Mobile News 24 Hours

Last updated: August 25, 2026, 3:25 AM ET

Space & Science

NASA's Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope is scheduled for launch on August 30, and the agency will provide a live stream of the event. The mission, named after NASA's first chief astronomer, will have the ability to capture images of wide swaths of the sky, helping researchers study dark energy, exoplanets, and infrared astrophysics. For those wanting to learn more about the physics behind such imagery, video upscaling continues to improve, though there are caveats about what artificial enhancement can and cannot fix from the original source. Similarly, solar panel efficiency depends heavily on temperature, with panels typically losing output under extreme heat despite the sun being high. On the ground, shooting in IMAX remains an expensive endeavor that most filmmakers avoid, even as some opt for the format for event movies.

Semiconductor & Security

A Taiwan prosecutor has reportedly indicted NVIDIA employees for exporting prohibited AI servers to China, even though the US has relaxed some restrictions on AI chip exports. The indictments underscore that illegal exports are still taking place, adding friction to the supply chain. Meanwhile, in the OS world, Graphene OS — the radically unlocked, hardened Android build with no Google services — has confirmed it is working on support for upcoming Motorola 2027 flagships, an unusual pairing that could give privacy-focused users a new hardware option. Rumors also boldly claim Samsung's Exynos 2700 could top Qualcomm's next-gen chip in key metrics, though the company hasn't confirmed any specs.

Smartphone Launches & Patents

Samsung is reportedly planning to keep the foldable hype going with a limited-edition luxury collab for the Galaxy Z Fold, with Thom Browne a top candidate to return. A leaked CAD render shows the Galaxy S27 Ultra will feature a completely different rear camera design, with one fewer sensor than the S26 Ultra. Another leak suggests the S27 Ultra will look almost like an outright iPhone copy in terms of frame and layout. Xiaomi confirmed its next bezel-less foldable will be called the Xiaomi Fold 18, officially launching in September with the presumably monstrous Xring O3 chipset. Poco has confirmed the global launch of its F9 series — the F9 Pro and Ultra — with official design and color options. Lava introduced the Virat V1 Pro 5G in India with a 6.75-inch 120Hz display and 6,000 mAh battery, while the Honor Play20A brings a large screen and a second display on the back. HMD's new feature phone, the Nokia 300 Charge, has a dedicated power out button and a 3,700mAh battery.

Smartphones: Pixels, Samsungs, and More

Google is now testing a "Device help" tool for the Pixel 11 series that is powered by Gemini, letting you have a conversation about troubleshooting issues. In a hands-on comparison, the Pixel 11 Pro XL measures up against the Pixel 9 Pro XL, with the older 9 Pro XL still offering plenty. The Samsung Galaxy S26 FE was confirmed to keep the same 4,900mAh battery capacity as its predecessor, per Brazil's Anatel certification, and the Galaxy S26 FE will likely share other specs too. Samsung is also expected to launch the S26 FE later this week at its August event, alongside two new Galaxy Tab S models.

Sony will introduce its next Xperia phone tomorrow, with an event that starts at 11am Japan time, and the device is likely the perennially mid-range Xperia 10 VIII. It appears to be a same phone, new name sort of update — a respectable but unrevolutionary iteration. Also worth noting: Samsung led the Southeast Asia smartphone market in Q2, a period that saw overall shipments decline by 15%, but Samsung grew to a 25% share — the only brand to grow in the region.

Gaming & AI

CD Projekt Red's co-CEO called The Witcher 4 "our biggest, boldest and most ambitious game to date," and the studio is now publicly aiming to release it in 2028. On the AI side, OpenAI users can still cancel via the step-by-step procedure: How to cancel your ChatGPT subscription walks you through the process, including deleting your account. Elsewhere, Threads is testing a podcast transcription feature to entice audio creators, and Google's Gemini now sports a more capable suite.

