Mobile News 3 Days

Last updated: July 7, 2026, 5:30 PM ET

Mobile Device Launches & Rumors

Honor's alleged 'Wide' foldable is rumored to feature displays similar to Huawei's current models and boast a substantial battery. This comes as Samsung has confirmed that the upcoming Galaxy Z Fold8 will be powered by a custom Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen for Galaxy, though details remain somewhat guarded. Huawei itself is reportedly planning a dual and a triple-foldable device for release this year, with a new wide-foldable model expected next year Huawei will release. Separately, Honor's Robot Phone is anticipated to launch in the third quarter, between July and September.

Pixel 11 pricing is expected to increase, though base storage could double to 256GB. Google has officially confirmed its next Made by Google event for August 12, with the Pixel 11 series expected to be unveiled. Meanwhile, budget phones are projected to face increased pressure in 2026 due to rising memory costs, potentially impacting profitability for manufacturers budget phones take. In related news, T-Mobile is offering a free Google Pixel 10 with most new line activations, and the entire Pixel 10 lineup has seen discounts alongside models from Xiaomi and Nothing.

Nothing's new Ear 3a earbuds, priced at $99, can record calls and save audio thanks to on-device storage. The accompanying Nothing Phone (4b) is described as a flashy budget device with promises of flagship-level software and extended support, though its hardware may not differentiate it significantly in the mid-range market. A livestream announcement for both devices occurred today. The Nothing Phone (4b) and Ear (3a) were also previewed by leaks just before their official unveiling.

Samsung's Wearables app has been leaked with a refreshed design, signaling upcoming wearable device releases. The company has confirmed the names of its next-generation wearables, including the Galaxy Watch9, Galaxy Watch Ultra2, and Galaxy Able, expected to be unveiled on July 22. The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic is still available at a discounted price post-Prime Day.

Xiaomi's next Pro Max model appears poised for significant upgrades over its predecessor, the 17 series. The Redmi Note 17 series is set to launch in China this month, with global models potentially following later. This series will include four variants: the Note, Pro, and 17 Pro Max, with details and images of these models already leaked. A global Redmi Note 17 has also received certification, alongside its Poco-branded counterpart.

Huawei's Pura 90 series global launch date has been confirmed for July 14 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, following their April announcement in China. Separately, iQOO's Z11 Lite is set to launch soon, with the model appearing to target students. The vivo Y500 4G is now official in Pakistan and Nepal, featuring a large 8,100 mAh battery.

Gaming & Entertainment

Doom developer id Software is reportedly experiencing significant staff turnover, with approximately half of its employees potentially leaving amidst broader shakeups at Xbox. In a more lighthearted collaboration, Hasbro Scooby Doo have partnered for a unique Transformers toy.

Avatar Aang: Last Airbender has finally received a trailer and a confirmed release date of July 25. The game Orbitals is being described as a nostalgic split-screen platformer with puzzles and '90s anime influences, evoking a childhood feel.

Platform & Software Updates

Discord's safety systems may have been affected by a bug that incorrectly banned around 8,200 accounts since May. Meanwhile, X for iOS has integrated a built-in video editor. Apple released the third developer beta of iOS, two weeks after the previous update, bringing bug fixes and new features.

Google Maps is reportedly preparing to integrate Gemini for food ordering, potentially streamlining the process and reducing reliance on third-party delivery apps. Google is also adjusting its policies, with uploaded search media now being used to train AI, though users can opt out via settings. Furthermore, Android phone backups will now count against Google storage, though the impact is expected to be minor.

Consumer Tech & Standards

The CE mark on electronics signifies compliance with European safety, health, and environmental protection standards. iRobot has introduced a new floor cleaner that deviates from its robotic heritage. For those concerned about tech protection, advice is available on how to safeguard gadgets from lightning strikes.

Sony has stated it will continue producing physical game discs for titles released before 2028, with releases after that date being digital-only. Nintendo will cease selling the Switch 1 Europe next year to comply with battery regulations. The complexities of USB-C port speeds are being clarified, as not all USB-C ports guarantee high data transfer rates.

AI & Emerging Technologies

xAI has officially rebranded to Space XAI, following its merger with SpaceX five months ago. Reddit plans to combat AI-generated content by employing its own AI tools. An AI character named Tilly Norwood is reportedly set to "star" in a feature-length film AI golem Tilly Norwood.

Smart Home & Wearables

Marshall's Acton IV speakers now feature customizable buttons. The 2026 Google Home Speaker will offer a surround sound option when paired with a Google TV Streamer. Solos' new smart glasses prioritize privacy with a camera-free option and a clip-on shield for their feature-packed V2 model.

Mobile Accessories & Storage

Samsung portable SSDs are currently available at significant discounts on Amazon, offering up to 1TB of storage for approximately $0.20 per gig.