Mobile News 3 Days

Last updated: May 17, 2026, 8:40 PM ET

Smartphone Launches & Updates

Motorola unveiled its Razr Fold with Extreme AMOLED panels that reportedly outperform display quality on Google's and Samsung's foldables, while also releasing details showing the device supports Qi2 wireless charging. The company's latest foldable is generating significant discussion, with a recent poll finding that consumers believe the Razr 70/2026 series is overpriced and needs more updates. Meanwhile, Sony revealed its Xperia 1 VIII flagship featuring a new design with a 1/1.56-inch telephoto camera offering four times larger sensor and four times the resolution compared to previous models.

Security & Software Updates

Samsung pushed May 2026 security patches to its Galaxy A54 before its flagship siblings, while also rolling out One UI 8.5 to the Galaxy S24 series, Galaxy Z Fold6, and Galaxy Z Flip6 in the US. In the Google ecosystem, the company announced Gemini Intelligence that will initially be available only on select current Android flagships, and is working on an update for Now Brief in One UI 9 to highlight "priority" alerts users might have missed. One Plus pulled its latest Oxygen OS update after multiple reports of boot loop issues affecting some phones.

Mobile Gaming & Entertainment

Fortnite players received a 10-minute sneak peek of The Mandalorian and Grogu content ahead of the movie's theatrical release on May 22, while the Terraria development team confirmed cross-play functionality is coming to celebrate the game's 15th anniversary, having sold 70 million copies over its lifetime. In new gaming developments, 1047 Games reportedly named its spiritual successor to Titanfall as "Empulse," still in pre-alpha without a release date, while Bungie detailed plans to grow its extraction shooter Marathon with duo queues, more PvE modes, and better onboarding.

AI & Messaging Developments

WhatsApp began testing its View-Once disappearing messages feature on iOS after previously testing it on Android, while Apple reportedly developed its new Siri app with auto-deleting chat options, allowing users to choose between keeping conversations for 30 days, one year, or forever. Google enhanced its Password Manager on Android with passkey import and export support, based on established cryptographic principles that offer improved security over traditional passwords. Additionally, Meta updated its Ray-Ban Display smart glasses with typing capabilities through air gestures, enhancing the wearable's functionality.

Mobile Deals & Promotions

A 77-inch Samsung Smart Tizen TV received a significant $1,300 price drop at Best Buy, reducing its price from $3,500 during the Memorial Day Weekend promotion. In smartphone deals, the Samsung Galaxy S26+ (256GB) is currently $890 on Amazon—$200 off for a device less than three months old—while the Google Pixel 9 is marked down 44% in what's reportedly its biggest price drop yet. Audio enthusiasts can find Beats Studio Buds Plus discounted 41% at Amazon, offering capable noise-cancellation technology at a reduced price point.

New Mobile Accessories

Rolling Square introduced the Edge Pro Core, an ultra-thin magnetic metal mount that can securely prop up tablets and phones while remaining nearly invisible. The accessory appears designed to complement modern minimalist device aesthetics while providing robust functionality. The company's timing coincides with increased consumer interest in versatile mounting solutions as phone sizes continue to grow and tablet usage expands.

Camera & Imaging Technology

A blind test of selfie video quality revealed the Samsung Galaxy A37 won decisively against four competing smartphones, highlighting the device's superior front-facing camera capabilities. In professional imaging, DJI unveiled the Osmo Pocket 4P specifically tailored for independent filmmakers during this year's Cannes Film Festival, representing an advanced version of the regular Osmo Pocket. The vivo X300 Ultra collaborated with filmmaker Sam Kolder to create a short film called "The Garden," demonstrating the device's professional-grade camera capabilities.

Emerging Technologies

Honor confirmed a Q3 2026