Mobile News 24 Hours

Last updated: May 21, 2026, 5:40 PM ET

Smartphones & Mobile Devices

Microsoft has refreshed its Xbox controller, removing the underused accessory port that previously supported devices like the Chatpad. Meanwhile, Google is expanding Gemini for Home to carriers and hardware makers, signaling a push to embed AI assistant capabilities across more smart home devices. In foldable phone news, the Motorola Razr Ultra 2026 has been criticized as more of a minor update than a significant redesign, with testers noting it feels like "the Razr Ultra 2025 Part II" despite its $1,500 price tag. The company's more affordable Razr 2026 model remains the best budget flip phone option in Motorola's lineup despite slight price increases.

AI Integration Across Ecosystems

Google appears determined to make Gemini omnipresent in its services, following its recent expansion into home devices with the opening of access to carriers and hardware manufacturers. T-Mobile has launched its network-native AI Live Translation beta, marking the beginning of what the carrier promises will be broader AI-powered services. Spotify, meanwhile, is adding AI enhancements to podcasts and developing a paid AI tool for covers and remixes in partnership with Universal Music Group, reflecting the broader industry trend of integrating AI content creation tools. The tech giant's AI ambitions continue with Android 17 introducing a more convenient media app switcher, now featuring a redesigned interface rather than a carousel.

Gaming & Entertainment Developments

Bungie has announced it will end active development of Destiny 2 on June 9, marking a significant transition for the popular online shooter franchise. Apple is set to broadcast a Major League Soccer game entirely using iPhones, capturing the Los Angeles Galaxy vs. Houston Dynamo match on May 23 as the first major live pro sports event shot exclusively on Apple devices. In streaming entertainment, Netflix has released the trailer for Avatar: The Last Airbender season 2, premiering on June 25, while Meta has settled a closely watched school district lawsuit though it continues to face numerous other legal challenges.

Hardware Launches & Updates

Samsung's mobile division continues to expand its S27 series with leaked details about the Galaxy S27 Pro, which reportedly features a fourth rear camera and joins three other devices in the lineup. The company has also released the One UI 8.5 stable update for the Galaxy Tab S11 and S11 Ultra, with the rollout for the S23 series expanding to more regions. In India, Oppo has launched the Find X9 Ultra, marking the first Ultra smartphone from the brand to debut in the country, while Honor is preparing to unveil the Win Turbo on May 29 with leaked key specs suggesting enhanced performance features.

Wearables & IoT

The Oura Ring 5 is expected to launch next week, following earlier renders that revealed a new design for the health-focused wearable device. Best Buy's Memorial Day sale is offering $50 off the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7, maintaining the 2024 model's position as a solid smartwatch option despite its age. In the audio space, Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones are discounted by $150 at Best Buy, providing significant savings on these premium noise-canceling headphones ahead of the holiday weekend. The original Chromecast may finally be reaching the end of its lifecycle, as apps like YouTube and HBO Max are no longer detecting the device for some users.

Industry Shifts & Corporate Moves

Meta has reportedly laid off 8,000 employees, approximately 10% of its workforce, as the company pivots toward AI initiatives. The company also settled a school district lawsuit though it remains embroiled in numerous other legal challenges, including having its Oversight Board examine a deepfake video of a UK politician that Facebook left online. Samsung's union has suspended its planned strike after reaching a tentative deal on bonuses, averting what would have been the biggest strike in the company's history affecting memory chip production. In autonomous vehicles, Tesla has brought Full Self-Driving to China after years of regulatory delays, while Waymo's autonomous vehicles continue to struggle with flooded roads in Atlanta and San Francisco during extreme weather events.

Financial Markets & IPOs

The smart ring maker Oura has filed for an IPO, capitalizing on the growing wearable technology market. The US government has taken $2 billion in equity stakes in quantum computing companies, including one linked to the Trump family, as part of its strategic investment in emerging technologies. Kansas City has purchased more than 4,500 MacBook Neos for its students, replacing 30,000 Windows and Chromebook devices across the district to become an "all-Apple district." SpaceX's IPO plans have become public, with the company set to trade under the ticker symbol SPCX as it prepares to go public.