texting

AppWizard
September 8, 2026
Google's Android division acknowledged a messaging glitch on September 2, 2026, affecting both RCS and SMS messaging, which is linked to the data transfer process during the setup of new Android devices. This issue has raised privacy concerns as sensitive information may be shared with unintended recipients. Google released updates to its Messages app on September 3 and 4 in response to the problem, but a comprehensive solution for all users has not yet been implemented.
AppWizard
September 5, 2026
Many individuals are turning to minimalist phones to achieve a balanced digital life, seeking alternatives to traditional smartphones that reduce distractions while still offering essential functions. The Minimal Phone, successfully crowdfunded with over 7,000 from nearly 2,000 backers, runs on Android 14 and includes built-in apps for email, messaging, calls, maps, and music. It features a 4.3-inch black-and-white e-ink display, is priced at 9, and is set to ship in 2025. A Kickstarter campaign for the Minimal Phone 2 is currently underway, promising a smaller design and an OLED display with shipping expected in December 2026. The Mudita Kompakt has a similar 4.3-inch e-ink display and operates on a custom OS without Google services, ensuring user privacy. Priced at 9, it offers a six-day battery life and includes a dedicated offline button to disable distracting features. The Light Phone III, released in March 2025, features a 3.92-inch AMOLED display, is priced at 9, and runs on LightOS, allowing users to customize their app menu. It supports sideloading apps and has a Qualcomm chipset with 128GB of internal storage. The F1 Horizon Bluebird, priced at 9, runs on BasicOS and supports calling and texting while limiting access to social media and web browsing. The Jelly Star, while not strictly a minimalist phone, has a compact 3-inch screen, runs on Android 13, and features a MediaTek chipset, discouraging excessive use due to its small size. The selection of these minimalist Android phones focuses on devices that maintain essential smartphone capabilities while incorporating features designed to mitigate smartphone addiction.
AppWizard
September 4, 2026
A bug in SMS and RCS messaging for Android users causes old messages to be appended when sending new communications, leading to potential data privacy concerns as sensitive information may be shared with unintended recipients. The issue affects a broad range of devices and manufacturers, and Google is working on a gradual fix that may take several weeks to implement. Users are advised to consider alternative messaging platforms to mitigate risks.
AppWizard
July 30, 2026
Samsung has phased out its Samsung Messages app in the U.S., leading users to switch to Google Messages. A new third-party app, Messages by OzarksMade, has been developed to replicate the look and feel of Samsung's original messaging tool. This app offers two modes: Standalone Mode for SMS and MMS messaging, and Companion Mode for Rich Communication Services (RCS) features, which relies on the pre-installed Google Messages app. Messages by OzarksMade is currently in open beta testing on Google Play and will be officially launched for a one-time purchase price of [openai_gpt model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Summarize the content and extract only the fact described in the text bellow. The summary shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. Text: Samsung has officially phased out its native Samsung Messages app in the United States, prompting long-time Galaxy users to transition to Google Messages as their default text messaging client. For those who find themselves nostalgic for the familiar interface and organization of Samsung’s original software, a new alternative has emerged to fill that void. Enter Messages by OzarksMade—a third-party application designed to replicate the look, feel, and navigation of Samsung’s retired messaging tool. How it works and the RCS catch Created by the U.S.-based developer OzarksMade, this app specifically caters to enthusiasts of One UI, incorporating classic design elements such as rounded cards, collapsible headers, conversation categories, chip filters, and a dedicated trash bin for recovering deleted texts, as reported by Android Authority. Messages by OzarksMade offers two distinct operational modes tailored to different texting needs: Standalone Mode: This basic setup allows users to send traditional SMS and MMS messages directly, without any additional software requirements. Companion Mode: For those seeking the full suite of Rich Communication Services (RCS) features—such as typing indicators, read receipts, blue bubbles, group chats, and high-resolution media sharing—the app seamlessly transitions into this mode. However, it’s important to note that Google restricts direct third-party access to its RCS backend. Consequently, Companion Mode operates by leveraging the pre-installed Google Messages app, which runs quietly in the background. The developer has indicated that this setup utilizes Google’s Jibe infrastructure, the same backend that powered Samsung Messages for seven years. As a result, users can enjoy the same reliable messaging experience while wrapped in the nostalgic One UI design. Availability, pricing, and potential hurdles Currently, Messages by OzarksMade is in an open beta testing phase available through Google Play. The developer plans to officially launch the app 14 days after its Google Group testing reaches a minimum of 12 members. Upon completion of the development phase, the app will be offered for a one-time purchase price of [cyberseo_openai model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Rewrite a news story for a business publication, in a calm style with creativity and flair based on text below, making sure it reads like human-written text in a natural way. The article shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. The article shall NOT start from a title. Response language English. Generate HTML-formatted content using tag for a sub-heading. You can use only , , , , and HTML tags if necessary. Text: Samsung officially retired its native Samsung Messages app in the U.S. Earlier this month, steering long-time Galaxy owners toward Google Messages as the default text client. However, for users who miss the familiar layout, colors, and organization of Samsung’s original software, a new third-party creation wants to bring that exact experience back. We’re talking about Messages by OzarksMade, an alternative, third-party app that recreates the look, feel, and navigation of Samsungā€˜s retired messaging tool. How it works and the RCS catch The tool was developed by U.S.