Mobile News 3 Days

Last updated: July 7, 2026, 2:30 PM ET

Google Pixel & AI Developments

Google has officially confirmed its next Made by Google event will take place in New York on August 12 at 6 p.m. ET, ostensibly to unveil the Pixel 11 series. Leaks suggest the upcoming Pixel 11 could potentially double its base storage to 256GB, though pricing adjustments may accompany the upgrade, leading to a potential price hike. Separately, Google is now using uploaded search media to train its AI models, though users can opt out via settings adjustments. Furthermore, Google Maps is reportedly preparing to integrate Gemini for food ordering, potentially streamlining the delivery app experience.

Android Ecosystem & Software Updates

Android users can now access a more comprehensive understanding of their device's status bar icons, with a detailed guide explaining various indicators. Google has also updated its backup policy, now counting all Android backup data towards a user's storage cap, though the impact is reportedly minimal. For those seeking downtime, a selection of four "ridiculous" Android games has been recommended for winding down an overstimulated brain. Meanwhile, Apple has released the third developer beta for iOS, offering further tweaks and improvements two weeks after the prior release.

Smartphone Market Trends & New Releases

The budget smartphone market is projected to face significant challenges in 2026 due to soaring memory component costs, impacting companies' ability to maintain profitability. Nothing has unveiled its latest true wireless earbuds, the Nothing Ear (3a), featuring active noise cancellation and up to 42 hours of total battery life. These earbuds, priced under $100, also include a unique call recording feature using on-device storage for saved conversations. Alongside the earbuds, Nothing also launched the Phone (4b), a budget device with a long-lasting battery and Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 chip, boasting flagship software promises despite its midrange hardware.

In other smartphone news, the Tecno brand, in collaboration with artist Angélica Dass, has initiated the “100 Portraits of Becoming” project, building on its Universal Tone imaging technology designed for accurate skin tone capture. Honor's upcoming wide foldable phone has had its key specifications leaked, aiming to compete in a segment with anticipated offerings from Apple and Samsung. The Xiaomi 18 Pro Max's battery specifications have also surfaced ahead of its expected September launch in China, with leaks detailing its flagship battery.

Foldable Phones & Wearables

Samsung is reportedly preparing to introduce its Galaxy Z Fold8 and Fold8 Ultra at an event on July 22, with rumors suggesting significant display upgrades, potentially addressing the long-standing crease issue. Early reports indicate the South Korean pricing for these devices will be substantial. Samsung has also confirmed the names of its upcoming wearables, including the Galaxy Watch9, Galaxy Watch Ultra2, and Galaxy Able, slated for unveiling at the same July 22 event in London. A revamped Samsung Wearables app has also leaked, hinting at a new look in anticipation of these new devices and watches.

Gaming & Entertainment

The game Avatar Aang: The Last Airbender has received a trailer and a confirmed release date of July 25, offering a legal way to watch the series. For a nostalgic gaming experience, Orbitals offers split-screen platforming and puzzles reminiscent of '90s anime, described as a hit from childhood. In a notable shift, Sony has stated it will continue to produce physical game discs even after 2028, provided the game was released prior to that year. Separately, Xbox has confirmed plans for significant layoffs, with 3,200 job cuts expected over the next year as part of a company-wide restructuring.

Consumer Electronics & Accessories

Marshall has launched its next-generation vintage-inspired Acton and Stanmore speakers, now featuring customizable buttons. In the audio space, Nothing's new Ear (3a) earbuds, priced under $100, offer active noise cancellation and the ability to record calls. On the storage front, Amazon is offering discounts of up to 31% on Samsung portable SSDs, with 1TB models available for as little as $0.20 per gigabyte, continuing post-Prime Day deals on storage devices.

Emerging Technologies & AI

DeepSeek, a Chinese company known for its cost-effective AI models, is reportedly developing its own AI chips. In a significant rebranding, xAI has officially changed its name to Space XAI, five months after its merger with SpaceX. Meta is facing substantial legal challenges, with four US states filing lawsuits totaling $1.4 trillion over the alleged addictive designs of its social media platforms, citing platform addiction. Meanwhile, AI character Tilly Norwood is reportedly set to 'star' in a feature-length movie, marking a unique development in AI-driven entertainment.

Miscellaneous Tech News

iRobot has introduced a new floor cleaning device that is not a robot, marking a departure from its core product line with a non-robotic cleaner. Developers have found a way to repurpose Sony's high-end headphones, utilizing their accelerometers and gyroscopes to create a real-time head tracker for PC simulators, enhancing immersion for spatial audio features. For those concerned about power surges, a guide offers advice on how to protect tech lightning strikes. Finally, X, formerly Twitter, has introduced a built-in video editor for its iOS application.