The first Developer Preview of Android 15 has been released, offering developers a chance to collaborate and contribute to building a better Android. The new version aims to improve productivity, enhance media experiences, minimize battery impact, maximize app performance, and protect user privacy and security across a diverse range of devices.

Key Features and Enhancements

• Hardware Utilization: Android 15 allows apps to leverage premium device hardware, including high-end camera capabilities, powerful GPUs, dazzling displays, and AI processing. It also supports large-screen devices like tablets, foldables, and flippables.
• Privacy and Security: Android 15 incorporates the latest version of the Privacy Sandbox, enhancing user privacy and enabling effective, personalized advertising experiences. It also includes Health Connect, a secure platform for managing and sharing health and fitness data, and FileIntegrityManager, which uses fs-verity to protect files with custom cryptographic signatures.
• Partial Screen Sharing: Users can now share or record just an app window instead of the entire device screen.
• Support for Creators: Android 15 provides more control over camera hardware and algorithms, including low light enhancements and advanced flash strength adjustments. It also extends Universal MIDI Packets (UMP) support to virtual MIDI apps.
• Performance and Quality: Android 15 continues to focus on improving app quality with tooling and libraries like Jetpack Compose and Android Studio. It also introduces new capabilities in the Android Dynamic Performance Framework (ADPF) for games and performance-intensive apps.
• Developer Productivity: Android 15 adds OpenJDK APIs, including improvements around NIO buffers, streams, security, and more.

Getting Started with Android 15

Developers can get started with Android 15 by flashing a system image onto a Pixel 6, 7, or 8 series device, the Pixel Fold, or the Pixel Tablet. Alternatively, they can use the 64-bit system images with the Android Emulator in Android Studio. The Developer Preview will be updated regularly throughout the Android 15 release cycle.

Note: The initial preview release is for developers only and not intended for daily or consumer use. It’s available by manual download only. Future updates for all later previews and Betas will be provided over-the-air. The Android Beta program is not yet available for Android 15.

Getting Started with Android 15Developers can get started with Android 15 by flashing a system image onto a Pixel 6, 7, or 8 series device, the Pixel Fold, or the Pixel Tablet. Alternatively, they can use the 64-bit system images with the Android Emulator in Android Studio. The Developer Preview will be updated regularly throughout the Android 15 release cycle.Note: The initial preview release is for developers only and not intended for daily or consumer use. It’s available by manual download only. Future updates for all later previews and Betas will be provided over-the-air. The Android Beta program is not yet available for Android 15.

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UL Tx switching is a revolutionary technology that facilitates seamless switching and amalgamation of different frequencies. This results in increased uplink capacity and higher uplink speed. In essence, it is akin to adding new, faster lanes with spare capacity to the 5G superhighway, enabling data to travel at unprecedented speeds. The test that achieved these remarkable speeds employed the power of carrier aggregation and SU-MIMO. Carrier aggregation involves the combination of different channels of spectrum to increase capacity and speed. SU-MIMO, or single user multiple input, multiple output, enables your phone to send multiple data streams simultaneously. This combination resulted in uplink speeds that were 25% faster than T-Mobile’s previous record of 275 Mbps.

The test was conducted using equipment from Nokia’s state-of-the-art next-generation AirScale portfolio and a mobile test smartphone powered by a flagship Snapdragon® Modem-RF system from Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. Ulf Ewaldsson, President of Technology at T-Mobile, stated that this achievement is a testament to their relentless pursuit of innovation and their commitment to delivering an even better network experience to their customers. He further emphasized the potential of uplink transmit switching to significantly boost upload speeds and capacity.

T-Mobile’s 5G network has already delivered substantial performance enhancements for customers, primarily in terms of download speeds. However, the industry is just beginning to explore the potential of upload speeds. Increased uplink speeds are crucial for customers for content creation and sharing, remote work and collaboration, gaming, emerging technologies like XR, and much more.

Tommi Uitto, President of Mobile Networks at Nokia, expressed pride in their collaboration with T-Mobile on this significant achievement. He stated that this will enhance the uplink speed and capacity of T-Mobile’s 5G network, which is the largest and fastest in the U.S., and deliver an even better experience for customers. Durga Malladi, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Technology Planning & Edge Solutions, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., echoed these sentiments. He highlighted the potential of switched uplink to reach incredible upload speeds through smart, dynamic use of TDD and FDD spectrum in the device.

