A member of the Senate Intelligence Committee has called on both Apple and Google to remove TikTok from their respective app stores.
The demand follows growing concerns about the Chinese-owned app, with the video sharing app already banned from US federal government devices, along with those in more than half of US states …
Background
TikTok is no stranger to controversy. In fact, the app has come under fire on so many fronts, that it’s hard to succinctly summarize them – but here’s our best attempt …
Things date back to the previous presidency, with an executive order banning US companies from doing business with the company, then another requiring the app to be sold to a US company or be banned. The deadline for this quietly lapsed, and President Biden later rescinded the order.
But the app came under fresh scrutiny after overtaking Facebook to become the most-downloaded app back in 2020, with teenagers the main user-base. It wasn’t long before it was accused of having inadequate privacy protection for teenage users, and was forced to make changes.
Next up was failing to properly fact-check user-posted content. Ripping off kids, with in-app currency. Unauthorized use of personal data. Failing to prevent bullying. Trying to bypass App Tracking Transparency rules. Damaging the self-esteem of teenage girls. Taking users down dangerous rabbit holes. Showing irresponsible mental health advice videos. Facilitating drug deals. Enabling grooming by child abusers. Being used for spying by the Chinese government.
Did I forget anything? Oh yeah: encouraging dangerous stunts that kill children. I knew there was something else.
Remove TikTok from app stores, says senator
It is cybersecurity concerns that have received the most attention, though: fears about the personal data of US citizens ending up in the hands of the Chinese government. This has already led the app to be banned from federal government devices, with more than half of US states imposing equivalent rules for their devices.
But CNN reports that one senator wants to take things further.
A member of the Senate Intelligence Committee is calling on Apple and Google to remove TikTok from their app stores over concerns about national security, in the latest indication of mounting scrutiny on the short-form video app from members of Congress.
In a letter sent to the two tech giants on Thursday, Colorado Democratic Sen. Michael Bennet calls TikTok “an unacceptable threat to the national security of the United States.”
Beyond data leaks, Bennet also sees darker possibilities.
“We should accept the very real possibility that [China] could compel TikTok, via ByteDance, to use its influence to advance Chinese government interests,” Bennet wrote, “for example, by tweaking its algorithm to present Americans content to undermine U.S. democratic institutions or muffle criticisms” of China’s handling of Hong Kong, Taiwan or ethnic minorities.
It’s not the first time Apple and Google have been asked to remove TikTok from their app stores: the FCC commissioner made the same request last year.
Apple and Google alike didn’t respond to a request for comment, and nor are they likely to. Much as Bennet might like to hand off responsibility to the decision to the tech giants, this is properly a matter for the US government.
Android 13 QPR2 Beta 3 is rolling out today as what should be the final major preview before the stable launch in March.
It notably still features the January 2023 security patch, which could be addressed with an update (like a Beta 3.1) later on. The following issues have been resolved with Beta 3 (T2B3.230109.002):
Developer-reported and user-reported issues
Fixed an issue where notifications in a notification group were sometimes displayed with straight corners instead of rounded corners. (Issue #264287776, Issue #265529116)
Fixed an issue where the message in the notification shade that indicates an active VPN connection overlapped with the message about apps with active foreground services. (Issue #266075977)
Fixed an issue where the overflow menu couldn’t be accessed when editing Quick Settings tiles. (Issue #263484657)
Fixed an issue that sometimes caused a device with vibration enabled to vibrate for too long after it received a notification. (Issue #239676913)
Other resolved issues
Fixed an issue that sometimes caused messaging apps to crash or fail to send notifications.
Fixed a GPU issue that prevented apps from using certain visual effects.
Fixed an issue where Quick Settings tiles for a work profile were not added after setting up a new device.
Fixed an issue that sometimes caused the Pixel launcher to crash when using the Search bar in the app drawer.
Fixed an issue that sometimes prevented a device from being unlocked using a pattern after the Google Assistant was activated.
Fixed an issue in the com.android.qns system process that sometimes caused crashes.
Fixed an issue with the Pixel launcher that prevented Chinese text input from being recognized when typing in the Search bar in the app drawer.
