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<!DOCTYPE html> <html lang="en-US"> <head> <meta charset="UTF-8"> <title>Phone Scoop</title> <link rel="icon" type="image/png" href="/img/favicon.png"> <link rel="icon" sizes="192x192" href="/img/mobile-icon-192.png"> <link rel="shortcut icon" sizes="196x196" href="/img/mobile-icon-196.png"> <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0" /> <meta name="description" content="Information about cell phones for the U.S. Searchable specs, news, guides, and more." /> <meta property="og:site_name" content="Phone Scoop" /> <meta property="fb:app_id" content="110673292326238" /> <meta property="og:locale" content="en_us" /> <meta property="og:type" content="website" /> <meta property="og:title" content="Phone Scoop" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://www.phonescoop.com/" /> <meta property="og:image" content="/img/logo_sq_500.jpeg" /> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=UA-1881979-1"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; 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if (d.getElementById(id)) return; js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; js.src = "//connect.facebook.net/en_US/all.js#xfbml=1&appId=110673292326238"; fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs); }(document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk'));</script> <div id="topstripalert" style="display:none;"></div> <div id="outer" class="wide"> <div id="printhead" class="onlyprint" style="display:none;"> <img src="/img/print_logo2.gif" width="122" height="54" alt="Phone Scoop" /> <p><i>printed April 8, 2025</i><br /> See this page online at:<br /> https:/<wbr />/<wbr />www.phonescoop.com/<wbr />index.php</p> </div> <div id="mobilehead" class="onlymobile" style="display:none;"> <a href="" id="mlogo"><img src="/img/logo_mobile.gif" width="137" height="45" alt="Phone Scoop" /></a> <a href="#" id="mmenub" onclick="return togMoMe(this);">&equiv;</a> </div> <div id="top" class="top-lg mhide"> <div id="topad" class="adsizer">  <div data-pw-desk="leaderboard_atf" id="pwDeskLbAtf"></div> <script type="text/javascript"> window.ramp.que.push(function () { window.ramp.addTag("pwDeskLbAtf"); 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return false;">Register</a><br /> <a href="#modal-lgno" onclick="modalLogin('l'); return false;">Log In</a> </div> <ul id="navother" class="nav"> <li><a href="site/advertising.php">Advertising</a></li>  <li><a href="site/about.php">About</a></li> <li><a href="site/contact.php">Contact</a></li> <li><a href="site/privacy.php">Privacy</a></li> <li><a href="site/tou.php">Terms of Use</a></li> </ul> </div></div>  <div id="content" class="wide"> <div id="breadcru" class="topline"> <b>Home</b></div>  <script language="JavaScript" type="text/javascript">  </script> <p class="tab-bar onlymobile"> <a href="#" id="ltab-1-1" onclick="return togFP('n', this);" class="on">News</a> <a href="#" id="ltab-1-2" onclick="return togFP('p', this);">New Phones</a> <span class="tabend"> </span></p> <div id="fpnews"> <div class="inner"> <div class="innerb">  <a href="https://www.phonescoop.com/articles/article.php?a=23479"><img src="/img/a/f/23479_280_a_309e5dd222878f6137ceb6b1864d9316.jpg" srcset="/img/a/f/23479_280_a_309e5dd222878f6137ceb6b1864d9316.jpg 1x, /img/a/f/23479_280_a_309e5dd222878f6137ceb6b1864d9316-2x.jpg 2x" align="right" width="240" height="327" alt="" class="news" /></a><h2 class="newstitle"><a href="https://www.phonescoop.com/articles/article.php?a=23479" name="n23479" rel="bookmark">This Year's moto g stylus is a Better Value</a></h2><p class="newsmeta">Today, 9:31 AM   by Rich Brome</p> <p class="newstxt">Motorola has revealed the 2025 edition of the $400 phone in its lineup: the moto g stylus. This year's model supports super-fast 68W charging, up from 30W last year (the 68W charger is sold separately). Motorola claims the 68W charging can give the phone a day's worth of power in just 15 minutes. The 2025 model also adds IP68 waterproofing and military-grade ruggedness ratings. The display is also sharper, with a unique resolution of 1220 x 2712 pixels, which Motorola calls "Super HD". The processor has been upgraded to a Snapdragon 6 Gen 3, and the Wi-Fi is faster with support for Wi-Fi 6E. Naturally, it has a built-in stylus, which Motorola claims is now 6.4x more responsive. Like last year's model, it has a 50 megapixel main camera with OIS, 13 megapixel wide-angle camera, and 32 megapixel front camera. What looks like a third camera is actually a 3-in-1 light sensor for the camera system. The phone comes with 8 GB RAM and either 128 or 256 GB of storage, with a memory card slot for adding up to 1 TB of storage. It also has a 5,000 mAh battery, wireless charging (15W), and a 3.5mm headset jack. This year's color options are PANTONE Gibraltar Sea (navy) and PANTONE Surf the Web (bright purple). The moto g stylus (2025) will be available unlocked starting at $400 on April 17th. It will also be offered by Metro, Verizon, Visible, Total Wireless, Straight Talk, AT&T, Cricket, Spectrum, Consumer Cellular, UScellular, Xfinity Mobile, Google Fi, Optimum, and Boost. </p><div class="newsend"> <p class="newslinks"></p> <p class="newstools"> <a href="https://bsky.app/intent/compose?text=This%20Year%27s%20moto%20g%20stylus%20is%20a%20Better%20Value%20https%3A%2F%2Fwww.phonescoop.com%2Farticles%2Farticle.php%3Fa%3D23479" onclick="return popShare('https://bsky.app/intent/compose?text=This%20Year%27s%20moto%20g%20stylus%20is%20a%20Better%20Value%20https%3A%2F%2Fwww.phonescoop.com%2Farticles%2Farticle.php%3Fa%3D23479', 560, 575);" class="soc-btn-sm soc-bsk">BlueSky</a> <a href="https://www.threads.net/intent/post?