Google could soon let you sync smartphones for music playback
Your Android phone could soon be usable in a network of others if Google's latest patent is anything to go by. The patent describes the use of a mesh network for using multiple smartphones to listen to music -- which would be perfect at a picnic or where there aren't any other speaker systems.
Some Android manufacturers lie to customers about installing security updates
According to a recent report, some Android manufacturers aren't just not installing the latest security updates, but they're lying to customers by saying that their phones are fully up to date. There are plenty of reasons why a manufacturer might skip an update -- but lying about it is sure to raise questions.
Be our guest: Wire now lets customers communicate securely with their clients
Secure messaging service Wire has gained a new feature -- the ability for customers with accounts to communicate with clients without accounts. Not only that, communications are still safe and secure in these so-called guest rooms, and things like file sharing and video calling are still supported.
Apple slapped with $502.6 million in damages in ongoing battle with VirnetX
Apple has been ordered to pay $502.6 million to a company called VirnetX for infringing on four patents related to online communications. VirnetX is largely considered to be a patent troll -- meaning its business relies on owning patents it won't use and going after companies that do use them.
Google has officially stopped selling the original Google Pixel
The original Google Pixel paved the way for for Google's new hardware, but the phone is no longer available from the Google Store. In other words, those looking for a stock Android device that isn't $650 or more may have to look elsewhere -- though the phone is still available from third-party retailers.
Instagram releases Focus portrait mode for photos
Instagram is rolling out a new portrait mode called "Focus," which does away with the need for two camera sensors to create a background blur, and instead uses machine learning and artificial intelligence. The feature is rolling out to the iPhone 6S and later, and select Android phones.