Fixed an issue where when entering and exiting Picture-in-picture (PiP) mode from an app after changing the screen orientation, the system Settings app crashed with a “Settings keeps stopping” message and then the system Settings app couldn’t be opened.
Fixed an issue with the System UI that sometimes caused it to crash from a null pointer exception.
Fixed an issue where the connection status of a Bluetooth device sometimes did not match the actual device state.
Fixed an issue where the Pixel launcher crashed when a user tapped a web search suggestion for a query term.
Fixed an issue that caused status bar icons to overlap with the date text when font and display settings were set to their maximum level on a device.
However, there’s still one remaining issue with how the “list of Recent apps sometimes becomes unresponsive if the screen orientation is changed while the list is open.”
Android 13 QPR2 Beta 3 remaining on the January 2023 security patch level is quite odd as Google usually releases betas after the latest monthly Android security patch has launched. That is not expected until Monday, February 6.
If you have installed the QPR2 Beta, leaving the program will result in a wipe and your next opportunity to exit without losing data will be in March after the stable launch.
Android 13 QPR2 Beta 3 system images are available for the Pixel 4a, Pixel 4a 5G, Pixel 5, Pixel 5a, Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6a, Pixel 7, and Pixel 7 Pro. as well as in the Android Emulator.
Most users will be installing Beta 3 from the Android Beta Program website. You can expect an OTA update in the coming hours. If you need help, here’s our full guide on installing Android 13.
Google Maps for Android will soon make it easier to plan longer road trips in your electric vehicle, offering planned charging stops along your route.
About APK Insight: In this “APK Insight” post, we’ve decompiled the latest version of an application that Google uploaded to the Play Store. When we decompile these files (called APKs, in the case of Android apps), we’re able to see various lines of code within that hint at possible future features. Keep in mind that Google may or may not ever ship these features, and our interpretation of what they are may be imperfect. We’ll try to enable those that are closer to being finished, however, to show you how they’ll look in the case that they do ship. With that in mind, read on.
Back in 2021, when Android Automotive was just getting underway, the Google Maps app for that in-car experience picked up the ability to plan ahead on where to stop and recharge during a longer trip. This made perfect sense for Android Automotive, which was initially (if coincidentally) only available in EVs.
Of course, not all EVs run Android Automotive, leaving vehicle owners to use alternative (often built-in) navigation apps to find conveniently placed charging stations. Meanwhile, the Google Maps app on Android phones doesn’t currently offer a way to plan a route complete with charging stations, though last year Maps did add a way to specify your car’s engine type to help pick the most eco-friendly route.
With Google Maps version 11.65, we find new signs of the automatic route planning based on EV charging stations coming to the Android mobile app, removing the need to use Android Automotive.
By the time you get there, your battery will be low
Charging stop needed to reach destination
Trip too long to auto-add charging stops. Add stops after you start.
No internet. Can’t load charging stops.
There aren’t enough compatible charging stations to get to your destination
Presumably, the UI will look similar to what’s available in EVs with Android Automotive today, just downsized for use on phones.
It’s not yet clear how the mobile version of Google Maps will be able to calculate your estimated battery life, whether you’ll need to enter your car’s maximum capacity into the app or tell it what vehicle you’re driving. In the app today, you can already specify that you’re driving an electric vehicle and even select which plug style(s) your car supports.
The Pixel 7 series is no stranger to network issues here and there. While it’s a small issue that can be addressed, how does it get fixed? This guide will take you through a couple of steps you can take to fix your Pixel 7 connection issues when they arise.
The Pixel 7 series has a ton to offer. With its Tensor G2 chip, fantastic camera array, and well-integrated Google Assistant features, Google’s latest device lineup is one we highly recommend. Of course, it’s not a perfect device. One of the issues that tend to crop up is the tendency for the phone to drop its connection, especially when relying on a cellular network.
When this happens, the Pixel 7 will display the connection strength. Sometimes, it’s as strong as it can be, though it still has no internet access, displaying a small exclamation mark next to the signal symbol. This indicates you’re having network issues on your Pixel 7. When that happens, there are a couple of steps you can take to replenish your internet connection.
How to fix connection issues on the Pixel 7
While there is a myriad of issues that can appear, the listed approaches are very much blanket solutions. Without knowing the exact issue, it’s impossible to be specific. With that being the case, the following options do well to solve the issue most of the time, in our experience.
