Mobile News 24 Hours

Last updated: August 13, 2026, 8:57 AM ET

Made by Google 2026

Google officially unveiled the Pixel 11 series at its Made by Google 2026 event. The Pixel 11 arrives with the Tensor G6 chip and faster wired charging, while still straddling the line between flagship and mid-range. The new Pixel 11 Pro line takes aim at Samsung's Galaxy S26 Ultra with improved cameras and displays. However, both the Pixel 11 Pro and Pro XL ship with less RAM than their predecessors despite a $100 price increase. The camera upgrades include bigger sensors and Instant Night Sight, and a hands-on reveals a modern twist on classic indicator lights. Gemini and the camera steal the show with major AI features. The device also supports Qi2 wireless charging across the family. T-Mobile is already offering the Pixel 11 and 11 Pro for free with preorders and no trade-in required.

Pixel 11 Pro Fold and Foldable Comparisons

The Pixel 11 Pro Fold arrives at a $1,900 price point. A hands-on notes the phone feels unchanged from its predecessor, despite new AI features. The device retains the same battery life claim as the Pixel 10 Pro Fold but gets faster Qi2 wireless charging and a lighter build. Its charging speed remains slower than some rivals. In a direct comparison, the Pixel 11 Pro Fold vs Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra is not a straightforward win for Samsung. Meanwhile, Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 8 carries an IP48 rating for water resistance.

Pixel Watch, Buds Pro, and Pixel Tag

Google also unveiled the Pixel Watch 5, with most updates focused on health, GPS, and AI rather than hardware. A new Health Guardian feature can monitor blood pressure and insulin resistance. The Pixel Buds Pro 2 get a new Olive color along with software features. They now offer Dynamic ANC, Gemini controls, sleep syncing, and improved Live Translate. The new Pixel Tag brings UWB precision to Google’s Find Hub network. Tap to Share is now live on Pixels and Samsung devices, making file sharing between phones simpler by tapping devices together.

Honor Magic9 Series and Other Rumors

Honor teased the Magic9 series during its Robot Phone keynote, confirming a September launch. A new rumor claims the Honor Magic9 Pro will feature dual 200MP cameras. Meanwhile, a tipster suggests Apple will hike iPhone prices by $100 across the lineup, including upcoming models. The iPhone 18 may get a 12GB RAM bump after all, according to analyst Jeff Pu. Samsung’s Galaxy S27 series reportedly won't adopt variable aperture. One UI 9 Beta 5 is rolling out amid rumors of One UI 9.5. The Galaxy Tab S12+ and Tab S12 Ultra moved a step closer to launch with Bluetooth certification.

Sony, Realme, Poco, Motorola, and Fitbit

Sony says the Xperia 1 VIII sales are strong, calling the micro SD slot and 3.5mm jack integral. Realme’s P4s Lite has been certified for the Indian market. Battery details for the Poco F9 Pro and F9 Ultra have leaked ahead of their expected launch. The Motorola Signature is now receiving its Android 17 update. Google will launch the screen-less Fitbit Air in India this October.

Streaming, Gaming, and AI

Apple TV added classic movies like The Martian, E.T., and Zodiac to stream. Twitch now lets you opt out of AI training on your streams. The ChatGPT free tier in 2026 includes unlimited texts. Spotify started labeling AI-generated artists and removing them from recommendations. Ghost of Yōtei Complete Edition arrives October 1 with a new story arc. Amazon is handing off MMOs Lost Ark and Throne and Liberty to other publishers. A rare two-player Computer Space arcade machine is up for auction.

Meta, Virgin Galactic, and Privacy

Virgin Galactic postponed its new spaceship’s first commercial flight to 2027. Meta is donating 15,000 Ray-Ban Meta AI glasses to blind and visually impaired people in Ireland. A German nonprofit filed a criminal complaint over Meta smart glasses privacy.

Accessories, Cases, and Tips

The best Pixel 11 and 11 Pro cases are here, and both models share cases. A guide to the best Pixel 11 Pro XL cases is available. Need help choosing a Pixel 11 Pro Fold color or a Pixel 11 color? Guides break down the options. An HDMI splitter vs switch explainer helps untangle cabling. The pros and cons of using a digital wallet are detailed. For iPhone users, a guide on how to clear the cache is available. Smartphone colors are more exciting than actual new features in 2026, says one opinion piece.

Camera Review

The Insta360 X6 balances ease-of-use with pro features like i-Log and 10-bit color in a 360 camera.