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.phonescoop.com%2Farticles%2Farticle.php%3Fa%3D23479&text=This%20Year%27s%20moto%20g%20stylus%20is%20a%20Better%20Value" onclick="return popShare('https://www.threads.net/intent/post?url=https://www.phonescoop.com/articles/article.php?a=23479&text=This%20Year%27s%20moto%20g%20stylus%20is%20a%20Better%20Value', 560, 575);" class="soc-btn-sm soc-thr">Threads</a> <a href="articles/discuss.php?ff=23479" class="cmnts mixedlink"><span class="linktext">Comments</span></a> </p> </div> <div class="pshr"><hr /></div><h2 class="newstitle"><a href="https://www.phonescoop.com/articles/article.php?a=23487" name="n23487" rel="bookmark">Verizon Promises Free Satellite Text Messaging, 3-Year Price Lock</a></h2><p class="newsmeta">Apr 3, 2025, 7:00 AM   by Rich Brome</p> <p class="newstxt">Verizon today is announcing that all customers on a current myPlan service plan will received guaranteed free satellite text messaging on qualifying devices. The company is also introducing a new three-year price lock guarantee for all myPlan customers. This applies to both new and existing customers, and starts fresh when a customer changes plans. </p><div class="newsend"> <p class="newslinks"></p> <p class="newstools"> <a href="https://bsky.app/intent/compose?text=Verizon%20Promises%20Free%20Satellite%20Text%20Messaging%2C%203-Year%20Price%20Lock%20https%3A%2F%2Fwww.phonescoop.com%2Farticles%2Farticle.php%3Fa%3D23487" onclick="return popShare('https://bsky.app/intent/compose?text=Verizon%20Promises%20Free%20Satellite%20Text%20Messaging%2C%203-Year%20Price%20Lock%20https%3A%2F%2Fwww.phonescoop.com%2Farticles%2Farticle.php%3Fa%3D23487', 560, 575);" class="soc-btn-sm soc-bsk">BlueSky</a> <a href="https://www.threads.net/intent/post?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.phonescoop.com%2Farticles%2Farticle.php%3Fa%3D23487&text=Verizon%20Promises%20Free%20Satellite%20Text%20Messaging%2C%203-Year%20Price%20Lock" onclick="return popShare('https://www.threads.net/intent/post?url=https://www.phonescoop.com/articles/article.php?a=23487&text=Verizon%20Promises%20Free%20Satellite%20Text%20Messaging%2C%203-Year%20Price%20Lock', 560, 575);" class="soc-btn-sm soc-thr">Threads</a> <a href="articles/discuss.php?ff=23487" class="cmnts mixedlink"><span class="linktext">Comments</span>  <span class="cmct">1</span></a> </p> </div> <div class="pshr"><hr /></div><h2 class="newstitle"><a href="https://www.phonescoop.com/articles/article.php?a=23486" name="n23486" rel="bookmark">T-Mobile Drops DEI to Get Deals Approved by FCC</a></h2><p class="newsmeta">Apr 1, 2025, 5:26 PM   by Rich Brome</p> <p class="newstxt">The FCC has approved T-Mobile's deal to effectively acquire fiber-to-the-home provider Lumos. New FCC chair Brendan Carr has publicly threatened to block merger & acquisition deals in telecom with companies that promote DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion), and opened official FCC probes into DEI programs at both Comcast and Verizon. As recently as March 26th, T-Mobile had a dedicated Diversity and Inclusion page on its public web site; that has now been taken down. On March 27th, Mark Nelson, T-Mobile EVP and General Counsel, sent a letter to the FCC saying "T-Mobile is conducting a comprehensive review of its DEI policies, programs, and activities." The next day, March 28th, the FCC approved the Lumos deal. T-Mobile and <a href="https://www.phonescoop.com/articles/article.php?a=23391" title = "Phone Scoop">AT&T</a> are also working to gain FCC approval for buying up <a href="https://www.phonescoop.com/articles/article.php?a=23284" title = "Phone Scoop">various parts of US Cellular</a>. </p><div class="newsend"> <p class="newslinks"><a href="https://www.fierce-network.com/broadband/t-mobile-aims-high-fiber-now-lumos-bag">Fierce Network »</a>   <a href="https://www.theverge.com/news/641068/t-mobile-closes-lumos-deal-after-dropping-dei">The Verge »</a></p> <p class="newstools"> <a href="https://bsky.app/intent/compose?text=T-Mobile%20Drops%20DEI%20to%20Get%20Deals%20Approved%20by%20FCC%20https%3A%2F%2Fwww.phonescoop.com%2Farticles%2Farticle.php%3Fa%3D23486" onclick="return popShare('https://bsky.app/intent/compose?text=T-Mobile%20Drops%20DEI%20to%20Get%20Deals%20Approved%20by%20FCC%20https%3A%2F%2Fwww.phonescoop.com%2Farticles%2Farticle.php%3Fa%3D23486', 560, 575);" class="soc-btn-sm soc-bsk">BlueSky</a> <a href="https://www.threads.net/intent/post?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.phonescoop.com%2Farticles%2Farticle.php%3Fa%3D23486&text=T-Mobile%20Drops%20DEI%20to%20Get%20Deals%20Approved%20by%20FCC" onclick="return popShare('https://www.threads.net/intent/post?url=https://www.phonescoop.com/articles/article.php?a=23486&text=T-Mobile%20Drops%20DEI%20to%20Get%20Deals%20Approved%20by%20FCC', 560, 575);" class="soc-btn-sm soc-thr">Threads</a> <a href="articles/discuss.php?ff=23486" class="cmnts mixedlink"><span class="linktext">Comments</span>  <span class="cmct">7</span></a> </p> </div> <div class="pshr"><hr /></div><h2 class="newstitle"><a href="https://www.phonescoop.com/articles/article.php?a=23485" name="n23485" rel="bookmark">Visible Reshuffles Premium Plans</a></h2><p class="newsmeta">Apr 1, 2025, 1:30 PM   by Rich Brome   <a href="https://www.phonescoop.com/articles/article.php?a=23485&su=" class="updated">updated Apr 1, 2025, 1:41 PM</a></p> <p class="newstxt">Visible has tweaked its premium Visible+ plan and added a new, even-more-premium Visible+ Pro plan. (The baseline Visible plan remains unchanged.) The <b>Visible+</b> plan stays at $35/month (taxes & fees included), but now has unlimited premium 4G and 5G data (including "Ultra Wideband") on Verizon's network, instead of the previous 50 GB/month cap on premium data. It also now includes unlimited data while roaming in Mexico & Canada, instead of the previous cap of 2 GB/day. Streaming video quality also improves to 1080p instead of 720p. However, smartwatch service is no longer included in the Visible+ plan, nor is free international calling and texting. Those