Android

Apple executive explains why iMessage isn’t on other platforms

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 30, 2018

In a broad reflective piece on Apple's WWDC keynote, noted tech journalist Walt Mossberg made some interesting comments regarding a recent rumor that Apple was considering bringing its iMessage service to Android. Turns out that isn't happening, and won't be in the near future.

Speaking to a "senior Apple executive," Mossberg says Apple is happy with the 1 billion+ active devices it currently caters to, so it doesn't feel an immediate need to grow its user base by expanding to other platforms. It also still considers its iMessage service a major iOS-exclusive feature.

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Pre-orders begin for the incredibly sexy BatteryBox Slim

Anthony Bouchard ∙ June 10, 2016

BatteryBox is launching a new pre-order special for its updated line of external batteries for Mac laptops and mobile devices that use a USB charger, such as iOS, Android, Windows Phone, and various other types of devices.

Dubbed BatteryBox Slim, the new battery not only looks better with its color-matched aluminum external finish, but it comes with a slew of new features that are going to make this one of the best options on the market to date.

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Rumor: Apple will introduce iMessage for Android at WWDC

Cody Lee ∙ June 9, 2016

Apple is planning to bring its encrypted messaging service iMessage to Android, reports MacDailyNews. Citing sources familiar with the matter, the site says that the company plans to announce the move at its WWDC keynote next week.

If true—and that's a big if—the move would push Apple further into the messaging space as it tries to grow its 'Services' category on the back of dwindling iPhone sales. Note that the Cupertino firm already offers Apple Music on Android.

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Google copies Apple’s 85/15 revenue split for subscriptions, without 1-year requirement

Christian Zibreg ∙ June 9, 2016

Google surely didn't waste any time yesterday. Just a few hours into Apple's App Store announcements which revealed a new 85/15 revenue split for In-App Subscriptions, the Internet giant told Re/code that it, too, will be making a similar change concerning Android app subscriptions on the Play store.

But unlike Apple, which stipulates that devs will see the 70/30 revenue split turn into a 85/15 deal one after one full year of subscription, Google's Play Store 85/15 split would take effect immediately, without the one-year requirement.

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iOS continues bleeding share to Android as smartphone market slows considerably

Christian Zibreg ∙ June 2, 2016

Mary Meeker's 2016 Internet Trends Report is a treasure trove of surveys and predictions on the global trends concerning our industry. I found out this morning that half of the searches will be either through images or speech by 2020 and that Siri was handling more than one billion requests per week through speech as of June 2015.

I've now compiled the report's most interesting tidbits regarding Internet usage around the world, the iOS vs. Android battle and more.

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Magnasonic’s pocket-sized LED Pico projector lets you take the big screen anywhere

Anthony Bouchard ∙ Updated July 1, 2023

Magnasonic's new LED Pico Projector is just what you need if you're an on-the-go business person, want to watch movies on your wall, or need a quick way to show off a presentation at work or in class. But the uses don't stop there.

I first saw these little portable LED projectors emerging on the market just a couple of years ago, and I've been itching to try one ever since, but the technology is really coming around to being practical for use and the prices are just starting to become more affordable.

In this review, we'll show you how Magnasonic's new LED Pico Projector works and walk you through all of its features.

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Android TV now plays nice with iOS

Christian Zibreg ∙ April 27, 2016

If you're invested in Android TV and own a compatible TV set or set-top box, you'll appreciate that you can now control your Android TV from the comfort of your couch with an iPhone, iPad or iPod touch, as Google was kind enough to release the official Android TV app on the App Store.

The free of charge app works with all Android TV devices and includes remote functionality much like Apple's own Remote app lets you control Apple TVs with an iOS device.

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BatteryBox Mini keeps your iPhone (and much more) powered while on the go

Anthony Bouchard ∙ April 11, 2016

Because I'm always out and about, and my iPhone can always use a good charge when I'm away from an outlet, external battery accessories are always of great interest to me. BatteryBox, which you may remember made it to both my top 5 accessories for iPhone and top 5 accessories for Mac lists, has long filled that void for me.

Nevertheless, I've been looking for something a little easier to carry around with me when I leave the house or leave the car, and something I can use a little more easily while walking around and while not carrying a backpack.

One solution I've found to work quite well for this need is BatteryBox's little brother, dubbed BatteryBox Mini, which can be had on the BatteryBox website for less than $35. In this review, we'll take you through the features of BatteryBox Mini and show you whether it's a good investment for your needs.

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Google is considering making Apple’s Swift a “first class” language for Android

Christian Zibreg ∙ April 8, 2016

Google is considering making Apple's Swift a “first class” language for Android development, The Next Web learned from unnamed sources. Facebook and Uber are also said to potentially make Swift “more central” to their operations.

Representatives for Google, Facebook and Uber were recently at a meeting in London to discus Swift possibilities. Swift couldn't have received a bigger endorsement than that, which is saying a lot about Apple's effort to produce a modern programming language not only for iOS and OS X development, but for the web as well.

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Review: ZhiYun Z1 Smooth-C gimbal gives your iPhone all the video stabilization it’ll ever need

Anthony Bouchard ∙ Updated October 16, 2018

If you use your iPhone for any kind of video production, then a gimbal should definitely be one of the top things on your wish-list if you don't already have one.

In this review, we'll be giving you an in-depth look at the ZhiYun Z1 Smooth-C 3-axis handheld stabilizing gimbal. This is a tool that many videographers use to keep their recording device of choice nice and steady, even when walking or running around.

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