Mobile News 3 Days

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

Samsung's Expanding Ecosystem and Foldable Future

Samsung's Galaxy XR in the UK, following its initial launch in Korea and the US. The device has been available for pre-order in the UK since mid-June. Meanwhile, leaked live of the Galaxy Tab S12 Plus have surfaced, though its familiar design is drawing mixed reactions. This tablet, alongside the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra, is expected to be unveiled with the Galaxy S26 FE possibly in early September. In a notable shift of its kind, signaling a potential end for the company's compact foldable line. This comes as Samsung teases the wider Galaxy Z Fold, with a new teaser hinting at a "brand new shape." The Fold 8 is confirmed to receive a significant silicon upgrade, packing a custom Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip. Leaks also suggest the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra will adopt camera features from the Galaxy S26 Ultra. The company's CEO has also spoken about the future of AI, with the next Galaxy Unpacked event scheduled for July 22 in London, where the wider Galaxy Z Fold 8 is expected to be a focus.

Mobile Device Launches and Rumors Abound

The Ultra's India has been announced for July 17, with the device marketed towards creators and photographers. In India, the vivo T5 Lite, featuring a substantial 6,500mAh battery, is set to debut next week. The Motorola Edge 70 Pro has been reviewed. HMD's Arc 2 has been announced with an updated chipset, though it offers few noticeable upgrades over its predecessor. The Indian market will also see the Lava Virat smartphone series introduced in partnership with Flipkart. Meanwhile, the nubia is preparing to launch what it claims is the world's first AI agent smartphone later this month. The Redmi Note 17 series is nearing its China launch, with details revealing a 7-inch OLED display. The Pro model of the Redmi Note 17 series is teased to feature Gorilla Glass Victus and has undergone durability tests.

New Gaming Hardware and Updates

Lenovo has gaming tablet in a video, with a full announcement expected in August. The Steam Machine, reviewed as a device that "would've been perfect five years ago," is deemed not worth the price Valve is asking. However, it's now easier to with the Steam Machine directly on its Steam page. For retro gaming enthusiasts, the Retroid Pocket 5 and Flip 2 are receiving a spec bump, though their price will increase by $10 after July 14.

Smart Glasses and Wearable Tech Evolve

New smart glasses are entering the market, with X by Xreal positioned as the first affordable option that. These glasses feature a modular design and micro-OLED panels. Xreal's a01+ AR glasses, priced at $299, are now available for purchase, targeting gamers and movie watchers seeking a large portable screen. Meta's smart glasses are facing backlash, influencing how people use them. New York has become the first US state to ban smart glasses in all its courthouses. Separately, Memo Mind's One camera-free smart glasses are now available and offer a discreet, integrated notification experience. The Honor Watch 6 Plus has unveiled a Motorcycle Edition, aimed at bike and racing enthusiasts.

AI Developments and Cloud Services

Meta has capability that allowed users to generate AI images of any public Instagram account. Users can now their Instagram pictures for AI training. Google is improving its AI offerings, with Gemini's reliability enhanced in Google Home, making it a better assistant for users. Google Photos is also rolling out "Video Remix," which uses AI to reimagine videos. Amazon is reportedly working on a more powerful agentic Alexa assistant, codenamed 'Moonraker,' to handle multi-step tasks more effectively. Microsoft's AI endeavors have led to a 25 percent increase in its carbon emissions in 2025, impacting its goal of being carbon negative by 2030. OpenAI has to the Chat GPT app, signaling a strategic shift.

Connectivity and Automotive Tech

Verizon will provide 5G connectivity services for new BMW vehicles in the US through a partnership. Meanwhile, autonomous vehicle company Waymo will soon operate fully autonomously in four additional cities: San Diego, Las Vegas, Tampa, and Denver. The NHTSA has identified a pattern of driverless AVs interfering with first responders and is demanding solutions from AV makers.

Display and Audio Innovations

The TCL NXTPAPER 70 Pro, an innovative budget phone focused on reducing eye strain, is currently on sale at a Prime Day price. Sony has launched new $120 in-ear monitors for professionals, the IER-M500, designed for comfort during stage use. The Moto Buds 2 Plus, featuring Sound by Bose audio and ANC, can be improved by. DuRoBo's Moodi, a small wireless page-turner for e-readers, offers a clicking experience for extended reading sessions. Big Me's Hibreak Dual 2 is set to launch soon, combining an E Ink display with a color LCD.

Streaming Services and Mobile Deals

Netflix is, with durations varying from 7 to 30 days. Disney may be planning a free tier for Disney+, a move that would distinguish it from other streaming services with ad-supported plans. Mint Mobile continues to offer deals, including 50% off wireless plans and discounts on the Galaxy S26. Mint Mobile has also brought back its offer of $500 off the Galaxy S26 and 50% off a year of its Unlimited plan.

Miscellaneous Tech News

Bluesky now has an official CEO, Toni Schneider, who previously took over after Jay Graber stepped down. Game Stop is reportedly marking up Pokémon cards by more than 300 percent, negating the need for scalpers. Stubhub CEO Eric Baker is investing millions into the ticket-scalping market. OpenAI's browser functionality has been integrated into the ChatGPT app. The FCC has granted approval for a sun-reflecting space mirror project, despite criticism from astronomers. Metal balls of unknown origin are appearing on Australian beaches. The Playdate device is assisting Big Ben in keeping accurate time. NVIDIA has launched "GeForce Trading Cards" featuring iconic moments from PC gaming history. A Lego Hubble Telescope set, consisting of 1,252 pieces, will go on sale on August 1. Volkswagen is employing 100 sheep at a solar farm in Poland as part of an arrangement. X, formerly Twitter, will now send direct messages about posts that receive a Community Note to encourage engagement with corrections. Microsoft reportedly canceled the Avowed sequel, with Obsidian focusing on a Fallout game. A 77-inch LG OLED TV is available at Best Buy with a 50% discount, representing $1,500 in savings. Wear OS 7 has been released and is available for eligible Pixel Watch models, bringing new features. Google is working on an automatic backup feature for Android to PCs via Wi-Fi, though it will exclude Samsung devices. Roku is the most popular streaming device but is lacking in several areas compared to competitors.