perks are now reserved for the new, $45/month <b>Visible+ Pro</b> plan, which also includes even faster mobile hotspot service, 4K streaming video, and <i>two</i> days of Global Pass international roaming per month (instead of just one day/month with the Visible+ plan). Existing customers already on a Visible+ plan will see no changes; they will continue to receive a "legacy" version of the Visible+ plan. </p><div class="newsend"> <p class="newslinks"></p> <p class="newstools"> <a href="https://bsky.app/intent/compose?text=Visible%20Reshuffles%20Premium%20Plans%20https%3A%2F%2Fwww.phonescoop.com%2Farticles%2Farticle.php%3Fa%3D23485" onclick="return popShare('https://bsky.app/intent/compose?text=Visible%20Reshuffles%20Premium%20Plans%20https%3A%2F%2Fwww.phonescoop.com%2Farticles%2Farticle.php%3Fa%3D23485', 560, 575);" class="soc-btn-sm soc-bsk">BlueSky</a> <a href="https://www.threads.net/intent/post?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.phonescoop.com%2Farticles%2Farticle.php%3Fa%3D23485&text=Visible%20Reshuffles%20Premium%20Plans" onclick="return popShare('https://www.threads.net/intent/post?url=https://www.phonescoop.com/articles/article.php?a=23485&text=Visible%20Reshuffles%20Premium%20Plans', 560, 575);" class="soc-btn-sm soc-thr">Threads</a> <a href="articles/discuss.php?ff=23485" class="cmnts mixedlink"><span class="linktext">Comments</span>  <span class="cmct">1</span></a> </p> </div> <div class="pshr"><hr /></div><h2 class="newstitle"><a href="https://www.phonescoop.com/articles/article.php?a=23484" name="n23484" rel="bookmark">You'll Soon be Able to Set WhatsApp as Your Default Phone & Messaging App on iPhone</a></h2><p class="newsmeta">Mar 28, 2025, 12:27 PM   by Rich Brome</p> <p class="newstxt">In iOS 18.2, Apple added an option to designate a <a href="https://www.phonescoop.com/articles/article.php?a=23381" title = "Phone Scoop">third-party app as the default</a> for calling and/or messaging. Now, third-party apps are starting to support the feature, starting with WhatsApp. The latest beta version of WhatsApp can be set as your default messaging app, default voice calling app, or both. Presumably, the feature will come to the non-beta version of WhatsApp soon. Apple initially developed the feature to appease EU regulators and was expected to limit it to that region, but later rolled out the feature worldwide. It is now part of a whole section in Settings for "Default Apps" that also includes email, Call Filtering, web browser, and Passwords & Codes. </p><div class="newsend"> <p class="newslinks"><a href="https://wabetainfo.com/whatsapp-beta-for-ios-25-8-10-74-whats-new/">WABetaInfo »</a></p> <p class="newstools"> <a href="https://bsky.app/intent/compose?text=You%27ll%20Soon%20be%20Able%20to%20Set%20WhatsApp%20as%20Your%20Default%20Phone%20%26%20Messaging%20App%20on%20iPhone%20https%3A%2F%2Fwww.phonescoop.com%2Farticles%2Farticle.php%3Fa%3D23484" onclick="return popShare('https://bsky.app/intent/compose?text=You%27ll%20Soon%20be%20Able%20to%20Set%20WhatsApp%20as%20Your%20Default%20Phone%20%26%20Messaging%20App%20on%20iPhone%20https%3A%2F%2Fwww.phonescoop.com%2Farticles%2Farticle.php%3Fa%3D23484', 560, 575);" class="soc-btn-sm soc-bsk">BlueSky</a> <a href="https://www.threads.net/intent/post?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.phonescoop.com%2Farticles%2Farticle.php%3Fa%3D23484&text=You%27ll%20Soon%20be%20Able%20to%20Set%20WhatsApp%20as%20Your%20Default%20Phone%20%26%20Messaging%20App%20on%20iPhone" onclick="return popShare('https://www.threads.net/intent/post?url=https://www.phonescoop.com/articles/article.php?a=23484&text=You%27ll%20Soon%20be%20Able%20to%20Set%20WhatsApp%20as%20Your%20Default%20Phone%20%26%20Messaging%20App%20on%20iPhone', 560, 575);" class="soc-btn-sm soc-thr">Threads</a> <a href="articles/discuss.php?ff=23484" class="cmnts mixedlink"><span class="linktext">Comments</span>  <span class="cmct">2</span></a> </p> </div> <div class="pshr"><hr /></div><a href="https://www.phonescoop.com/articles/article.php?a=23483"><img src="/img/a/f/23483_280_a_8408d6a2b937a65e27fc634454e37a4f.jpg" srcset="/img/a/f/23483_280_a_8408d6a2b937a65e27fc634454e37a4f.jpg 1x, /img/a/f/23483_280_a_8408d6a2b937a65e27fc634454e37a4f-2x.jpg 2x" align="right" width="226" height="346" alt="" class="news" /></a><h2 class="newstitle"><a href="https://www.phonescoop.com/articles/article.php?a=23483" name="n23483" rel="bookmark">The Minimalist Light Phone III Adds a Camera</a></h2><p class="newsmeta">Mar 27, 2025, 3:03 PM   by Rich Brome</p> <p class="newstxt">The <a href="https://www.thelightphone.com/lightiii" title = "The Light Phone">Light Phone III</a> is now available for pre-order. This minimalist phone supports basic phone and text messaging features, but does not support apps, social media, or email. A curated set of essential features is designed with privacy in mind. These includes Directions, for step-by-step navigation via car or public transit, powered by Here. It also includes Directory, for finding basic info about businesses, powered by Google Places. It can also do voice-to-text transcription, powered by Rev.ai. It also supports music, podcasts, a calendar, audio and text notes, a timer, and alarms. Compared to the Light Phone II, the new model adds a simple 50 megapixel camera with dedicated two-stage shutter button, matte OLED display (instead of e-ink), metal frame, USB-C, fingerprint security, flashlight, and 5G. The Directions feature has been revamped to continuously update in real time, taking advantage of the OLED display. 