News
Vodafone UK discontinues RCS Chat: Here’s what Samsung users should do

Vodafone announced that the RCS Chat feature is being discontinued between March 15 to 31 in the UK. As Vodafone confirms that it’s stopping RCS Chat service in the UK, we are letting Samsung users know what they can do to continue using the advanced messaging service.
To find out whether you’ll be affected and what steps you’ll need to take, continue reading the story below.
Samsung Messages to get RCS support
If you use a Samsung Galaxy device, which launched after 2020, it’s expected that the company will provide a new software update, which will bring RCS support to the native Messages app. However, it’s unknown when the Samsung Messages app will get RCS support in the UK.
Well, you can continue using RCS services by switching to the Google Messages (a.k.a. Messages by Google) app. Meanwhile, do not that some older Galaxy watches may require the Samsung default messaging app to be used for SMS compatibility.
Any Android device using the Messages app
After about 48-72 hours of getting disconnected from the RCS Chat, you will be prompted to accept new Ts & Cs from Google to continue to use RCS. Accepting the Terms and conditions registers you with a Google RCS platform (Messages by Google).
Any Android devices launched before 2020
You’ll need to download Messages by Google from the Play Store to continue using RCS Chat features.
RCS Chat
Avoided by iOS, RCS is a messaging functionality, which works on top of SMS to enable futuristic chat services on Android smartphones. Using RCS, you can send long messages (over 160 characters), emojis, pictures, and videos using mobile data or WiFi.
Without RCS support, Samsung users at Vodafone can continue to send messages in the UK, but anything which would have been sent via RCS will now be sent via SMS/MMS. Notably, Vodafone cited that users may incur charges for sending pictures and videos if they are not on an Xtra plan with inclusive MMS.
Made in India Chromebooks: Google signs new partnership with HP

Google and HP have announced a partnership to manufacture Chromebooks in India, making them the first Chromebooks to be made in the country. The partnership aims to improve the digital education scenario in India by providing affordable and secure computing devices to students and educators.
According to the information, the Chromebooks will be produced at the Flex Facility near Chennai, where HP has been making various laptops and desktops since August 2020. The production of HP Chromebooks starts on October 2, 2023.
Chromebooks are the leading devices in K-12 education globally, with over 50 million students and teachers using them. Chromebooks have built-in accessibility and security features that make them ideal for online learning.
Today, Google and Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai confirmed the partnership through a tweet on X (Twitter). He mentioned, “We are partnering with HP to manufacture Chromebooks in India – These are the first Chromebooks to be made in India and will make it easier for Indian students to have access to affordable and secure computing.
News
Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 Plus with Snapdragon chip spotted on Google Play Console

Samsung is not only planning to unveil the Galaxy Tab A9 in India next month but there will be a Plus variant too. In a recent development, the Galaxy Tab A9+ has been spotted on Google Play Console.
Google Play Console listing doesn’t reveal much about its specs, while its existence is almost confirmed. The Galaxy Tab A9 Plus will feature a 1200 x 1920 pixels resolution display, while the size remains unknown at the moment.
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Past reports revealed that this tablet will be equipped with Snapdragon 695 processor, coupled with 4GB RAM. However, the Tab A9 is said to sport MediaTek’s Helio G99 chipset and a 1340 x 800 pixels resolution display.
News
Samsung enhances Smart View feature through new update

Samsung Smart View feature is getting a new update with version 8.2.16.44. This feature allows you to mirror your phone’s screen to your TV, as well as control the TV with your mobile.
Now, the company is enhancing the Samsung Smart View feature through a new update. It fixes some issues that users spotted in previous versions to improve the performance and stability of the app.
The installtion package size of this update is 5.73MB, available on the Galaxy Store. If you use the Smart View function of a Samsung smartphone, then you should install the latest update of it.
You can get the Samsung Smart View 8.2.16.44 update through Galaxy Store >> Menu option >> Updates. Also, you can download it through the link mentioned here.
Samsung Home Launcher gets updated right before One UI 6 unveiling on October 4