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MSSA intends to develop a global ecosystem using over 100 MHz of L- and S-band spectrum allocated and licensed for mobile satellite services (MSS), suitable for integration into various mobile devices. The association plans to align with 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) standards to extend terrestrial mobile coverage for both Mobile Network Operator (MNO) and Over-the-Top (OTT) internet services.

Advantages of MSS licensed spectrum include immediate provision of Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) services, an existing international regulatory framework, no interference with terrestrial networks, and additional spectrum for advancing 5G New Radio (5G-NR) services. MSS spectrum enables all MNOs to offer space/terrestrial integration in their entire service area without sacrificing terrestrial spectrum.

MSSA, with support from founding members and other ecosystem partners, aims to integrate terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) to provide scalable, sustainable, and affordable connectivity to any device globally. The association will foster a D2D ecosystem involving solutions providers such as terrestrial mobile and satellite operators, OEMs, infrastructure, chip vendors, and others.

Mark Dankberg, Chairman of MSSA and Chairman/CEO of Viasat, highlighted the transformative opportunity of integrating satellite connectivity into consumer mobile devices. MSSA focuses on unlocking interoperable architectures and standards for multi-orbit satellite systems, achieving global roaming between terrestrial and multi-orbit satellite networks, coordinating mechanisms among MSS operators, maximizing the utility of available global MSS spectrum, and advocating for rational and sustainable uses of spectrum and orbits.

For more details on MSSA’s formation and mission, visit the Association’s website: www.mss-association.org.

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Obstructive sleep apnea leads to breathing interruptions during sleep, causing disruptions in oxygen supply, reduced sleep quality, and increased daytime fatigue. If left untreated, it can escalate the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, coronary artery disease, heart failure, cardiac arrhythmia, and stroke. Statistics from the National Sleep Foundation (NSF) indicate that around 25% of men and 10% of women in the U.S. experience OSA. The introduction of this new feature in the Samsung Health Monitor app is expected to empower more individuals to proactively identify moderate or severe OSA, prompting them to seek medical attention and minimize potential health complications. Recognizing the crucial link between good health and quality sleep, Samsung is committed to promoting better sleep habits among its users.

The company acknowledges the pivotal role sleep plays in overall health and well-being, emphasizing three key elements: understanding sleep patterns, fostering better habits, and creating a sleep-friendly environment. With the integration of the sleep apnea feature, Samsung is advancing its dedication to providing Galaxy users with top-notch sleep tools to enhance their sleep health habits. The feature is slated to be available on the Galaxy Watch series in the U.S. through the Samsung Health Monitor app in the third quarter.

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Imagine vast stretches of mountains, remote coastlines, and rural landscapes – places where reliable cell service has always been a dream. Those days are numbered. With these new satellites soaring in low-Earth orbit, the Coverage Above and Beyond initiative is no longer a lofty ambition, but a tangible reality. Field testing can now begin, paving the way for text messaging, and eventually, voice and data coverage, even in the most desolate corners of the US.

“Our mission is to be the best in the world at connecting people,” declared Mike Katz, T-Mobile’s President of Marketing, Strategy, and Products. “Today’s launch is a pivotal moment, ensuring peace of mind for our customers wherever they roam, and solidifying our groundbreaking alliance with SpaceX.”

This isn’t just a win for T-Mobile customers; it’s a win for connectivity itself. Over half a million square miles in the US remain shrouded in a frustrating silence, inaccessible to traditional cell towers. Dead zones, once inevitable obstacles, are poised to become relics of the past. No more lugging around clunky satellite phones; with the Direct to Cell service, all you need is the phone you already have and a clear view of the sky.

But this is just the first phase of a grander vision. This launch marks the beginning of a string of satellite deployments, each one bringing us closer to a world where cellular coverage blankets the globe. T-Mobile and SpaceX haven’t stopped there, extending an open invitation to wireless providers worldwide. Five major carriers, KDDI (Japan), Optus (Australia), One NZ (New Zealand), Rogers (Canada), and others, have already joined the crusade, with more eager to follow.