5G is useful for the mobile hotspot feature as well as general future-proofing. It is sold unlocked and supports all three top US networks, (4G and 5G, in almost all frequency bands). The battery is also user-replaceable. Although not enabled at launch, it also has a front-facing camera and NFC hardware, so that a future software update can bring video calling and tap payments. The Light Phone III also sports a clickable, physical scroll wheel on the side. The phone is powered by a Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 processor and comes with 6 GB RAm and 128 GB storage. It's rated IP54 for dust and water. Its full price is $799, although it's currently available for $599 for a limited time. Pre-orders placed today should ship in July. (Earlier pre-orders will ship sooner.)</p><div class="newsend"> <p class="newslinks"></p> <p class="newstools"> <a href="https://bsky.app/intent/compose?text=The%20Minimalist%20Light%20Phone%20III%20Adds%20a%20Camera%20https%3A%2F%2Fwww.phonescoop.com%2Farticles%2Farticle.php%3Fa%3D23483" onclick="return popShare('https://bsky.app/intent/compose?text=The%20Minimalist%20Light%20Phone%20III%20Adds%20a%20Camera%20https%3A%2F%2Fwww.phonescoop.com%2Farticles%2Farticle.php%3Fa%3D23483', 560, 575);" class="soc-btn-sm soc-bsk">BlueSky</a> <a href="https://www.threads.net/intent/post?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.phonescoop.com%2Farticles%2Farticle.php%3Fa%3D23483&text=The%20Minimalist%20Light%20Phone%20III%20Adds%20a%20Camera" onclick="return popShare('https://www.threads.net/intent/post?url=https://www.phonescoop.com/articles/article.php?a=23483&text=The%20Minimalist%20Light%20Phone%20III%20Adds%20a%20Camera', 560, 575);" class="soc-btn-sm soc-thr">Threads</a> <a href="articles/discuss.php?ff=23483" class="cmnts mixedlink"><span class="linktext">Comments</span></a> </p> </div> <div class="pshr"><hr /></div><h2 class="newstitle"><a href="https://www.phonescoop.com/articles/article.php?a=23482" name="n23482" rel="bookmark">Utah Age-Verification Bill Signed Into Law</a></h2><p class="newsmeta">Mar 27, 2025, 11:53 AM   by Rich Brome</p> <p class="newstxt">Utah Governor Spencer Cox has <a href="https://governor.utah.gov/press/gov-cox-signs-100-bills-in-the-2025-general-legislative-session/" title = "Governor of Utah">officially signed</a> a <a href="https://www.phonescoop.com/articles/article.php?a=23469" title = "Phone Scoop">law requiring app stores to verify user's ages</a> and obtain parental consent for users under 18. Apple and Google oppose the law and may still challenge it in court. </p><div class="newsend"> <p class="newslinks"></p> <p class="newstools"> <a href="https://bsky.app/intent/compose?text=Utah%20Age-Verification%20Bill%20Signed%20Into%20Law%20https%3A%2F%2Fwww.phonescoop.com%2Farticles%2Farticle.php%3Fa%3D23482" onclick="return popShare('https://bsky.app/intent/compose?text=Utah%20Age-Verification%20Bill%20Signed%20Into%20Law%20https%3A%2F%2Fwww.phonescoop.com%2Farticles%2Farticle.php%3Fa%3D23482', 560, 575);" class="soc-btn-sm soc-bsk">BlueSky</a> <a href="https://www.threads.net/intent/post?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.phonescoop.com%2Farticles%2Farticle.php%3Fa%3D23482&text=Utah%20Age-Verification%20Bill%20Signed%20Into%20Law" onclick="return popShare('https://www.threads.net/intent/post?url=https://www.phonescoop.com/articles/article.php?a=23482&text=Utah%20Age-Verification%20Bill%20Signed%20Into%20Law', 560, 575);" class="soc-btn-sm soc-thr">Threads</a> <a href="articles/discuss.php?ff=23482" class="cmnts mixedlink"><span class="linktext">Comments</span></a> </p> </div> <div class="pshr"><hr /></div><h2 class="newstitle"><a href="https://www.phonescoop.com/articles/article.php?a=23481" name="n23481" rel="bookmark">FCC Proposes Stricter Rules for Vertical Location of 911 Callers</a></h2><p class="newsmeta">Mar 27, 2025, 11:44 AM   by Rich Brome</p> <p class="newstxt">The FCC is <a href="https://www.fcc.gov/document/fcc-aims-help-first-responders-better-locate-wireless-911-callers" title = "FCC">drafting new rules</a> that would require cellular service providers to report the vertical location of cell phones calling (or texting) 911 in a more useful measurement of Height Above Ground Level. They are also working to strengthen the testing and certification requirements of this technology in various environments (urban vs. rural). </p><div class="newsend"> <p class="newslinks"></p> <p class="newstools"> <a href="https://bsky.app/intent/compose?text=FCC%20Proposes%20Stricter%20Rules%20for%20Vertical%20Location%20of%20911%20Callers%20https%3A%2F%2Fwww.phonescoop.com%2Farticles%2Farticle.php%3Fa%3D23481" onclick="return popShare('https://bsky.app/intent/compose?text=FCC%20Proposes%20Stricter%20Rules%20for%20Vertical%20Location%20of%20911%20Callers%20https%3A%2F%2Fwww.phonescoop.com%2Farticles%2Farticle.php%3Fa%3D23481', 560, 575);" class="soc-btn-sm soc-bsk">BlueSky</a> <a href="https://www.threads.net/intent/post?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.phonescoop.com%2Farticles%2Farticle.php%3Fa%3D23481&text=FCC%20Proposes%20Stricter%20Rules%20for%20Vertical%20Location%20of%20911%20Callers" onclick="return popShare('https://www.threads.net/intent/post?url=https://www.phonescoop.com/articles/article.php?a=23481&text=FCC%20Proposes%20Stricter%20Rules%20for%20Vertical%20Location%20of%20911%20Callers', 560, 575);" class="soc-btn-sm soc-thr">Threads</a> <a href="articles/discuss.php?ff=23481" class="cmnts mixedlink"><span class="linktext">Comments</span></a> </p> </div> <div class="pshr"><hr /></div><h2 class="newstitle"><a href="https://www.phonescoop.com/articles/article.php?a=23480" name="n23480" rel="bookmark">Spectrum and Xfinity Launch Satellite SOS and Messaging</a></h2><p class="newsmeta">Mar 20, 2025, 4:22 PM   by Rich Brome</p> <p class="newstxt">Spectrum Mobile and Xfinity Mobile have both <a href="https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250320032579/en/Charter-and-Comcast-Launch-Satellite-Connectivity-for-Mobile-Devices?feedref=JjAwJuNHiystnCoBq_hl-ZIz1O1B8UVb7QrtIDCNYZI-lntG1kLHH27Kp_y2Qu7lnkvYMqDDYxFrLs-oQ2BHQ5XPQetz4Tz-7Yd_3UBB9nQ13KS_bZVECSSZ9" title = "Charter and Comcast via BusinessWire">launched