Mobile News 24 Hours

Last updated: August 14, 2026, 11:36 AM ET

Smartphone Launches and Leaks

Motorola has launched the Moto G Max in India, presenting a different set of specifications compared to the model introduced in Brazil. The Indian version of the Moto G Max is powered by a different chipset than its Brazilian counterpart. Meanwhile, leaks surrounding the upcoming Poco F9 Pro and Poco F9 Ultra have surfaced, revealing detailed images, specifications, and pricing information. Additionally, details have emerged regarding the chipsets for the iQOO Neo11 Ultra and Z11s, both slated for an August 18 launch in China. The Fairphone 6+ is also rumored to be launching on August 18, with a potential price point of around €685.

AI and Software Updates

Google has released Gemini 3.7 Flash, its latest AI model designed for coding and agents, just three weeks after the debut of Gemini 3.6 Flash. Tecno has introduced the Pova AI Buds Pro, featuring AI-powered recording and call summarization capabilities. In China, Apple is nearing the launch of a custom model of its Apple Intelligence features, reportedly leveraging Alibaba. Microsoft's AI mascot, Mico, has reportedly been demoted from its role in Copilot Voice. Separately, X is testing a tool that will allow users to see if their posts have been "shadowbanned," coinciding with the platform open-sourcing more of its ranking algorithm.

New Devices and Features

The latest leaks suggest that the vivo Y31T will be launching in India soon, with an image purportedly showing its rear design. Google's Tensor G6 chip, found in the Pixel 11 series, is confirmed to be a 3nm chip, not the previously speculated 2nm. In a surprising development, a Nubia Z70 Ultra has been transformed into a desktop PC capable of running Linux and The Witcher, demonstrating the potential of smartphone chips when thermal limitations are overcome. Honor's new Robot Phone has launched in China, combining smartphone functionality with a gimbal and ARRI Cinematic Imaging partnership. The Samsung Galaxy Watch9 has received a review, detailing its specifications and potential battery upgrades.

Industry Trends and Market Analysis

Counterpoint Research's latest report indicates a contraction in the US smartphone market for Q2, with budget devices being the most affected, partly due to the ongoing memory chip crisis. Apple's 10th-anniversary iPhone, the iPhone X, has been added to the company's obsolete products list. In a significant move, President Trump has imposed tariffs of up to 100 percent on heavy and "sensitive" drones, citing national security concerns. Apple has also reportedly begun sending warnings to users targeted by mercenary spyware attacks.

App Store and Service Updates

Apple is reportedly proposing to take a 5-to-15 percent cut from external App Store payments, amid ongoing legal battles with Epic Games. Meanwhile, Google TV Freeplay has expanded its library, offering over 10,000 free on-demand movies and 300 live channels directly on the home screen, presenting a compelling alternative to paid streaming services. Spotify has partnered with Kobalt to integrate AI-powered creative tools for covers and remixes into its platform, with a forthcoming paid add-on expected. There are also several alternatives to Spotify available for users seeking different music streaming options.

Google and Pixel Ecosystem

Google is reportedly hiding Pixel 11 Pro discounts within its Play Points program, offering up to $150 off select models. The company has also committed to providing 7 years of spare parts availability for the new Pixel 11 lineup. A potential future for the Google Pixel line may include silicon-carbon batteries, though the timeline for such an innovation remains uncertain. Separately, Google's Made by Google event for the Pixel 11 series has been criticized for its execution, with suggestions that a different approach, similar to the GTA 6 launch strategy, could have been more effective. Verizon is offering notable preorder deals for the Google Pixel 11 Pro.

Other Tech News

Instagram has unveiled a new wordmark, its first update in over a decade, featuring a refreshed font and styling. In a concerning development for cloud users, hosting provider Namecheap is currently down due to a data center cooling failure, highlighting the risks associated with relying on single vendors for critical data storage. Netflix has shut down the Oxenfree studio Night School, despite recent praise for its game's "really solid numbers." The US government is also set to allow private companies to carry out cyberattacks on its behalf.