Signal is removing SMS support from its Android app

It might be hard to believe, but Signal started life over ten years ago as two independent apps that focused on encrypted voice-calling and encrypted text messaging apps. The company, then called Whisper Systems, also produced security apps like firewall protection and data encryption tools. During that time, mobile data services were in their infancy, so the company integrated encrypted SMS as part of its secure messaging app. It would later remove encryption support for SMS, and today, it has announced that it will be getting rid of SMS completely from its Android app.

The company states that the main reason behind the move was that the firm wanted to prioritize the security and privacy of its users. While SMS messages are convenient, the technology behind the service is quite old, making it vulnerable and insecure. Furthermore, the service is routed through wireless carriers, which often have problems with data breaches, and make it less manageable. Signal found it best to remove such a service from its app, as it doesn’t really mesh well with its core principles.

In addition to security concerns, the company didn’t want its users to incur any unexpected messaging fees. Apparently, users had issues with high messaging fees because they thought they were sending Signal messages but were instead using SMS the whole time. While some parts of the world, like the United States, offer unlimited text messaging, other regions charge quite a bit just to send one single message. By removing SMS from the Android app, there is now a clear understanding of what the app can do, which should mitigate future misunderstandings.

Its final reason for removing SMS support from its Android app was simply a matter of consumer experience. In order to have both messaging systems co-exist with each other in the app, Signal had to create an experience that could accommodate both, while still delivering a clear message to users on what services were being used to send and receive messages. Unfortunately, no matter how good a design is, there is always room for misinterpretation. These kinds of misinterpretations could cause users to not understand which services were being used to send messages or, like in the previous example, could cause unwanted billings from wireless carriers.

Going forward, Signal will be free to focus more on its core efforts and also new features, like usernames. As mentioned before, the feature will no longer be a part of the Android app, and the company states that it will create a smooth transition as it fazes out SMS from its app. If you’re looking for an alternative, be sure to check out our guide for some of the best messaging apps available for iOS and Android.

Signal Private Messenger (Free, Google Play) →

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Source: Signal

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What colors does the Surface Pro 9 come in?

Microsoft has just unveiled the Surface Pro 9, the latest iteration of one of the best Windows tablets on the market, and it brings some pretty significant changes to the table. For starters, it has new Intel and Arm processors, with the latter offering 5G support. But if you’re on this page, that’s not what you care about. The Surface Pro has typically only been available in one color, the signature Platinum, but this year, things are different. The Surface Pro 9 comes in four colors – as long as you choose the right configuration.

Indeed, for the first time ever, you can get the Surface Pro 9 in a total of four colors, but there are some big caveats. First off, none of the new color options are available if you choose the Surface Pro 9 with 5G. That model only comes in Platinum. Additionally, the color options are also restricted to specific configurations, so the entry-level model and the top-tier options are also only available in Platinum. With that being said, the configurations that have color options are probably the most appealing to the majority of people, so let’s take a look.

Surface Pro 9 colors

The four colors available for the Surface Pro 9 are Platinum, Graphite, Sapphire, and Forest. Each one comes with a matching Signature Keyboard, too, but the Surface Slim Pen 2 is still exclusively black.

Platinum and Graphite are already familiar, with the latter previously only available on the Surface Pro X. However, the two new colors are absolutely beautiful and add a touch of personality that the Surface Pro line had been lacking until now. And of course, you get the color-matched Signature Keyboards to complete the look. Personally, that Forest colorway looks absolutely stunning. You can also mix and match the colors, so even if you get the Surface Pro 9 with 5G, you can still get a colored keyboard.

Surface Pro 9 special edition

Beyond the regular color options, Microsoft also launched the Surface Pro 9 with a special edition designed in collaboration with Liberty, a British design studio. This one comes in a blue colorway with a laser-etched floral pattern on the back of the Surface Pro 9, along with a similar pattern on the Surface Pro Signature Keyboard, which makes for a beautiful look.

This model is only available for a limited time after launch, and only in select markets through Microsoft Stores and Liberty. But if you want something truly unique, this is probably the one for you.

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And that’s about all you need to know about the color options on the Surface Pro 9. It’s truly refrehing to see new color options added after getting used to Platinum for so many years, and we love these new colors. As mentioned above, my personal favorite is probably the green Forest model, but Sapphire looks great, too.

If you haven’t yet, you can buy the Surface Pro 9 using the link below, where you can choose your specific configuration and color. Otherwise, you might want to check out the best Surface PCs you can buy today, as there are some great options to choose from.

Surface Pro 9

The Surface Pro 9 is a top-tier Windows tablet, and it comes in multiple colors for the first time.

