Approximately 700 officers from the Australian Federal Police executed arrest warrants as part of Operation Kraken, aimed at apprehending Jay Je Yoon Jung, the alleged mastermind behind the encrypted messaging application Ghost, used for organized crime. Ghost facilitated various illicit activities, including drug and weapon trafficking, with around 800 devices globally, 376 identified in Australia. The AFP learned about Ghost through Europol and collaborated with the US FBI and Royal Canadian Mounted Police to access its software. The operation highlighted challenges in disrupting encrypted communications, accelerating law enforcement's technological adoption, and preventing future exploitation by criminals. Australia's encryption laws allow law enforcement to access encrypted communications, sparking a debate on privacy and public safety. Continuous innovation, international collaboration, and training for law enforcement are essential to counter organized crime effectively.
Google has introduced the ability for select users to download all pending app updates simultaneously on the Play Store, removing previous restrictions. This feature allows users to utilize high-speed internet connections and modern mobile hardware effectively. While all updates can be downloaded at once, the installation process still queues, allowing only three updates to install simultaneously. This change appears to be server-side, meaning not all users with the same Play Store version may have access to it. Details on a broader rollout are currently limited, as this feature is still in testing.
Michael has a decade of experience in technology journalism, specializing in brands like Apple and ZTE. He works at PCWorld as a keyboard expert, testing new keyboards and building custom mechanical boards. His contributions include writing for publications such as Android Police, Digital Trends, Wired, Lifehacker, and How-To Geek, and covering major events like CES and Mobile World Congress. He lives in Pennsylvania and enjoys outdoor activities like kayaking.
Google has rolled out an update for the Pixel Buds app that aligns with Android's Material You design, featuring themed icons. The update is part of an effort to enhance visual harmony with Android devices. Additionally, Google is reintroducing the "Noise Control" panel in Android 15, which will allow users to quickly switch between active noise cancellation and transparency modes on devices like the Pixel Buds Pro 2. The new panel is expected to include a floating menu that integrates with the Pixel Buds app, and early findings suggest that users may need to select the "Spatial Audio" option to access the Noise Control interface. The information is derived from the Android 15 QPR1 Beta 2, with a potential release rumored for October.
CoinDesk has been acquired by the Bullish group as of November 2023. The Bullish group is primarily owned by Block.one and has a diverse portfolio in blockchain and digital assets. CoinDesk will operate as an independent subsidiary with a dedicated editorial committee. Employees may receive options in the Bullish group as part of their compensation. Updates to CoinDesk's privacy policy, terms of use, and cookie policy will be implemented, emphasizing a commitment to user trust and transparency.
Google is planning to enhance location-sharing functionalities for Android users by consolidating these features into new menus within the Android Settings app. This change will allow users to manage their location-sharing preferences more efficiently without solely relying on Google Maps. A dedicated section within the Google Play Services framework will provide a centralized hub for location-related activities, enabling users to easily enable or disable location sharing across various Google applications and view individuals with whom they have shared their location. Additionally, a notification feature will alert users when their location is being shared and provide a shortcut to the Settings app for quick deactivation of sharing. Users will still need to adjust location-sharing settings directly within third-party messaging apps like WhatsApp.
Android developers can now experiment with Gemini Nano through the AI Edge SDK on the Pixel 9 series, using only text-to-text prompts for development purposes. Gemini Nano, which operates directly on devices without internet connectivity, was initially available on the Pixel 8 Pro and later on Samsung's Galaxy S24 series. Future iterations are expected to support various modalities and a wider range of devices. Developers can access Android AICore (Beta) via the Play Store. The Pixel 9 features a larger OLED display, enhanced performance, a bigger battery, improved camera capabilities, and a commitment to seven years of software updates.
Google has enhanced Google Maps by introducing incident reporting, allowing users to pin hazards directly onto the map. This feature was initially rolled out on CarPlay and is now being integrated with Android Auto. The addition of crowdsourced hazard data has led to speculation about a potential merger with Waze, although both applications serve distinct purposes. Waze focuses on real-time traffic data and complex routing, while Google Maps offers a simpler navigation experience with fewer alerts. Despite the new feature, Google Maps and Waze maintain their unique identities, catering to different user needs.
