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Last updated: August 15, 2026, 11:50 PM ET

Mobile News

iQOO 16 Rumored Specs

iQOO 16 is slated for a September launch, according to fresh rumors from China, with tipster Digital Chat Station claiming the device will feature a higher refresh-rate display than its predecessor. While specific details remain under wraps, the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset is widely expected to power the flagship, continuing iQOO's trend of aggressive performance-focused releases. The anticipated display upgrade suggests a move toward smoother scrolling and gaming experiences, potentially surpassing the 120Hz panels common in current models. With September still months away, more concrete details are likely to surface as we approach the typical launch window for iQOO's premium lineup.

iQOO Buds TWS Launch

Alongside the iQOO Z11 launch in India on August 20, the brand will unveil its iQOO Buds true wireless earbuds. A teaser posted by iQOO's Indian branch on X reveals the earbuds' design, hinting at a sleek, minimalist aesthetic that aligns with the parent company's Vivo audio strategy. While pricing and full specifications remain undisclosed, the simultaneous launch with the Z11 smartphone suggests tight ecosystem integration, likely featuring low-latency audio modes and optimized pairing protocols. The move positions iQOO to compete more directly in India's crowded sub-$100 TWS market, where brands like Realme and One Plus have already established strong footholds.

iQOO Neo11 Ultra Specs Leak

The iQOO Neo11 Ultra is expected to launch within days, with Weibo tipster Digital Chat Station revealing key specifications following an official teaser from the company. The device will reportedly ship with Media Tek's Dimensity 9500M chipset, marking a significant upgrade over the Neo10 series' Snapdragon 8 Gen. Leaked specs suggest a 6.78-inch AMOLED display with 2K resolution and 120Hz refresh rate, alongside a substantial 5,500mAh battery supporting 120W wired charging. The camera array is rumored to include a 50MP main sensor, 50MP ultrawide, and 50MP periscope telephoto with 3.2x optical zoom, positioning the Neo11 Ultra as a direct competitor to Xiaomi's Redmi K70 Ultra and Realme's GT Neo series.

Poco M8x 5G Teased

Poco M8x 5G has been officially teased by the brand, revealing a glimpse of the device's back panel design. This addition to the M8 family comes just weeks after the M8 Power launch, suggesting Poco's aggressive quarterly refresh cycle for its midrange lineup. The M8x 5G will likely feature Qualcomm's Snapdragon 695 5G or Media Tek's Dimensity 7200, paired with a 5,000mAh battery and 67W fast charging. Camera specifications are expected to include a 108MP main sensor, consistent with Poco's value-driven approach to high-resolution imaging. The device is anticipated to launch in select European and Indian markets by late September.

Android 17 Customization Updates

Google has rolled out Android 17 QPR2 Beta 3 to eligible Pixel devices, introducing expanded customization options for Quick Settings tiles and notification shades. The update allows users to rearrange and resize individual tiles, add custom labels, and apply color themes based on wallpaper extraction. Additional features include enhanced app icons with dynamic lighting effects, improved split-screen multitasking gestures, and granular privacy controls for background location access. While the beta is currently limited to Pixel 5 and newer devices, the final release is expected to debut alongside the Pixel 11 series in October, with broader OEM adoption anticipated by early 2026.

Google Removes Gemini Watermark

Google has quietly removed the visible watermark from images generated by Gemini, addressing user complaints about the prominent "Gemini" logo in the bottom-right corner. The change applies to both the free and paid tiers of Google's AI image generator, which had previously distinguished itself from competitors like DALL-E and Midjourney through its watermark policy. While the removal enhances the professional usability of generated images, Google maintains metadata-based attribution for tracking purposes. The feature is rolling out globally over the next 48 hours, though some enterprise users may need to manually enable the setting through their admin console.

Kingdom Hearts Anime Coming to Disney+

Disney has announced a brand-new Kingdom Hearts anime series, set to debut exclusively on Disney+. The announcement confirms long-standing rumors about an animated adaptation of Square Enix's beloved RPG franchise, which has sold over 35 million units worldwide since its 2002 debut. The series will feature an entirely original story, separate from the main game continuity, allowing newcomers to engage with the universe without prior gaming experience. Production details remain under wraps, though industry sources suggest involvement from veteran anime studio Production I.G, known for their work on Ghost in the Shell and Psycho-Pass. The announcement coincides with Kingdom Hearts' 20th anniversary celebrations, with the anime expected to premiere in late 2026.