-based creator OzarksMade. It explicitly targets One UI enthusiasts, copying classic layout touches like rounded cards, collapsible headers, conversation categories, chip filters, and a dedicated trash bin for recovered texts (via Android Authority). It offers two distinct operational setups depending on your texting needs. The basic Standalone Mode handles traditional SMS and MMS texting directly without extra software dependencies. Then, for full Rich Communication Services (RCS) chat features—including typing indicators, read receipts, blue bubbles, group chats, and high-resolution media sharing—the app switches to Companion Mode. Google restricts direct third-party access to its RCS backend. So, Companion Mode relies on the pre-installed Google Messages app running silently in the background. The developer notes this uses Google’s Jibe infrastructure—the same backend Samsung Messages used for seven years. This means your texts travel through identical networks while wrapped in the classic One UI design. Availability, pricing, and potential hurdles The app is currently running an open beta testing phase through Google Play. There are plans to officially launch 14 days after its Google Group testing threshold reaches 12 members. Once development finishes and the app leaves beta, OzarksMade plans to sell it for a one-time purchase price of $0.99. Scheduled updates already promise to add customizable chat themes, which are missing from the current beta build. That said, using an unofficial clone comes with obvious caveats. Handing text permissions to a new third-party developer requires caution, and copying Samsung’s interface, icon, and branding so closely could attract copyright scrutiny if Samsung decides the design steps on its intellectual property rights." temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" ].99. Future updates are already on the horizon, promising to introduce customizable chat themes, which are not yet available in the current beta version. Nevertheless, potential users should exercise caution when considering this unofficial clone. Granting text permissions to a new third-party developer raises privacy concerns, and the close imitation of Samsung’s interface, icons, and branding could invite copyright scrutiny if Samsung perceives that the design infringes upon its intellectual property rights." max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"].99 after reaching a minimum of 12 testers. Future updates will include customizable chat themes. Users should be cautious about privacy and potential copyright issues due to the app's close imitation of Samsung's design.
AppWizard
July 3, 2026
Samsung has confirmed the closure of its Messages app, which will officially cease operations on July 6. This decision follows the transition to Google Messages as the default texting app on Galaxy devices, starting in 2022. Samsung stopped pre-installing its messaging app on Galaxy phones sold in the U.S. by 2024 and briefly revived it in 2025 before deciding to discontinue it. The closure will primarily affect Galaxy devices running Android 12 or newer, while older models will still have access to Samsung Messages. Users with Galaxy devices on Android 14 or later will be redirected to Google Messages automatically. A poll indicated that many users are hesitant to switch to Google Messages due to their preference for Samsung's app layout and customization options.
AppWizard
July 2, 2026
A series of unexpected fluctuations in market trends are prompting businesses to reassess their strategies. Shifts in consumer preferences driven by technological advancements and changing societal norms are reshaping the marketplace. Key factors influencing consumer behavior include the rise of digital platforms, increasing sustainability concerns, and the demand for personalized products and services. The economic landscape is unpredictable due to external factors like geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions. Companies are adopting strategies such as diversification, collaboration, and investment in technology to enhance resilience and adapt to these changes.
AppWizard
July 2, 2026
Point-and-click horror games face challenges in maintaining player agency due to predetermined paths, especially when using smartphones for interaction. Netflix's game Unhinged, created by Zach Cregger and David Fincher, allows players to use their phones as the protagonist Ava's device while she seeks help from her friend Claire and avoids a pursuer. The game lasts about 30 minutes and features immersive but occasionally frustrating gameplay due to distractions from notifications and the smartphone's role in executing quick-time events. The atmosphere is eerie, and the performances by Zoƫ Kravitz as Ava, Sadie Sink as Claire, and Troy Baker as the antagonist enhance the experience. Unhinged offers a glimpse into interactive storytelling, despite its limitations.
AppWizard
June 21, 2026
The Commodore Callback 8020 is a Sailfish OS flip phone designed to block browsers and social media, while retaining essential features like maps, messaging, music, and calls. It operates on Sailfish OS and can run over 99% of Android apps through a sandboxed Android AppSupport layer. The device lacks Google Play Services and the Play Store but comes preloaded with WhatsApp and supports various applications such as Signal, Telegram, and mapping services. It blocks web browsers and major social media applications at the system level, and email and work-related apps are excluded from the app store. The Callback 8020 features a clamshell design, T9-style texting, a 48MP rear camera, FM radio, and comes in multiple retro-inspired finishes. Preorders will start on June 30 at a price of 9.99, with shipping expected to begin in winter.
AppWizard
June 3, 2026
The transition from Google Assistant to Gemini Go introduces a new interaction method for users of Android Go devices with 2GB of RAM or more. Users can access Gemini Go by long-pressing the Home button or Power key. Key functionalities include calling or texting contacts, finding local information, planning daily activities, uploading files, and playing media based on mood or activity. Gemini Go replaces Assistant Go and is integrated within the Google Search app, gradually rolling out as an update to Google Go. Google also supports other lightweight applications like Gmail Go and Maps Go for enhanced device functionality.
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