Mobile News 24 Hours

Last updated: August 12, 2026, 5:50 PM ET

Google Pixel 11 Series Launch

Google officially unveiled the Pixel 11 series at its Made by Google event, introducing the Pixel, Pixel 11 Pro, Pro XL, and the Pixel 11 Pro Fold. The base Pixel 11 features the Tensor G6 chipset and faster charging speeds. The Pro and Pro XL gain two new camera sensors and a modern twist on classic indicator lights, while prices have increased by about $100 across the lineup despite having less RAM. Camera upgrades include Instant Night Sight and larger sensors. Google is also emailing discount codes for the Pixel 11 to select Gmail accounts. A live blog captured the entire event in real time.

Pixel 11 Pro Fold and Foldable Competition

The Pixel 11 Pro Fold carries a $1,900 price tag and retains the same battery life claim as its predecessor but in a lighter package with faster Qi2 wireless charging at 25W. Its charging speed remains unchanged for wired. A hands-on review notes the foldable feels unchanged from last year, with new AI features. Comparing it to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, the Pixel is heavier and has a smaller battery, but it’s not an easy win for Samsung. Meanwhile, Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8 is rated IP48 for water resistance.

Smartphone Accessories and Cases

The best Google Pixel 11 and Pixel 11 Pro cases are now available, with both models sharing the same case design. T-Mobile is offering the Pixel 11 and Pixel 11 Pro for free with preorder deals — no trade-in required. For those choosing colors, guides cover the Pixel 11 Pro Fold (Olive vs. Obsidian) and the standard Pixel 11, with many enticing options this year. An opinion piece argues that smartphone colors are more exciting than actual new features in 2026.

Google Ecosystem: Pixel Watch, Buds, and Pixel Tag

The Pixel Watch 5 focuses on health, GPS, and AI, with most updates in software rather than hardware. A new health feature called Health Guardian can monitor blood pressure and insulin resistance, acting as an early warning system for diabetes. The Pixel Buds Pro 2 gain Dynamic ANC, Gemini controls, and improved Live Translate, plus a new Olive finish. Google also introduced the Pixel Tag with UWB precision and Find Hub tracking for the Android network. Sharing between Pixel phones now works via Tap to Share, letting users swap contacts, photos, and videos by tapping two Android phones together.

Samsung Updates: One UI 9 Beta and New Ringtone

Samsung began rolling out One UI 9 Beta 5 to Galaxy S26 testers in several regions, alongside rumors of One UI 9.5. The company also released a new ringtone based on Chopin’s Nocturne for One UI, continuing its tradition of fresh ringtones with flagship launches.

Other Smartphone Launches and Leaks

Honor launched the Robot Phone in China, featuring a 200MP titanium gimbal camera. A separate report indicates Honor’s 12,000 mAh battery is now in trial production. The Realme 16x arrived with a Dimensity 6300 SoC, 144Hz screen, and a 7,000 mAh battery with 45W charging. Leaks reveal the vivo X500 series — X500, X500 Pro, and X500 Pro Max — with design details and screen sizes. Xiaomi announced the Redmi K100 Pro and K100 Pro Max in China with impressive specs. A leak shows the Fairphone 6+ will feature a Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 chipset upgrade. Huawei introduced the Watch GT 7 and GT 7 Pro with up to 21 days of battery life. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S12+ and Tab S12 Ultra moved closer to launch after receiving Bluetooth certification, as Samsung confirmed a H2 2026 unveiling.

AI, Privacy, and Digital Tools

Spotify introduced an “AI Persona” label for AI-generated artists and removed them from recommendations. Claude now watermarks AI-generated text to indicate its origin. A German nonprofit filed a criminal complaint over Meta’s smart glasses privacy practices. The free tier of ChatGPT now includes unlimited texts as of August 2026. An explainer covers the pros and cons of digital wallets, including Apple Wallet and Google Wallet. Another guide details how to clear the cache on an iPhone.

Gaming and Miscellaneous Hardware

The Ghost of Yōtei Complete Edition arrives October 1 with a new story arc. An unreleased Xbox Elite Controller 3 may have ended up in an unsuspecting buyer’s hands after appearing on a marketplace. A leaked Zelda Switch 2 could be Nintendo’s next collector’s edition for the console’s 40th anniversary. Lenovo teased its next gaming tablet, the Y700, with an AnTuTu score of 4,585,844 and a rumored battery capacity. The Insta360 X6 360 camera balances ease-of-use with pro features like i-Log and 10-bit color. Amazon is handing off MMOs Lost Ark and Throne and Liberty to other publishers. Finally, an article explains the difference between an HDMI splitter and an HDMI switch.