Reset your network
In our experience, the first method listed in this guide works about 99% of the time. That method is hitting the network reset toggle, located in the settings. Button was introduced back in Android 12 and has been a fantastic addition to the OS.
On the Pixel 7, head to your settings.
In Network & internet, tap Internet.
At the top, locate and tap the network reset button.
Note: The button looks like a small wrench mixed with a refresh icon.
After hitting the network reset function, you’ll see the page refresh, notifying you that your phone is restarting its internet connection. Most of the time, this button will work flawlessly. You’ll know that’s the case if your cellular network icon no longer has an exclamation mark beside it. Of course, you can always test this by trying to access the internet in some form or fashion.
Restart the Pixel 7
If the above method doesn’t work, the next thing worth trying is restarting the Pixel 7 in order to fix network issues; doing so will allow the device to start over and establish fresh connections. While a fresh reboot doesn’t solve everything, this is a case where it can certainly help.
On the Pixel 7, tap the power button and volume up button at the same time.
In the menu that appears, tap Restart.
If you don’t have this shortcut active, you can also access the power menu by swiping down in Android 13. After swiping down in the homescreen twice (or with two fingers), you will see a power icon. Tap it to access the power menu.
If neither of the above methods works for you, you might need to contact your carrier. There could be an issue with your SIM or even the Pixel 7 itself. The two methods listed above work for general connection issues; anything past that might require very a very specific approach.
Pixel phones offer two lockscreen shortcuts that are locked to Google Wallet and Home, but Android 13 QPR2 reveals possible work on letting users change that.
At the bottom left, you have device controls to quickly toggle on/off as well as adjust smart home tiles that you’ve selected to appear. Android 13 conveniently added the ability to “control external devices without unlocking.”
Meanwhile, Wallet is in the right corner. In December, Google made it so that a tap opens the full Google Wallet app on the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro. On older Pixel phones, you get another intermediary screen (from Cards & Passes) that quickly loads your carousel of stored cards.
At the moment, your only options are to enable or disable each shortcut.
Android 13 QPR2 Beta 2 reveals work on letting you select other functionality. In addition to Home and Wallet, you’ll be able to choose from the flashlight, camera, and QR code scanner.
You currently aren’t able to select any app as a shortcut, which is something that Samsung allows. Rather, you’ll most likely stick to that predefined list, which presumably includes none, just like the implementation the Nothing Phone just added in beta.
So, here's a fun one. Nothing OS 1.5.1 (Android 13 Beta 2) contains various fun features… Including the ability to customize the lockscreen shortcuts!
Google started working on it in their latest beta (QPR2). But Nothing implemented it themselves 🙂 pic.twitter.com/yWj4G0jDiw
Meanwhile, Google is making it so that you have to “Press and hold to activate” the shortcuts compared to the current simple tap. That would be especially necessary in the case of flashlight and camera shortcuts to prevent accidental, in-pocket activations.
<string name=”keyguard_affordance_press_too_short”>Press and hold to activate</string>
Lastly, we’ve enabled a very early look at what the Pixel UI change to the lockscreen “Shortcuts” might look like. It clearly doesn’t work right now, but it’s somewhat modeled after the existing Wallpaper & style interface:
The year in Pixel updates gets underway today with the Android 13 January security patch for the Pixel 4a, 4a 5G, 5, 5a, 6, 6 Pro, 6a, 7 and 7 Pro.
There are 20 security issues resolved in the Android 13 January patch dated 2023-01-01 and 40 for 2023-01-05. Vulnerabilities range from high to critical.
In the most recent Android Security & Privacy Year in Review, Google notes that “no critical security vulnerabilities affecting the Android platform were publicly disclosed without a security update or mitigation available for Android devices.” Additionally, there was an 84% year-over-year jump in security patches during Q4 2018 compared to the prior year.
The dedicated bulletin for Google devices lists eight additional security fixes, with the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro featuring their own build for Australia’s Telstra.
Pixel 7 gets seven fixes and additions with January 2023 update
After rolling out the January 2023 update for the Pixel 7 this morning, Google has detailed what’s fixed and added, as well as listing other currently supported phones.
