Mobile News 24 Hours

Last updated: August 20, 2026, 12:27 AM ET

Google Pixel 11 Pro Review

Google's Pixel 11 Pro represents a mixed bag of compelling AI features and incremental improvements that fall short of its predecessor's high bar. Despite Google AI integration becoming more prominent, the device struggles to justify its premium pricing against stiff competition. The camera system shows marked improvement, with Pixel 11 Pro camera quality earning praise for bringing back "the magic" according to reviewers. However, Android Central's testing revealed that despite fun new Gemini features, the phone is harder to recommend due to its $100 price increase over last year's model. The standard Pixel 11 review painted a slightly rosier picture, calling it "a lot of phone for a little more money" while acknowledging it remains one of the best smartphones on the market. The Pixel 11 Pro Fold received criticism for doing more without quite enough, as Google's latest foldable sports welcome upgrades but lacks major design changes that would set it apart from competitors.

Qualcomm Snapdragon Developments

Qualcomm's dual chipset strategy is heating up ahead of the Snapdragon Summit, with the company confirming two Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 SoCs are coming after months of speculation. The tease of "Dual 8 Elite" chips has Android Central noting that all eyes are on the Pro variant as Qualcomm preps a pair of flagship processors for Summit 2026.

Samsung Galaxy Leaks and Rumors

A mega leak has revealed extensive details about the upcoming Galaxy S26 FE, including new renders, specs, and features that suggest Samsung's launch is imminent. The European Energy Label leak further supports rumors of an approaching release date for the device.

Charging Technology Advances

Motorola's magnetic charger has leaked, showcasing what many consider exactly what Android needed to compete with Apple's Mag Safe ecosystem. The leaked Moto Snap hints at Qi2 magnetic charging spreading beyond the Edge 70 Max. For those seeking clarity on wireless charging standards, Engadget explains the difference between Android's Qi2 and Qi2.2 protocols.

Battery and Performance Specs

Realme P4s is set to debut next week with an impressive 8,000mAh battery, powered by the Dimensity 7400 Ultra chipset. The vivo Y31t has launched with a 7,200 mAh battery and Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 SoC, while the Redmi M100 goes official in China with a 7,900 mAh battery and Snapdragon 4 Gen 5 SoC. Oppo's wide-screen phone is reportedly featuring a 200MP camera, according to recent leaks.

Apple and Huawei Developments

Apple and the EU have agreed on new App Store fees and third-party app store rules after extensive negotiations. The Huawei MatePad Air (2026) is now available in Malaysia and the Middle East following its unveiling last month alongside the Huawei Free Clip 2 S. iPhone 18 Pro Max is tipped to be the only model with a variable-aperture camera when the iPhone 18 lineup debuts next month.

Google Services and AI

Google is offering college students a year of its AI Pro plan for free, something that normally costs $200. Amazon's Alexa+ AI assistant is now free for anyone with a Fire TV device in the US, following Amazon's earlier expansion of the service to eligible Fire TV devices. Meta AI has launched a dedicated desktop app for Mac as part of the company's push toward business-friendly AI tools.

Waymo and Autonomous Vehicles

Waymo Ojai vans are now available for all riders in San Francisco, Phoenix, and Los Angeles as part of a full rollout of the driverless vehicles. Flock's AI tool is testing technology that tracks and identifies people based on their driving habits, going far beyond simple license plate monitoring.

Gaming Industry News

Warren Spector, the founding father of immersive sims and creator of Deus Ex, has retired from game development. Guerrilla Games is reportedly overhauling Horizon Hunters Gathering to make it more of a traditional co-op game following reports of poor player feedback. Harvey Smith, known for his work on Deus Ex and Dishonored, has founded a new studio called Black Pony Immersive with veterans from Arkane, Insomniac, and Epic.

Robotics and Medical Technology

A robotic blood draw device has received FDA approval as the first-of-its-kind automated blood draw system for outpatient settings, potentially revolutionizing how routine blood tests are performed.

Tech Accessories and Collaborations

Pokémon and Polaroid are collaborating on three new adorable cameras that are prettier versions of the Polaroid Now and Polaroid Go. IKEA is teasing some mysterious Xbox-related products, leaving fans wondering what green Xbox logo cushions might be coming to market. Mattel is releasing a full-scale building brick set of the original Xbox priced at $330, complete with a controller that interacts with three game-inspired dioramas.

Valve and Steam Developments

Valve's Steam Frame videos demonstrate how to wear the headset, perfect the fit, and sign in, providing both informative guidance and entertainment value.

Google Books and Operating Systems

Googlebooks will be announced along with its accompanying OS on September 15, according to reports that first revealed Google's plans back in May. The new devices will run a custom Android-based operating system.

Supply Chain and Manufacturing

Google reportedly wants to end all Pixel production in China very soon, with plans to stop manufacturing smartphones, smartwatches, and earbuds in the region next year as part of a broader strategy shift.

Semiconductor Imports

China reportedly allows ByteDance and Tencent to import 10,000 H200 chips each, according to the Financial Times, with other Chinese companies potentially following suit.

Space and Aerospace

NASA images have revealed a crater on the moon caused by a SpaceX Falcon 9 crash, captured by the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter.

Environmental Initiatives

Google is trying to solve contrail formation using AI through Operation Blue Skies, a project involving the UK government that will subtly reroute flights to test contrail avoidance strategies.

Amazon Drone Delivery Expansion

Amazon is bringing drone deliveries to the Chicago and Atlanta metro areas as part of a major expansion, with the company stating it will serve nearly 500 US towns and cities with Prime Air deliveries by the end of the year.

Pixel Watch Updates

Dont panic — original Pixel Watch users aren't losing their Google Health features despite a warning from the Google Health app that scared users earlier this week. The company has confirmed that all existing features will remain intact.

Gaming Hardware and Accessories

The Pixel Watch 6 is already generating excitement despite the Pixel Watch 5 having just launched, with expectations building for what Google might have in store for the next iteration.

Student Technology Deals

The ultimate back to school starter kit for Android users in 2026 includes discounted phones, wearables, and other essential tech items as students prepare for the new academic year.

NAS Storage Deals

The best 4-bay NAS of 2026 has just scored a massive discount at Amazon, with the UGREEN DXP4800 Pro NAS server currently 15% off for those looking to upgrade their home storage solutions.

Smartphone Market Reports

Xiaomi's Q2 report shows smartphone sales are down as the average selling price goes up, with the company reporting revenue of CNY 108.9 billion ($16.2 billion) for Q2 2026 at a gross profit margin of 19.8% and an adjusted net profit of CNY 6.2 billion ($919 million).

Messaging Platform Issues

Google Messages RCS is breaking for Galaxy users after using Smart Switch, with Android Central identifying the transfer tool as a likely culprit behind the RCS messaging issues.

Small Flagship Showdown

The Pixel 11 Pro vs. Galaxy S26 comparison highlights the ongoing battle between Google and Samsung for dominance in the small flagship smartphone market, with consumers weighing which device offers better value and performance.

Wireless Charging Standards

Understanding the difference between Qi2 and Qi2.2 wireless charging standards is crucial for consumers looking to invest in compatible charging accessories and devices.

Traffic Safety Study

A study finds a 15 percent increase in traffic deaths after major music streaming releases, suggesting that drivers may be more distracted on days when big new albums drop.