Mobile News 3 Days

Last updated: July 11, 2026, 5:30 PM ET

AI and Privacy Concerns

Phoebe Gates' AI shopping app, Phia through fake clicks, according to Engadget. Meanwhile, Samsung Health users are being asked to allow the use of their health data for AI training, with the alternative being deletion of their data. Meta has also deactivated a feature that allowed users to generate AI images of any public Instagram account, following backlash, and has automatically opted all public accounts into its Muse Image AI, with instructions on how to block this available. Microsoft's AI drive by 25 percent in 2025, impacting its carbon negative goals. Google's AI-generated ads soon, with automatic notes in My Ad Center if Google's AI tools are used.

New Devices and Specs

The Lava Virat V1's have been revealed, with the Indian handset maker partnering with Flipkart. Samsung's Galaxy XR headset after launching in Korea and the US. Lenovo shows Legion gaming tablet in a video, with a full announcement expected in August. The Tecno Camon 50 Ultra, unveiled in March in India on July 17. Apple's iPhone Ultra, suggesting a foldable smartphone. The Galaxy Tab S12 Plus, and the Galaxy Tab S12+ and Ultra are expected alongside the Galaxy S26 FE. The Moto Buds 2 Plus, with Sound by Bose audio after a few setting tweaks.

Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip 8 of its small foldables, while the Galaxy Z Fold 8 is reportedly getting a massive silicon upgrade and is teased with a "brand new shape." The Xiaomi 18 Pro is expected to launch in September with significant upgrades and potentially the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 chip. The HMD Skyline 2, and the HMD Arc 2 has been announced with an updated chipset. The vivo T5 Lite, with a 6,500mAh battery in India. The iQOO Z11 Lite's India launch date has also been confirmed. The nubia is launching an AI agent smartphone later this month, claiming it's the world's first.

Mobile and Streaming Updates

Netflix once again free trials, varying in length from 7 to 30 days. Disney might be planning a free Disney+ tier, an unusual move compared to other ad-supported plans. Mint Mobile continues to offer deals on wireless plans and Samsung Galaxy S26 devices, with a current offer of $500 off the Galaxy S26 and 50% off a year of the Unlimited plan. The best Garmin watch deals of July 2026 are still available, with up to 44% off select models. Verizon will give you a free Google Pixel 10a when you add a line with one of its unlimited plans.

Gaming and Accessories

Engadget reviewed the Steam Machine, Samsung Music Studio, and Oura Ring. Palworld 1.0 and Tiny Bookshop are among the new indie games worth checking out. GameStop is by over 300 percent. NVIDIA launches trading featuring "GeForce PC gaming's great moments." Sony launches new $120 in-ear monitors for professionals. DuRoBo announced the Moodi, a wireless page-turner for e-readers. The Retroid Pocket 5 and Flip 2 are getting a spec bump and will cost $10 more after July 14.

Industry and Tech News

OpenAI's head of safety is reportedly leaving as part of a company reorganization. The role will be replaced by an executive overseeing both research and safety teams. OpenAI's browser has moved to the Chat GPT app as it changes strategy. Bluesky has an official CEO again, with Toni Schneider taking the role. Stub Hub's CEO is reportedly on his own platform. New York is the first US state to ban smart glasses in all its courthouses. The NHTSA calls out autonomous cars for interfering with first responders and is demanding solutions. Volkswagen will dramatically shrink its model lineup and factory footprint. Microsoft Teams' new "Workspace Check-in" feature is reportedly tracking employee locations.

Xreal's $299 lightweight a01+ AR glasses are available to buy, designed for gamers and movie-watchers. X by Xreal is the first affordable pair of smart glasses that don't feel like a compromise, featuring a modular design and micro-OLED panels. Meta's smart glasses are facing backlash, changing how people use them. The Memo Mind One camera-free smart glasses are available, offering notifications and AI features. Samsung is reportedly working on an AI accelerator chip for PCs, codenamed Gaia. NVIDIA is also launching "GeForce Trading Cards."

Other news includes the FCC granting approval for a sun-reflecting space mirror, metal balls from space appearing on Australian beaches, and a DIY tutorial for taking a photo of Jupiter with a Game Boy Camera. Volkswagen is employing 100 sheep at a solar farm in Poland. Elon Musk says X will DM users about posts receiving a Community Note. The Playdate is helping Big Ben ring on time.