Mobile News 24 Hours

Last updated: July 15, 2026, 8:30 AM ET

Smartphone Updates and Leaks

One Plus is preparing to expand its N6 series with the upcoming One Plus N6x, a new model teased to launch soon. In other smartphone news, the Poco M8 Power is on its way, appearing to be a rebranded Redmi device. Meanwhile, the iQOO Z11 Lite's battery has been detailed ahead of its July 24th launch, revealing a 6,500 mAh capacity and 44W charging support. The iQOO 16 is also rumored for a September launch, with camera and battery details tipping bigger batteries for the Z12 and Neo12 series as well. Honor's Robot Phone has had its key specifications leaked, offering a glimpse into the device's hardware ahead of an official release.

Samsung's upcoming Galaxy Unpacked event is just around the corner, and official-looking renders of the entire lineup, including the Galaxy Z foldables and Galaxy Watches, have leaked. Samsung is also teasing upgrades for the Galaxy Watch, aiming to address shortcomings of the previous model. In a separate development, clarification has been provided regarding Samsung Health data use for AI training, with users having the option to opt-out of their health data being used for AI modeling. Rumors about the Samsung Galaxy S27 Ultra's design may be unfounded, as a significant redesign of the camera island might not be happening. Samsung has also released the One UI 9 Beta 4 for Galaxy S26 users, which aims to fix several Android 17 bugs.

Google and Android Developments

Google is set to allow third-party app stores on Android starting July 22nd. The company may also be preparing a much-needed redesign for the Android Auto media player, potentially shrinking the large album art in the media card. Google Images celebrated its twenty-fifth anniversary with two major updates, including a "dynamic gallery" and the appearance of Nano Banana in AI Overviews. The entire Pixel 11 series has been accidentally listed on Amazon, revealing pricing, specs, colors, and storage options ahead of its launch. Official press renders of the Pixel Watch 5 have also leaked, following earlier details about its pricing and color options. Deals for the Google Pixel 10 lineup, including free phones and discounts, are also being tracked.

Audio and Smart Home Innovations

The Wii M Sound is positioned as a smart speaker upgrade for 2026, boasting superior sound quality and connectivity compared to offerings from Google, Amazon, and Sonos. Starlink's latest V5 residential dish is now available, featuring a smaller and more energy-efficient design, though it does not increase data speeds. Withings' new ultra-premium scale, promising clinical-grade monitoring, is also on sale today with a price tag of $600.

AI, Legal Battles, and Updates

Spotify is rolling out a new feature allowing users to interact with the app via voice commands, enabling playlist creation and song discovery. This "Talk to Spotify" feature lets users create playlists and learn about songs using voice commands. Chat GPT is available again in WhatsApp in Europe, following a European Commission decision mandating Meta to allow free third-party AI chatbots in the EEA. Legal challenges are emerging in the AI space, with former employees suing Meta over the alleged use of biased AI systems during layoffs. Additionally, three publishers are challenging Google over alleged AI copyright infringement, adding to the ongoing efforts to seek compensation for AI training materials.

Gaming and Hardware Releases

The PlayStation Flex Strike wireless fight stick has been delayed without a firm release date, disappointing fans. In hardware news, Samsung's new 990 Pro SSD is launching at a higher price point and with slower performance than the original model.

Other Notable News

Apple has released the first public beta of iOS, alongside public betas for iPad OS 27 and watch OS. California's MyFirst EV program is offering a $3,500 instant rebate to first-time EV buyers. The WGA is also taking legal action to block the merger of Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery suing block. A discussion on workflow upgrades highlights the benefits of moving beyond a single monitor, even with simple or free changes. Information on the difference between active noise canceling and passive noise reduction is also available. The latest wave of emoji is expected to offer new ways to express emotions, from beauty to existential dread. Finally, tips are provided on what can be done with a Roku TV without internet access, preparing users for potential outages.