Author Archives: Jackson Chen

Snapdragon devices will soon be able to transfer files to iPhones via Quick Share

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Building on Google's recent announcement that Android's Quick Share will work with iOS' AirDrop for Pixel 10 smartphones, Qualcomm revealed in a post on X that the cross-platform file-sharing feature will be available on devices powered by its Snapdragon chips. In the post, Qualcomm said that it "can't wait for people to use this once enabled on Snapdragon in the near future."

It's not a complete surprise since Google mentioned in its announcement that Quick Share to AirDrop would come to more Android devices. However, the Snapdragon confirmation acknowledged that this new compatibility wouldn't be limited to Pixel smartphones or devices running Google Tensor chips. Soon, we could have the ability to share files with iPhone users, even if it's with a Samsung Galaxy smartphone, a OnePlus device or even Nothing phones.

Qualcomm didn't specify exactly when or which smartphones will get this Quick Share to AirDrop feature, but we might see it come to more devices than just smartphones, like tablets or laptops. Along with this latest file-sharing feature, Apple's announcement of iOS 18 getting RCS compatibility has reduced the longstanding friction between smartphone operating systems.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/snapdragon-devices-will-soon-be-able-to-transfer-files-to-iphones-via-quick-share-164835065.html?src=rss

A decision about breaking up Google’s adtech monopoly is on the horizon

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Google made its final arguments in a longstanding case against the US Department of Justice on whether it has to split up its ad tech practices. However, the judge presiding over the case may be looking to wrap up the case before Google has a chance to appeal, according to a report from Reuters. 

On Friday, both sides made their closing statements in the lawsuit where the Justice Department accused the tech giant of illegally monopolizing the ad tech market. While the US District Court Judge Leonie Brinkema ruled in April that Google held a monopoly in the online adtech space, the judge recently asked the Justice Department how quickly an anticompetitive measure could go into effect, adding that "time is of the essence."

Google's attorney, Karen Dunn, argued that forcing Google to sell its advertising tech subsidiary would be extreme and hurt customers in the process, according to the report. Google is also reportedly planning to appeal the latest decision. According to Reuters, Brinkema noted that any sort of remedy "most likely would not be as easily enforceable while an appeal is pending," meaning that Google could delay the forced sale until the appeal is concluded. At the same time, Google is facing a $3.5 billion fine for violating the European Union's antitrust laws within the adtech industry.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/a-decision-about-breaking-up-googles-adtech-monopoly-is-on-the-horizon-184409011.html?src=rss

X rolls out ‘About this account’ feature that displays a profile’s country of origin and more

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You'll soon be able to see more information about X accounts, including where they're based and how many times they've changed their usernames. X is rolling out a new feature called "About this account" that displays more information about user accounts. Not only will it display the country a user is located in and username changes, the feature will also make public which country the account was created in and whether it's connected via the web or a specific app store.

X began testing this feature out last month, but more recently, users have been posting screenshots of the new feature being rolled out. X is following in the footsteps of other social media platforms, as already seen with Facebook's Page transparency and Instagram's own About this account. As detailed by Nikita Bier, X's head of product, the upcoming "About this account" feature is meant to verify the authenticity of content posted on X.

You can currently see your own info by clicking on the "Joined" button underneath your X bio, but you may not be able to see others' info yet since the feature is still being rolled out. In your own profile, you can choose to display either your country or region/continent, with the exact country being the default option. Bier previously said that there will be "privacy toggles," which will be highlighted on your profile if you opt in. On top of that, users accessing X through a VPN may have a disclaimer on their profile that says, "Country or region may not be accurate," as spotted by some internet sleuths.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/social-media/x-rolls-out-about-this-account-feature-that-displays-a-profiles-country-of-origin-and-more-160617187.html?src=rss

Rivian spinoff reveals a $3,500 starting price for its first e-bike

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Rivian's electric mobility spinoff Also announced a $3,500 starting price for its first e-bike called the TM-B. The startup unveiled the shapeshifting e-bike last month, with options for a limited Launch edition, a Performance version or a base model. During the reveal, Also said both the Launch and Performance TM-B models would start at $4,500, but only hinted at the base model's price tag being less than $4,000.

While the base model TM-B is more than $1,000 cheaper than the other choices, it comes with several compromises, like a lower max range of 60 miles, a weaker 5x power assist, coil fork suspension and only a standard ride mode. In comparison, the higher-end TM-B options have up to a 100-mile range, a 10x power assist, air fork suspension and the choice between sport and standard ride modes. Also is only offering the base model TM-B in all gray, meaning you won't get the transparent shell that highlights the virtual drivetrain called DreamRide.

