Google could make its own iPhone rivals. Photo: Google

Google’s flagship Nexus 6P delivered significant design improvements last year, putting its hardware on par with the best devices from rival manufacturers. But Google wants the Nexus lineup to be even more like the iPhone.

To make that happen, the company will reduce its reliance on third-party manufacturing partners like Huawei and LG and assume greater control over Nexus hardware, according to one report.

WhatsApp and Gmail had a big day today. Photo: Jay Wennington/Unsplash

If you think everyone and their sister has a Gmail account or uses WhatsApp these days, you wouldn’t be too far off.

Both tech giants, one a messaging app, the other an email service, have hit some serious milestones today.

Google is at the top of the world. Photo: Google

Google’s parent company Alphabet is now the most valuable company in the world, passing Apple in market capitalization today in after hours trading.

This is the first time since February of 2010 that Google has passed Apple in value. The Cupertino-based iPhone maker has held the top spot since 2013 when it passed Exxon Mobile, but thanks to a strong earnings report today, Alphabet has rocketed to the top.

Samsung’s struggle continues in China. Photo: Killian Bell/Cult of Android

As the iPhone becomes increasingly popular in China, its Galaxy-branded rivals are falling. According to the latest data from Strategy Analytics, Samsung dropped out of the top five smartphone makers in China last year, with Apple the only non-Chinese company to make the list.

Material Design is coming. Photo: Google

Android’s Material Design spec is coming to your desktop. With an upcoming Chrome update, Google will introduce a brand new look that will be immediately familiar to those who regularly use the company’s mobile apps — and we can’t wait.