Tech Wrap: LG shuts down smartphone business, iOS 14.5 coming this month,

In other tech related news, WhatsApp is working on chat transfers between Android and iOS devices, while a new API in Android 12 could allow third-party launchers access to universal search.

Tech Wrap (Unsplash)

Today's were tech headlines were all about smartphones and mobile apps. From South Korea's second-largest smartphone manufacturers throwing in the towel, to Apple's much-awaited iOS 14.5 update now getting a release date, there was a lot of news to keep track of today.

In case you missed any of our top headlines, here are the most important ones of the day:

LG announces closure of smartphone business

Earlier today, LG announced that it was exiting the mobile phone business so it could focus on other areas such as electric vehicle components, artificial intelligence, connected devices, smart homes, business-to-business solutions. The company said it would continue to update its existing devices to Android 11, while some could even get the Android 12 update. 

 

WhatsApp reportedly working on chat migration feature between iOS and Android

We've known that WhatsApp has been working on multi-device support for a while now, but the latest rumoured feature, according to a reputed leaker is the ability to transfer chats between iOS and Android. This could come in very handy and eliminate the need to use shady third-party apps which use “workarounds” to migrate some of your chats from iOS to Android and vice versa.

 

Tim Cook finally reveals iOS 14.5 update will arrive this month

Until recently, we did not have a clear idea of when the iOS 14 update would arrive for users, with the company having previously revealed that it could arrive “in the spring”. Apple CEO Tim Cook finally revealed on a podcast episode for the Net York Times on Monday, that the much-awaited update would arrive later this month.

 

Third-party launchers gain new “universal search” API on Android 12

If you've used an iPhone, Samsung or OnePlus smartphone, you've probably appreciated the ability to search not just among your apps but also within your apps, contacts, files, settings and documents. Android 12 added support for the Pixel Launcher to do the same thing on a previous Android 12 Developer Beta, but a newer build also allows third-party launchers like Nova Launcher and Action Launcher to plug into this feature, which is neat.