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One of the more surprising tech developments in 2025 was Google bringing two-way support for Apples AirDrop functionality to its Pixel 10 series of phones. At the time, Google said it intended to expand the feature to other devices at a later date, and that date could be just around the corner. At a press briefing attended by Android Authority at Googles Taipei office, Eric Kay, Androids Vice President of Engineering, confirmed that AirDrop interoperability will expand in 2026. "We spent a lot of time and energy to make sure that we could build something that was compatible not only with iPhone but iPads and MacBooks," he said. "Now that weve proven it out, were working with our partners to expand it into the rest of the ecosystem, and you should see some exciting announcements coming very soon." Right now, Pixel 10 users can send and receive files and photos between Apple devices and Android using Quick Share. For an Android device to receive from an iPhone, they have to set their Quick Share visibility settings to "everyone for 10 minutes" and make sure theyre in "receive" mode on the Quick Share page. Its a similar story for an Android-to-Apple file share. You have to set your iPhone, iPad or Macs Airdrop visibility to "anyone for 10 minutes," which enables someone from outside your contacts to use Quick Share on their Pixel 10. When this feature launched, it wasnt clear how much involvement, if any, Apple had had, or if the infamous walled garden would once again banish Android-minded intruders in a subsequent software update. But that hasnt happened, and back in November, Qualcomm confirmed that devices powered by its Snapdragon chips would also soon be able to transfer files to iPhones using Quick Share, suggesting that Pixel exclusivity wouldnt last for much longer. Googles own willingness to play nice with Apple gear is seemingly a move designed to make the lives easier of anyone thinking about making the jump from an iPhone to an Android device. As reported by Android Authority, Kay also said his company was committed to making it as simple as possible to transfer data when switching. It wasnt that long ago that the idea of Apple and Google teaming up to make device-hopping more consumer-friendly was the stuff of fantasy, but in December it emerged that the longstanding rivals were working on a new simplified data transfer system. Each company already offers a method for swapping ecosystems, but a new build of Android Canary hinted at something that would work at the operating system level. Last month, Apple and Google also released a joint statement confirming previous reports that the new version of Siri will utilise Google Geminis models, effectively resulting in a Google-powered voice assistant on your iPhone.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/google-will-soon-offer-airdrop-support-on-more-android-devices-141523521.html?src=rss
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Ford may be discontinuing its F-150 Lightning pickup but it hasnt given up on electric cars. CEO Jim Farley just teased the automakers electric pickup based on its new Universal Electric Vehicle platform that he called one of the most audacious and important projects in Ford's history.The Universal EV platform will be used on a family of affordable EVs sold around the world, but will start with a mid-sized pickup for the US built in Louisville, Kentucky. Its set to go on sale next year with a target price of $30,000. An early peek at our brilliant team working on the Universal Electric Vehicle project - one of the most audacious and important projects in @Ford's history. American innovation is how we compete and win against China and the rest of the world. The team is spending countless pic.twitter.com/Un4eCe258L Jim Farley (@jimfarley98) February 5, 2026 Farley discussed some of the tech going into the pickup, particularly the aerodynamics, a key aspect if Ford is to compete with rivals. The team is spending countless hours getting every last drop of aero efficiency on the mid-size electric pickup, he noted. Farley also discussed the simplified aluminum unicastings [that] condense over 146 parts into two as a way to boost production efficiency. Ford will invest $5 billion, including $2 billion at the Louisville factory on top of $3 billion already announced for its BlueOval battery plant. It will expand the Louisville facility by 52,000 square feet and "create or secure" nearly 4,000 direct jobs, the company said late last year.Ford hasn't yet revealed the pickups name or shown a photo, but its supposed to have more interior room than a Toyota RAV4. Buyers will be able to lock bikes or surfboards into the pickup bed, mooting the need for roof or trailer hitch racks. It will have a low center of gravity from the battery, instant torque and a 0 to 60 mph time "as fast as a Mustang EcoBoost [around 4.5 seconds], with more downforce," Ford said.Jim Farley famously imported a famously fast and high-tech Xiaomi SU7 EV from China and drove it daily, telling a podcaster he didnt want to give it up. Hopefully, his experience will result in more tech-forward Ford EVs based on the Universal platform. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/transportation/evs/ford-shows-off-the-tech-going-into-its-30000-electric-pickup-truck-140000509.html?src=rss
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Apple is no longer launching an AI service that can replicate a doctor and act as a personal health coach, according to Bloombergs Mark Gurman. The company has reportedly scaled back the unannounced initiative in recent weeks, following a recent organization reshuffling wherein services chief Eddy Cue took over the health division. While Apple has never officially announced the AI health coach, it was reported last year that the company was working on developing the service that has been unofficially dubbed Health+. It was supposed to be able to help users track food and correct workout forms using their iPhones camera, as well as to recommend lifestyle changes based on users health data. Apple even reportedly produced videos for the service, including ones explaining medical conditions and some training guides. Cue reportedly wanted Apple to move faster and be more competitive when it comes to its health-focused products, seeing as the most well-known names in the field like Oura are already offering a lot of compelling features on their iOS apps. He didnt think Apples plans could compete, Bloomberg said. Instead of rolling out an AI health coach as a whole package, Apple will instead release the individual features it has developed to its Health app over time. The videos it shot and the capability to make recommendations based on user data could be available early this year. Apple is also reportedly working on an AI health chatbot to answer wellness questions. Its just an interim solution, however, and the companys goal is to let its reported upcoming Siri chatbot handle those inquiries in the future. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/apple-reportedly-axed-its-planned-ai-health-coach-133000941.html?src=rss
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