Mobile News 3 Days

Last updated: July 9, 2026, 5:31 PM ET

Samsung's Foldable Future and Camera Ambitions

Samsung appears to be phasing out its Galaxy Z Flip line after the upcoming Flip8. Meanwhile, the flagship Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra is slated to launch later this month. Leaks suggest this new foldable will inherit camera technology from the Galaxy S26 Ultra. Samsung has also confirmed its next Galaxy Unpacked event for July 22 in London, hinting at new foldable form factors. Reservations for the Galaxy Z Fold8, Z Fold8 Ultra, and Z Flip8, along with new Galaxy Watches, are now open. The company is also reportedly packing the Galaxy Z Fold 8 with a custom Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip. Last year's Galaxy Z Fold 7 is still available at a significant discount, with a $500 price cut.

Google's AI, Health, and Pixel Updates

Google is rolling out a substantial update for Google Health on Android, bringing more health stats to the main tab and improved nap tracking. The Gemini AI assistant in Google Home is also receiving improvements, making it a better listener and speaker. Google is also working on a cloud-free automatic backup feature for Android devices to Windows PCs via Wi-Fi, though it will exclude Samsung devices. The Pixel Studio app has been discontinued, but alternative methods for creating stickers on Pixel phones are still available. The first post-Android 17 update for Pixel phones is rolling out with security and bug fixes. Google has officially confirmed its next Pixel event for August 12 at 6 p.m. ET in New York, where the Pixel 11 series is expected to be unveiled. Leaks suggest the Pixel 11 will double its base storage to 256GB but may come with a price increase. Verizon is offering a free Google Pixel 10a with the addition of a new unlimited line.

Apple and Meta's Smart Device Moves

Apple's anticipated iPhone Ultra, also referred to as the iPhone Fold, is the subject of numerous rumors regarding its specifications, pricing, and release date. Meta's 2026 smart glasses lineup offers budget-friendly AI features, though a significant limitation exists. Meta is also implementing a security measure for its smart glasses, disabling the camera if the privacy light is tampered with. The company has also developed an AI detection tool to identify images and videos created with its new models, though it has rate limits. Google Photos is introducing "Video Remix," an AI-powered feature that allows users to reimagine video content.

Sony's Audio and Camera Innovations

Sony has launched new $120 in-ear monitors, the IER-M500, designed for comfort during stage performances. Additionally, Sony has unveiled the RX10 V superzoom camera, featuring a 24-600mm zoom lens, a 20.1-megapixel sensor, and 4K 120p video recording capabilities. A developer has also repurposed Sony's headphones by incorporating accelerometers and gyroscopes to function as real-time head trackers for PC simulators.

Smartphone Market Dynamics and New Entrants

The Samsung Galaxy S26 series has set a sales record in South Korea, selling 3 million units in under four months. Amazon is currently offering discounts on the entire Galaxy S26 lineup. Huawei is teasing upcoming devices, including the Mate Pad Air and Free Clip 2 S, ahead of a global launch event for the Pura 90s series. The Pura 90s series will feature gradient backs. Huawei is also reportedly working on a smaller version of its Mate Pad Pro Max tablet. Realme is set to launch the Narzo 100x on July 15, boasting an 8,000 mAh battery. The upcoming Redmi Note 17 series is scheduled for unveiling on July 14, with both vanilla and Pro models receiving Gorilla Glass Victus protection. A device believed to be the Redmi Note 17 has appeared on Geekbench, revealing its chipset and RAM. The Redmi Turbo 6 Max is reportedly in development, though it is not expected anytime soon. Motorola has unveiled the Moto G77 Power in India, featuring a 7,000mAh battery and a 6.72-inch 120Hz LCD. Motorola is also teasing the Edge 70 Max, which will support 25W wireless charging. The vivo T5 Lite 5G has been teased with a 6,500mAh battery, while the vivo Y500 4G is official with an 8,100 mAh battery. iQOO has confirmed the launch date for the Z11 Lite 5G in India, and has also teased the design of the Z11 Lite. Honor's upcoming foldable phone, rumored to be named "Wide," is showing up in leaks with key specifications and a robust battery. Honor is also expected to release dual and tri-foldable phones this year, with a new wide-foldable planned for next year. The HMD Arc 2 has been announced with an updated chipset, though upgrades are minimal. Indian manufacturer Lava has introduced its new Virat smartphone series in partnership with Flipkart. The new Redmi Note 17 Pro is being teased with extreme durability tests, and it will have a 9,000mAh battery with a five-year replacement guarantee. The Samsung Galaxy M67 has appeared on Geekbench with an Exynos chip. The nubia AI agent smartphone is slated for unveiling later this month. The Nothing Phone (4b) and Ear (3a) have been announced, with the earbuds capable of recording calls. The Phone (4b) offers flagship software promises on a budget device. Xiaomi's upcoming 18 Pro Max appears to be a significant upgrade over the previous generation.

Wearables, Gaming, and Miscellaneous Tech

Garmin watch deals are still available in July, with discounts of up to 44% on models like the epix and Vivoactive. The Pixel Watch 5 might see a price increase according to recent leaks. Wear OS 7 is now available for eligible Pixel Watch models, bringing new features and improvements. The Pocket Mage, an E Ink digital assistant with a QWERTY keyboard and dual screens, is designed around a wizard theme. Big Me's Hibreak Dual 2 is set to launch soon, combining an E Ink display with an LCD screen. New York is the first US state to ban smart glasses in all its courthouses. Meta's smart glasses have a privacy light that, if tampered with, will disable the camera. Solos' new smart glasses offer a camera-free option with a clip-on shield for privacy, alongside a feature-packed V2 model. Memo Mind's camera-free smart glasses are now available and offer notification display and AI features. The Alienware 34 QD-OLED gaming monitor is brighter than previous models and handles text display well. The Valve Steam Machine is considered overpriced for its current value. Nintendo is equipping the Switch 2 with a user-replaceable battery starting this autumn. The Fi Ultra pet tracker utilizes T-Mobile's Starlink satellite service for coverage in rural areas. Marshall's Acton IV and Stanmore IV speakers include customizable buttons. The Lego Hubble set, featuring 1,252 pieces, goes on sale August