Pixel 11 Screen Protectors Guide

With the Pixel 11 series expected to launch in October, Pixel 11 screen protectors are already generating interest among early adopters. Both the standard Pixel 11 and Pixel 11 Pro share identical 6.7-inch display dimensions, meaning screen protector compatibility lists apply to both models. Top recommendations include tempered glass options from brands like Spigen, Otter Box, and ZAGG, offering 9H hardness ratings and oleophobic coatings for fingerprint resistance. Installation kits with alignment frames have become standard across premium brands, reducing the risk of bubbles and misalignment. Prices range from $15 for basic film protectors to $45 for premium glass options with lifetime warranties.

Galaxy Z Fold 8 Pros and Cons

After extensive testing, Galaxy Z Fold 8 emerges as Samsung's most refined foldable yet, though its $1,999 price tag continues to raise questions about mainstream viability. Key improvements include a 20% brighter main display reaching 2,600 nits peak brightness, improved hinge durability rated for 400,000 folds, and a lighter chassis weighing 249 grams—down from the Fold 7's 269 grams. However, the external display remains relatively narrow at 6.2 inches, and camera performance still lags behind the S24 Ultra despite upgraded sensors. Battery life improved by 15% thanks to a larger 5,000mAh cell and more efficient Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chip, though heavy users will still need a midday charge.

Stripe in Talks to Buy PayPal

Stripe and private equity firm Advent International are reportedly in active negotiations to acquire PayPal, according to sources familiar with the matter. The potential deal follows an earlier joint offer made earlier this year that PayPal's board rejected as too low. Current discussions center around a valuation of approximately $50 billion, representing a 20% premium over PayPal's current market cap. Regulatory hurdles would be significant, requiring approvals from antitrust authorities across multiple jurisdictions given both companies' dominant positions in online payments processing. A successful acquisition would create a payments powerhouse capable of challenging traditional financial institutions, though consumer advocacy groups have already expressed concerns about reduced competition in the fintech sector.

Engadget Review Recap

This week's Engadget reviews covered a diverse range of products, including the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, Dell XPS 13 laptop, and Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones. The Z Fold 8 Ultra earned praise for its improved camera system and enhanced multitasking capabilities, though reviewers noted the device's weight distribution still feels awkward during extended use. The Dell XPS 13 impressed with its edge-to-edge display and improved battery life lasting up to 14 hours, though the base model's 8GB RAM limitation drew criticism from power users. Sony's WH-1000XM5 headphones maintained their position as the gold standard for noise cancellation, with particular praise for the adaptive sound control feature that automatically adjusts audio profiles based on user activity.

Bluetooth Codec Guide

For audiophiles seeking optimal wireless sound quality, Bluetooth codecs play a crucial role in determining audio fidelity. apt X Lossless leads the pack with bit-for-bit reproduction of CD-quality audio at 16-bit/48kHz, though it requires compatible hardware from both source and receiver. Sony's LDAC codec offers comparable quality at 24-bit/96kHz but suffers from increased latency during video playback. Apple users are limited to AAC, which delivers acceptable quality but lacks the bandwidth efficiency of newer compression algorithms. Interestingly, most casual listeners cannot distinguish between high-bitrate codecs and standard SBC in blind tests, suggesting that spending extra for premium codec support may be unnecessary for general use.

Apple Watch Battery Replacement Cost

Replacing an Apple Watch battery costs between $69 and $99 depending on the model, with Apple offering the service through authorized retailers and mail-in programs. For newer Series 8 and Ultra models, the $99 fee includes both parts and labor, while older Series 3 through Series 7 devices carry a $69 charge. Third-party repair shops offer significantly cheaper alternatives ranging from $25 to $45, though these void Apple's warranty and may compromise water resistance ratings. Battery health below 80% capacity typically qualifies for replacement, and users can check their watch's status through the Settings app under Battery > Battery Health. For most users, replacement becomes economically viable when the watch is less than three years old and retains significant trade-in value.