Mobile News 24 Hours

Last updated: May 20, 2026, 2:34 PM ET

Google I/O 2026: AI Creeps Into Every Layer

Google's annual developer conference rolled out an AI-first roadmap that touched nearly every product in the company's portfolio. The standout announcement was Android 17's "Continue On" feature that lets developers move tasks between devices, alongside Wear OS, which brings Android 17 features like Live Updates and widgets to smartwatches while promising improved battery life. The Wear OS update introduces widgets, Live Updates, and a new battery optimization layer, and Google is also rolling out the stable Android 17 build shortly with a list of supported devices already circulating. The conference also gave hands-on previews of Android XR smart glasses that attendees tried on and described as the most exciting smart display glasses they have seen, with Google saying the platform is finally starting to feel real. Meanwhile, outside the developer tent, Firefox added AI guardrails to its mobile browser allowing users to toggle off all AI enhancements with one tap, and Discord enabled end-to-end encryption on all calls in a move that extends the messaging app's privacy posture.

Android Auto, Projectors, and Gaming

Google also previewed a 2026 overhaul of Android Auto built around Gemini that brings practical AI features into the driving interface. In adjacent hardware news, XGIMI's Titan Noir Max projector impressed reviewers with bright and accurate video in an elegant body but drew criticism for lacking smart TV features. On the gaming front, PlayStation scheduled a one-hour State of Play for June 2 that will include a fresh look at Marvel's Wolverine, while Kingdom Come developer Warhorse Studios confirmed it is making a Lord of the Rings RPG — though few details beyond the announcement were revealed. The mobile gaming desk from Herman Miller arrived with the kind of premium pricing and modular design the brand is known for, targeting enthusiasts willing to pay a premium for ergonomics. Quantic Dream is shutting down its MOBA Spellcasters Chronicles after it failed to compete with League of Legends and Dota.

Smartphones, Tablets, and Wearables

The device beat was busy. Samsung discounted the Galaxy S25 Plus by $300 on Amazon days ahead of Memorial Day Weekend, making it one of the strongest deals available for a phone running One UI 7. Huawei revealed the MatePad Pro Max tablet is powered by its in-house chipset after the U.S. sanctions curtailed access to foreign semiconductors. iQOO launched the 15T as its first T-series device with a Dimensity 9500 "Monster chip," an 8,000mAh battery, and a 200MP main camera. The Honor X7e 4G surfaced in listings showing three colorways and positioning as a budget option, while Honor is reportedly developing the Power3 with a battery capacity that could set a new mainstream smartphone record. Realme leaked pricing for its 16T ahead of a May 22 launch, vivo is reportedly reviving its S series in India with a device called the S2, and Infinix teased its Hot 70 series with a color-changing rear panel and RGB lighting for a debut next week. The CMF Phone 3 Pro appears to be delayed beyond its expected May launch window.

Enterprise and Industry Moves

On the business side, AT&T is adding a $2.63 "Administrative & Regulatory Cost Recovery Fee" per service payment for prepaid customers starting in June. Samsung workers in Korea plan to strike with nearly 48,000 participants on May 21 after talks with management broke down. Airbnb is expanding into boutique hotel bookings and grocery deliveries by adding thousands of new properties and services to its app. Microsoft updated its Surface Laptop 8 series and Surface Pro lineup with new Intel processors. Kickstarter reversed its mature content policy after creator backlash. In automotive, Mercedes-AMG unveiled a 1,153 hp electric GT 4-Door aimed squarely at the Porsche Taycan, and Volvo's 2027 EX60 EV debuted as an ultra-smooth SUV priced around $60,000 though it still trails some rivals in range and features. Cuneflow launched an e-paper writing tablet with a built-in AI voice recorder that transcribes meetings automatically.