Phone Scoop

T-Mobile has launched a registration web page where any voice customer can sign up to potentially beta-test the company's forthcoming satellite coverage service. A limited number of spots are available in the program, so not everyone that signs up may be…

Google today announced three new upgrades to help Android users deal with unknown Bluetooth tracking devices (potentially used for stalking and other surreptitious location tracking.) Both Android and iOS will detect an unknown Bluetooth tracking device making…

Verizon today announced "Enhanced Video Calling", a network feature that provides guaranteed bandwidth for certain customers' video calls even when and where the network is congested. The feature is now included with the Unlimited Ultimate and Business…

Apple has released iOS 18.2, which finally brings several major Apple Intelligence (AI) features, announced as part of iOS 18, to iPhones that support it (iPhone 16 series and 15 Pro models.) This includes Image Playground, Genmoji, Visual Intelligence, and…

The FCC is taking the final step in its plan to tackle the problem of nuisance and illegal robocalls once and for all. 2,411 voice service providers face being cut off from the US phone network as a result. These companies have failed to properly file…

SpaceX announced last week that a recent rocket launch — carrying 20 new Starlink satellites — marks the completion of its first satellite constellation offering Direct-To-Cell capability. The company has been launching new Starlink satellites with…

A federal court has denied TikTok's appeal of a new law that could effectively ban the app in the US. TikTok and its Chinese parent company ByteDance now have until mid-January to spin off or sell the US operations of TikTok, or face an effective ban on the…

Google's December software update for Pixel devices includes a long list of small new features. You can now ask Gemini Advanced to remember things about you to improve its responses. This "saved info" feature can remember things like if you're a vegetarian.…

Google is rolling out multiple new or enhanced features for Android outside of the version-number update cycle. While many involve Google's Gemini AI, the features address disparate functionality.…

Pantone has dropped its Color of the Year for 2025: Mocha Mousse. As in recent years, Motorola has partnered with Pantone to launch special edition phones in the color. In the US, it will be the razr+ (2024). The phone will be available exclusively from…

The FTC is issuing orders limiting how companies can collect and sell consumers' location data. Two companies — Mobilewalla and Gravy Analytics Inc. (and its subsidiary Venntel) — have been found in violation of the law. Both companies gained access to…

Nubia subsidiary RedMagic has announced its newest flagship gaming phone. The RedMagic 10 Pro has specs that, on paper, exceed most current flagship phones, while starting at just $649. RedMagic claims that advanced battery technology offers 25% better energy…

OnePlus has started the US marketing campaign for its upcoming OnePlus 13 flagship phone. Although the phone hasn't been fully, officially announced outside of China, OnePlus US is starting to share photos of the phone, which will come in three colors: white,…

The FCC has granted SpaceX and T-Mobile formal authorization to commercially operate cellular service via second-generation Starlink satellites, many of which are already in orbit. SpaceX and T-Mobile announced plans for the service in 2022, which is intended…

The FCC has approved a new Samsung phone that is almost certainly next year's Galaxy S25 flagship model. While the public approval documents contain little interesting detail and few surprises, they do confirm that the phone will include specific support for…

EchoStar has hit a stumbling block in its efforts to refocus its business on Boost Mobile. EchoStar previously reached an agreement to sell its Dish satellite TV business — including its Sling streaming TV service — to DirecTV. At the time, EchoStar said…

Sonim and Verizon have launched the Sonim XP Pro 5G, a new rugged smartphone that's significantly slimmer and sleeker than Sonim's previous models. The $550 phone is rated IP68 and IPX9K1 for water and dust. It also meets military durability standards for…

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) today finalized a rule to supervise the largest nonbank companies offering digital funds transfer and payment wallet apps, including Google and Apple tap-to-pay services. The CFPB will monitor companies handling…

The Department of Justice has officially requested that Google sell off its Chrome web browser and stop making Google the default search engine in web browsers and on phones, including both Android phones and iPhones. The request is the DoJ's proposed remedy…

Google today announced a number of new features and updates that improve the experience of setting up a new Android device, particularly around moving apps and data from your old device, be it and iPhone or Android phone. Previously exclusive to Pixel devices,…