Mobile News 3 Days

Last updated: June 28, 2026, 11:33 PM ET

Mobile Device Launches & Updates

Oppo unveiled the Reno16 series this week, including the standard and Pro models, alongside the Reno16 F and FS variants. The company also introduced its Oppo Enco Air5s earbuds, positioned as semi-in-ear buds available in Lunar White, Midnight Black, and Starlight Purple. In a separate development, Samsung Galaxy A37 A57 models are now discounted in the UK until July 14. Samsung is also preparing for its next major event, with Galaxy M47 5G set to launch in India on June 29, featuring a 6.7-inch 120Hz AMOLED display, a Snapdragon chipset, and a 6,000mAh battery. Additionally, Samsung has begun testing One UI 9, an update based on Android, shortly after releasing the stable One UI 8.5 update. The US market sees the arrival of the Samsung Galaxy A27, priced at $349.99, which is $50 more than the A37. Motorla has launched the Moto Pad 70 Pro, powered by a Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 SoC, boasting a 144Hz screen and a 10,200 mAh battery.

One Plus is gearing up for the launch of its OnePlus N6 smartphone in India on June 30, confirming an 8,000mAh battery and no notch. Leaks have also revealed generous box contents for the N6, potentially including a charger and case suggesting value in budget phones. The company also unveiled the OnePlus Nord Buds 4 in India, offering ANC and up to 54 hours of battery life as a more affordable option. Further into the audio space, vivo has launched its TWS 5 Pro earbuds, featuring a premium design and notable performance.

Gaming & Entertainment

Smartphones remain the dominant platform for gaming, with tablets also seeing significant use among users. Android 17 is set to introduce a dedicated foldable gaming mode, a rare addition of gaming-specific features to the core Android operating system. In the realm of digital content, users in Europe may lose access to Studio Canal movies purchased on the PlayStation Store, underscoring the ongoing issue of digital ownership. YouTube is also making changes to its Shorts platform, removing dislike counts and allowing users to double playback speed.

Connectivity & Networking

Home network performance continues to be a focus, with mesh Wi-Fi systems and range extenders offering different solutions for connectivity issues, though extenders come with distinct drawbacks. Google is addressing a persistent problem with SiriusXM radio smart speakers, rolling out a patch to resolve the issue. For those looking to upgrade their home internet, the Google Nest Wi-Fi Pro is available at a significant discount.

Smart Home & Devices

Smart bulbs' energy consumption is being questioned, with the added draw for connectivity features potentially outweighing benefits like dimming and scheduling. Concerns are mounting over the rapid proliferation of Flock cameras, which go beyond license plate tracking, raising privacy and security issues for residents and activists. Samsung is also set to begin charging for SmartThings API access, impacting developers and integration services.

Electric Vehicles & Automotive Tech

Drivers of electric vehicles can employ several strategies to extend their range, helping to reduce charging stops. Tesla has reached a settlement in a lawsuit stemming from a fatal pedestrian crash involving its Full Self-Driving software in 2023. In a move related to its Starship program, SpaceX is reportedly planning in Texas to fuel its operations. Uber is implementing more stringent background checks for US drivers following lawsuits related to sexual assault allegations.

AI & Cybersecurity

California has launched a tracker AI-related job losses to monitor the impact of artificial intelligence on employment. Anthropic has received US government permission to redeploy its Mythos cybersecurity AI model, restoring access for select organizations.

Australian Regulatory Actions

Australia has doubled the maximum penalty, with fines potentially reaching 99 million AUD ($68 . However, a recent study suggests that the effectiveness of Australia's ban may be limited due to self-declared age verification checks.

Apple & Samsung Product News

Apple's rumored touchscreen Mac Books are reportedly set to launch with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, bypassing the M7. Meanwhile, Apple has increased iPad prices globally, with India experiencing even steeper hikes. Samsung is reportedly working on the Galaxy Z Fold 8, but the previous generation, the Z Fold, is available at a significant discount. Samsung is also preparing for its next Galaxy Unpacked event, where foldables, watches, and glasses are anticipated.

Deals & Discounts

Prime Day saw a range of deals across various product categories. Poco phones were heavily discounted, including the F8 Ultra, F8 Pro, X8 Pro, and X8 Pro Max. For audio enthusiasts, Pixel Buds 2a dropped below $100, and Beats Solo 4 were available at half price, offering 50-hour battery life. Powerbeats Pro 2 were also on sale for $180, and Pixel Buds Pro 2 were discounted to $160. Wearable technology also saw price drops, with the Oura Ring 4 offering a deal on membership, and Fitbit Ace LTE hitting an all-time low. Gaming handhelds were also part of the promotions, with the R36MAX Retro Handheld reduced to $40.

Tablets also featured prominently in sales, with a Samsung tablet deal offering a compelling alternative to Apple's newly increased iPad prices, and the Galaxy Tab A11 Plus seeing a nearly 50% discount. Amazon's Kindle e-readers were promoted as alternatives to tablets for children, with significant discounts available. Smart home devices were also on offer, including Amazon's Echo Studio at a 20% discount and Anker's MagGo wireless charger with a 20% reduction.

Other Mobile & Tech News

Google Wallet can now, adding a new layer of convenience for users. Amazon's Kindle app iOS offers advanced AI reading features not present on older Kindle devices. The MSI Claw 8 EX were among the devices featured in Engadget's recent review roundups. NASA is testing an in-orbit refueling device for deep space missions. Ticketmaster is collaborating with Google Wallet to offer customizable passes for events.

In the realm of storage and media, Netflix is testing profile-specific email logins to manage account access. The potential impact of solar storms on technology is a reminder of the vulnerability of our infrastructure. Qualcomm's roadmap reveals upcoming Snapdragon 8 series chips, including 2nm processors.