What’s happening Google’s lobbying Apple to support the RCS text message standard on the iPhone with a new website campaign. Why it matters Google’s been championing the RCS standard as a replacement to SMS and MMS, claiming that support on the iPhone would dramatically improve texting across devices. What’s next While RCS adoption in iOS …

What’s happening WhatsApp is adding privacy features that let you quietly leave group chats, hide your online status and block others from taking screenshots of photos meant to be viewed one time. Why it matters The privacy features will add better ways to control your visibility in conversations, and keep prying eyes away from how often you are checking in …

The QuietOn 3 sleep earbuds initially look a lot like AirPods or other wireless earbuds: They’re tiny, white and fit neatly into a pocket-size magnetic case. But the QuietOn 3s don’t play music. In fact, they do the opposite. These $269 noise-canceling earbuds are designed to muffle the sounds in your environment almost to the point of silence. Think Bose Sleepbuds II but …

Apple’s iMessage is getting a major overhaul later this year with iOS 16, but most of these new features, like unsending a message or editing a text, will only work if the person you are texting also has an iPhone.  Since Apple has full control over its messaging platform, iPhone owners get a consistent experience that works well regardless of …

What’s happening RedMagic 7S Pro’s international model has an under-display selfie camera and will be available in the US. Why it matters Putting a front-facing camera underneath the screen makes sense for a gaming phone like the RedMagic 7S Pro, as it gives you more screen real estate to play with. What’s next As photo quality improves for under-display cameras, …

Cheaper phones under $200 have a mix of modern features with some of the best legacy features you can’t find on more expensive phones. You can get a phone with a 6.5-inch screen and multiple cameras, plus a headphone jack and expandable storage with a microSD card slot.  However, these phones will likely run slower than a more expensive phone, …

Cheaper phones under $200 have a mix of modern features with some of the best legacy features you can’t find on more expensive phones. You can get a phone with a 6.5-inch screen and multiple cameras, plus a headphone jack and expandable storage with a microSD card slot.  However, these phones will likely run slower than a more expensive phone, …

What’s happening The $700 Asus Zenfone 9 has both a tiny 5.9-inch screen and the latest Snapdragon chip. Why it matters The Zenfone is one of the smallest Android phones currently made and one of the cheaper phones to include the most powerful Snapdragon processor. What’s next While small Android phones will still be rare, we expect the Qualcomm Snapdragon …

Helping my family member get a “free” 4G phone from T-Mobile was surprisingly complicated, especially with the wireless carrier making very clear that its 3G network was retiring in weeks. They did receive a text message stating they were eligible for a new 4G-compatible OnePlus phone — but unlike other carriers that are handing out free 4G phones — T-Mobile …

Google’s $449 (£399, AU$749) Pixel 6A launches July 28 and, according to CNET Senior Editor Lisa Eadicicco’s review, it’s the best Android 12 phone you can get for under $500. That’s partly because the Pixel 6A takes a page from Apple’s $429 iPhone SE. The cheaper Android 12 phone has the same Tensor chip that powers the $599 Pixel 6 — …