News & Reviews:   iMessage

The government of Singapore Police Force (SPF) has formally instructed Google and Apple to implement safeguards preventing fraudsters from spoofing government-agency identities on their messaging platforms. The order comes after a surge in scams where messages appearing to come from official organisations — such as the national postal service — were sent through encrypted messaging apps.

Previously, we reported about Nothing Chats, the company’s cross-platform messaging app that allows Nothing Phone (2) users to chat directly with someone on Apple’s iMessage. However, it seems that Nothing has encountered unforeseen obstacles with the app and has since temporarily pulled the beta version out of the Google Play Store.

It was only recently that Nothing announced a new way for Android users to chat with iPhone users via Nothing Chats. Although this is only available on the Nothing Phone (2) in selected regions, this is the first time that an Android brand did it. But in a surprise turn of events, Apple announced that it will support RCS (Rich Communication Services) next year. 

For a long time, even until now, the blue and green message bubble war is still a thing. However, the Nothing brand is about to change that by introducing Nothing Chats. That's right, this app lets you chat directly with someone on iMessage from your Nothing Phone (2). 

Previously, we reported that Microsoft is previewing Phone Link for iOS which would allow Apple users to use iMessage, send and receive phone calls and even receive notifications on Windows 11. Well, the company has recently released the full version and is currently rolling out to all Windows 11 users.

The reliable tipster on everything Apple, Ming-Chi Kuo has claimed that the company would be releasing a redesigned HomePod in the first half of 2024, which includes a 7-inch display. This update to the product would allegedly be part of Apple’s “revamped smart home strategy”.

Previously, we reported on Apple confirming that it will comply with the European Union’s (EU) new law for a unified USB-C charging port. Now, it looks like the EU is not done just yet and may force Apple to do more changes on its mobile devices, including allowing for third-party app stores, app sideloading and iMessage interoperability with non-Apple devices.

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg is further heating up his company’s rivalry with Apple, this time around taking aim at the security features of iMessage. In an Instagram post sharing a Meta advertisement billboard, Zuckerberg boldly claims that Meta-owned WhatsApp is “far more private and secure” compared to Apple’s iMessage.

It's publicly known that Apple likes to make things exclusive, and iMessage is one of the 'things'. Despite how much Google wants to change that by asking the Cupertino-based company to enable Rich Communication Services (RCS) for the platform, the effort still goes useless as CEO Tim Cook believes it's unnecessary.

In case you missed it, iOS 15 has been released on 21 September at 1 AM. As a new software upgrade from iOS 14, this is quite a big file to download (approximately 3GB) so it's best to download and install it overnight. But anyway, I have taken the liberty to explore what's new and there are some impressive features to take note of.