See at Best Buy

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These are the best Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max cases to buy in 2022

Apple revealed the iPhone 14 line during its Far Out event. This time around, the regular models barely got any exciting upgrades — if any. Meanwhile, the iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max received the first major facelift since the iPhone X. The company has finally introduced an Always-On Display (AOD) feature and retired the infamous notch. Pro users now deal with the Dynamic Island instead. For those unfamiliar with it, iOS interacts with this cutout to deliver alerts in a smoother manner, which isn’t as distracting. If you plan to buy an iPhone 14 model, make sure to grab a charger, too. That’s because Apple only includes a cable in its box. Obviously, you might also want to consider buying a case to protect it from potential damages. Below is a list of the best cases for the iPhone 14 Pro Max.

Spigen Ultra Hybrid

Best clear case

This affordable case is manufactured by a reputable company. It offers a decent layer of protection with an anti-yellowing technology, plain and clear. It misses out on MagSafe connectivity and adding any foreign design elements. It's there for those who'd rather not have it there yet want to protect their iPhones.

Buy from Amazon

ESR Classic Hybrid Case

Best clear case with MagSafe support

This ESR case is similar to the official Apple clear one but is more affordable. It is simple and supports MagSafe connectivity. It's ideal for those who dislike overly complex patterns and designs. While I personally think the visible MagSafe pattern looks out of place, some people find its design iconic.

Buy from Amazon

Spigen Rugged Armor

Best rugged case for minimalists

If you're not a fan of the typical bulky rugged cases, this one is for you. It has a rugged build, while maintaining a sleek design that doesn't ruin the clean iPhone aesthetic. I could never use the gigantic rugged cases, and this one acts as a middle ground between protection and simplicity.

Buy from Amazon

Urban Armor Gear Case

Alternative rugged case for minimalists

If you need the ruggedness of a case but prefer simpler designs, this case from UAG is a solid alternative for the Spigen Rugged Armor. It offers a TPU frame, MagSafe connectivity support, and a textured back.

Buy from Amazon

Mujjo Leather Wallet Case

Best leather case for card holders

If you carry no more than three cards at a time, then this leather case should be perfect for you. It offers a clean and unique build, raised bezels for better protection, and three different colors to pick from. It also includes a two-year warranty for your peace of mind.

Buy from Amazon

BlackBrook Wallet Case

Best wallet case for cash carriers

If you tend to carry more than three cards or need to have cash on you, then this leather wallet case acts as an equivalent for the Mujjo leather case. While some users might not like its 360º, many others appreciate the added protection that this build design offers.

Buy from Amazon

ESR Metal Kickstand Case

Best kickstand case

This case offers three stand modes. This allows you to erect your phone in different positions, depending on the content you're viewing. It is available in Black and Clear options and has a flexible build.

Buy from Amazon

Supcase Unicorn Beetle Pro

Best rugged case with a kickstand

This 360º case has a built-in screen protector for complete protection. It also supports MagSafe and Qi wireless chargers.

Buy from Amazon

Promoted

Apple Leather Case

Best for Apple enthusiasts

This case comes in five different colors to choose from. It also supports MagSafe charging, so you don't have to miss out on that. It's premium, modern-looking, and a great iPhone companion. You can find cheaper replicas, but some users like showing off the fruit logo.

Buy from Amazon

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Many of us at XDA have personally used the Spigen Armor lineup, and we appreciate it for its balanced approach to protection, added bulk, and overall style. The MagSafe compatibility ensures you retain access to all MagSafe accessories for your phone. The ESR Metal Kickstand is a good option to get if you want a kickstand, which you will appreciate on a phone the size of the iPhone 14 Pro Max. Both brands are reputable and offer solid products that will likely last for as long as you’d expect them to.

Personally, I used to depend on clear cases at all times. I can’t stand having foreign layers concealing the original iPhone design. However, I actively use MagSafe and think clear MagSafe cases look horrendous. As a result, I’ve settled for the Apple Silicone Case in Midnight shade — as it retains the MagSafe connectivity and somewhat matches the Space Black finish of my iPhone.

Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max

The A16-powered iPhone 14 Pro Max is the highest-end 2022 Apple phone. It supports the Dynamic Island and Always-On Display feature.

Buy from Best Buy

Buy from AT&T

Which of these iPhone 14 Pro Max cases will you be buying, and why? Let us know in the comments section below.

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Grab these Amazfit smartwatches at a discount during Prime Early Access sale

Amazfit has launched a lot of great smartwatches over the last couple of years, and it’s offering two of them at a discount during Amazon’s Prime Early Access sale. For a limited time, you can buy the Amazfit GTR 4 and T-Rex Pro smartwatches for $170 and $130, respectively. We’re not looking at massive price cuts here, but these watches were already pretty good for the price so we think even marginal discounts add more value.

Amazfit GTR 4

The Amazfit GTR 4 is a great smartwatch that works well with both Android and iOS devices. You can get it for just $170 for a limited time.