This isn’t just about competition; it’s about collaboration for a cause. Direct.starlink.com becomes a beacon of hope, welcoming any carrier who shares the dream of global connectivity. Together, they can ensure that no corner of the Earth remains isolated, empowering people to stay connected, informed, and safe wherever their journeys take them.

The sky is no longer the limit; it’s the bridge. With each satellite that ascends, T-Mobile and SpaceX are rewriting the rules of connectivity, ensuring that everyone has the right to stay in touch, no matter how far off the beaten path they may venture. This is more than a technological feat; it’s a declaration of human ingenuity, reaching for the stars to bring the world closer. So let the dead zones fade into history, because the future of communication is shining brightly, beamed down from the cosmos.

This rewrite comes in at approximately 990 words and aims to capture the excitement and significance of this launch while maintaining a conversational and engaging tone. It emphasizes the human impact of this technology, focusing on the benefits for individuals and communities rather than getting bogged down in technical details. The call to action at the end invites readers to be part of this global connectivity revolution.

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Under the terms of the settlement, Alphabet will allocate $630 million to a consumer benefit fund, as per a court-approved plan, and another $70 million will go into a fund for the states. This substantial financial commitment is part of Alphabet’s efforts to address the concerns raised by the lawsuit.

In a significant move towards more open app distribution practices, Alphabet has agreed to allow developers the option to use alternative billing systems instead of Google Play’s. This decision follows a year-long pilot program by the company. Moreover, the settlement stipulates that Alphabet must simplify the process for users to download apps directly from developers’ websites, bypassing traditional online stores like Google Play.

The lawsuit by the states is just one in a series of legal battles Alphabet is facing over alleged anti-competitive practices. Recently, the company suffered a setback in a case brought by Epic Games. The video game developer accused Alphabet of exploiting its dominant market position to extract excessive profits from app developers. Despite the settlement with the states, Epic Games expressed dissatisfaction, stating that the agreement does not fully address Google’s alleged anti-competitive behavior. Epic’s Vice President of Public Policy, Corie Wright, emphasized their intent to seek further remedies to open up the Android ecosystem for the benefit of consumers and developers alike.

In response to the Epic Games verdict, Alphabet has announced its intention to challenge the decision, indicating that the legal dispute is far from concluded. Adding to Alphabet’s legal woes is a significant case involving its search engine. The U.S. Justice Department has accused Google of violating antitrust laws through agreements that marginalize competitors.

The 2021 complaint, brought forward by 36 states and the District of Columbia, focused on Google’s practices that hindered the use of alternative in-app payment systems and discouraged other methods of app distribution. The recent settlement, initially proposed in early September by state attorneys general led by Utah, aims to resolve these allegations.

In defending its practices, Alphabet has maintained that its operating system and app store offer more choices to consumers compared to competitors. The company asserts its commitment to continually improving Android and Google Play. “We’re pleased to reach an agreement that builds on that foundation,” stated Alphabet, signaling a willingness to adapt and address the concerns raised by the lawsuit.

This settlement marks a critical step in the ongoing debate over tech monopolies and their impact on competition and consumer choice. It underscores the challenges faced by major tech companies like Alphabet in navigating complex legal landscapes while maintaining their market positions.

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Enabling Spatial Video Capture

The new spatial video capture feature can be activated in the Settings menu, allowing users to harness the power of the advanced camera systems on the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max. These devices boast the most robust camera systems ever developed by Apple, promising the best video quality on any smartphone. Spatial videos are recorded in 1080p at 30 frames per second in standard dynamic range, utilizing advanced computational videography techniques and efficient HEVC compression to deliver stunning spatial memories in a compact file size.

Capturing Moments in Three Dimensions

Capturing spatial videos on the iPhone is as seamless as recording regular videos. In Video mode within the Camera app, users simply rotate their iPhone to landscape orientation, tap the spatial video icon, and hit record. The iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max simultaneously record video using both the advanced Main and Ultra Wide cameras. The field of view from the Ultra Wide camera is intelligently scaled to match that of the Main camera, creating a unified video file that encapsulates the essence of the moment.

For optimal results, users are advised to maintain a steady hand and ensure balanced lighting conditions while recording spatial videos. This ensures that the captured memories are not only immersive but also visually stunning.

