Yazılar

Google Reportedly Developing New ‘Min Mode’ for Always-On Display in Android 17

/in /tarafından

Google is reportedly working on a fresh upgrade for its Always-on Display (AOD) feature, which has become a staple on modern smartphones with LED or OLED screens. Typically, the AOD shows basic details like the time, date, battery percentage, and notification icons — allowing users to glance at essential information without unlocking their devices. Now, with the upcoming Android 17 update, Google appears to be expanding this functionality with a new feature called “Min Mode.” This addition could bring more flexibility and interactivity to the always-on experience by opening the door for third-party apps to display their own minimalist interfaces on the screen.

According to a report from Android Authority, early findings within the Android SystemUI package suggest that Min Mode is currently in development. The feature seems designed to let apps create persistent, low-power mini interfaces that can appear while the phone is in its locked AOD state. For example, fitness or music apps could use this mode to show ongoing stats, playback controls, or step counts in a sleek, simplified view — all without draining the battery or requiring users to wake the device. This discovery hints that Google is preparing to make the AOD more functional and customizable than ever before.

If fully implemented, Min Mode could reshape how users engage with their smartphones even when idle. Imagine seeing live navigation directions, weather updates, or smart home status alerts directly on your lock screen, all presented in a subtle, power-efficient design. This would make the AOD not just a passive display for notifications, but an interactive mini-hub that offers useful, real-time insights at a glance. Such a change could also inspire developers to create new app experiences specifically tailored for this lightweight display mode.

While Google hasn’t officially confirmed the feature, its presence in leaked Android 17 builds suggests the company is experimenting with ways to push ambient interfaces further. If Min Mode rolls out in the stable release expected next year, it could become one of Android 17’s standout innovations — giving users more control, convenience, and creativity right from the lock screen.

Indian Ministers Promote Homegrown Alternatives to Google, Microsoft Amid Rising U.S. Trade Tensions

/in /tarafından

Three senior ministers in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s cabinet are urging Indians to adopt domestic alternatives to U.S. tech giants like Google, Microsoft, and Meta, marking the strongest government endorsement yet of “Made in India” technology amid escalating trade frictions with the United States.

The push follows Washington’s decision in August to impose 50% tariffs on Indian imports, a move that has fueled nationalist calls for economic self-reliance. Modi has since urged citizens to replace daily-use foreign products with “swadeshi” (indigenous) alternatives, aligning the campaign with his broader vision of digital sovereignty.

This week, Information Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw showcased highway project plans using Zoho software—an Indian rival to Microsoft PowerPoint—and MapmyIndia, instead of Google Maps. “The map is from MapmyIndia, not Google Maps,” he said, smiling. “It’s looking nice, right? Swadeshi.”

Vaishnaw’s social media video testing Zoho’s software attracted 6.2 million views on X, urging users to support Indian digital tools. Similarly, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan have promoted Zoho’s messaging app Arattai (“chat” in Tamil), calling it a symbol of India’s technological independence. Goyal posted on X, “So proud to be on @Arattai, a #MadeInIndia messaging platform that brings India closer.”

The campaign appears to be paying off: according to Sensor Tower, Arattai downloads surged from under 10,000 in August to over 400,000 in September, with daily active users doubling to 100,000 by September 26.

Still, experts caution that displacing entrenched global brands such as WhatsApp, Google Maps, and Microsoft Office will be difficult. India remains WhatsApp’s largest market, with more than 500 million users, and U.S. platforms dominate both consumer and enterprise software ecosystems.

Dilip Cherian, co-founder of Perfect Relations, warned that “only state patronage will not be enough.” For Indian challengers like Zoho to succeed, he said, they need “a unique differentiating factor, deep pockets, and strong protection against surveillance.”

Zoho’s billionaire co-founder Sridhar Vembu has become a national symbol of tech self-reliance through his rural-based business model, which runs key operations from small villages rather than major tech hubs.

India’s digital strategy increasingly reflects a geopolitical balancing act: promoting technological independence and data sovereignty while maintaining access to U.S. innovation and investment. Whether apps like Zoho and Arattai can sustain momentum without losing the enthusiasm of government boosters remains an open question.

T-Mobile Expands Satellite Network to Support WhatsApp, X, and Google Maps in Remote Areas

/in /tarafından

T-Mobile announced on Wednesday that its satellite-to-cell network—developed in partnership with SpaceX’s Starlink—now supports popular apps such as WhatsApp, Google Maps, and X, expanding mobile connectivity for users in dead zones and remote regions.

The service, known as T-Satellite, initially launched commercially in July 2024 with limited capabilities, allowing only SMS texting, MMS, photo messages, and short audio clips when users were outside the range of traditional mobile networks.

Now, T-Mobile says the system can support a dozen widely used apps, including Apple Music, Samsung Find, Pixel Weather, AccuWeather, and AllTrails, alongside its new flagship “Experience Beyond” plan.

“We’ve worked closely with Apple and Google to create frameworks for SAT mode so that any app can access the data channel when connected to the satellite,” said Jeff Giard, T-Mobile’s Vice President of Strategic Partnerships and Product Innovation, in an interview with Reuters.

HOW IT WORKS

The network relies on more than 650 Starlink direct-to-cell satellites, which automatically connect when a user’s device loses a terrestrial signal.
Apps that are “satellite-ready” provide essential services such as navigation, communication, and weather updates — though not full, data-heavy features like high-definition video streaming.

T-Mobile customers under the Experience Beyond plan can access the network at no extra charge, while users from AT&T and Verizon can subscribe for $10 per month.

EXPANDING DEVELOPER ACCESS

Giard said that both the App Store and Google Play Store now support SAT mode integration through a dedicated API, enabling developers to make their apps satellite-compatible.
T-Mobile is working with app makers to encourage adoption, especially for tools that provide critical communications and safety features.

“People are excited that their regular phone can now connect to space,” Giard said. “They essentially get a satellite phone experience—without having to buy new equipment.”

With this expansion, T-Mobile strengthens its push toward universal mobile connectivity, aiming to make complete coverage a reality even in the world’s most remote areas.