Mobile News 24 Hours

Last updated: July 17, 2026, 5:30 PM ET

Autonomous Vehicles and Recalls

Zoox has issued a software recall for its robotaxis due to a potential issue where the vehicles may misinterpret smoke as a sign of emergency. This development follows a recent call from the NHTSA for autonomous vehicle companies to enhance their emergency response protocols. Meanwhile, Tesla is expanding its product line with a new balance bike for toddlers, demonstrating the company's interest in cultivating future customers. Tesla's Autopilot system has previously been noted for potential issues recognizing children.

Smartphone Market and Updates

Motorola has clarified its software update policy for the Edge 70 Max, addressing concerns about its confusing support strategy. The company's Edge 70 Max features a large battery and Qi2.2 support. In other smartphone news, the US market faces a potential dilemma with One Plus's reduced presence, impacting consumers who favored the brand's devices. Global memory options for the Redmi Note 17 Pro have been revealed, and the vanilla Poco X8 is expected to launch despite earlier speculation. The Tecno Camon 50 Ultra has launched in India for INR39,999, and the iQOO Z11 Lite is set to debut under INR20,000 in India. Lava's Virat V1 and Virat V1 5G launch has been rescheduled to July 24.

New Device Launches and Specs

Samsung's upcoming Galaxy Z Flip 8 and Fold 8 series might see only minor camera upgrades, with reported battery specifications also emerging. However, a luxury version of the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, themed around Messi and priced at $13,130, is already available for purchase ahead of Samsung's official July 22 reveal. Samsung's Freestyle+ projector is now on the market for $1,200. Asus is preparing to launch its 12.2-inch Asus Pad in India on August 6. The Redmagic Astra 2 gaming tablet has been released, boasting liquid cooling and an improved OLED panel. The vivo X500 Ultra is reportedly considering three different 200MP sensors for its telephoto lens, with a potential early 2027 global release.

Smart Home and Entertainment

Apple's TV 4K has become significantly more expensive following a price increase, prompting comparisons to alternatives like Fire TV and Roku. Pinwheel is introducing its Home series, a modern take on landline phones designed for children with a focus on screen-free communication. In the realm of health tracking, the Google Health app on Android is enhancing its nutrition logging capabilities with the addition of "custom foods." Meanwhile, a bug in AWS caused some customer bills to show incorrect, astronomically high estimates, though Amazon stated these did not reflect actual usage.

Gaming and Media

Bethesda has outlined future plans for the Fallout franchise including a new game from Obsidian and remasters of Fallout 3 and New Vegas. The Prime Video series adaptation of God of War will reshoot episodes due to an injury sustained by lead actor Ryan Hurst. Netflix has reported using AI in approximately 300 titles this year, a trend expected to continue.

Mobile and Connectivity

Signal is testing a new feature that allows Android phones or tablets to be used as secondary devices, improving multi-device functionality. T-Mobile's T-Satellite service offers emergency connectivity even in remote areas, with eligibility details available.

Tech Industry Trends and Issues

The US smartphone market faces a void with One Plus's diminished presence. Most smart appliances collect user data, and users can investigate what information their devices track. Europe's climate policy has seen a revision that permits increased pollution. A ransomware attack has impacted Coca-Cola's dairy company, fairlife, leading to a halt in US operations. Another ransomware attack targeted a group of AWS customers, causing billing estimate spikes.

Emerging Technologies and Accessories

New evidence suggests the iPhone 18 Pro will feature a variable aperture camera, stemming from a hack of Apple partner Tata Electronics. Xreal's XBX a01+ AR glasses are now available for $299, offering a bright and lightweight experience. Hasselblad's Phocus Mobile app has finally been released for Android, years after its iOS debut.

Consumer Electronics Deals

Amazon is offering significant discounts on UGREEN NAS devices, including a notable reduction on a recommended starter NAS. The Google Pixel 10 Pro is available for $300 less on Amazon in anticipation of the Pixel 11 launch.

Software and AI

The Engadget Podcast discussed the potential usefulness of Siri AI in iOS 17 and mac OS Golden Gate, and also touched upon rumors of an OpenAI AI smart speaker.