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New RCS update brings stronger security, backed by Google and Apple

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For a while, RCS messaging missed out on a key feature: end-to-end encryption. But now, the GSMA has shared exciting news—the latest RCS update includes this much-needed security boost. Even better, tech giants Google and Apple are fully on board.

The RCS Universal Profile 3.0 introduces end-to-end encryption using something called the “Messaging Layer Security” (MLS) protocol. In simple terms, this update sets rules for keeping chats safe across different RCS apps and companies. It ensures that messages, files, and other shared content stay private as they move between users.

The GSMA says this change makes RCS the first widely used messaging service to offer secure, encrypted chats that work across apps from different providers. Paired with features like SIM-based verification, this upgrade protects users from scams, fraud, and privacy risks, giving RCS a top-notch safety edge.

This news follows another big win for RCS: Apple added support for it in iOS last year. Around that time, hints dropped that the GSMA and Google were teaming up to add encryption. Now, it’s official. Apple told 9to5Mac it’s happy to have helped lead this push and will roll out updates for iOS, macOS, iPadOS, and watchOS soon. They’ve long used this kind of encryption in iMessage and are thrilled to bring it to RCS, too.

Google’s also jumping in. They told The Verge that their Messages app has had encrypted RCS chats since 2020. Now, they’re eager to update it fast to match this new standard. This could even let Google Messages securely connect with other RCS apps on Android, though those are getting rarer. For now, these changes aren’t live yet—the standard is set, but the updates are still coming. When they do, RCS will be a safer, more private way to chat, no matter what device you use.

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Google Photos gets new quick edit tool, while Google Maps shows off new design on Android

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Google is rolling out two helpful updates for its popular apps — Google Photos and Google Maps — aiming to make things faster and easier for Android users.

First, Google Photos is introducing a new “Quick Edit” feature that lets you quickly tweak your photos without fully opening the edit menu. A small pencil icon now appears at the bottom of each photo. Tapping it brings up suggested edits powered by AI, letting you apply improvements with just one tap. This tool is especially handy for small fixes like lighting or color adjustments. While it’s starting to roll out, not everyone will see it immediately. Some changes might still open the full editor depending on the photo.

At the same time, Google Maps is testing a fresh look for its place sheets — the bottom panel that shows up when you tap on a location. The new design includes more rounded corners, a cleaner layout, and easier access to options like directions, saving, or sharing a place. This redesigned panel also keeps the location’s name, rating, and category in clearer view. It feels more modern and easier to navigate.

Both updates are gradually rolling out, so it might take a little time before they reach all Android users. These changes show Google’s ongoing efforts to make its apps more user-friendly and visually appealing.

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Pixel Watch gets better media controls, and Android tests bubble bar for phones

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Google is rolling out two new updates that aim to improve the experience on Android devices, including the Pixel Watch and Android phones.

First, the Pixel Watch is getting upgraded media controls. With the new update, users can now swipe between different media apps like Spotify and YouTube Music more easily. Instead of going back and forth through menus, you can just swipe left or right to switch apps. The update also adds a shortcut to quickly launch the full media app right from the watch. This makes listening to music or podcasts much smoother and faster.

Meanwhile, Google is testing a new feature for Android phones called the “bubble bar.” This new feature is meant to replace or enhance the current taskbar and app dock. It looks like a small floating bar with app icons, similar to bubbles. Users can easily switch between apps without going back to the home screen. The bubble bar could be especially helpful for larger-screen devices like foldables or tablets, making multitasking simpler.

These updates show how Google is working to make Android more user-friendly across different devices. While the Pixel Watch update is starting to roll out now, the bubble bar is still being tested, so it may take a while before it becomes available to everyone.

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Android Auto weather card not working for many users

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Android Auto has recently had a small but annoying problem—its weather card isn’t showing up for many users. Usually, this feature shows the current temperature and weather condition in the top corner of the dashboard, which is helpful while driving. But now, for a lot of people, it’s either missing or just showing a blank space.

Reports about this issue have been popping up on Google’s support forums and Reddit over the past week. Some users say the card disappeared after a recent Android Auto update, while others noticed it went away without any changes to their apps or settings.

What’s odd is that Google hasn’t confirmed if this is a bug or a planned change. As of now, there’s no official fix or update. Some users tried restarting their phones, clearing cache, or reinstalling the app, but these steps didn’t work for everyone.

This isn’t the first time something like this has happened. Android Auto has had similar issues with the weather card in the past, which were usually fixed through updates. Until Google releases a fix or gives more info, users will just have to wait and hope the card comes back soon.

If you’re affected, it’s a good idea to keep your app and phone updated in case a fix rolls out.

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