While the TM-B's starting price is more affordable than we first thought, it's still a premium price tag for an e-bike. The TM-B base model is available for preorder with a $50 refundable deposit and will start shipping in late 2026, according to Also.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/transportation/rivian-spinoff-reveals-a-3500-starting-price-for-its-first-e-bike-195949124.html?src=rss

Google plans to invest $40 billion towards building data centers in Texas

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Google is getting ready to spend $40 billion to increase its data center footprint in Texas. In an announcement posted on its website, Google said it's planning to build more infrastructure for its cloud and artificial intelligence operations in the state. The plans call for three new data centers, one in Armstrong County and two in Haskell County, according to Google.

According to a press release from Texas Governor Greg Abbott, this is Google's largest investment in any US state. The tech giant's investment in the Lone Star State dates back to 2019, when it built a data center in Midlothian, Texas. Google later expanded its presence in the state with the development of another data center in Red Oak, bringing the company's total investment into Texas to $2.7 billion. According to Google, the latest $40 billion investment will be made through 2027.

Google isn't the only major tech company developing more AI infrastructure in the US. Earlier this year, NVIDIA announced plans to build manufacturing space for AI supercomputers in Houston and Dallas. More recently, Meta said it would invest $600 billion to build AI data centers across the US without specifying which states.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/google-plans-to-invest-40-billion-towards-building-data-centers-in-texas-183056066.html?src=rss

The Mac Pro could be the latest addition to Apple’s product purgatory

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The wait for a new Mac Pro may take a lot longer, according to the latest Power On newsletter. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reported that the Mac Pro has an uncertain future within Apple's desktop strategy and isn't likely to see a refresh in 2026.

According to Gurman, Apple is no longer working on the M4 Ultra chip, which was meant to be offered in a refreshed Mac Pro. Instead, Apple is planning for the M5 Ultra to be its "high-end desktop chip," which will only be available on the Mac Studio so far, according to Gurman.

Despite earning a solid reputation amongst creatives looking for a Mac desktop, the Mac Pro has fallen out of favor even after sporadic refreshes between 2013 and 2023. Apple experimented with some risky redesigns, including the "trash can" style, but the current Mac Pro model returns to a modern cheese grater look while also upgrading to Apple silicon with the M2 Ultra chip. However, Apple customers seeking the most powerful desktop options might be more likely to opt for the latest Mac Studio with the M4 Ultra. Gurman also reported that Apple is internally shifting towards the Mac Studio as the focus of Apple's professional desktop offerings.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/the-mac-pro-could-be-the-latest-addition-to-apples-product-purgatory-165609102.html?src=rss

A federal jury ruled that Apple has to pay $634 million for infringing smartwatch patents

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In a longstanding and complicated legal battle between Apple and Masimo, a recent ruling from a California jury may be the first step towards a certain conclusion. As reported by Reuters, a federal jury sided with Masimo, a medical tech company known for its patient monitoring devices, when it said that Apple infringed on the company's patent for technology that tracks blood-oxygen levels.

The case revolves around whether Apple violated Masimo's patent related to blood-oxygen sensors, which the jury claimed can be seen with the Apple Watch's Workout and Heart Rate apps. According to Reuters, Apple disagreed with the verdict, adding that "the single patent in this case expired in 2022, and is specific to historic patient monitoring technology from decades ago." The tech giant is reportedly planning to appeal the decision. 

While there may be some closure with this California lawsuit, Apple and Masimo are entangled in a web of related but separate lawsuits. Masimo first accused Apple of infringing on its pulse oximeter patents, leading to Apple temporarily halting sales of its Series 9 and Ultra 2 smartwatches. In August, Apple redesigned its blood-oxygen monitoring feature and rolled it out to the Series 9, Series 10 and Ultra 2. The redesign was approved by the US Customs and Border Protection, but Masimo filed a suit against the agency for overstepping its authority by allowing the sale of these updated Apple Watches without input from Masimo.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/wearables/a-federal-jury-ruled-that-apple-has-to-pay-634-million-for-infringing-smartwatch-patents-202846266.html?src=rss

Google ordered to pay $665 million for anticompetitive practices in Germany

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Google may have to fork over 572 million euros, or nearly $665 million, to two German companies for "market abuse," according to a recent ruling from a Berlin court. First reported by Reuters, the tech giant was ordered to pay approximately 465 million euros, or approximately $540 million, to Idealo and another 107 million euros, or roughly $124 million, to Producto, both of which are price comparison platforms based in Germany. According to the ruling, Google abused its dominant market position by favoring Google Shopping in its own search results.

