Mobile News 3 Days

Last updated: June 26, 2026, 5:30 AM ET

Mobile OS & Software Updates

Microsoft has extended Windows 10 support by an additional year, signaling a continued, albeit reluctant, embrace of its older operating system amid user preference for Windows. In parallel, Google is releasing a standalone Google Finance app for Android, with an iOS version to follow, aiming to provide a more focused financial tracking experience. Meanwhile, Android 17 QPR1 Beta 5 is rolling out to Pixel devices, addressing a significant user-facing issue.

Smartphones & Mobile Devices

One Plus has launched the Nord Buds 4 in India, offering active noise cancellation and a substantial battery life of up to 54 hours as a more affordable option. Nothing has officially revealed the design of its upcoming Phone (4b), showcasing a "unibody" aesthetic ahead of its July 7 launch, with key specifications including a purported 5,400mAh battery also tipping via Geekbench. In a move prompted by legal outcomes, Google has reduced its Play Store fees to 10% for the first $1 million in developer revenue and is allowing third-party billing starting June 30, a change that could significantly impact app monetization. Apple's price hikes are impacting India more severely than other regions, affecting Mac lineups, iPads, and other devices. The upcoming Samsung Galaxy S27 series, including the Pro, Plus, and Ultra models, has surfaced in the IMEI database, hinting at imminent releases, while the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra is expected to feature a screen upgrade and is slated for a July 22 unveiling alongside other foldables in London. Oppo has introduced its Reno16 series globally, with the Oppo Reno16 F and FS featuring a 50MP ultrawide selfie camera and an AI Snap Key in updated models.

Wearables & Smartwatches

Samsung is deepening its health data initiatives, partnering with clinical research firm Alcedis to leverage data from its wearable devices for research purposes. Prime Day is offering significant discounts on a range of smartwatches, including the Samsung Galaxy Watch, which is 38% off, and the Google Pixel Watch, hitting its lowest price ever for an upgrade opportunity. Budget-conscious shoppers can find the CMF Watch 3 Pro for just $61 during the sale.

Audio & Video

Sony is offering significant discounts on its latest Bluetooth turntable and the Marshall Stanmore III home speaker, as well as its Quiet Comfort Ultra headphones, which are on sale for Prime Day. Amazon's Fire TV Stick 4K range is seeing a steep discount, with the Select model available for just $17. For home entertainment, deals are available on projectors, including a 300-inch model from Valerion for the World Cup and a Google TV projector with a 200-inch screen also on sale, alongside a Samsung OLED TV that has dropped to a record low price.

Computing & Laptops

Apple's Mac lineup has seen price increases, with Macs, Mac Books, and iPads becoming more expensive across the board. Amazon UK is offering discounts on Apple products during Prime Day, including the M4 MacBook Air, MacBook Neo, and iPad Air (2025) with various savings. Amid rising component costs, Xbox prices are increasing, impacting the gaming console market.

Gaming & Entertainment

Grand Theft Auto 6 is set to cost $80 upon its pre-order launch on June 25th, with the physical edition facing criticism for its pricing and DRM implementation as an overpriced box. For those preparing for the game, deals are available on high-end TVs, including a Samsung OLED TV with a record $1,300 discount and a "best gaming TV" that has crashed to a record low price.

AI & Emerging Technologies

OpenAI has released an upgrade for its free ChatGPT model, enhancing its contextual understanding, and is reportedly planning to initially release Chat GPT 5.6 exclusively to government-approved customers due to voluntary review concerns. The company has also collaborated with Broadcom to create "Jalapeño," its first AI chip as a spicy collaboration. The US government is reportedly urging Meta to share its AI models amid growing security and safety concerns. IBM claims to have developed the world's first sub-1 nanometer chip as a significant advancement.

Accessories & Peripherals

Travel power banks are seeing significant discounts, with models from Baseus available for under $30 and Anker offering a range of travel essentials on sale for Prime Day, including a 45W charger with a built-in display below $30. For mobile gaming, the Game Sir G8 Plus MFi controller is available for just $63 during Prime Day. Insta360's Mic Pro kit features customizable E Ink displays for creative nametag potential.

Miscellaneous

Total Wireless, an MVNO owned by Verizon, is now covering Western Union transfer fees, becoming the first US carrier to offer such a global monthly transfer benefit. Spain will soon require mobile carriers to maintain network connectivity for at least four hours during power outages. YouTube has settled an early test case concerning the alleged social media harm to children, and has also removed dislikes from Shorts, along with introducing a clear screen mode and doubling playback speed options for the feature.