Audio & Streaming

Shokz has launched the Open Run Air 2 and Open Fit Air, promising a better fit for runners with improved comfort. Samsung's My Fan Cam feature helps make yourself the main character in your videos, zooming in on a subject even while keeping background performance clear. To get the best from your audio system, you should pick a good benchmark video and stick with it when testing Dolby Atmos. And understanding the difference between Dolby Digital 5.1 and Dolby Digital Plus is key — one is better than the other and your gear will only support one in certain situations.

Smartwatches & Wearables

Garmin's Venu 3 dropped to a record-low price at 34% off via Amazon, a rare deal on a 2023 flagship that still holds up. However, there’s a major problem with the Samsung Galaxy Watch 9: while battery life wassupposed to improve, the Galaxy Watch 9 disappoints — you'll have to take it off frequently to charge, which detracts from its otherwise strong performance. Meanwhile, the Galaxy Buds 3 FE are 27% off at Amazon in a new sale.

Streaming & Media

ESPN confirmed it is raising prices on most streaming subscriptions, starting September 17. The Unlimited tier will go to $32 per month, and bundles like Disney+ will be affected too. If you’re considering leaving OpenAI services for good, the guide covers how to cancel and even delete the account. And for people who want a better TV experience without native Bluetooth, adding Bluetooth to a non-Bluetooth TV is straightforward with a cheap adaptor.

Home & Gadgets

For those aiming to get the most out of their small space: mini PCs are compact but come with real downsides, including less cooling and sustained power. On the connected car front, digital car keys come together with convenience, but also risks — a scratch could disable them. That's a big thing to consider before adding your key. Zillow reached a settlement with the FTC to resolve its antitrust lawsuit, a notable move after Redfin’s accusations.

Gaming & Audio

When it comes to great alarm clocks, there’s a rare piece of gaming history: the Panasonic Q, the only Game Cube that could play DVD and CD media, rarely found below $1,000 today. It's a cool collector's item, and can be identified by its silver body and "Panasonic Q" logos. On the audio front, Samsung My Fan Cam works to zoom evenly, tracking multiple people automatically. And for those setting up a Dolby Atmos sound system, picking good benchmark content is the best way to reveal if things are honest.

Trading into the Future

While the Exynos 2700 rumors focus on performance, the Galaxy S27 Ultra redesign could be a bigger shift in form factor. Meanwhile, Xiaomi 18 Fold will make its debut in September, with the company calling out "monstrous" performance. Elsewhere in mobile, the Hon's new Play20A has a second display on the back, as an unusual take on notification convenience — worth a thorough look before buying.

TV and Streaming

If you plan to test your audio, a portable Bluetooth speaker can be your own review. And if your TV is not Bluetooth-capable, you can adapt with a Low Latency transmitter to watch with wireless headphones. But there's a certain difference between Dolby Digital 5.1, which uses a low bitrate, and Dolby Digital Plus, which is more capable — so which one you choose will impact how it works between devices. As streaming services raise prices, you may want to check your subscriptions: ESPN's jump will actually start in the fall, and if you are getting too many, here’s how to cancel even your AI subscription.

TV Audio and Beyond

The Galaxy Watch 9 faces a compromise between its comfortable design and lacking battery life—you'll have to take it off frequently. When you’re testing a Dolby Atmos system, the right benchmark gives the immersion. We're also tracking the now-rare Panasonic Q GameStop that can do more than game. For the smart home, remember that solar panels work best at cooler temps, and can lose 0.4% per degree Celsius above 25°C.

Wearables & Fitness

If you're in the market for audio sports gear, the Shokz OpenRun Air 2 and Open Run Air 2 are a solid fit, especially for runners and fitness folks in a gym. Meanwhile, the Galaxy Watch 7 will hold you, but you'll have to take it off from time to time to charge—this is a drawback.

Streaming and Console

CDPR’s co-CEO emphasized the plan of redefining the universe story. As for The Witcher, re-entering that world means a 2028 release—a much-awaited ambitious project.

That's the past 24 hours in mobile, TV, and beyond.