Android Messages will let you send texts from your computer starting today

Google is beginning to roll out desktop browser support for Android Messages, allowing people to use their PC for sending messages and viewing those that have been received on their Android smartphone. Google says the feature is starting to go out to users today and continuing for the rest of the week. Text, images, and stickers are all supported on the web version.

To get started, the Android Messages website has you scan a QR code using the Android Messages mobile app, which creates a link between the two. That’s very similar to how the web client for Allo— remember Allo? — worked. Unfortunately, that section of the Messages app isn’t yet live. Hopefully it won’t be long before it shows up and you can start chatting across platforms.

This is one of the first significant steps in Google’s push towards Chat, which is the company’s implementation of Rich Communication Services (RCS) inside Android Messages. If you’re going to be a viable competitor to iMessage, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and other chat platforms, a desktop version is pretty critical. Allo was one swing at that goal, but Google is pausing all efforts and investment in that failed app and betting that Android Messages — the out-of-box default messaging app on many smartphones — represents its best chance at success. Many carriers have also pledged to back Chat and integrate the benefits (read receipts, typing indicators, full-resolution images and video, and improved group texts) offered by RCS. The big downside? None of this stuff is end-to-end encrypted.

In today’s blog post, Google also goes over numerous other recent improvements to Android Messenger including built-in GIF search, support for smart replies on more carriers, inline link previews, and easy copy/paste for two-factor authentication messages.

Comments

Here’s how Elon Musk might use rocket thrusters on the new Tesla Roadster

Last week, SpaceX and Tesla CEO Elon Musk announced bold plans to combine the technologies of his two biggest companies by placing rocket thrusters on future specialized models of Tesla’s Roadster. The thrusters won’t actually combust, according to Musk; instead, they will expel highly pressurized cold air, giving the Tesla an extra boost in acceleration. It’s a move the might technically work, but it also baffles industry experts and engineers: the thrusters won’t be very efficient and probably won’t be street legal. Specifically, Musk is talking about incorporating a key piece of hardware from SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket — a tank known as a composite overwrapped pressure vessel, or a COPV. These bottles are made out of a thin metal liner that’s wrapped in carbon fibers, and they’re a great way to store a lot of pressurized air in a very small space. They’re also fairly lightweight, which is why many rocket manufacturers like using them to help pressurize their rockets. “IS...

Mi Band 4 leak confirms the colored display, bigger battery and Bluetooth 5.0 and more

Xiaomi is the world’s second largest wearable maker around the globe after Apple. The Chinese electronics maker shipped more than 10 million Mi Band 3 units in less than seven months since its launch. Xiaomi is continually improving its portfolio and is now expected to launch the fourth generation Mi Band soon. Various leaks and reports have already revealed most of its specifications and features. It recently appeared on Bluetooth SIG uncovering almost every hardware detail. Now a few more details have emerged in a new leak. According to the leak, Mi Band 4 will ditch the monochrome display and will come with a colored screen featuring more attractive UI. To withstand the colored display power requirements, Mi Band 4 will see a 135 mAh battery instead of 110 mAh on Mi Band 3 . The new fitness band will come with Bluetooth 5.0 for improved connectivity across multiple devices. It is a significant upgrade over the Mi Band 3 which uses Blueto...

Airtel Rs 149 plan now to offer 2GB data per day

Airtel has refreshed its Rs 149 prepaid plan to offer 2GB high speed data every day, twice than what it used to offer earlier. Airtel has refreshed its Rs 149 prepaid plan to offer 2GB high speed data every day, twice than what it used to offer earlier. The telecom operator will be offering the improved Rs 149 plan across telecom circles that it operates in to some of its prepaid users only. The plan will come with the same 28 day validity period it used to come with, and the unlimited calls and 100 free text messages per day as before. Airtel had refreshed the Rs 149 plan in May 2018 to offer daily 3G/4G data benefits of 1GB. Voice calling and text message benefits in the refreshed plan have been kept the same as earlier. In comparison, the similar plan by Reliance Jio offers an FUP limit of 1.5GB only with unlimited voice calling and 100 free text messages, same as Airtel Rs 149 prepaid plan. Also Airtel offers 4G, 3G and 2G connectivity, whereas Reliance Jio offers on 4G...

Vc Tech

Search This Blog