Mobile News 24 Hours

Last updated: July 8, 2026, 5:30 PM ET

Mobile AI & Software Updates

Meta's Muse Image is a new AI image generator that allows users to create and share content on Instagram and WhatsApp, leveraging public Instagram profiles for its creations. Separately, Meta announced it will disable the camera on its smart glasses if the privacy light is tampered with, a move aimed at addressing user concerns. Google is also integrating AI into its services, with Video Remix rolling out for Google Photos, enabling users to reimagine videos using AI flair. Further, Google announced a new feature for its AI subscribers that allows them to reimagine videos stored in Google Photos using Gemini Omni. OpenAI is also expanding its AI capabilities, with GPT-5.6 Sol, Terra, and Luna slated for wide public availability on July 9th.

Wearables & Smartwatches

The upcoming Pixel Watch 5 may disappoint some potential buyers with a leaked report suggesting a higher price tag. Meanwhile, Wear OS 7 has been released and is now available for eligible Pixel Watch models, bringing new features to the smartwatch ecosystem. Samsung is also gearing up for its next Unpacked event on July 22nd, with renders leaking for the Galaxy Z Fold8, Fold8 Ultra, Flip8, Watch9, and Watch Ultra2. Pre-reservations for these new Samsung devices, including the Galaxy Z Fold8, are expected to begin soon. In a separate development, Rollme's AirCam earbuds combine an open-style design with a built-in 8MP camera.

Smartphone Launches & Leaks

Samsung is expected to launch its next generation of foldables on July 22nd, with renders leaking for the Galaxy Z Flip, Watch, Watch 2 Ultra, and Z Fold. The company has also confirmed the Galaxy Unpacked event date, with pre-reservations for the new Galaxy Z foldables and watches potentially starting as early as July 8th. Despite the upcoming releases, last year's Galaxy Z remains a compelling option, now available with a $500 discount. Samsung is also reportedly preparing to expand its budget A-series with the Galaxy A18, with leaked renders revealing its design. The Redmi Note 17 series is set to launch in China this month, with the company revealing the launch date, design, and key specifications. Xiaomi has also teased the Redmi Note 17 Pro in a new video highlighting its durability. Motorola has unveiled the Moto G77 Power in India, featuring a 7,000mAh battery and a Dimensity 6400 processor. The company is also teasing the Motorola Edge 70 Max, which will support magnetic wireless charging.

PC & Tablet Market

PC shipments have fallen for the first time in two years, a decline attributed to a memory shortage, though manufacturer revenue is still increasing. Apple's largest US manufacturing is official, with a partnership with Broadcom aiming to invest in American manufacturing. Specifically, Apple pledges to buy of Broadcom's US-made chips as part of its initiative. In a surprising move, reportedly testing RAM chips from CXMT, a Chinese company that has been blocked by the US and reportedly has ties to the People's Liberation Army. Huawei is also reportedly working on a smaller version of its tablet, the MatePad Pro Max.

Gaming & Entertainment

Microsoft has reportedly canceled the sequel to Avowed, with developer Obsidian now focusing on a Fallout game. The Steam Machine is reviewed and deemed not worth its asking price, with the reviewer suggesting it would have been a better fit five years ago. Nintendo is preparing to shut down Mario Kart Tour on September 30th, with no plans for an offline version. In a positive note for Apple TV+, Widow's Bay has earned the most Emmy nominations of any new show this year with 19 nominations.

Smart Home & Services

The FTC has reached a settlement that will bring right-to-repair capabilities to John Deere farm equipment, following a lawsuit filed last year. Waymo is expanding its fully autonomous services, announcing it will operate without human supervisors in San Diego, Las Vegas, Tampa, and Denver. Amazon is reportedly developing a more powerful agentic Alexa assistant under the codename 'Moonraker' to handle multi-step tasks more effectively Amazon reportedly working. Google is developing a cloud-free automatic backup feature for Android devices to Windows PCs via Wi-Fi, though this functionality will exclude Samsung devices.

Display Technology & Home Entertainment

A significant discount is available on a 77-inch LG OLED TV at Best Buy, marking a $1,500 saving. Roku holds the position of the most popular streaming TV device, but lacks features compared to competitors in several key areas. A useful feature for late-night viewers on Roku devices is the night owl mode, which is likely underutilized by many users.

Miscellaneous Tech News

Apple has lost a legal fight in Europe concerning its App Store's "gatekeeper" status, forcing it to open its platforms to third parties. Duck Duck Go's browser now blocks video ads by default, including those on YouTube. The US government is reportedly seeking to restrict corporate use of Chinese AI models, as American companies increasingly turn to these for cost savings. The Fi Ultra pet tracker is now utilizing T-Mobile's Starlink satellite service for coverage in rural areas. Nintendo is planning to equip the upcoming Switch 2 with a user-replaceable battery.