working at the end of February 2025. According to a support document from Microsoft, they haven’t given a clear reason, but it looks like not many people were using this feature.

    The document states, “The privacy protection (VPN) feature within Defender will no longer be available after February 28, 2025. We regularly check how our features are used and how well they work. We’ve decided to stop this feature to focus on new areas that will better meet what our customers need.” This change was first noticed by the site Windows Latest.

    For those who don’t know, Microsoft Defender VPN was not widely known because it was only available to Microsoft 365 subscribers in the United Kingdom, the United States, and some US territories. It didn’t expand to other countries.

    Although it provided some privacy protection, it wasn’t helpful for those wanting to access content from different countries, like watching videos not available in their region. This is because, unlike other VPNs like NordVPN, you couldn’t pick which server to connect to; it automatically chose one near your location.

    Source

  • Truecaller now blocks spam calls on iPhones with iOS 18.2 update

    Truecaller now blocks spam calls on iPhones with iOS 18.2 update

    Truecaller has always been good at spotting spam and scam calls on Android phones, but it didn’t work as well on iPhones because of privacy rules. Now, with the new iOS 18.2 update, iPhones can do what Androids have been doing for a while.

    The old problem with Truecaller on iPhones:

    On Android, Truecaller would look at the caller’s number and match it with a list of known spam numbers. If it found a match, it would warn you or even block the call. But on iPhones, Apple’s privacy rules meant Truecaller couldn’t send the number to its servers like on Android. Instead, it used a local database which wasn’t as good.

    How iOS 18.2 fixes this:

    Apple introduced a new feature called Live Caller ID Lookup API in iOS 18.2. This makes your phone number safe by encrypting it before sending it to Truecaller’s server. The server sends back an encrypted reply which your iPhone then decodes. This method keeps your privacy safe but allows Truecaller to use its big, real-time database to spot spam calls.

    This update also lets Truecaller on iPhones do something users have wanted for ages – automatically block spam calls. Plus, you can now find out who called you from up to 2,000 past numbers in your call history.

    What you need to do:

    • Make sure you have Truecaller version 14.0 or newer on your iPhone.
    • Go to your iPhone’s Settings > Apps > Phone > Call Blocking & Identification.
    • Turn on all the Truecaller options and restart the app.

    Truecaller’s CEO, Rishit Jhunjhunwala, shared that they’re thrilled to bring these features to iPhones, matching what Android users get while still keeping calls private.

    The basic app can identify business calls for free, but to use all these new features, you’ll need a paid subscription. It costs $9.99 a month or $74.99 a year, or you can get a family plan for $14.99 a month or $99 a year which covers up to five people. This update is starting to roll out around the world now.

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