The Pixel’s January 2023 update adds support for Spatial Audio, and the Pixel Buds Pro will get the required update in the “coming weeks” with head tracking as well.
The Pixel 7 benefits from everything, including improved under-display fingerprint performance, which is also for the Pixel 6a.
Use the following device key to interpret the Pixel January 2023 changelog:
Fixes are available for all supported Pixel devices unless otherwise indicated below.
*[1] Included on Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro
*[2] Included on Pixel 6a, Pixel 7
*[3] Included on Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro
Audio
Add support for Spatial Audio with certain devices and accessories *[1]
Biometrics
Additional improvements for fingerprint recognition and response in certain conditions *[2]
Bluetooth
Fix for issue occasionally preventing certain Bluetooth Low Energy devices or accessories from pairing or reconnecting
Fix for issue preventing audio from playing over certain headphones or accessories while connected in certain conditions
Camera
Fix for issue occasionally causing captured photos to appear corrupted or distorted while zoomed in *[3]
Display & Graphics
Fix for issue occasionally preventing display from waking or appearing turned off while device is powered on *[3]
User Interface
Fix for issue occasionally causing UI to display in landscape layout while device is held in portrait mode
Per Verizon, the next GooglePixel update with the January security patch is rolling out tomorrow.
GooglePixel updates typically start rolling out on the first Monday of the month, but that falls on when New Year’s Day is observed this year. It’s coming on Tuesday as a result, according to Verizon, similar to last year:
Pixel 4a last updated 01/03/2023
Pixel 4a 5G UW last updated 01/03/2023
Pixel 5 last updated 01/03/2023
Pixel 6 last updated 01/03/2023
Pixel 6 Pro last updated 01/03/2023
Pixel 6a last updated 01/03/2023
Pixel 7 last updated 01/03/2023
Pixel 7 Pro last updated 01/03/2023
The US carrier refreshed the Device Software Updates list a day early, and the Pixel 4a to 7 Pro is set to receive it on January 3 instead of next week. Given the premature update, the actual changelogs are not live yet.
We’re not expecting anything major since the December Feature Drop with Android 13 QPR1 just arrived, though bug fixes would be welcome. For example, the Home and Wallet shortcuts have a tendency of initially appearing on the always-on display. Rather, the next big update — QPR2 — is coming in March.
Instead, the main update this month should be for Pixel Buds Pro to enable spatial audio, though there could be a phone component.
As Android 13 rolls out to more phones, the update is bringing the once Pixel-exclusive Personal Safety app to more devices including those from Sony Xperia and Vivo.
On Pixel phones today, the Personal Safety app includes a full suite of features designed to make sure you’re ready should any type of disaster strike. You can add/edit critical medical information, assign emergency contacts, get alerts for nearby crises, and on some devices even call for help when a car crash is detected.
While this was originally built as an exclusive set of features for Pixel phones, with the release of Android 13, Google has decided to make Personal Safety available as an option for other phone makers. As noted by Mishaal Rahman on Twitter, there is already a small selection of phones that are gaining access to Personal Safety as part of Android 13.
While Samsung certainly has the broadest profile of devices on Android 13 today, no Galaxy phones are currently opted in for Google’s safety suite. Instead, the current list of non-Pixel Android devices with Personal Safety contains phones from Sony Xperia, Vivo, iQOO, and Nothing.
Nothing Phone (1)
Sony Xperia 5 IV
Sony Xperia 1 IV
iQOO 7
iQOO 8 Pro
iQOO 9 SE
iQOO 9 Pro
iQOO 9T
iQOO I2202
iQOO 11
iQOO Neo7
Vivo X80 Pro
Vivo X90
Vivo X90 Pro
The actual experience of using Personal Safety on these phones is straightforward and quite similar to the app’s older (pre Android 13) experience on Pixels. Rather than appearing as a dedicated app in the drawer, you can navigate to Personal Safety through the Settings app, in the “Safety & emergency” section.
From there, as expected, you can manage your emergency information and get enrolled for alerts. However, for all currently supported phones, the Android 13 update does not bring the car crash detection that Personal Safety is best known for.