Buy from Amazon

Amazfit T-Rex Pro

The Amazfit T-Rex Pro is a rugged smartwatch that's perfect for those who have an active lifestyle. You can get it for just $130 for a limited time.

Buy from Amazon

The Amazfit GTR 4 is relatively new to the market, so the fact that you can save $30 on it right now makes it a great option to consider. Only the ‘Superspeed Black’ variant of the watch is available at a discounted price though. It’s the one that we showcased in our Amazfit GTR 4 review, so be sure to check it out in case you want to see what the watch looks like outside the press renders.

The Amazfit T-Rex Pro is slightly older when you compare it to the GTR 4. You can get it for just $130 right now, down from its usual price of $180. The T-Rex Pro, as you can see, is a rugged smartwatch that’s perfect for those with an active lifestyle. There’s a lot to like about the T-Rex Pro smartwatch, including its 1.3-inch HD AMOLED panel and a long-lasting battery. We weren’t able to review the T-Rex Pro, but it’s very similar to the new T-Rex 2 smartwatch that we reviewed recently, so be sure to check it out.

Overall, we think both the Amazfit GTR 4 and T-Rex Pro are great smartwatches that work well with both Android and iOS devices. If you don’t want to spend a lot of money trying to buy an Apple Watch or a Galaxy Watch 5 Pro, then these will serve you well. Amazfit is also offering discounts on some other smartwatches in its portfolio, so don’t forget to take a look.

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Where to buy the Nvidia RTX 4090: Founders Edition and third-party versions available from October 12

The big day is here for those eager to get their hands on the new Nvidia RTX 4090. October 12 is grand launch day and the first opportunity for those outside the press to get their hands on the beast. There are also quite a few different versions, with Nvidia’s partners launching their own RTX 4090 alongside the first-party Founders Edition.

With a starting price of $1,600 it’s not for everyone. But demand is still expected to be high. The gains over the last gen for a modest increase in the MSRP are clear. And this time around there’s no interest from crypto miners, so prices should hold steady and there might actually be a chance of getting one.

But where can you even buy them from? Pre-launch messaging hasn’t been the clearest but they’re now hitting the shelves. So if you’re looking to buy an RTX 4090, here’s where to look.

Where to buy the Nvidia RTX 4090 in the U.S. and Canada

There are some guaranteed places that will be stocking the RTX 4090 from launch day. Though not all links may be live at the time of writing, we’ll be sure to keep it updated as more come online. The usual suspects are all good, with Best Buy and Newegg already listing both Founders Edition and third-party cards respectively. B&H will also be joining in the fun, and Amazon will definitely be stocking, though at this point hasn’t gone live.

It looks like there will be third-party versions also available at $1,599, though details on them are still a little scarce. More information is to be expected after 6 a.m. Pacific time on October 12. All links should be going live throughout the day. Best Buy is also requiring customers have an account with them to purchase the RTX 4090 as it’s a high-demand item.

Best Buy

• Nvidia RTX 4090 Founders Edition – $1,599 at Best Buy
• MSI RTX 4090 Gaming Trio – $1,599 at Best Buy
• MSI RTX 4090 Suprim Liquid X – $1,749 at Best Buy
• Gigabyte Windforce OC RTX 4090 – $1,699 at Best Buy
• PNY RTX 4090 – $1,599 at Best Buy
• Gigabyte RTX 4090 – $1,599 at Best Buy

Newegg

• ASUS ROG GeForce RTX 4090 OC – $1,999 at Newegg
• Gigabyte Aorus RTX 4090 – $1,899 at Newegg
• MSI Suprim Liquid X RTX 4090 – $1,749 at Newegg
• ASUS TUF Gaming RTX 4090 OC – $1,799 at Newegg
• Gigabyte Aorus RTX 4090 – $1,799 at Newegg
• MSI Suprim RTX 4090 – $1,699 at Newegg
• ASUS TUF Gaming RTX 4090 – $1,599 at Newegg
• Gigabyte Gaming RTX 4090 – $1,699 at Newegg
• Gigabyte Windforce RTX 4090 – $1,599 at Newegg
• MSI Gaming X Trio RTX 4090 – $1,649 at Newegg
• MSI Gaming Trio RTX 4090 – $1,599 at Newegg

B&H

• ASUS ROG Strix RTX 4090 – $1,999 at B&H
• Gigabyte Windforce RTX 4090 – $1,599 at B&H
• Gigabyte RTX 4090 Gaming OC – $1,699 at B&H
• MSI Suprim X RTX 4090 – $1,699 at B&H
• Zotac Trinity RTX 4090 OC – $1,649 at B&H
• ASUS Tuf Gaming OC RTX 4090 – $1,799 at B&H
• Zotac Amp Extreme Airo RTX 4090 – $1,699 at B&H
• Zotac Trinity RTX 4090 – $1,599 at B&H
• PNY XLR8 Gaming RTX 4090 – $1,599 at B&H
• MSI Gaming X Trio RTX 4090 – $1,649 at B&H
• MSI Suprim Liquid X RTX 4090 – $1,749 at B&H
• MSI Gaming Trio RTX 4090 – $1,599 at B&H

Remember also that the RTX 4090 is large and some of the third-party versions will be even bigger. You may well need to grab a new PC case while you’re shopping just to accommodate it. You should be ok with your existing power supply as long as it’s at least 850W (though we’d recommend 1000W to give yourself a little headroom), though any new ATX 3.0 PSUs will at least mean you can avoid using the adapter cable to power the card.

