Mobile News 24 Hours

Last updated: August 25, 2026, 8:42 AM ET

Smartphones & Launches

Samsung’s next-gen devices are already generating buzz. The Galaxy S27 Ultra could feature self-healing glass, a material innovation that may allow minor scratches to disappear automatically. Separately, leaked CAD renders indicate the S27 Ultra will maintain nearly the same dimensions as its predecessor, the S26 Ultra, despite a redesigned rear camera layout. For those eyeing the mid-range, the Galaxy S26 FE is expected to debut at Samsung’s Galaxy Event this Thursday, where the company may also refresh its Tab S series with two new models, as detailed in this expectations roundup.

In the meantime, Samsung is pushing software updates forward. The One UI 9 public beta for the Galaxy A57 is imminent, following months of internal testing that began in June. The company also continues to emphasize fan-centric features, and a new guide explains how its My Fan Cam tool works to capture focused video of a subject, making it easier to follow your kid’s performance in a school play.

Competitors are equally busy. The vivo X500 Pro Max has surfaced in the Geekbench database, revealing some key specs ahead of the X500 series’ official launch in China next month. Meanwhile, in India, the Realme C100i is arriving on August 27 with a refreshed camera bump design. Lava also bolstered its Indian line-up today with the low-cost Virat V1 Pro 5G, packing a 120Hz display, a 50MP main shooter, and a 6,000 mAh battery.

Poco has pushed the F9 series to the global stage. The company confirmed its new lineup consists of the Poco F9 Pro and F9 Ultra, and has already revealed their design and colors. Xiaomi is also rebranding its foldable strategy: the next device will be called the Xiaomi 18 Fold, slated for a September unveiling with the massive Xring O3 chipset. And on the audio front, ASUS has launched the ROG Gjallar, its first gaming soundbar, now on sale in the US for $600 — a high-end companion for gamers.

Sony is also making moves with the mid-range Xperia 10 VIII. The announcement live stream kicks off at 11am Japan time on Friday, and the company is keeping final specs under wraps. Our hands-on review characterizes the device as nearly identical to its predecessor, but with a new name. You can also tune into the announcement live here. Sony is also expected to speak on the Xperia line’s future, though no further details have surfaced.

Chipsets & Platforms

The silicon war is heating up. Reports suggest Samsung’s upcoming Exynos 2700 could outpace Qualcomm’s next-gen Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 in raw performance, a bold claim that may reshape the flagship chip market. Meanwhile, on the Google side, a new “Device help” tool powered by Gemini is being tested for the Pixel 11 series, allowing users to troubleshoot issues conversationally. For privacy-focused users, Graphene OS has made it official: the security-hardened Android fork is adding official support for Motorola’s 2027 flagship lineup.

Audio & Entertainment

A phone-sized e-reader, the PocketBook Q, is arriving this fall at $175, promising a month of battery life and 32GB of storage for distraction-free reading. For wireless audio, Shokz unveiled two new earbuds — the OpenRun Air 2 and OpenFit Air 2 — designed to fit active lifestyles, especially runners and hikers. Samsung also slashed the price of its Galaxy Buds 3 FE, with the deal dropping them to just $109.99 at Amazon, a 27% discount.

If you have a TV without Bluetooth, a new guide offers simple solutions and hardware adapters to stream audio to wireless headphones. For those with a soundbar, the best Dolby Atmos benchmark video can help you fine-tune the spatial effects. And on the streaming front, Threads is testing a podcast transcription feature to attract more audio creators to the platform. In a separate move, ESPN is hiking prices across most of its streaming tiers, with the Unlimited tier climbing to $32 per month starting September 17, affecting bundles with Disney+ as well.

Gaming & Retail

The Zillow–FTC antitrust lawsuit is officially settled, as per a new agreement. For gamers, CD Projekt Red has confirmed its aim to release The Witcher 4 by 2028, with its co-CEO calling the title the “biggest, boldest and most ambitious game” in company history. On the hardware side, Samsung is reportedly planning another luxury edition for the Galaxy Z Fold, with designer Thom Browne as the leading candidate to collaborate again.

In space, NASA’s Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope is scheduled for an August 30 launch, which will be live-streamed by the agency; you can get details on how to watch the event. Out of curiosity, why aren't more films shot in IMAX? An extensive feature explains the surmounting cost of IMAX production, which remains a barrier for most studios.

Market Insights & Shopping

Samsung maintained its leadership in the Southeast Asia smartphone market during Q2, holding a 24% market share and being the only brand growing — even as the overall regional market shrank 15% year over year. On the retail side, the Garmin Venu 3 (2023 fitness watch) is available at a record-low price — 34% off on Amazon, a steal for a truly iconic wearable.