Mobile News 24 Hours

Last updated: August 13, 2026, 11:34 PM ET

Smartphone Market & New Releases

The US smartphone market experienced a 5% contraction in Q2, with budget devices bearing the brunt of the decline according to Counterpoint Research. Meanwhile, rumors suggest the Fairphone 6+ is slated for an August 18 launch with an estimated price of €685. Honor has officially launched its Robot Phone in China, featuring an Agile Gimbal and an ARRI Cinematic Imaging partnership, with the company also teasing its Magic9 series for a September release. The Tecno Pova 8 Pro has also been unveiled, boasting an Alive Matrix Display, P1 Graphic Chip, and support for 144FPS gaming. In other news, a new report indicates that the iPhone 18 series will not launch this year, with its release reportedly pushed to 2027.

Pixel Phone Updates & Deals

Google is reportedly hiding significant discounts for the Pixel 11 Pro within its Play Points program, with potential savings of up to $150 on select models. Google has also committed to providing 7 years of spare parts availability for the Pixel 11 lineup. Verizon is offering a compelling preorder deal for the Pixel 11 Pro, while T-Mobile is providing a notable discount on the Pixel Watch 5. Consumers interested in protecting their new Pixel 11 Pro XL can find a curated list of the best cases available. There is also speculation that a future Google Pixel device could feature a silicon-carbon battery.

Foldables and Durability

The durability of the Galaxy Z Fold8 has been called into question following a teardown analysis that suggests its repairability is less than ideal. This comes after the device successfully endured a torture test involving bending, blades, and sand.

Software and Services

Xiaomi has announced the rollout of HyperOS 4, featuring a new glass aesthetic, enhanced UI customizations, and improved AI capabilities. In a move towards greater transparency, X is testing a tool that will allow users to check if their posts have been subject to shadowbanning, coinciding with the company open-sourcing more of its ranking algorithm. Spotify is expanding its AI offerings by partnering with Kobalt for AI-powered covers and remixes, which will be part of a forthcoming paid add-on. For those seeking alternatives to Spotify, a list of the best Spotify alternatives has been compiled.

Cloud Storage and Data Centers

A St. Louis PBS station is embroiled in a legal battle with a data center provider to recover a 70-year archive, highlighting the risks associated with cloud vendor failures. In a separate incident, hosting provider Namecheap is experiencing an outage due to a data center cooling failure. Meanwhile, users looking to optimize their cloud storage can learn how to save Google storage by adjusting a single Android setting.

Gaming and Emulation

Netflix has shut down Night School, the studio behind the game Oxenfree, just weeks after reportedly praising its "really solid numbers." In the realm of emulation, the Gecko emulator is emerging as a challenger to the long-standing Dolphin emulator for Game Cube games.

AI and Technology Trends

Microsoft's amorphous AI mascot, Mico, has been demoted from its role in Copilot Voice. In a significant philanthropic effort, Meta is donating 15,000 AI glasses to support blind and visually impaired individuals in Ireland. The US government is moving to allow private companies to conduct cyberattacks on its behalf.

Camera and Audio Gear

DJI's Mic Mini 2S has received an update, enhancing its capabilities for professionals with the addition of internal 32-bit float recording, making it an even better choice for high-quality audio capture. Samsung's upcoming Galaxy S27 series is reportedly foregoing a variable aperture feature that is rumored to be included in a future iPhone model. Sony has indicated that sales for its Xperia 1 VIII are strong, with the micro SD slot and 3.5mm headphone jack being considered integral features.

Other Notable Tech News

Apple has added approximately 20 classic movies, including titles like The Martian, E.T., and Zodiac, to its Apple TV streaming library. Virgin Galactic has announced a delay for its new spaceship's first commercial flight, now expected in 2027. The new Instagram logo has become a subject of widespread commentary and criticism. Google is also preparing to launch its screen-less Fitbit Air in India this October. For those looking to improve their image quality, a guide on how to upscale photos offers various methods. Reports also indicate that CBP officers have been misusing surveillance tech.