Android

This year saw the US finally start to make small steps towards adopting RCS messaging, the next-generation texting standard that's designed to replace SMS with the advanced features we see in dedicated messaging apps, including read receipts, group chats, and better compatibility between different carriers, especially on Android. Now it's looking like 2019 might be the year we start to see major progress from carriers, as Verizon has revealed it will officially start supporting RCS early next year.

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Google has shown that with each generation of its own Pixel line of smartphones, it's willing to bring a handful of new improvements to previous models. Examples include some of the software-powered camera features from this year's Pixel 3 making their way to the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL. Another neat feature is making the list this week: Google's new Call Screen feature, which debuted at the launch of the Pixel 3 line, is coming to the Pixel 2 with the latest Google Phone update.

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As 2019 quickly approaches, smartphone enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting what will no doubt be the next big Android flagship: Samsung's Galaxy S10. While we await the expected reveal sometime in February or March, rumors and details on the device continue to leak, including specs, sizes, and an all-new design. For the latter, we're getting one of our first looks at the Galaxy S10's final design thanks to newly discovered patent filing images.

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2018 is perhaps one of Huawei's most exciting years yet. Almost like the script for a Hollywood blockbuster, the year began with a tragedy that seemed like a death sentence for the protagonist. It left its hero in a period of limbo, its future uncertain. But like the true star of its story, Huawei’s perseverance responded with vengeance, putting out smartphones that consumers will want to grab but, due to some circumstances beyond their control, cannot.

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We're now privy to a so-called Google Pixel 3 Lite thanks to a series of photos shared this week by a leakster in Russia. If this device is, indeed, what it's reported to be, it's more than a little bit welcome in my pocket. This is because not ONLY does it have a rectangular display, and a back-facing camera that almost certainly has Pixel 3 powers, it also has a standard headphone jack on top.

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Verizon revealed a program called My Numbers today. This program allows the user to add up to four numbers to a single device, allowing up to five in total. If the user chooses to add additional lines to their device, they'll get unlimited domestic calling and texting and will have to pay a fee per extra line. As noted by Keena Grigsby, director of product marketing for Verizon, My Numbers is a great solution for "customers with side hustles."

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In an update this week, Samsung notified some Galaxy smartphone users that they'd no longer have access to unlimited free themes. Instead, with their update to Android 9 Pie, users will be limited to fourteen days of any one free theme. This is not an optional rule change, and it'll affect all developers.

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It's understandable that many are curious if not excited over Samsung's Android 9 update. And it's not just because of the Pie. Renamed as One UI, it exhibits Samsung's biggest changes to its user interface that eclipses the mostly cosmetic ones it did in the Samsung Experience UX. Plus, it will be the UI that will run on its foldable phone next year. If that excitement turns into more than just mere curiosity, then you might want to try out Samsung's One UI Android Pie beta. That is, if your Galaxy S9 or S9+ qualifies.

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As an open platform, Android is considerably more customizable than, say, iOS. But while there are so many ways to change how your Android phone looks, it also has the problem of having so many ways to change how your Android phone looks. In addition to third-party tools, each OEM implements its own theming engine and system. It may not be one of the best, but Samsung's themes are far from being the worse. The company, however, might be giving users reason to shun its system by putting a 14-day limit to free themes.

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Kyocera has updated its DuraForce Pro rugged smartphone, announcing the launch of its new DuraForce Pro 2. This updated handset sports the same high level of durability as the original model, making it suitable for construction zones, remote locations, and other potentially damaging environments. The new model is exclusive to Verizon and includes a 5-inch Sapphire Shield Display.

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Today the Motorola Moto G7 leaked in press renders aplenty, both front and back. And boy, does it look familiar. It's almost as if a collection of smartphone makers are using the same design team to create their front facades. This device looks like the OnePlus 6T, which in turn looks like the Oppo F9, which in turn is basically an alternate-reality Essential Phone PH-1 - at least up front. It's like they've taken the cut-out display technology to a place where every phone looks shockingly similar - but it's not like that's a bad thing.

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The official Google Store for hardware began their Black Friday sales early this year, starting on November 16th, 3018. That's a week and a day before the official Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving here in the United States, Thursday, November 22nd, 2018. Google's list of products with sales runs from tomorrow right on through the week after Black Friday on into Cyber Monday, too - and there's a wide variety of products on which to gaze.

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