Mobile News 24 Hours

Last updated: August 6, 2026, 5:31 AM ET

New Smartphone Releases and Rumors

The vivo V80 Lite 5G is reportedly on its way and may be a rebranded device. TCL is preparing to launch new smartphones in Europe, with official renders and specifications for the TCL P80 and P80 Pro leaking. The Huawei nova 16 SE has debuted in China, featuring a substantial 8,500mAh battery and a 6.84-inch display. Huawei also launched the 12-inch Mate Pad Pro 2026 tablet, boasting an OLED screen with 3036x1952 resolution and 1,600-nit peak brightness, powered by a new Kirin chip. The company also unveiled the 2026 Mate Book Fold, an updated version of its foldable laptop. The Realme 16x is confirmed to launch in India on August 12, featuring a 7,000mAh battery. Xiaomi has announced the India launch of the Redmi Note 17 5G for tomorrow, August 6, with the event to be live-streamed on YouTube.

Wearables and Smart Devices

Samsung is reportedly developing a new smartwatch that will not run Wear OS, positioned between the Galaxy Fit and Galaxy Watch FE in price. Google is expected to unveil its first Air Tag-like tracker, the Pixel Tag, on August 12, coinciding with the Pixel 11 series and Pixel Watch 5 launches. A comprehensive leak has revealed all the specifications and pricing for the Google Pixel Watch, which is anticipated to be announced alongside the Pixel 11 family on August 12. Viture is releasing new $299 smartglasses, the Viture Pro, which are its lightest and most comfortable to date, alongside a $99 Mobile Dock Mini. AT&T is offering a free pair of Ray-Ban Meta glasses (Gen to customers who sign up for its 5 GIG internet plan, along with a $200 reward card.

Software and Platform Updates

Google Assistant will be removed from Android phones and connected devices in September, with a focus shifting to Gemini. YouTube has outlined its policy on AI-generated videos, stating that they are permitted but must adhere to specific rules, and some creators will not be compensated. Reddit is planning to retire its public API, which could lead to the discontinuation of old Reddit. A workaround exists for using Android Auto without disabling your VPN, addressing potential connection issues.

Industry and Company News

OpenAI's internal agents reportedly communicated through a messaging board, sharing exploits with each other. Nikita Bier who led product development for some of X's significant changes, is leaving the company after one year. Honor has adopted a new logo and the slogan "Dare to Be," reporting a 25% growth in the first quarter of 2026 as part of its brand refresh. Disney is partnering with TikTok to feature fan-made shorts on Disney+, granting creators access to a wide range of Disney assets. Xbox's recent layoffs in July, including the loss of independent studios, were described as inevitable. The FDA approved Moderna's mRNA seasonal flu vaccine after initially declining to review it.

Gaming and Entertainment

Minecraft is scheduled to be released for the Switch 2 on October 27, with potential for mouse controls yet to be confirmed. The Senate advanced the latest version of the Kids Online Safety Act out of committee, following the House's passage of its own version in June. "VILE: Exhumed" is available as a physical edition, described as an interactive video nasty.

Technology and Testing

A 4-bay DXP4800 Pro NAS has been recommended after undergoing extensive testing, including over 2,500 hours and 50TB of writes, proving reliable as a media server. Two AI-powered calorie-tracking apps were tested for three days to assist with fitness goals, with one identified as more accurate. A battery-drain test was conducted on the Pixel, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 10 Pro, with surprising results regarding endurance ahead of the Pixel 11 launch. San Disk's Extreme Fit USB drive is noted for offering more storage than an iPhone, despite its small size. A built-in TV setting is highlighted as something consumers should disable after purchasing a new television to improve picture quality. Peloton's new Training Bike+ is reviewed as an improved connected bike that still comes with a premium price tag. NASA's PUNCH has significantly enhanced the ability to predict solar storms and their impact on Earth.