Google hasn't played up its origin, even though the vast majority of electronics are manufactured in China or other countries where labor is cheaper than in the U.S. A Google spokeswoman did not immediately reply to a message seeking comment for this story.

CNN: Google's new Nexus Q: Made in the U.S.A.

Nexus Chief Executive Kevin Doherty did not reply to a phone message seeking comment on this situation.

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The tweet appears to be a reply to a private direct message, but sent out to everyone on Twitter.

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As Apple is using the reply-to address of a message's User Data Header to identify the origin rather than the raw source, receiving iPhone owners risk being fooled by a phishing attack (or just a dishonest acquaintance) that poses as a contact or a company.

ENGADGET: iPhone reportedly vulnerable to text message spoofing flaw

Others nearby will see the message at the top of their activity feeds and can reply to it and engage in a kind of public group discussion.

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He said he woke up just before 0330 GMT to discover his partner had not returned to their Westmorland Road flat, so he sent her a text message but received no reply.

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