Mobile News 24 Hours

Last updated: July 29, 2026, 8:30 PM ET

Smartphone and Chipset Market Dynamics

The global smartphone chipset market, with shipments falling 15% in the first half of 2026, a trend exacerbated by the ongoing memory chip shortage impacting Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). Meanwhile, Samsung's upcoming Galaxy S26 FE is, with leaks suggesting it will be more expensive than its predecessor, despite being certified with 45W wired charging support, similar to its predecessor. Samsung is also reportedly for the Galaxy Z Fold, which will offer users additional app customization options.

New Device Launches and Leaks

Several new devices are teased and rumored to be on the horizon. Google has teased the Pixel 11 Pro, hinting at a new camera bar feature, and is facing comparisons with the Samsung Galaxy S26 regarding their AI capabilities. The Pixel Watch 5 has also appeared again in Google's Health app, suggesting an imminent launch. In other mobile hardware news, the Redmi K100 Pro has emerged on Geekbench with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen, and is expected to launch in September alongside the Pro Max. The Poco M8 Power has also been showcased in hands-on photos and video, ahead of its August 4th launch in India, where it's expected to be a rebranded Redmi Note. The Realme 16x 5G could also be launching soon in India with a substantial 7,000mAh battery. Motorola is also, the Moto Pad 70 Groove, this week in India, featuring a 12.1-inch display and a nine-speaker JBL audio system.

AI and Software Developments

Google has in Flow Music, bringing enhanced AI capabilities for tempo, vocal, and musical control. In a move to streamline AI workflows, Google Photos now within its AI editing tools, eliminating the need to switch between apps. For users looking to switch AI chatbots, a guide is available on how to migrate data from Chat GPT to Claude without information loss. However, the AI music industry from major labels, as tens of thousands of AI-generated songs are uploaded daily to streaming platforms. Furthermore, xAI has filed a lawsuit challenging a new Minnesota law that would prohibit "nudify" apps, arguing against the ban on apps generating nonconsensual intimate imagery.

Carrier and Network Updates

AT&T has fortified its network by finalizing the acquisition of $23 billion worth of spectrum licenses from Echo Star, promising more and faster 5G coverage. Separately, Visible is offering a promotional deal for a year of Unlimited 5G wireless at $19 per month with the code SAVE6.

Gaming and Entertainment

Xbox has should have functioned during its recent outage, with a fix for the error expected soon. Pokémon Pokopia is for the Switch 2 on August 5th, introducing a new underwater area and a diving mechanic. In retro gaming news, rare, fully-functional Nintendo Famicombox consoles have reportedly been in a Japanese love hotel. Netflix has in a recent UK audience survey.

Other Tech and Industry News

Waymo has for its autonomous vehicles after a temporary pause in May. DoorDash has following FAA approval, utilizing in-house developed drones. Samsung is reportedly dropping support for its Samsung Find app on older Galaxy phones running One UI 2.0 or older, limiting access to future updates and features. A third-party app is now available that aims to replicate the Samsung Messages experience, including RCS support. Rumors suggest that Nothing is working on its first smartwatch for its mainline devices, separate from its CMF budget series. The question of whether restarting a phone regularly is beneficial remains debated. Finally, an eye-friendly drawing tablet, the TCL NXTPAPER 11 Gen, is for a limited time.