Mobile News 24-Hour Briefing

Last updated: October 20, 2026, 5:10 PM ET

Samsung and Exynos

Samsung is working to improve the power efficiency of its Exynos modems for the upcoming Galaxy S27 lineup, aiming to shake off the chip's long-running reputation. Separately, Samsung has reportedly signed massive DRAM and HBM contracts covering a five-year period.

Software and Updates

The Galaxy A36 can now download the stable One UI 9 update, though rollout may take a while to reach every device. AMD is bringing FSR 4.1 upscaling to Xbox Series X|S and Ally handhelds, and Android Auto may gain Work Accounts for busy drivers.

Foldables and Upcoming Phones

Leaks suggest the iPhone Duo's display is soft directly above the hinge, despite the lack of a visible crease. Huawei's Mate X8 specs have leaked ahead of launch, and Oppo's wide-screen phone is tipped to carry an 8,000mAh battery. Xiaomi's next flagships may cost more globally while packing smaller batteries, and One Plus has detailed a dual-airflow fan design for its Ace 7 series launching in China.

Budget and Accessories

Karbonn is preparing a comeback with the Rebel 5G, while Realme's C01 has been listed before launch. The Moto G47 Power has surfaced with a 7,000mAh battery, and Straight Talk upgraded its unlimited plans with more data and 5G at no extra cost.

Privacy and Services

Robot vacuums raise privacy concerns because their cameras and microphones collect home data. Meta revised its terms of service after publishers objected to a scraping clause, and Spotify is dancing around its AI "slop and spam" problem after removing 50 million tracks from recommendations. Spotify also launched podcast Memberships to compete with Patreon. Google Home Speaker users reported huge data spikes, and a fix is rolling out.

Hardware and How-To

The original Steam Deck's battery lifespan is a common question as the device ages. Perplexity now lets users run AI workflows locally on Macs with at least 36GB of RAM, and OpenAI says its models can help banks migrate away from old COBOL programs. Wi-Fi 7 owners may see slower speeds if their router is tucked away, and the Antigravity A1 drone gained a Follow Me bundle with gesture controls.

Coming Up

The Xiaomi 18 Pro and Pro Max are expected at European prices now leaked. The One Plus Ace 7 series launches in China later this month.