Mobile News 24 Hours

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

Samsung and Google Gear Up for New Device Launches

Samsung is reportedly preparing its next generation of foldable phones, with the Galaxy Z Fold 8 expected to feature a new app-level "zoom" option for enhanced customization. The company also saw record pre-orders for its Galaxy Z Fold, Fold 8 Ultra, and Flip 8 devices following their recent unveiling. In other Samsung news, the upcoming Galaxy S26 FE will likely see a price increase compared to its predecessor, with leaks suggesting it will cost more in Europe. Meanwhile, Google is teasing its Pixel 11 series, offering a closer look at the new "Pixel Glow" feature and hinting at a revised camera bar design.

Smartphone Market Faces Challenges and New Entrants

The global smartphone chipset shipments have decreased by 15% in the first half of 2026, largely due to an ongoing memory chip shortage impacting original equipment manufacturers. Despite these industry-wide challenges, new devices continue to emerge. The Fairphone 6+ has appeared in a listing with a notable amount of RAM, while Huawei is set to launch the nova 16 SE on August 5th, alongside updated Mate Book Fold and MatePad Pro models. Honor has also expanded its X6 lineup with the arrival of the Honor X6e, featuring a substantial 7,500 mAh battery. The Oppo A7 Pro Max is also slated for launch, with its date and color options now revealed, boasting a 10,000mAh battery.

AI and Software Updates Spark Industry Conversations

The European Union is reportedly planning to subject Chat GPT and Roblox to stricter regulations by adding them to the 'very large online platform' list. In the music industry, major record labels are calling for a ban on AI-generated "slop songs" from global music charts, as tens of thousands of such tracks are uploaded daily. On the software front, Google has launched Lyria 3.5 within Flow Music, introducing enhanced tempo, vocal, and musical controls for users. For those looking to switch AI assistants, a guide is available to help users migrate their data from Chat GPT to Claude without losing information.

EV Adoption Rises Amidst Energy Market Shifts and Network Expansions

Electrified vehicle sales have reached new global highs, with 50 countries setting quarterly records in Q2 2026, a trend influenced by rising oil prices. In telecommunications, AT&T has finalized its acquisition of $23 billion worth of spectrum licenses from Echo Star, which will enable more and faster 5G service. Meanwhile, Visible is offering a year of unlimited 5G wireless for $19 per month with a specific promo code.

Tech Companies Navigate Operational Issues and New Product Rumors

Samsung's mobile division has posted its first-ever loss, a result attributed to soaring memory prices. Galaxy S24 and S25 Ultra users are experiencing issues with the July software patch, reporting overheating and rapid battery drain, with users providing evidence of the problems. Samsung is also rumored to be developing new Galaxy Buds with a clip-on design look like. In the realm of autonomous vehicles, Waymo has resumed highway operations after a temporary pause following incidents involving robotaxis. Elsewhere, Xbox's chief technology officer stated that game discs should have functioned during a recent outage and that a fix is forthcoming.

Gaming and Hardware Updates on the Horizon

The first DLC for Pokémon Pokopia is set to release on Switch 2 on August 5th, introducing a new underwater area and a dive mechanic. The Redmi K100 Pro has appeared on Geekbench, confirming its expected launch alongside the K100 Pro Max in September and hinting at an SD 8 Elite Gen 5 processor. In a different hardware development, a listing for the Fairphone 6+ has surfaced, revealing a surprisingly large amount of RAM.

Miscellaneous Tech News

NASA's spacecraft dispatched to rescue the Swift observatory is reportedly facing its own operational difficulties, casting doubt on the mission's success. Door Dash has received FAA approval and is launching its own drone delivery service, utilizing in-house developed drones. For consumers looking for local TV channels without a cable or satellite subscription, free streaming options are available. A deal for the TCL NXTPAPER 11 Gen 2 drawing tablet is currently at its lowest price ever, just in time for back-to-school season. Finally, the question of whether regularly restarting a phone improves performance is addressed, with the truth behind the common belief explored.