WhatsApp cuts off older Android users amid rising tensions
- Samsung's Galaxy S25 will launch innovative features at the Galaxy Unpacked event, including a trial period for Gemini Advanced.
- Xiaomi is integrating its Poco brand more closely with its main website to boost market visibility.
- WhatsApp will stop supporting older Android versions starting January 1, 2025, affecting many users relying on outdated devices.
In recent developments in the Android ecosystem, various notable events have shaped the landscape. Samsung's Galaxy S25 Ultra is about to unveil significant features, including enhancements related to AI and connectivity. The forthcoming model is expected to be announced during the Galaxy Unpacked event. Notably, it may include a trial period for the new Gemini Advanced AI service, which varies in duration based on the model: three months for the Galaxy S25, six for the S25 Plus, and a full year for the S25 Ultra. This initiative demonstrates Samsung's commitment to keeping its flagship devices ahead of technological trends. Additionally, Xiaomi has undergone a strategic reorganization involving the Poco brand. The company plans to integrate Poco more closely with its main brand by marketing products like the Poco X7 duo through Xiaomi's main site, which reflects a broader trend in the tech industry aimed at maximizing brand recognition and market reach. This transition is part of Xiaomi’s effort to streamline its product offerings as well as leverage the strengths of its more recognized brand name. Moreover, the launch of Lineage 22, a widely used custom Android OS, marked a significant moment for Android enthusiasts. The new version is built upon Android 15 and features adjustments in their release pattern that reflect the rapid updates in Google's Android ecosystem. The developers announced these changes due to increasingly complex quarter releases that require more frequent code revisions, emphasizing the challenges faced in maintaining an open-source platform in an evolving market. Lastly, a major change impacting millions of users took place when WhatsApp announced the discontinuation of support for devices running on versions of Android eighth years and older, which also applies to those manufactured around 2013. As a result, many users who still rely on older devices will lose access to the popular messaging application beginning January 1, 2025. Given that these legacy systems pose security risks, this move is aimed at promoting a safer user experience on a more recent software infrastructure.