Android Police: March 2018

[Update: Go apps too] Play Store now recommending lite apps to some users

Update 1: 2018/03/31 5:20pm PDT
We've received a few tips that Android Go apps are also being shown as alternatives, not just Lite apps. Thanks Wael for the screenshots!

Over the past year or two, we've seen a rise of 'lite' apps - lightweight alternative applications for popular services. Facebook Lite, Skype Lite, and Twitter Lite are just a few examples. But it's not always obvious to users that these alternatives exist, unless they happen to appear high up on Play Store search results.

[Update: Go apps too] Play Store now recommending lite apps to some users was written by the awesome team at Android Police.

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Iran reportedly to block Telegram due to 'national security' concerns

After posting about its impressive 200 million user count, messaging service Telegram has been dealt another blow. The Iranian government is reportedly preparing to block the platform, citing concerns of "national security."

This follows not too long after Telegram lost an appeal in Russia, where the government there ordered the company to hand over its encryption keys, again with nods to national security. In Iran's case, the report comes from Mashreghnews.ir, who quotes Alaeddin Boroujerdi, the Chairman for the Committee for Foreign Policy and National Security of the Islamic Consultative Assembly of Iran.

Iran reportedly to block Telegram due to 'national security' concerns was written by the awesome team at Android Police.

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[Continuously Updated] 2018 April Fools' Roundup: All the jokes from around the web

April Fools' day is almost upon us, but each year at least a few companies are unable to restrain themselves, pushing out their pranks early. Google's various divisions do a decent job each year. Last year's Google Gnome was a pretty good one, and the Maps team's 2014 Pokemon prank was a memorable one. OnePlus even does a good job.

It can be tough keeping track, though, so let us handle the work while you enjoy the jokes.

[Continuously Updated] 2018 April Fools' Roundup: All the jokes from around the web was written by the awesome team at Android Police.

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Phiaton BT 150 NC review: Great sound and noise canceling in an affordable package

Taking a step away from fitness-oriented audio, I have recently spent some time with Phiaton's BT 150 NC noise canceling earphones. This is aimed at traveling professionals who want to have great noise canceling without breaking the bank. Phiaton manages that with the $150 BT 150 NC, all while providing very good sound quality and comfort.

As you well know, dear reader, cut corners are inevitable, especially when discussing anything with the word "affordable" attached to it.

Phiaton BT 150 NC review: Great sound and noise canceling in an affordable package was written by the awesome team at Android Police.

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Google working to open recently-freed wireless spectrum for shared use

A big chunk of the 3.5GHz spectrum in the US—called Citizens Broadband Radio Service, or CBRS for short—is being opened up for use later this year. Originally used by the US military, the FCC decided in 2015 that the frequencies could be put to better, shared use without obstructing its current applications, like Navy radar. And, according to Bloomberg, Google's building the systems that will allow for seamless use of these new frequencies.

Google working to open recently-freed wireless spectrum for shared use was written by the awesome team at Android Police.

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Google claims Pixel 2 MMS issues fixed despite continued reports

According to a statement made by a Google employee on the Pixel product forums, a somewhat widespread problem with receiving MMS messages on the Pixel 2 XL has been resolved. But if you ask the people that claimed to be affected, you'll get a very different answer.

Image via Omar Ramadan

We had heard some reports for this problem ourselves, which manifests as an inability to receive or download MMS messages sent to a Pixel 2 or Pixel 2 XL.

Google claims Pixel 2 MMS issues fixed despite continued reports was written by the awesome team at Android Police.

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AT&T and Sonim announce the XP8, a $799 ultra-rugged phone for public safety workers

We don't often see much into the world of ultra-rugged smartphones and tablets as "normal" consumers, though we catch glimpses from time to time from the likes of CAT and such. These devices take many steps beyond the Galaxy S Active series in terms of durability. Since AT&T seems to be fond of these phones, it and Sonim have announced the XP8 for use on FirstNet. This phone looks like one solid piece of technology and, despite its middling specifications, it will cost a whopping $799.

AT&T and Sonim announce the XP8, a $799 ultra-rugged phone for public safety workers was written by the awesome team at Android Police.

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Saturday, March 31, 2018