End-to-End Encryption Is Coming to Android Group Chats

Group chats can get chaotic. It would be great to have an extra layer of security. Users of the Messages app on their phones will be able to sign up for a program that will allow them to have their group chats secured.

The alpha was announced in May by the search engine giant. End-to-end encryption is available in the Messages app for texts between individual users, but once this test is complete, full end-to-end will be available.

End-to-end encryption is being tested in Messages in 2020 to bring more security to users. This latest step is part of the company's effort to push adoption of the RCS communications standard for text messaging across devices. For months, Google has been fighting against Apple's use of texting standards for cross- platform communications. It is not possible for a message to be sent on a mobile device.

There is more information from the world of consumer tech.

Apple has a new name for its headset tech.

Apple has changed its software platform to allow for augmented- and virtual-reality applications. It may be that Apple is close to announcing its long-awaited mixed-reality headset. RealityOS has been renamed to xrOS.

The leaks about the headset have been going on for a long time. No details or features have been confirmed. The name implies that the headset and application that run on it will have both augmented and virtual reality features. It is likely that Apple will announce the device next year, though there are no clues about a release date.

It is likely that Apple will go head-to-head with the Meta Quest Pro headset. The PS3 system is set to go to market. Whether or not consumers actually want to dive into the technology is up for debate.

There is a new glass.

A new, stronger version of Gorilla Glass may be on the way. The company that makes Gorilla Glass showed off its new Victus 2 material this week in product videos where it tested it against concrete. The new formula was able to hold a drop of a meter onto the unforgiving surface. In American, that is 3.28 feet. It doesn't seem like much, but hopefully it will help alleviate some of the fear you feel when you misplace your phone.

If it is dropped on asphalt or a softer surface than concrete, the Victus 2 material can hold up an additional meter. Look for the glass in next year's crop of phones.

There is buying time.

You have probably seen those buy now and pay later options while shopping online. These services allow you to buy what you want and pay it off in installments. If you do it quickly, you can avoid the interest fees on credit cards. It's an appealing option for cash- strapped buyers. People aren't using the services to buy expensive things. They use them more and more for basic necessities.

We talk about buy now, pay later, and what it means for your wallet on the Gadget Lab.