Where to buy the Nvidia RTX 4090 in Europe

In Europe, you can expect Amazon to be selling the new RTX 4090 in the various markets it supports across the continent. As in the U.S., we expect the listings to begin to go live at some point throughout October 12, likely after 6 a.m Pacific for many of the third-party options.

Smaller, more niche retailers will also be a good place to look. Retailers such as Overclockers and eBuyer in the UK, or CaseKing in Germany, for example, will always be a good shout. The MSRP is a little higher on European shores, with the Founders Edition costing £1,699.

• Nvidia Store at Amazon UK

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The Garmin Fenix 6S Pro is now $201 off during Amazon’s Prime Early Access event

If you’re in the market for a fitness wearable, there are lots of options available from numerous brands. But one company that stands out from the rest, with its unique technologies and rugged designs, is Garmin. Garmin has been producing activity-tracking wearables for quite some time, and while its products offer robust features, what really sets it apart from its competition is the ability to offer products that can last days, weeks, or sometimes even over a month on a single charge. With that said, Amazon is offering an excellent deal on the Garmin Fenix 6S Pro, knocking $201 off of its retail price.

The Garmin Fenix 6S Pro is a bit of a unique watch in Garmin’s lineup because it comes in a size that’s a bit more svelte and makes it look and feel similar to a normal watch. But that doesn’t mean it’s not feature-packed, making use of a 1.2-inch always-on sunlight-readable transflective color display that can last up to nine days on a single charge. The watch offers numerous activities that it can track, along with heart rate tracking and pulse oximetry for blood oxygen saturation.

As you can imagine, the watch does offer satellite navigation and tracking options and makes use of a compass, gyroscope, and barometric altimeter to give you more granular details when you are tracking fitness activities. Furthermore, the watch comes with topography and ski maps and Garmin Pay for contactless payment. Those that love music will be happy to know that Garmin watches do support streaming services and even offer space for offline downloads.

As mentioned previously, the Garmin Fenix 6S Pro is currently on sale for a limited time during Amazon’s Prime Early Access sales event. The wearable is being discounted by $201, taking it from $599.99 to $398. Currently, the website only has the sale price for the Rose Gold with White Band model available. There is also another variant that comes in black, but it wasn’t part of the promotion. If you are interested, you can purchase the watch using the link below.

Garmin Fenix 6S Pro

The Garmin Fenix 6S Pro packs a lot of features in a small package.

Purchase at Amazon

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Vivaldi browser debuts new welcome flow and performance updates for Android

Vivaldi, the free cross-platform web browser, has received a new update for Android, bringing a new set of features that will benefit users, new and old. Vivaldi 5.5 builds on past updates and offers a new startup process, optimized performance, and more.

With its latest update, Vivaldi 5.5 has a new welcome menu that makes it easier for new users to get to know the features of the browser. The company states that it has “reworked” its “welcome flow,” allowing users to understand exactly what’s happening from the first step. This specific revamp was specifically made for people that have never used the browser. With seven quick steps, users will feel comfortable yet will be given the option to customize the look and feel to their liking. If customizing the experience isn’t your thing, you won’t need to. But, if you want to add a little spice to your browsing experience, you will be able to position tabs and the address bar in a manner that suits your needs. If you want a desktop-style tab layout, you can choose that. If you want something that represents a more mobile experience, that’s also a possibility.

You can also choose color options, dark or light modes, or go even further with cosmetic options using Themes. Themes will allow you to fine-tune the little details, like adding different color accents. Of course, you’ll want privacy and security features, and Vivaldi provides these, giving options on how much or little you want to block. Finally, the company does not track user profile behavior on its mobile or desktop app. Vivaldi 5.5 also offers performance updates, integrating a new option that will automatically close inactive tabs when necessary. You can set when this happens, once a week, once a month, or every three months. If you like to keep your tabs open, you can set the browser to never close inactive tabs. Of course, all of these choices are yours. If you think it’s a good browser, you can make it your default. Otherwise, you can remove it or just keep it around as a secondary option. So, if you’re looking for something new, give it a shot by hitting the link down below.

Vivaldi Browser: Smart & Swift (Free, Google Play) →

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Source: Vivaldi Technologies

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