Mobile News 3 Days

Last updated: July 8, 2026, 5:30 PM ET

Mobile and Wearable Tech

Apple's largest US investment is official through a partnership with Broadcom, committing significant capital to American manufacturing as part of its ongoing program. In a similar vein, Apple pledged $30 billion to purchase US-made Broadcom chips, further solidifying its domestic supply chain strategy. Meanwhile, LG's 77-inch OLED TV is available at a steep discount, marking a $1,500 saving at Best Buy, representing one of the best deals on premium televisions.

Samsung is gearing up for its next Unpacked event on July 22 in London, with official renders leaking for the Galaxy Z Fold8, Fold8 Ultra, Flip8, Watch9, and Watch Ultra2. Ahead of this, Samsung has opened reservations for the upcoming Galaxy Z Fold8 and Flip8 series, indicating strong consumer interest. The company also confirmed that the Galaxy Z Fold8 and Fold8 Ultra will feature the custom Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen for Galaxy. Samsung's upcoming wearables are also generating buzz, with the Galaxy Watch9 and Ultra2 alongside a potential new "Galaxy Able" device. A revamped Samsung Wearables app leaked, hinting at new designs and functionality for upcoming watches. Despite the anticipation for new models, last year's Galaxy Z remains a compelling option, now available for $500 off.

Google is preparing to launch the Pixel 11 series on August 12, with preliminary leaks suggesting a doubling of base storage to 256GB, though at a higher price point. free Google Pixel 10 with select plans, though the specifics of this promotion are still being clarified. The Pixel Watch 5 may bring a price hike, according to the latest leaks, disappointing those eagerly awaiting its release. Google's Wear OS 7 has officially dropped, bringing new features to eligible Pixel Watch models. In a move to enhance user experience, Android's upcoming automatic backup will work over Wi-Fi, though it will exclude Samsung devices.

Xiaomi is set to unveil its Redmi Note 17 series on July 14, with teasers revealing a focus on durability for the Pro model, featuring Gorilla Glass Victus. Further leaks detailed the specs for the vanilla, Pro, and Pro Max variants, indicating a broad range of options. The Redmi Turbo 6 Max is also reportedly in development, with screen and chipset details emerging. Meanwhile, Motorola has launched the Moto G77 Power in India, boasting a 7,000mAh battery and a 120Hz display. The vivo T5 Lite 5G has been teased with a substantial 6,500mAh battery.

In the realm of AI-powered mobile features, Google Photos' 'Video Remix' is rolling out, allowing users to reimagine videos with AI flair. Google is also reportedly using uploaded search media, though users can opt out via settings. Meta's Muse Image generator allows for AI creations using public Instagram profiles, integrating with Instagram and WhatsApp. Meta's smart glasses will if the privacy light is tampered with, a mandatory update addressing privacy concerns. OpenAI's new voice mode for ChatGPT will adapt its speed based on user input. Furthering AI integration, more powerful agentic Alexa assistant under the codename 'Moonraker' to handle complex tasks.

Gaming & Entertainment

Microsoft has reportedly canceled the Avowed sequel as Obsidian Entertainment shifts focus to a Fallout game, following Xbox layoffs. id Software, the Doom amidst ongoing shakeups. Nintendo is planning to shut down Mario Kart on September 30, with no offline version planned. The company also intends to stop selling the original in 2027 to comply with battery regulations, while the Switch 2 will feature a user-replaceable battery starting this autumn. Valve's Steam Machine review suggests it's overpriced and would have been a better value proposition five years ago.

Apple's horror-comedy series Widow's Bay earned 19 Emmy nominations, making it the most recognized new show this year. Roku remains a popular streaming device, but lacks features compared to competitors. YouTube's video ads can now be blocked by default in the DuckDuckGo Browser, alongside other video ads.

Other Technology & Industry News

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC has reached a settlement that will bring right-to-repair capabilities to John Deere farm equipment, following a lawsuit filed last year. PC shipments have first time in two, primarily due to a memory shortage, although manufacturer revenue continues to rise.

Waymo will soon operate fully autonomously in four additional cities: San Diego, Las Vegas, Tampa, and Denver, eliminating human supervisors. NASA has released highly detailed images of Centaurus A captured by the James Webb telescope, commemorating its fourth anniversary.

In a move to enhance user privacy, Meta is disabling the camera on its smart glasses if the privacy indicator is tampered with. Also focusing on audio innovation, Marshall's Acton IV now feature customizable buttons.

The CE mark on electronics signifies compliance with European standards, ensuring products meet safety, health, and environmental protection requirements. Regarding connectivity, a USB-C port does not guarantee high speeds due to a variety of underlying specifications.

The company xAI has officially rebranded to SpaceXAI, following its merger with SpaceX five months prior. In the gaming hardware space, Honor's rumored 'Wide' foldable phone is expected to feature a substantial battery, potentially competing with upcoming large-format devices.

The Honor Pura 90 series will launch globally on July 14, with teasers revealing stylish gradient backs. Huawei is also reportedly working on a smaller MatePad Pro Max.

The Fi Ultra pet tracker is now utilizing T-Mobile's Starlink satellite service for enhanced rural coverage. For those concerned about device security, steps can be taken to protect tech from lightning strikes.

Consumer electronics are subject to various regulations and standards. For instance, Apple lost a legal challenge in Europe regarding its App Store 'gatekeeper' status, forcing greater openness on its platforms. Separately, reportedly testing RAM chips from a Chinese company, CXMT, which has alleged ties to the People's Liberation Army.

The Redmi Note 17 series has received global certification, alongside its Poco-branded counterpart, though global availability may still be several months away.

In a notable retail discount, Amazon is offering significant savings on the entire Samsung Galaxy S26 lineup, even outside of Prime Day promotions. Similarly, Samsung's Galaxy Watch 8 Classic is still available at a record low price post-Prime Day. Portable Samsung SSDs are also discounted, offering little as $0.20 per.

The Rollme AirCam earbuds combine open-style audio with a built-in 8MP camera. For those interested in communication technology, X's iOS app now.

In a move that could significantly impact AI development, the US is seeking to restrict corporate use of Chinese AI models, as companies increasingly turn to these tools for cost savings. Reddit plans to combat AI-generated content with its own AI tools.

The vivo Y500 4G official with a large 8,100 mAh battery, while the iQOO Z11 Lite's design has been revealed ahead of its launch.