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New Satellite Texting coming to Verizon phones

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Pixel 9 Pro

Imagine being able to send a text message even when you’re far from cell towers. Soon, Verizon customers with certain phones will get that ability! A new feature called satellite texting is on its way to devices like the Google Pixel 9 and Samsung Galaxy S25. This means you can stay connected in remote places where regular phone signals don’t reach.

Verizon is teaming up with a company called Skylo to make this happen. Skylo has special tech that lets phones talk to satellites floating high above the Earth. Starting later in 2025, Verizon users with the right phones won’t need extra gear—just their regular device. You’ll be able to send texts to anyone, like friends or family, and even reach emergency services if you’re in trouble.

At first, this feature will only let you send messages, not receive them. So, you can tell someone you’re okay or ask for help, but you won’t see their replies right away. Still, this is a big deal for people who love hiking, camping, or traveling off the beaten path. It’s also great for emergencies when normal networks fail.

The Pixel 9 and Galaxy S25 are the first phones confirmed to get this upgrade, thanks to a simple software update. Other phones might join later, but Verizon hasn’t said which ones yet. The service won’t cost extra at the start, which is awesome news for users. However, Verizon might add a fee down the road—nothing’s set in stone.

This isn’t totally new—other companies like Apple have offered satellite options before. But Verizon joining in shows how important staying connected is becoming, no matter where you are. With satellites helping out, your phone could soon be a lifeline in places it never worked before. Get ready for texting from the wild!

Google

Gmail and Google Photos get new design and useful updates

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Gmail

Google is giving Gmail and Google Photos some fresh updates to make things easier and more user-friendly.

First, Gmail on the web is now getting a new layout option. You can choose between “Cozy,” “Comfortable,” or “Compact” views based on how much space you want between your emails. Google is also adding a setting to control whether your inbox and labels stay on screen or only show up when needed. These changes make it easier to personalize how Gmail looks and feels.

Meanwhile, Gmail for iPhone is getting a visual upgrade. The app now uses Google’s updated design style called “Material 3.” You’ll notice a cleaner look with a rounded search bar at the top, smoother icons, and better spacing. Although the bottom bar and buttons look mostly the same, the overall design feels more modern and easier on the eyes.

Lastly, Google Photos is bringing back a helpful feature. The classic search shortcut that appears in the bottom bar is returning, making it quicker to find your photos. Before this, the shortcut had been removed when Google added the new “Memories” tab. Now, both features work together, letting you browse memories and search with ease.

These updates aim to make Google’s apps feel more useful, clean, and easier to use on both desktop and mobile.

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Android

Android 16 boosts USB data safety and fixes delayed notifications on Pixel phones

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Android 16

Google’s upcoming Android 16 update is bringing better security and some helpful improvements, especially for Pixel phone users. One of the main features in Android 16 is a new way to protect your phone’s data when it’s connected to a computer through USB. Right now, when you plug your phone into a PC or laptop, it can access all your data as long as you approve it.

With Android 16, Google is adding an extra security layer that only allows limited access unless you enter your PIN, password, or use your fingerprint. This will help protect your files if someone tries to access your phone without permission.

At the same time, Google is also working on a fix for a frustrating issue that some Pixel users have been facing for months — delayed notifications. After the April 2024 update, many users noticed that app alerts were not showing up on time, especially from messaging apps. Google has confirmed the problem and says a fix will be included in a future update, though it’s not in the current April patch yet.

Together, these changes show that Google is focusing on both stronger privacy and a smoother experience for Android and Pixel users. Android 16 is expected to roll out later this year, starting with developer previews.

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Android

Google improves Translate, Assistant, TV, and Chrome with new updates

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Google

Google is bringing several updates across its apps to make them more useful and easier to use. Google Translate is working on a new feature called “Practice.” It helps users improve their language skills by offering short exercises, like matching words or filling in blanks. Right now, it looks like it will focus on Spanish, but other languages may come later. This tool could be great for people who want to go beyond just translating words and learn the language.

Google Assistant’s Driving Mode in Google Maps is starting to shut down. Many users are noticing that the card-style dashboard is disappearing, and the Assistant voice command shortcut no longer works. Google hasn’t officially said why, but it seems they’re moving away from this feature, possibly to focus on other tools or experiences in Maps.

Google TV’s Freeplay app is now back with a fresh look. It gives users free access to over 100 live TV channels. The redesign makes it easier to browse channels and see what’s playing. The new layout also highlights what’s currently on, making it faster to start watching without having to dig through menus.

Lastly, Google Chrome is testing a new built-in PDF viewer. This upgraded tool makes reading and editing PDFs easier right inside the browser. It includes better zoom controls, a cleaner layout, and a page list view that lets users jump to specific pages more quickly. These updates show Google’s push to improve how we learn, drive, watch TV, and browse the web.

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