Mobile News 24 Hours

Last updated: August 9, 2026, 2:46 AM ET

Samsung Galaxy Lineup

A new entry-level handset has surfaced: the Samsung Galaxy A18 appeared on Geekbench, revealing key specs ahead of an expected launch At the higher end, the Galaxy Z Fold8 and Z Flip8 are now available globally after their official launch on Friday. A two-week review of the Z Fold8 called it the most compelling foldable Samsung has made, praising its pocketable design and wider screen. Meanwhile, discounts are live on Amazon UK for the Galaxy S26 Ultra, Galaxy S26+, and Galaxy S25 FE. In India, Samsung has increased prices on entry-level Galaxy A, F, and M-series models due to rising component costs.

Apple and Google Rumors

Luxury customization firm Caviar may have leaked details on the iPhone Ultra and iPhone 18 Pro by opening pre-orders for its own customized versions, hinting at design and release date information. On the Google side, the upcoming Pixel 11 series and Watch 5 are expected to be unveiled at a major event on August 12, along with a possible smart tag. For Apple Watch users, a little-known ECG feature can track heart rate patterns and is explained in a new guide.

One Plus and Motorola

One Plus is leaving Europe and North America, and as a parting gift it is offering a free AIRVOOC 50W magnetic wireless charger in the UK, Germany, Spain, and France. Motorola has expanded its tablet lineup with the Moto Pad 70, featuring a 12.1-inch 90Hz display, 5G connectivity, and a 10,200 mAh battery.

Smart Glasses and Car Play

Despite heavy R&D investment by tech giants, a recent poll indicates that smart glasses are still seen as a solution looking for a problem, with low adoption among readers. For in-car connectivity, a detailed comparison of wired vs. wireless CarPlay breaks down the advantages and disadvantages of each connection type.

Software and AI

X is retiring its old revenue-sharing model and replacing it with a new original content rewards program, set to take effect after September 7. In the AI assistant space, a practical comparison of Claude vs ChatGPT highlights how one model falls short in response quality and user experience.

Retro Gaming and VR

For retro enthusiasts, a single adapter can help connect a GameCube to a modern TV. There are also tips to boost battery life on retro handheld consoles. A VR mod now brings Mario Kart 64 into first-person perspective, though it’s not for the queasy. Meanwhile, Supernatural’s head of fitness discussed the company’s rebooted VR exercise app after leaving Meta. Several new indie games worth checking out include Big Walk, ReStory, and Pigeon: A Love Story.

USB-C and More

Your phone’s USB-C port does far more than charge – a new guide explains how to use it for data transfer and accessories, including display output and audio.