Mobile News 24 Hours

Last updated: August 23, 2026, 2:37 AM ET

Smartphones & Launches

The Honor Robot Phone is finally official after months of teasers, and it's now available in stores — though only in select markets, which may limit its immediate appeal. The device leans heavily on AI-driven features and a distinctive camera setup, but the weekly poll asks whether the novelty justifies the price tag. Meanwhile, vivo's T5 5G has been teased with a 3D curved display ahead of its official unveiling, joining the existing T5 series that already includes the T5 4G launched in May. The new model is expected to bring 5G connectivity to the budget-midrange lineup.

Sony is gearing up for a launch event on August 25 at 11 AM local time, and the Xperia 10 VIII is widely expected to be the star of the show. Leaks suggest the device will feature a 6.1-inch display, a Snapdragon 6-series chipset, and a dual-camera setup, positioning it as a solid mid-range option. The company hasn't confirmed the name yet, but the timing aligns perfectly with the Xperia 10 series refresh cycle.

In the tablet space, iQOO is rumored to be working on an 8.8-inch tablet, according to Digital Chat Station on Weibo. This would mark the brand's entry into the compact tablet segment, directly competing with the Red Magic gaming tablet. The smaller form factor is aimed at gamers and media consumers who want portability without sacrificing performance, and the device is expected to pack a high-refresh-rate display and a flagship-tier chipset.

Pixel & Wearables

The Google Pixel 11 family has a clear winner in our latest poll: the Pixel 11 Pro led the vote, but sentiment trended negative overall, with price being the most cited reason for skipping the series. Despite the enthusiasm for the hardware, the cost is a major barrier for many potential buyers. For those who do pick up a Pixel 11 Pro, there's a free Google AI Pro trial worth activating immediately — it gives you six months of the premium AI features at no extra charge, but you have to manually opt in to claim it.

The Pixel 11 Pro Fold has undergone a durability test by Jerry Rig Everything, and the results are troubling. The device failed the bend test, marking the fourth consecutive year Google's foldable has shown the same structural weakness. This is a recurring issue that the company needs to address, especially as competitors like Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold8 have passed similar tests with more resilience.

On the fitness side, a hands-on comparison of the Pixel Watch, Galaxy Watch, and Garmin Cirqa during a 5K run and a 5,000-step walk revealed significant differences in accuracy and battery life. The Garmin Cirqa led in GPS precision, while the Pixel Watch 5 offered the best integration with Android. The Galaxy Watch 9 held its own but lagged slightly in step counting. Each has its strengths, but the choice largely depends on whether you prioritize fitness tracking depth or smartwatch ecosystem integration.

Gaming & Entertainment

Nintendo Switch Online remains a solid value in 2026, offering online play, a growing library of retro classics, and exclusive perks like cloud saves. The starting price is low, but the Expansion Pack tier adds significant value with N64 and Sega Genesis games. For most Switch owners, the base subscription is worth it, though the premium tier is harder to recommend unless you're heavily invested in the older catalogs.

For gamers, Bluetooth headsets are still a poor choice due to latency and connection stability issues. 2.4GHz wireless and wired headsets offer much better performance, especially for competitive play where every millisecond matters. If you're serious about gaming audio, skipping Bluetooth is the way to go.

The indie scene has a fresh batch of releases worth checking out, including a Darkest Dungeon DLC, a Bio Shock-style shooter featuring clowns, Mixtape on Mac, a Tetris Effect-style pachinko game, and a platformer with randomized controls. It's a diverse week for indie creativity, with something for every taste.

Streaming & Displays

Watching Netflix in 4K on Chrome requires a few specific conditions: a 4K-capable monitor, a compatible GPU, and a recent version of Chrome that supports 4K streaming. You'll also need the right display cable — HDMI 2.0 or Display Port 1.4 — along with a Netflix plan that includes Ultra HD. Without all of these, you'll be stuck at 1080p.

The difference between "Shot with IMAX" and "Filmed for IMAX" is subtle but important. IMAX labels can be confusing because a movie can be both, but "Shot with IMAX" refers to cameras that capture footage with a taller aspect ratio, while "Filmed for IMAX" means the film was optimized for IMAX screens, even if it wasn't entirely shot with IMAX cameras. The distinction affects how the movie looks in theaters.

Tech Tips & Troubleshooting

If you're having Bluetooth troubles on your Pixel, there's a built-in Pixel Bluetooth tool that can help diagnose and fix connection problems. It's a great first step before diving into manual settings, and it can save you time and frustration.

Streaming your iPhone or MacBook screen to your TV is easier than you think. AirPlay setup requires both devices to be on the same Wi-Fi network, then you can mirror your display or stream media directly. The steps are straightforward, whether you're using an Apple TV or a compatible smart TV.

Deals & Devices

Amazon has raised prices across its device lineup, including the Echo, Kindle, and Eero, due to the ongoing memory shortage. Amazon devices are now more expensive, with some increases hitting 10–20% depending on the model. This price hike is a direct result of rising RAM and storage costs.

The Google Pixel 11 series is now officially on sale at Amazon, with early discounts already available. Samsung's latest Galaxy foldables and Galaxy S26 series are also seeing price cuts, making it a good time to upgrade if you've been waiting for a deal.

Regulation & Industry

Uber has been fined €824.9 million by the Dutch data protection authority for violating GDPR rules related to the automatic deactivation of drivers in the EU. The fine is one of the largest ever issued under the regulation, and it stems from Uber's handling of driver data transfers to servers outside the EU without sufficient safeguards.

OpenAI is calling on California to strengthen its AI safety laws, specifically urging that the state's SB 53 framework "be amended to expand safeguards." The company argues that current rules are too narrow and need to cover more AI applications to protect against risks.

Cameras & Legacy

Digital cameras are still worth buying in 2026, but only if you're willing to put in the time and money. Phone cameras have improved dramatically, but dedicated cameras offer better control, larger sensors, and superior low-light performance. For hobbyists and professionals, the investment is still justified.

If you're considering a used Game Cube, check the region code before purchasing. A region-locked console won't play games from other regions, and you could end up with a device that doesn't play the titles you want. A quick check can save you from a costly mistake.

Earbuds & Audio

The CMF Buds Neo from Nothing's sub-brand deliver surprisingly good sound for just $20. In testing, they impressed with a comfortable fit, solid bass, and decent battery life, making them one of the best budget earbuds available. If you're on a tight budget, these are hard to beat.

Android Auto & YouTube

Android Auto's YouTube support still has significant limitations — video playback is restricted, and the interface is optimized for audio-only. It's worth using if you're a passenger, but for drivers, it's not a replacement for dedicated audio apps.

Apple Trade-In & Legacy

Apple's trade-in program accepts much older iPhones than you might expect, and even devices you haven't touched in years can earn credit toward a new phone. It's a good way to recoup some value from old hardware, even if it's not worth a lot.

Instagram Data

You can limit Instagram's data use for AI and ads by adjusting your activity settings. It won't stop all tracking, but it will keep your activity outside the app from influencing ads, giving you more control over your privacy.