In the US, Apple’s iMessage has become so ubiquitous that the fact it shows texts from non-iOS handsets in a different color has become a significant concern for many. This “status anxiety” has given rise to a curious phenomenon in the tech world, where users of Android devices have actually asked regulators to force Apple to change the color of text bubbles in iMessage. This may sound trivial, but it’s a quirky reflection of just how deeply ingrained iMessage has become in American culture.
More recently, a company called Nothing is taking matters into its own hands by partnering with a unified messaging platform called Sunbird. Sunbird uses your Apple ID to route communications between your Nothing phone and your friends’ iPhones through a server farm of Mac Minis. The aim is to hide the fact that you own an Android handset, so your friends won’t know until the next time you see them in person. If Nothing’s approach works as well as promised, it could provide a workaround to the color bubble conundrum. However, this solution is not officially sanctioned by Apple, and could involve a risk for users.
Everything about this situation smacks of the unique cultural significance of iMessage in the US, as most of the world uses third-party platforms like WhatsApp for messaging. The fact that people are willing to go to such lengths to hide the fact they are using non-Apple devices speaks to the influence of Apple’s messaging service and the ensuing status anxiety that comes with it.
There is the risk that having to go through a third party like Sunbird could mean users are essentially handing over their Apple ID credentials to a third party, which comes with potential security and privacy risks. While the CEO of Nothing, Carl Pei, believes Apple cannot risk the bad publicity that would come with shutting Sunbird down, there is no guarantee of that.
Related Post
Moving away from the Apple ID and iMessage drama, it is worth noting that the rise of Nothing and Sunbird’s unique approach to circumventing iMessage reflects the idiosyncratic nature of tech culture in America. In most other parts of the world, the reliance on Apple’s ecosystem and its messaging service is not as deeply embedded, and people turn to third-party platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram.
We also have to question the nature of friendship if someone gives you grief because of the type of phone you own. True friends don’t judge you based on the technology you use but would instead appreciate you for who you are.
I would love to hear your thoughts on this topic. If you want to get these daily reports delivered directly to your inbox, don’t forget to subscribe right here!
In other news, have you heard about the latest release of Ableton Live 12? It comes with some exciting new features such as the ability to create MIDI riffs and a new synth to play them. If you are a music enthusiast, this might be something to look into.
Also, if you are looking for a new smartwatch, we’ve got a list of the best ones available right now. Whether it’s fitness tracking, smart notifications, or personal style, there’s something for everyone in this list.
On a different note, Venmo’s new Groups feature has the potential to shake up the bill-splitting app market. If you’re a frequent user of bill-splitting apps, you might want to look into this new development.
For the Nintendo fans out there, we’ve rounded up the coolest trailers from Nintendo’s Indie World event. You don’t want to miss out on the latest releases and announcements from the gaming giant.
As many of us continue to work from home, it’s important to create a comfortable and productive environment. Our “working from home” buyer’s guide has a list of handy gifts for home workers, including productivity timers, ergonomic mice, extra monitors, and more. You might find something that can make your work-from-home experience smoother and more enjoyable.
If you are in the market for a new webcam, Opal’s latest offering, the Tadpole, might be worth considering. Despite its small size, it delivers impressive picture quality and directional audio, making it a great choice for laptop users.
In a groundbreaking development, DeepMind’s GraphCast, a machine-learning algorithm, is outperforming meteorologists in predicting weather patterns. It’s already made successful predictions, such as when Hurricane Lee would land on Long Island, ten days before it happened.
Lastly, Uber is implementing measures to prevent users from giving bad ratings just to score a refund. The company is clamping down on users who abuse the rating system, to protect the ratings of good drivers.
So, there you have it, the latest tech news and developments. Let me know what you found most interesting and feel free to share your thoughts on these topics!