emergency messaging via satellite</a> for the Samsung Galaxy S25 series and Google Pixel 9 series Android phones. In the coming weeks, they will also launch non-emergency text messaging via satellite. The service offers basic connectivity in cellular dead zones, and uses the NTN satellite feature of those specific phones. Both Spectrum and Xfinity use Verizon's network, and Verizon <a href="https://www.phonescoop.com/articles/article.php?a=23478" title = "Phone Scoop">enabled non-emergency satellite messaging</a> just yesterday. All three companies rely on Skylo to provide this satellite service. NTN is an industry standard and specific technology found only in some phones, that lets a phone communicate directly with existing satellite networks, much like Apple's proprietary satellite features on iPhone. Other satellite services for phones (Starlink and AST SpaceMobile) offer greater phone compatibility, but require new satellites to be launched. </p><div class="newsend"> <p class="newslinks"></p> <p class="newstools"> <a href="https://bsky.app/intent/compose?text=Spectrum%20and%20Xfinity%20Launch%20Satellite%20SOS%20and%20Messaging%20https%3A%2F%2Fwww.phonescoop.com%2Farticles%2Farticle.php%3Fa%3D23480" onclick="return popShare('https://bsky.app/intent/compose?text=Spectrum%20and%20Xfinity%20Launch%20Satellite%20SOS%20and%20Messaging%20https%3A%2F%2Fwww.phonescoop.com%2Farticles%2Farticle.php%3Fa%3D23480', 560, 575);" class="soc-btn-sm soc-bsk">BlueSky</a> <a href="https://www.threads.net/intent/post?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.phonescoop.com%2Farticles%2Farticle.php%3Fa%3D23480&text=Spectrum%20and%20Xfinity%20Launch%20Satellite%20SOS%20and%20Messaging" onclick="return popShare('https://www.threads.net/intent/post?url=https://www.phonescoop.com/articles/article.php?a=23480&text=Spectrum%20and%20Xfinity%20Launch%20Satellite%20SOS%20and%20Messaging', 560, 575);" class="soc-btn-sm soc-thr">Threads</a> <a href="articles/discuss.php?ff=23480" class="cmnts mixedlink"><span class="linktext">Comments</span></a> </p> </div> <div class="pshr"><hr /></div><h2 class="newstitle"><a href="https://www.phonescoop.com/articles/article.php?a=23478" name="n23478" rel="bookmark">Verizon Launches Non-Emergency Satellite Messaging</a></h2><p class="newsmeta">Mar 19, 2025, 10:25 AM   by Rich Brome</p> <p class="newstxt">As <a href="https://www.phonescoop.com/articles/article.php?a=23340" title = "Phone Scoop">announced and promised last August</a>, <a href="https://www.verizon.com/about/news/verizon-customers-satellite-texting-select-android-smartphones" title = "Verizon">Verizon is now launching</a> non-emergency text messaging via satellite in cellular dead zones for compatible Android phones. Currently, phones compatible with this NTN technology include the Google Pixel 9 series and the <a href="https://www.phonescoop.com/articles/article.php?a=23440" title = "Phone Scoop">Samsung Galaxy S25 series</a>. Verizon already offers <i>emergency</i> SOS and location sharing via satellite for these phones. Verizon is also <a href="https://www.phonescoop.com/articles/article.php?a=23287" title = "Phone Scoop">working with AST SpaceMobile</a> to offer expanded satellite service within two years, including <a href="https://www.phonescoop.com/articles/article.php?a=23457" title = "Phone Scoop">more types of services</a> and greater phone compatibility. </p><div class="newsend"> <p class="newslinks"></p> <p class="newstools"> <a href="https://bsky.app/intent/compose?text=Verizon%20Launches%20Non-Emergency%20Satellite%20Messaging%20https%3A%2F%2Fwww.phonescoop.com%2Farticles%2Farticle.php%3Fa%3D23478" onclick="return popShare('https://bsky.app/intent/compose?text=Verizon%20Launches%20Non-Emergency%20Satellite%20Messaging%20https%3A%2F%2Fwww.phonescoop.com%2Farticles%2Farticle.php%3Fa%3D23478', 560, 575);" class="soc-btn-sm soc-bsk">BlueSky</a> <a href="https://www.threads.net/intent/post?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.phonescoop.com%2Farticles%2Farticle.php%3Fa%3D23478&text=Verizon%20Launches%20Non-Emergency%20Satellite%20Messaging" onclick="return popShare('https://www.threads.net/intent/post?url=https://www.phonescoop.com/articles/article.php?a=23478&text=Verizon%20Launches%20Non-Emergency%20Satellite%20Messaging', 560, 575);" class="soc-btn-sm soc-thr">Threads</a> <a href="articles/discuss.php?ff=23478" class="cmnts mixedlink"><span class="linktext">Comments</span></a> </p> </div> <div class="pshr"><hr /></div><a href="https://www.phonescoop.com/articles/article.php?a=23477"><img src="/img/a/f/23477_280_a_5f3f74a80ec33a86875d0eeff9ffc13c.jpg" srcset="/img/a/f/23477_280_a_5f3f74a80ec33a86875d0eeff9ffc13c.jpg 1x, /img/a/f/23477_280_a_5f3f74a80ec33a86875d0eeff9ffc13c-2x.jpg 2x" align="right" width="217" height="362" alt="" class="news" /></a><h2 class="newstitle"><a href="https://www.phonescoop.com/articles/article.php?a=23477" name="n23477" rel="bookmark">Google Intros Pixel 9a</a></h2><p class="newsmeta">Mar 19, 2025, 10:05 AM   by Rich Brome</p> <p class="newstxt">Google has announced its newest mid-range Pixel phone, the <a href="https://blog.google/products/pixel/pixel-9a-the-latest-a-series-phone-with-google-ai-smarts-at-an-unbeatable-value/" title = "Google">Pixel 9a</a>. At $499, it's significantly more affordable than $799 Pixel 9. Upgrades over last year's Pixel 8a include a display that's 35% brighter, an IP68 water-resistance rating (improved from IP67), macro camera mode, and a the same new Google Tensor G4 chip as the Pixel 9, bringing with it a full suite of Gemini Nano and Gemini Live AI features. It also comes with hallmark Pixel features like Car Crash Detection, a free VPN service, and seven years of software updates. Google also offers Family Link for parental controls and now Google Wallet For Kids with parental controls. The Pixel 9a has a 6.3-inch display with 120 Hz refresh, 48 megapixel main camera, 13 megapixel wide-angle camera, and 128 GB storage. A version with 256 GB storage is also available for $100 more. It will be available in April in Obsidian (black) or Iris (purple). Google, Verizon, and AT&T will sell it. Google is also the selling exclusive colors Porcelain (white) and Peony (pink), but only with 128 GB storage. </p><div class="newsend"> <p class="newslinks"></p> <p class="newstools"> <a href="https://bsky.app/intent/compose?text=Google%20Intros%20Pixel%209a%20https%3A%2F%2Fwww.phonescoop.com%2Farticles%2Farticle.php%3Fa%3D23477" onclick="return popShare('https://bsky.app/intent/compose?text=Google%20Intros%20Pixel%209a%20https%3A%2F%2Fwww.phonescoop.com%2Farticles%2Farticle.php%3Fa%3D23477', 560, 575);" class="soc-btn-sm soc-bsk">BlueSky</a> <a href="https://www.threads.net/intent/post?