Source: Android Central
What you need to know
- Google is making Messages more secure for consumers with the addition of Verified SMS and Spam Protection.
- Verified SMS tackles phishing by letting you know that the organization that's texting is you really who they claim to be.
- Spam Protection isn't really new for everyone, but it's now rolling out to US users.
On December 12, Google highlighted a few changes it is making to the Google Messages experience to make it more secure and user-friendly. The first such change is the addition of Verified SMS. Verified SMS is a feature that lets Google determine whether a business that's sending you a message is who they claim to be and not simply an imposter. If Google can verify the identity of the business, you'll see the logo of the business along with the now ubiquitous verified tick symbol at the top of the messaging thread.
Businesses like 1-800-Flowers, Kayak, and SoFi have signed up for Verified SMS. Google Pay India and Google's verification codes will also take advantage of Verified SMS.
Google is rolling out Verified SMS in the U.S., India, Mexico, Brazil, the UK, France, Philippines, Spain, and Canada. It promises that it'll extend the program in more countries going forward.
Google is also bringing Spam Protection to Messages in the U.S. It automatically warns users of Messages from unsafe numbers and offers the option to block them. The feature had been available in countries including the UK over the past year. Both features are rolling out in the U.S. from today as of right now.
Google is rolling out RCS to all Android users in the U.S. today
Samsung sends accidental 'Find My Mobile' notification to Galaxy phones
A global ‘Find My Mobile’ push notification was sent out to Galaxy smartphones worldwide today, causing confusion and worry among owners.
Android 11 is on the way — here's everything you need to know
Android 11 is the big Android release for 2020, and it's shaping up to be an exciting update. We're following all of the changes and new features so you know exactly what to expect when the final build is available later this year.
Ninja's comments show how games continue to be inaccesible, and it sucks
Games are inaccessible enough without somebody as visible as Ninja coming along and making it worse.
Expand your streaming abilities with the best Chromecast apps
Your Chromecast, small as it is, can do a lot. There are a ton of apps to use with Chromecast in the Play Store; here are the best for whatever you're looking to do regardless of if you're just streaming video or not.