Google has opened car crash detection to non-Pixel phones, but it requires device makers to implement Android’s “Context Hub.” This feature is designed to let small, ambient programs — such as sensing a sudden stop, in the case of car crash detection — run without using excess power. As adding support for Context Hub would require a system update, it’s not likely that any of these phones will gain car crash detection in Personal Safety any time soon. Despite that, it’s still great to see Google offer some of the Pixel series’ exclusive features to more Android phones.
Even though the Google Pixel lineup gets much media attention, it’s still rather niche due to its limited market availability. However, Google has been trying really hard for the last couple of generations to appeal to a wider audience by delivering some unique features. Even the stock Android running on today’s Pixels isn’t exactly stock, as it has some neat tweaks and exclusive features. There are even reports that Google plans to ship a record number of Pixels next year.
On the surface, the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro aren’t much different from the Pixel 6 series while introducing some small but notable upgrades. Maybe that’s part of the reason why we think the 7th generation has a good chance of winning over new fans around the globe. Although “the globe” might not be the best choice of words given the limited availability as usual.
The Pixel 7 offers a few key improvements over its predecessor, the Pixel 6. It’s now running on an improved Google Tensor G2 chip with better AI capabilities, Gorilla Glass Victus build all-around, a better selfie camera and a smaller display. As a result, the Pixel 7 is slightly smaller than the Pixel 6, which is a clear indication that Google is aiming for the compact flagship niche. And although smaller, the Pixel 7’s display is considerably brighter.
Google Pixel 7 specs at a glance:
Body: 155.6×73.2×8.7mm, 197g; Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus), aluminum frame; IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 mins).
The camera setup on the back remains unchanged. We’ve got a big 50MP sensor doing the heavy lifting and a 12MP ultrawide camera helping out. There’s still no telephoto camera, but to be fair, that’s a rare find in the compact flagship class. Still, Google promises better image processing and improved overall camera quality through machine learning algorithms and better ISP capabilities.
It was quite the surprise to see the Pixel 7 go down in battery capacity coming from the Pixel 6 – 4,355 mAh vs. 4614 mAh, but in theory, Google could have offset the loss with other hardware improvements, such as display and chipset power draw. As we all know, specs sheets never paint a complete picture, so let’s find out what the new Pixel 7 is capable of and whether it is really the right phone for you.
Unboxing the Google Pixel 7
As one would expect, the Google Pixel 7‘s retail box is relatively small and contains only the user manuals, USB-C to USB-C cable for PD charging and a USB-C to USB-A dongle in case you find yourself with a standard charger that doesn’t have a USB-C connector.
Speaking of the charger, there is none. The device supports up to 20W Power Delivery charging, so finding one that works with the Pixel 7 shouldn’t be a big issue.
Competition
While the Pixel 7 Pro has a tough job competing in the ultra-premium segment where behemoths like Samsung and Apple dominate, the vanilla Pixel 7 has a niche of its own. The Pixel 7’s price remains €650, which is pretty good for a flagship phone with superb camera performance and capable hardware. The vanilla Pixel 7 is one of the few premium options for users to choose from. Or is it?
After a quick market research, we found quite a few compact alternatives to the Pixel 7. The Samsung Galaxy S22 and the Oppo Find X5 are both within the €600-650 range with excellent camera performance, top-notch display and heavily customized software. The Galaxy S22 even has a capable 3x optical zoom camera, while the Find X5 has a 2x zoom one, while the Pixel 7 relies on cropping from its main sensor. Its display lags behind with 90Hz refresh rate and considerably slower charging too. Its key advantages are the good battery life and the software features, which are best utilized in a handful of countries/languages. Maybe aside from the telephoto camera omission, the Pixel 7 has a slight advantage over its competitors in terms of overall camera quality.
In case you are willing to go up the price ladder, the Asus Zenfone 9 may entice you with a similar feature set. The Zenfone 9 is asking about €780 right now, and it’s even smaller than the Pixel with its 5.9-inch display. Asus’ contender doesn’t have a telephoto either, and it doesn’t offer the level of photography proficiency as the Pixel, but it can run for longer on a single charge and supports faster charging. Software-wise, the two are very similar. The Zenfone 9 is also on the “stock Android” path with a handful of Zenfone-specific, geeky software features.
