Mobile News 24 Hours

Last updated: August 5, 2026, 11:31 PM ET

Smartphone Launches and Rumors

Samsung's latest phones, the Galaxy Z Flip8 and Galaxy Z Fold8, along with the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, have exceeded pre-order targets in Europe. These devices were unveiled on July 22nd and are scheduled to go on sale starting August 7th. Huawei has officially launched the nova 16 SE in China, featuring a substantial 8,500mAh battery and a 6.84-inch display with a claimed 8,000 nits of brightness. Xiaomi has announced that the Redmi Note 17 5G will launch in India tomorrow, August 6th, at 12:00 PM IST through an online-only event streamed on YouTube. Realme confirmed that the Realme 16x will debut in India on August 12th, with a 7,000mAh battery already confirmed. A new rumor suggests that the Oppo F35 Pro will be a rebranded device that will feature a large battery. Indian manufacturer Lava is preparing for its UK debut with the Agni 4N, a device that has been teased with constant jabs at Samsung.

Google's Pixel Ecosystem Expansion

Google is reportedly planning to introduce its first Air Tag-like tracker, the Pixel Tag, on August 12th. On the same date, Google is expected to announce the Pixel 11 series and the Pixel Watch. In preparation for the Pixel 11 launch, a 24-hour battery life test was conducted on the Pixel, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 10 Pro, with surprising results. Google Assistant will be removed from Android phones and connected devices in September, with its functionality being replaced by Gemini. Android 17 2 Beta 2 is now available, indicating ongoing development beyond the main annual release.

Gaming and Entertainment Updates

Minecraft is slated for release on the Nintendo Switch 2 on October 27th. The possibility of mouse controls for Minecraft on the Switch 2 has been discussed, though Mojang has not yet confirmed this feature. Disney is partnering with TikTok to allow creators to produce fan-made shorts using a wide array of Disney assets. YouTube has outlined its policy regarding AI-generated videos, stating that while they are permitted, they must adhere to a specific set of rules to be eligible for monetization.

Technology and Gadget News

Nikita Bier, head of product at X, is departing the company after a year, having been instrumental in several significant platform changes. latest version of the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) has advanced out of committee in the Senate, following the House's passage of its own version in June. San Disk's Extreme Fit USB drive offers a significant amount of storage, surpassing the capacity of the iPhone, at a competitive price point. A promotion is offering a free pair of second-generation Ray-Ban Meta glasses to customers who sign up for AT&T's 5 GIG internet plan, along with a $200 reward card. A workaround exists to use Android Auto without disabling your VPN, addressing a common connectivity issue.

Storage and Durability Testing

The 4-bay DXP4800 Pro NAS has proven to be a reliable choice for media storage after undergoing over 2,500 hours of testing and 50TB of writes. Honor Magic V6 foldable phone has demonstrated exceptional durability in real-world testing, even after being subjected to submersion in mud and a dishwasher cycle.

Brand Refresh and Performance

Honor is revitalizing its brand identity with a new logo and the tagline "Dare to Be," signaling a commitment to more than just aesthetics. company reported a 25% growth in the first quarter of 2026. Xbox experienced a challenging July, with industry commentary suggesting this downturn was an unavoidable outcome.

Other Notable Tech News

NASA's PUNCH has significantly improved the accuracy of predicting when solar storms will impact Earth. A built-in setting on new televisions may still be negatively affecting picture quality and can be easily disabled. company behind the Reddit platform is reportedly planning to retire its public API, which could impact older versions of the site.