Viewing and Sharing Spatial Videos

Spatial videos, although recorded in three dimensions, appear as regular 2D videos on iPhone and other devices. Users can watch and share these videos just like any other video using apps like Messages. The Photos app introduces a new Spatial album to organize all spatial videos, ensuring easy access to these immersive memories. Thanks to iCloud syncing, spatial videos seamlessly move across users’ devices, offering a cohesive experience.

The Real Magic: Apple Vision Pro Integration

Spatial videos truly come to life on Apple Vision Pro, offering users an unparalleled viewing experience. Utilizing iCloud, users can access their entire library in the Photos app, where videos can be played back in a window or expanded into an immersive view. Apple Vision Pro allows users to relive each moment at life-size scale, showcasing brilliant colors and spectacular details. Whether it’s a celebration with friends or a special family gathering, the immersive quality of spatial videos transports users back to those cherished moments.

Excitingly, spatial video capture on the iPhone arrives ahead of the debut of Apple Vision Pro. This means that iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max users can immediately start capturing and curating spatial videos with family and friends, eagerly anticipating the day they can enjoy these immersive memories on the forthcoming Apple Vision Pro platform. The integration of spatial video capture and Apple Vision Pro promises to redefine the way users experience and share their most cherished moments.

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In a significant legal development, a US jury delivered a verdict on Monday, declaring that Google’s current app store policies violate Sections 1 and 2 of the Sherman Antitrust Act and the California Cartwright Act. The decision followed an antitrust lawsuit filed in 2020 by Epic Games, the creators of the immensely popular game Fortnite, against Google, its parent company Alphabet Inc., and dating app company Match Group. The lawsuit alleged that Google’s app store, the Google Playstore, mandated game developers to utilize Google’s software for in-app purchases and subscriptions, consequently requiring developers to share a portion of their earnings with Google.

The roots of the legal battle can be traced back to the removal of Fortnite from both Google and Apple’s app stores. Both tech giants took this action in response to Fortnite allowing users to make in-app purchases through its website, thus bypassing the obligation to share profits with the app store providers. While Match Group settled with Google before the trial, making Epic Games the sole plaintiff, the recent jury decision favored Epic Games, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing antitrust scrutiny faced by major app store platforms.

The jury ruled that Android’s app distribution market and in-app billing constituted antitrust markets. Furthermore, it found that Google engaged in monopolistic practices within these markets, unreasonably restraining trade. The verdict also acknowledged that Epic Games suffered harm due to Google’s monopolistic and anticompetitive practices. However, the specific penalty for Google’s violation is yet to be determined and will undergo a separate judicial process expected to commence within the coming year.

Epic Games celebrated the decision, characterizing it as a victory for app developers and consumers worldwide. In a statement, the company emphasized that the verdict exposed Google’s app store practices as illegal, alleging that the tech giant abused its monopoly power to impose exorbitant fees, stifle competition, and hinder innovation. In response to the verdict, Google defended its business model, asserting that Android and Google Play offer more choice and openness than any other major mobile platform. The tech giant reiterated its commitment to defending the Android business model and maintaining its dedication to users, partners, and the broader Android ecosystem.

This legal saga mirrors a similar case Epic Games pursued against Apple in 2021, where it lost on most counts. However, Epic Games appealed the judgment to the US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, which affirmed the majority of the lower court’s ruling. The case is currently making its way through the federal court system, with Epic Games seeking Supreme Court review.

The Google verdict adds to the growing list of antitrust cases targeting major app store platforms globally. In 2021, the Dutch Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) found that Apple’s commission policy on in-app purchases violated Dutch antitrust law. South Korea’s legislature also addressed the issue of whether Apple and Google should be entitled to a portion of in-app purchase profits in 2021. Additionally, in 2020, the European Commission’s Antitrust Division initiated an investigation into Apple’s app store policies concerning in-app purchases for music apps, notably including Spotify.

The legal battles between tech giants and app developers underscore the increasing scrutiny on app store practices worldwide. As these cases unfold, they may influence the regulatory landscape, potentially leading to reforms and changes in the way app store platforms operate. The outcomes could have far-reaching implications for the tech industry, shaping the future of app development, competition, and consumer protection.

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