Mobile News 3 Days

Last updated: July 4, 2026, 11:30 AM ET

Smartphones & Wearables

Samsung is preparing for the next generation of its flagship S series, with reports indicating the Galaxy S27 family will feature a new selfie camera and potentially the Privacy Display technology previously seen on the S26 Ultra. This Privacy Display aims to offer a smarter way to shield sensitive information without impacting screen quality. Meanwhile, Samsung has begun testing One UI, based on Android, for a wider range of devices Samsung starts testing, moving beyond the Android 16-based One UI 8.5 stable update rolled out in May. In a significant change for US users, Samsung is removing the Vascular Load feature from its smartwatches with the rollout of Samsung Health version 7.0 and One UI 9 Watch, replacing it with blood pressure "trends" Your Galaxy Watch.

The Oura Ring 5 has impressed reviewers, with one test suggesting it sets a new standard for smart rings due to its thinner design that doesn't compromise on features Oura Ring 5. Vivo is reportedly continuing its X300 series with the upcoming X300e, which may feature a Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 SoC and a substantial battery vivo X300e specs. In a move signaling the end of an era, Nothing has officially announced the final software update for its original Phone, marking the conclusion of support for the device that started it all Phone 1 final update. The Redmi 17 5G has received certifications revealing its RAM, storage, and battery specifications, positioning it as the successor to the Redmi 15 5G Redmi 17 5G certifications.

Motorola has introduced its Global Connect eSIM app, developed in partnership with Gigs, initially available in several Latin American countries Motorola Global Connect. The company is also preparing to launch the Moto G77 Power on July 8, according to a Flipkart promo page Moto G77 Power launch. Meanwhile, T-Mobile is shutting down its 2G network in August, requiring customers to upgrade to newer devices T-Mobile 2G shutdown, and is also phasing out its Kick Back program, potentially leading to higher costs for some customers T-Mobile KickBack ends. In a surprising move, XGIMI's Horizon 20 Max 4K projector, a highly regarded long-throw model known for its brightness and features like optical zoom and lens shift, remains available at its lowest price point following Prime Day XGIMI projector deal.

AI & Computing

Midjourney is seeking court intervention to compel Hollywood studios like Disney, Warner Bros., and Universal to disclose their specific methods of utilizing AI in content creation Midjourney demands AI use details. Samsung is reportedly in early negotiations with Anthropic to manufacture custom AI chips for the AI company, a move that would further solidify Samsung's role in the AI hardware supply chain Samsung to manufacture Anthropic chips. Cloudflare is implementing new measures to filter web crawlers that serve AI companies, aiming to provide website owners with greater control over how their content is utilized for AI training Cloudflare filters AI crawlers. Meta has released an application for creating generative AI games, though its availability is currently limited in the US Meta releases AI game app.

The new 2026 Google Home Speaker, powered by Gemini, has received praise for its sound quality, even as some users report significant delays in response times across Google's smart home products Google Home Speaker sound, and Google Home Speaker slow. Apple has reportedly paused development on its rumored Air Pods Ultra, which were expected to feature cameras for enhanced Siri functionality Apple suspends AirPods Ultra. Meta's AI Glasses are integrating deeply with golf applications like 18Birdies and Arccos, offering hands-free capabilities and detailed analytics Meta AI Glasses golf integration. Discord is now available on the Meta Quest, bringing its familiar communication platform to virtual reality environments Discord on Meta Quest.

Qualcomm has announced its Snapdragon Summit will take place from September 22 to, generating anticipation for the next generation of Snapdragon 8 Elite chips Qualcomm Snapdragon Summit. Reports suggest the Xiaomi 18 series will be the first to launch with the new Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 processor Xiaomi 18 series first. The development of Android 17 QPR1 is nearing completion, with Beta 6 now available for Pixel users, indicating an impending full quarterly release Android 17 QPR1 Beta.

Networking & Connectivity

Wi-Fi 7 standards remain a point of confusion, with some router manufacturers potentially misrepresenting their products' capabilities Wi-Fi 7 label confusion. Amazon's satellite broadband competitor to SpaceX's Starlink, known as Amazon Leo, is nearing deployment, with enough satellites now ready for service launch, though the constellation is still small compared to Starlink's Amazon satellite broadband ready. Microsoft's internal financial reporting has revealed strategies for shifting profits across European nations to minimize its tax obligations Microsoft profit shifting. X is attempting to revitalize its live video offerings with a new creator payout structure and a dedicated live streaming command center X pushes live video.

Gaming & Entertainment

A campaign to revive the 3DO gaming console has quickly collapsed, with the developer reportedly lacking the necessary rights to proceed 3DO revival attempt dead. Xbox is reportedly exploring methods to digitize physical game collections, potentially offering a way to preserve disc-based titles in an increasingly digital market Xbox digitizing disc games. Sony is repurposing its PlayStation disc factory into a facility for optical microlenses, following a strategic shift away from physical media production in 2028 Sony repurposes PlayStation factory. Capcom has moved up the release date for "Onimusha: Way of the Sword" to avoid a crowded fall release schedule, particularly the anticipated launch of Grand Theft Auto 6 Onimusha release date change.

Displays & Projectors

Samsung may extend its Privacy Display feature to all Galaxy S27 models, enhancing user privacy across its device lineup Samsung Privacy Display S27. The Xreal ROG R1 smart glasses are noted for their high price but deliver exceptional performance as a wearable monitor Xreal ROG R1 wearable monitor. The space shuttle Endeavour is set to go on public display later this year at the California Science Center, finding a new permanent home after years in Los Angeles Space Shuttle Endeavour display.

Mobile Carriers & Deals

T-Mobile is retiring its Kick Back program, a move that may result in increased costs for some customers on older plans T-Mobile retires KickBack. However, T-Mobile is also offering a $99 deal on the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE for customers who add a qualified tablet line, though this offer is time-sensitive T-Mobile tablet deal. Verizon is continuing its July promotions, providing numerous opportunities for free phones through trade-in offers or new line activations Verizon July deals. AT&T is expanding its Build-A-Plan customization options to include home internet services, following the program's successful launch for wireless plans in May AT&T Build-A-Plan expands.

Other Notable Tech

Samsung's Galaxy Glasses, detailed in leaked videos and renders, suggest tight integration with the broader Galaxy ecosystem and feature touch controls Samsung Galaxy Glasses leak. The Oppo Reno16 series has debuted in India, with a focus on the Reno16 and Reno16c models, alongside the introduction of Oppo Bubble tags Oppo Reno16 India debut. The Honor Magic V6 has expanded its availability to the UK, following its European debut Honor Magic V6 UK launch. Fujifilm has released special waterproof and black-and-white editions of its retro Quick Snap instant cameras Fujifilm retro camera editions. Future Hyundai and Kia vehicles may benefit from Far-UVC technology, which could eliminate the need for air fresheners by neutralizing odors Hyundai Kia UV tech. Instagram's Edits app has gained new features, including support for bilingual captions and additional templates Instagram Edits adds features.