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.phonescoop.com%2Farticles%2Farticle.php%3Fa%3D23477&text=Google%20Intros%20Pixel%209a" onclick="return popShare('https://www.threads.net/intent/post?url=https://www.phonescoop.com/articles/article.php?a=23477&text=Google%20Intros%20Pixel%209a', 560, 575);" class="soc-btn-sm soc-thr">Threads</a> <a href="articles/discuss.php?ff=23477" class="cmnts mixedlink"><span class="linktext">Comments</span></a> </p> </div> <div class="pshr"><hr /></div><h2 class="newstitle"><a href="https://www.phonescoop.com/articles/article.php?a=23476" name="n23476" rel="bookmark">T-Mobile Reaches New 5G Speed Record</a></h2><p class="newsmeta">Mar 18, 2025, 10:58 AM   by Rich Brome</p> <p class="newstxt"><a href="https://www.t-mobile.com/news/network/t-mobile-6cc-speed-record" title = "T-Mobile">T-Mobile has achieved</a> a record-breaking downlink (download) data speed of 4.3 Gbps on its 5G network using a <a href="https://www.phonescoop.com/phones/phone.php?p=7230" title = "Phone Scoop">Samsung Galaxy S25</a> in real-world conditions. The test leverages T-Mobile's 5G SA (stand-alone) network and six-carrier aggregation (6CA). 6CA is a relatively new feature of 5G. It was a little over a year ago that <a href="https://www.phonescoop.com/articles/article.php?a=23157" title = "Phone Scoop">T-Mobile announced</a> the world's first 6CA connection, reaching 3.6 Gbps at the time. While the commercially-available Galaxy S25 uses a Qualcomm Snapdragon X80 modem, T-Mobile also performed tests using <a href="https://www.qualcomm.com/news/releases/2025/03/introducing-qualcomm-x85--the-world-s-leading-modem-rf-for-unpre" title = "Qualcomm">Qualcomm's forthcoming X85 modem</a> on a test device, and achieved even faster speeds of 6.3 Gbps on the downlink. Qualcomm expects phones using the X85 to reach the market "in the second half of this year."</p><div class="newsend"> <p class="newslinks"></p> <p class="newstools"> <a href="https://bsky.app/intent/compose?text=T-Mobile%20Reaches%20New%205G%20Speed%20Record%20https%3A%2F%2Fwww.phonescoop.com%2Farticles%2Farticle.php%3Fa%3D23476" onclick="return popShare('https://bsky.app/intent/compose?text=T-Mobile%20Reaches%20New%205G%20Speed%20Record%20https%3A%2F%2Fwww.phonescoop.com%2Farticles%2Farticle.php%3Fa%3D23476', 560, 575);" class="soc-btn-sm soc-bsk">BlueSky</a> <a href="https://www.threads.net/intent/post?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.phonescoop.com%2Farticles%2Farticle.php%3Fa%3D23476&text=T-Mobile%20Reaches%20New%205G%20Speed%20Record" onclick="return popShare('https://www.threads.net/intent/post?url=https://www.phonescoop.com/articles/article.php?a=23476&text=T-Mobile%20Reaches%20New%205G%20Speed%20Record', 560, 575);" class="soc-btn-sm soc-thr">Threads</a> <a href="articles/discuss.php?ff=23476" class="cmnts mixedlink"><span class="linktext">Comments</span></a> </p> </div> <div class="pshr"><hr /></div><h2 class="newstitle"><a href="https://www.phonescoop.com/articles/article.php?a=23475" name="n23475" rel="bookmark">T-Mobile Raising Rates on Old Plans Again</a></h2><p class="newsmeta">Mar 17, 2025, 10:12 AM   by Rich Brome</p> <p class="newstxt">T-Mobile is <a href="https://www.t-mobile.com/customers/plan-pricing-update-5lt" title = "T-Mobile">raising rates</a> on some of its older service plans by $5/line. The company did <a href="https://www.phonescoop.com/articles/article.php?a=23282" title = "Phone Scoop">something similar</a> with a different set of old plans last year. All affected customers should have received notice last Thursday. The company refused to explain exactly which customers were affected, saying "Not every customer on every plan is impacted, in fact, the majority of our customers are not included." The change goes into effect April 2nd. Verizon and AT&T have also raised rates on old plans in recent years, in one way or another. </p><div class="newsend"> <p class="newslinks"><a href="https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/t-mobile-hikes-rates-for-legacy-customers-which-plans-are-affected/">CNET »</a></p> <p class="newstools"> <a href="https://bsky.app/intent/compose?text=T-Mobile%20Raising%20Rates%20on%20Old%20Plans%20Again%20https%3A%2F%2Fwww.phonescoop.com%2Farticles%2Farticle.php%3Fa%3D23475" onclick="return popShare('https://bsky.app/intent/compose?text=T-Mobile%20Raising%20Rates%20on%20Old%20Plans%20Again%20https%3A%2F%2Fwww.phonescoop.com%2Farticles%2Farticle.php%3Fa%3D23475', 560, 575);" class="soc-btn-sm soc-bsk">BlueSky</a> <a href="https://www.threads.net/intent/post?