Idealo pursued legal action against Google, claiming that the Alphabet subsidiary was "self-preferencing" its own platforms, which led to unfair market advantages that hindered competitors. The company first demanded at least 3.3 billion euros, or more than $3.8 billion, in damages in February 2025. To counter, Google said it made changes in 2017 that allowed competing shopping platforms the same opportunity as Google Shopping to display ads through Google Search.

Idealo said in a press release that it will continue the legal pressure on Google, claiming that "the amount awarded reflects only a fraction of the actual damage." Albrecht von Sonntag, co-founder and member of Idealo's advisory board, added in a press release that "abuse of dominance must have consequences and must not be a profitable business model that pays off despite fines and damages."

It's not the first time Google has found itself in legal trouble in Europe. Beyond Google Shopping, Google was accused of favoring its own Google Flights and Google Hotels in search results, leading the European Union to threaten massive fines for violating its Digital Markets Act. A month prior, the European Commission fined Google nearly 3 billion euros, or more than $3.4 billion, for its anticompetitive practices in the advertising tech industry.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/google-ordered-to-pay-665-million-for-anticompetitive-practices-in-germany-184505191.html?src=rss

Apple is reportedly getting ready to replace Tim Cook as early as next year

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According to the Financial Times, Tim Cook may be ready to leave his position as soon as next year, and Apple's board and senior executives have ramped up their preparations to secure his replacement.

Cook, who has been at the helm of Apple for more than 14 years, succeeded Steve Jobs and led the company to a market cap of more than $4 trillion. Cook's tenure since 2011 has overseen the introduction of hardware, including Apple Watch, AirPods and Vision Pro, but also services like Apple Arcade and Apple TV+. According to the Financial Times's sources, Apple's senior vice president of engineering, John Ternus, will most likely take on the CEO role, but this decision hasn't been finalized yet. Ternus has been with Apple since 2001 as part of its Product Design team and eventually stepped into a vice president role within the Hardware Engineering division, where he played a heavy role in the company's transition to Apple silicon.

According to the Financial Times, Apple isn't planning to announce the new CEO before its January earnings report. However, the report also noted that this announcement would come earlier in the year to allow the leadership team to transition smoothly in time for all of Apple's annual events. Earlier this year, Apple also announced Sabih Khan as the new chief operating officer, taking over for Jeff Williams.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/apple-is-reportedly-getting-ready-to-replace-tim-cook-as-early-as-next-year-171407974.html?src=rss

How to adjust the Liquid Glass effect in iOS 26.1

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Apple's latest iterative update for iPhones brings a welcome change for those who aren't a fan of its Liquid Glass design overhaul. After user complaints that the Liquid Glass' translucent design was hard to read, Apple introduced a compromise in iOS 26's fourth beta that allowed for a more frosted look as well as a Reduce Transparency option buried in the Accessibility settings. Now, Apple is making this Liquid Glass toggle available for all iPhone users with iOS 26.1.

Apple debuted Liquid Glass at WWDC 2025 as its major visual redesign, which prompted a lot of comparisons to Windows Vista. Everything from switches and sliders to sidebars and panels would imitate glass, so that users can see the underlying colors and content. While some iPhone users liked the fluidity and freshness, others said the transparent look often created legibility issues, caused lag from the animations and led to eye strain over extended periods of time.

To access the new Liquid Glass toggle, make sure your iPhone is updated to iOS 26.1. You can check which version you're by navigating to Settings, then General, then Software Update. After you confirmed that you're on the most recent iOS, you can go back into Settings, then Display & Brightness. From there, you'll find a new setting for Liquid Glass that lets you choose between "Clear" or "Tinted." The Clear option is Apple's original vision for Liquid Glass with see-through controls, while the Tinted option "increases opacity and adds more contrast."

You can preview the differences between the two choices in the Liquid Glass setting before you commit to one. When in use, the Tinted option switches to the same frosted look first seen by iOS beta testers, which adds a more solid background to panels that have been Liquid Glass-ified. It's important to note that there are only two options and Apple didn't instead opt for a slider to adjust opacity. However, Apple is leaning more into customizability with its operating systems, as indicated by its recently introduced Spatial Scenes feature.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/how-to-adjust-the-liquid-glass-effect-in-ios-261-203634681.html?src=rss