Mobile News 24 Hours

Last updated: July 9, 2026, 2:30 AM ET

Smartphone Leaks and Launches

Xiaomi's Redmi Note 17 series is set to launch on July 14th, with the Pro model getting a teaser video that showcases it enduring a football impact and a firehose. Earlier, a Redmi device with model number 2607DRA18C appeared on Geekbench, suggesting it might be the Note, revealing potential chipset and RAM details. Separately, a Samsung Galaxy M-series phone, speculated to be the M67, surfaced on Geekbench with an older Exynos chipset. Motorola unveiled Moto in India, featuring a 7,000mAh battery and a 120Hz LCD.

Wearables and Smart Home

Google's latest Wear OS 7 update is now available for eligible Pixel Watch models, bringing new features. However, the upcoming Pixel Watch 5 may come with a higher price tag, disappointing potential buyers. Meta disabling camera on its smart glasses if the privacy light is tampered with, a move detailed in an FAQ. Meanwhile, Rollme's new AirCam earbuds with an 8MP camera. On the smart home front, Amazon is reportedly developing a more capable agentic Alexa assistant codenamed 'Moonraker' to handle complex, multi-step tasks.

AI and Tech Policy

OpenAI's GPT-5.6 Sol, Terra, and Luna models starting July 9th. The US government is looking to restrict the use of Chinese AI models by domestic companies, as corporations increasingly adopt them for cost savings. Elon Musk announced that X, formerly Twitter about posts that receive a Community Note, aiming to increase the visibility of crowd-sourced corrections. A judge between the SEC and Elon Musk regarding his past statements about Twitter investments.

Streaming and Gaming

Roku remains most streaming TV device but lags behind competitors in key areas. A lesser-known Roku feature for late-night viewers can be enabled to improve the experience. Valve's Steam Machine is not recommended, with its current price point considered too high given its age.

Other Tech Developments

Samsung has opened reservations for its upcoming Galaxy Z Fold8 and Z Flip8 series, with the official Galaxy Unpacked event confirmed for July 22nd in London. Last year's Galaxy Z Fold 7 is available at a $500 discount amidst expectations for the new models. Amazon is offering discounts across the entire Samsung Galaxy S26 lineup. Google is reportedly developing an automatic backup feature for Android devices to PCs via Wi-Fi, though it. Pixel phones post-Android 17 update, focusing on security and bug fixes. Waymo will operate in four additional cities: San Diego, Las Vegas, Tampa, and Denver. DuckDuckGo's browser by default, including those on YouTube.