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.phonescoop.com%2Farticles%2Farticle.php%3Fa%3D23475&text=T-Mobile%20Raising%20Rates%20on%20Old%20Plans%20Again" onclick="return popShare('https://www.threads.net/intent/post?url=https://www.phonescoop.com/articles/article.php?a=23475&text=T-Mobile%20Raising%20Rates%20on%20Old%20Plans%20Again', 560, 575);" class="soc-btn-sm soc-thr">Threads</a> <a href="articles/discuss.php?ff=23475" class="cmnts mixedlink"><span class="linktext">Comments</span></a> </p> </div> <div class="pshr"><hr /></div><h2 class="newstitle"><a href="https://www.phonescoop.com/articles/article.php?a=23474" name="n23474" rel="bookmark">Google Assistant Going 100% AI with Gemini</a></h2><p class="newsmeta">Mar 14, 2025, 12:28 PM   by Rich Brome</p> <p class="newstxt">Google <a href="https://blog.google/products/gemini/google-assistant-gemini-mobile/" title = "Google">announced plans</a> to infuse its Gemini generative AI into Google Assistant almost everywhere Assistant is available, including older mobile devices. Effectively, Gemini will replace Assistant. The change also applies to other types of devices, including tablets, home speakers, watches, and cars. </p><div class="newsend"> <p class="newslinks"></p> <p class="newstools"> <a href="https://bsky.app/intent/compose?text=Google%20Assistant%20Going%20100%25%20AI%20with%20Gemini%20https%3A%2F%2Fwww.phonescoop.com%2Farticles%2Farticle.php%3Fa%3D23474" onclick="return popShare('https://bsky.app/intent/compose?text=Google%20Assistant%20Going%20100%25%20AI%20with%20Gemini%20https%3A%2F%2Fwww.phonescoop.com%2Farticles%2Farticle.php%3Fa%3D23474', 560, 575);" class="soc-btn-sm soc-bsk">BlueSky</a> <a href="https://www.threads.net/intent/post?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.phonescoop.com%2Farticles%2Farticle.php%3Fa%3D23474&text=Google%20Assistant%20Going%20100%25%20AI%20with%20Gemini" onclick="return popShare('https://www.threads.net/intent/post?url=https://www.phonescoop.com/articles/article.php?a=23474&text=Google%20Assistant%20Going%20100%25%20AI%20with%20Gemini', 560, 575);" class="soc-btn-sm soc-thr">Threads</a> <a href="articles/discuss.php?ff=23474" class="cmnts mixedlink"><span class="linktext">Comments</span></a> </p> </div> <div class="pshr"><hr /></div><h2 class="newstitle"><a href="https://www.phonescoop.com/articles/article.php?a=23473" name="n23473" rel="bookmark">Apple Pledges to Support Encryption in New RCS Standard</a></h2><p class="newsmeta">Mar 14, 2025, 11:36 AM   by Rich Brome</p> <p class="newstxt">The RCS industry standard for enhanced messaging has been updated to officially support standardized End-to-End Encryption (E2EE). Further, Apple has committed to support it in future implementations of RCS in iOS. This will greatly improve the security and privacy of cross-platform messaging between iPhones and Android phones. Google launched <a href="https://www.phonescoop.com/articles/article.php?a=22379" title = "Phone Scoop">its own implementation of E2EE for RCS</a> in 2020, but the feature was not officially part of the RCS standard until now, with <a href="https://www.gsma.com/newsroom/article/rcs-encryption-a-leap-towards-secure-and-interoperable-messaging/" title = "GSMA">GSMA</a>'s RCS Universal Profile 3.0. That is why Google's E2EE feature only worked when both parties were using Google's Messages app. Now, this standardized version of E2EE should enable it for more RCS conversations. Apple has not committed to a specific timeline for adding E2EE to RCS. </p><div class="newsend"> <p class="newslinks"><a href="https://9to5mac.com/2025/03/14/end-to-end-encrypted-rcs-messaging-on-iphone/">9to5Mac »</a></p> <p class="newstools"> <a href="https://bsky.app/intent/compose?text=Apple%20Pledges%20to%20Support%20Encryption%20in%20New%20RCS%20Standard%20https%3A%2F%2Fwww.phonescoop.com%2Farticles%2Farticle.php%3Fa%3D23473" onclick="return popShare('https://bsky.app/intent/compose?text=Apple%20Pledges%20to%20Support%20Encryption%20in%20New%20RCS%20Standard%20https%3A%2F%2Fwww.phonescoop.com%2Farticles%2Farticle.php%3Fa%3D23473', 560, 575);" class="soc-btn-sm soc-bsk">BlueSky</a> <a href="https://www.threads.net/intent/post?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.phonescoop.com%2Farticles%2Farticle.php%3Fa%3D23473&text=Apple%20Pledges%20to%20Support%20Encryption%20in%20New%20RCS%20Standard" onclick="return popShare('https://www.threads.net/intent/post?url=https://www.phonescoop.com/articles/article.php?a=23473&text=Apple%20Pledges%20to%20Support%20Encryption%20in%20New%20RCS%20Standard', 560, 575);" class="soc-btn-sm soc-thr">Threads</a> <a href="articles/discuss.php?ff=23473" class="cmnts mixedlink"><span class="linktext">Comments</span></a> </p> </div> <div class="pshr"><hr /></div><a href="https://www.phonescoop.com/articles/article.php?a=23471"><img src="/img/a/f/23471_280_a_45a1b1bca13793a983b41db2aa41aacf.jpg" srcset="/img/a/f/23471_280_a_45a1b1bca13793a983b41db2aa41aacf.jpg 1x, /img/a/f/23471_280_a_45a1b1bca13793a983b41db2aa41aacf-2x.jpg 2x" align="right" width="280" height="280" alt="" class="news" /></a><h2 class="newstitle"><a href="https://www.phonescoop.com/articles/article.php?a=23471" name="n23471" rel="bookmark">Android Gaining Support for Auracast with Newer Bluetooth Hearing Aids</a></h2><p class="newsmeta">Mar 13, 2025, 4:31 PM   by Rich Brome</p> <p class="newstxt">The newest <a href="https://www.phonescoop.com/articles/article.php?a=23472" title = "Phone Scoop">beta version of Android</a> introduces a new feature that lets certain supported phones 鈥斅爏uch as the Pixel 9 series 鈥斅爑se <a href="https://blog.google/feed/auracast-hearing-aids-earbuds/" title = "Google">Auracast with Bluetooth hearing aids</a> that support it. <a href="https://www.phonescoop.com/articles/article.php?a=22803" title = "Phone Scoop">Auracast is a broadcast audio technology</a> that lets many Bluetooth audio devices (such as earbuds and hearing aids) tune in to the same audio source at one time. The technology is starting to roll out in places like train stations, theaters, and gyms. Auracast is an optional part of LE Audio, the new Bluetooth audio standard. Samsung has also enabled Auracast for compatible hearing aids with its One UI 7 software on Galaxy devices. Google is also adding a feature to Pixel phones that lets users tune in to a specific local Auracast stream by a scanning a QR code. Last year, Google added Auracast info to <a href="https://www.phonescoop.com/articles/article.php?a=23280" title = "Phone Scoop">Google Maps</a>, to help people find nearby locations that offer the technology. </p><div class="newsend"> <p class="newslinks"></p> <p class="newstools"> <a href="https://bsky.app/intent/compose?text=Android%20Gaining%20Support%20for%20Auracast%20with%20Newer%20Bluetooth%20Hearing%20Aids%20https%3A%2F%2Fwww.phonescoop.com%2Farticles%2Farticle.php%3Fa%3D23471" onclick="return popShare('https://bsky.app/intent/compose?text=Android%20Gaining%20Support%20for%20Auracast%20with%20Newer%20Bluetooth%20Hearing%20Aids%20https%3A%2F%2Fwww.phonescoop.com%2Farticles%2Farticle.php%3Fa%3D23471', 560, 575);" class="soc-btn-sm soc-bsk">BlueSky</a> <a href="https://www.threads.net/intent/post?