Conversely, you can go down in price and consider the Xiaomi 12 instead. It’s priced around the mid-€500 with a 6.28-inch display, 120Hz at that. The 12 has a similar camera setup and prowess. And although battery life isn’t as good, it blows the Pixel 7out of the water when it comes to charging speed. The big difference in the software approach is what sets those two handsets apart the most. The MIUI is highly customizable and has a ton of niche features. At the same time, the Pixel 7 relies on Android-intrinsic features and a wide range of AI-powered functionalities, most of which are limited to certain markets.
Realme GT2 Pro
Perhaps the Realme GT2 Pro deserves mention as it’s an extremely well-rounded phone with only one big omission – no telephoto camera. Aside from that, the GT2 Pro is a bang for the buck, a true flagship killer costing a little over €600 with all the bells and whistles. But it’s easy to overlook if you need a compact phone because the GT2 Pro is anything but. It has a huge 6.7-inch display, which puts it in an entirely different category.
Verdict
The Pixel 7 is definitely one of the best options in the €600-700 range. It has a flagship-worthy performance, although a bit lower than you’d expect; it’s one of the best phones for mobile photography, if not the best-in-class, and it has bright OLED, great-sounding stereo speakers, long battery life (with the size category in mind) and exceptional software ensuring timely updates and smart features.
Sadly, there are a few caveats to consider here. There’s no true telephoto camera; the display is limited to 90Hz; some of the most advanced software features are region-dependant, and the charging solution is just way too outdated for a 2022 flagship release.
All things considered, the Pixel 7, along with the Pixel 7 Pro, are the best smartphones from Google, and that means something in this context. We’ve seen Google messing up smartphone releases more than once. Luckily, the Pixel 7 isn’t one of those times.
So, do we recommend it? Yes, for sure! At that price, the Pixel 7 offers a unique combination of ultra-premium camera experience, long battery life and AI-based features that make it the smartest kid on the block.
Pros
Compact and premium build, easy to handle, unique-looking design, dust- and water-resistant.
Sharp, bright, color-accurate display.
Good battery life considering the phone’s size.
Android from the source, exclusive feature set, unrivaled perception of smoothness on this side of the OS divide.
Superb stereo speakers.
Overall, great camera quality with an unmatched character that has a loyal following.
Cons
The display is just 90Hz as opposed to competitors pushing beyond 120Hz.
Very slow charging by the standards of the day.
Certain software and hardware features are regionally limited – 5G, VoLTE, and much of the onboard AI stuff (though admittedly, so is the phone’s availability, to begin with).
Google usually releases previews bright and early, but opted for a late afternoon release for Android 13 QPR2 Beta 1.
Over the coming days, we’ll dive into all of Android 13 QPR2 Beta 1’s new features and every single change. (The newest updates will be at the top of this list. Be sure to check back often and tell us what you find in the comments below.) QPR1 screenshots appear on the left and QPR2 Beta 1 at the right.
Google should release two more betas before the consumer launch in March 2023 to Pixel phones. If you want to quickly install the Android 13 QPR2 Beta 1 on your compatible Pixel 4a, Pixel 4a 5G, Pixel 5, Pixel 5a, Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6a
Larger ‘Emergency’ calling button
Now Playing moved up on lockscreen
Pixel 7 and 7 Pro support for T-Mobile 3CA
Three-channel aggregation as part of mid-band 5G spectrum. Users seeing n41 and n71 combos, while n25 should also be supported
Setting 1080p on Pixel 6 Pro
Just like on the Pixel 7 Pro
Carrier elevated in Quick Settings
In Quick Settings, your carrier is now on its own line at the right instead of appearing in the same row as the other status icons.
Health Connect now a default/preloaded app
Unified Security & privacy gone
If you were a Pixel 7 user with the combined page rolled out on QPR1, it’s currently gone on QRP2.
Pixel Launcher padding tweaked
Thicker padding for Pixel Launcher
Also in folders, though this will presumably be tweaked in later betas:
Spatial Audio settings live
Google announced this capability was coming in January during the Feature Drop.
Media player gets lava lamp-esque effect
On lockscreen and in Quick Settings
Large clock when Quick Settings expanded
Additionally, battery percentage replaced by time remaining
