Google wants to kill SMS texting, Tim Cook says iPads and Macs aren't merging

[MUSIC] This is CNET, and here are the stories that matter right now. Google is behind a initiative to replace SMS as a texting service. The new standard is known as the universal profile for rich communication services, but it'll be called Chat when it hits Android devices. This is not a new app but a new standard. Google has worked with phone manufacturers and mobile carriers on this. Chat will bring more modern features, like seeing when the other person is typing. It will also send messages over the internet. SMS uses the mobile network to send messages. Apple CEO Tim Cook says he does not think users want the Mac and iPad to merge. Cook says that if the two were combined it would create trade offs and compromises. A Bloomberg report back in December said that Apple is working on a project that would unify Mac and iOS apps. That report may still be true even with Cook's statement. Maybe apps will work on both platforms, but there would still be two platforms. CNET Roger Cheng reports that LG's upcoming G7 ThinQ smartphone will have a physical button to call up Google Assistant. The button will be on the left side of the phone. The power button on the right. The Google assistant button can not be remapped to another app. There will be unique, custom LG commands that you can ask assistant. LG will officially introduce the G7 ThinQ on May 2nd. Stay up to date on the latest by downloading the CNet Tech Today app available for IOS and Android.