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.phonescoop.com%2Farticles%2Farticle.php%3Fa%3D23471&text=Android%20Gaining%20Support%20for%20Auracast%20with%20Newer%20Bluetooth%20Hearing%20Aids" onclick="return popShare('https://www.threads.net/intent/post?url=https://www.phonescoop.com/articles/article.php?a=23471&text=Android%20Gaining%20Support%20for%20Auracast%20with%20Newer%20Bluetooth%20Hearing%20Aids', 560, 575);" class="soc-btn-sm soc-thr">Threads</a> <a href="articles/discuss.php?ff=23471" class="cmnts mixedlink"><span class="linktext">Comments</span></a> </p> </div> <div class="pshr"><hr /></div><a href="https://www.phonescoop.com/articles/article.php?a=23472"><img src="/img/a/f/23472_280_a_4ef5817b4257d0e44bcf34810a235d1f.jpg" srcset="/img/a/f/23472_280_a_4ef5817b4257d0e44bcf34810a235d1f.jpg 1x, /img/a/f/23472_280_a_4ef5817b4257d0e44bcf34810a235d1f-2x.jpg 2x" align="right" width="306" height="256" alt="" class="news" /></a><h2 class="newstitle"><a href="https://www.phonescoop.com/articles/article.php?a=23472" name="n23472" rel="bookmark">Android 16 Hits Critical Milestone Toward Release</a></h2><p class="newsmeta">Mar 13, 2025, 4:30 PM   by Rich Brome</p> <p class="newstxt">The third public beta version of <a href="https://android-developers.googleblog.com/2025/03/the-third-beta-of-android-16.html" title = "Google">Android 16</a> is available now, and brings "platform stability", which means developers can begin finalizing and releasing apps that are specifically designed to be compatible with Android 16. The final version of Android 16 is expected as soon as May. </p><div class="newsend"> <p class="newslinks"></p> <p class="newstools"> <a href="https://bsky.app/intent/compose?text=Android%2016%20Hits%20Critical%20Milestone%20Toward%20Release%20https%3A%2F%2Fwww.phonescoop.com%2Farticles%2Farticle.php%3Fa%3D23472" onclick="return popShare('https://bsky.app/intent/compose?text=Android%2016%20Hits%20Critical%20Milestone%20Toward%20Release%20https%3A%2F%2Fwww.phonescoop.com%2Farticles%2Farticle.php%3Fa%3D23472', 560, 575);" class="soc-btn-sm soc-bsk">BlueSky</a> <a href="https://www.threads.net/intent/post?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.phonescoop.com%2Farticles%2Farticle.php%3Fa%3D23472&text=Android%2016%20Hits%20Critical%20Milestone%20Toward%20Release" onclick="return popShare('https://www.threads.net/intent/post?url=https://www.phonescoop.com/articles/article.php?a=23472&text=Android%2016%20Hits%20Critical%20Milestone%20Toward%20Release', 560, 575);" class="soc-btn-sm soc-thr">Threads</a> <a href="articles/discuss.php?ff=23472" class="cmnts mixedlink"><span class="linktext">Comments</span>  <span class="cmct">1</span></a> </p> </div> <div class="pshr"><hr /></div><a href="https://www.phonescoop.com/articles/article.php?a=23470"><img src="/img/a/f/23470_280_a_9148ade2ff83789b28e361b7912a0376.jpg" srcset="/img/a/f/23470_280_a_9148ade2ff83789b28e361b7912a0376.jpg 1x, /img/a/f/23470_280_a_9148ade2ff83789b28e361b7912a0376-2x.jpg 2x" align="right" width="330" height="238" alt="" class="news" /></a><h2 class="newstitle"><a href="https://www.phonescoop.com/articles/article.php?a=23470" name="n23470" rel="bookmark">New Project Aims to Detect When Police are Using a Stingray</a></h2><p class="newsmeta">Mar 8, 2025, 4:18 PM   by Rich Brome</p> <p class="newstxt">The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) has released a new software tool that it hopes can alert people (such as protesters) when someone (such as police) may be operating an IMSI catcher (commonly known by the brand name Stingray) nearby. An IMSI catcher pretends to be a cell phone base station (tower) and records the unique identifiers of phones nearby that automatically attempt to connect to it. This new tool from the EFF 鈥斅燾alled <a href="https://github.com/EFForg/rayhunter" title = "GitHub">Rayhunter</a> 鈥斅爄s designed to run on a specific Orbic Speed mobile hotspot device that can be found used online for as little as $10. The interface for using the software is web-based, and needs to be accessed from a different device, either via Wi-Fi or USB. </p><div class="newsend"> <p class="newslinks"><a href="https://www.androidauthority.com/eff-rayhunter-3532579/">Android Authority »</a></p> <p class="newstools"> <a href="https://bsky.app/intent/compose?text=New%20Project%20Aims%20to%20Detect%20When%20Police%20are%20Using%20a%20Stingray%20https%3A%2F%2Fwww.phonescoop.com%2Farticles%2Farticle.php%3Fa%3D23470" onclick="return popShare('https://bsky.app/intent/compose?text=New%20Project%20Aims%20to%20Detect%20When%20Police%20are%20Using%20a%20Stingray%20https%3A%2F%2Fwww.phonescoop.com%2Farticles%2Farticle.php%3Fa%3D23470', 560, 575);" class="soc-btn-sm soc-bsk">BlueSky</a> <a href="https://www.threads.net/intent/post?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.phonescoop.com%2Farticles%2Farticle.php%3Fa%3D23470&text=New%20Project%20Aims%20to%20Detect%20When%20Police%20are%20Using%20a%20Stingray" onclick="return 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