Mobile News 3 Days

Last updated: July 12, 2026, 5:30 AM ET

Smartphone Launches and Leaks

Motorola will launch the Edge 70 Max on July 15, with its design and chipset confirmed Motorola revealed. The Indian retailer Flipkart also about the device. Meanwhile, Lava has announced the Virat V1 will debut on July 18, following a partnership with Flipkart Lava revealed. Tecno's Camon 50 Ultra, first seen in March, is slated for an Indian launch on July 17, targeting creators and photographers Tecno announced. The vivo T5 Lite, featuring a 6,500mAh battery, is also set to debut in India next week vivo confirmed.

Leaks continue to surface for upcoming Samsung devices. The Galaxy Tab S12 Plus has, with the Ultra variant also expected. Both are anticipated alongside the Galaxy S26 FE, possibly in early September Samsung's tablets. Worries about a pricier Galaxy S27 may have boosted sales of the S26 in South Korea. The Galaxy Z Flip 8 could mark the, while the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra is rumored to borrow camera features from the S26 Ultra Samsung's foldable. Samsung's Galaxy XR headset has launched in the UK after initial releases in Korea and the US.

Other smartphone updates include the Redmi Note, which is expected to feature a 7-inch OLED display and a large battery Redmi revealed. The Note 17 Pro is promising a 9,000mAh battery with a five-year replacement guarantee Redmi's battery. The Oppo Find N7's battery capacity has also leaked, with the successor to the Find N6 projected for a Q1 2027 release. The Xiaomi 18 Pro is expected to launch in September with significant upgrades and potentially the new Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 chip Xiaomi is upgrading. HMD's Skyline successor, the Skyline, has had its, though upgrades may not be substantial. HMD has also quietly announced the Arc, a successor to the HMD Arc, with an updated chipset HMD announced.

Deals, Discounts, and Bundles

Samsung's Galaxy S26 Ultra is currently available for under $1,000, with the standard S26 and S26+ also on sale Samsung's deals. These discounts come as Samsung prepares to launch new foldables later this month Samsung's focus. Mint Mobile is offering significant savings on the Galaxy S26, including $500 off the device and 50% off a year of its Unlimited plan. Deals on Garmin watches remain active, with up to 44% off models like the epix and Vivoactive.

AI, Health Data, and Privacy

Samsung Health users are being asked to consent to the use of their health data for AI training and modeling, with non-consenting users facing data deletion Samsung is asking. Meta has deactivated its Muse Image feature, which allowed users to generate AI images of public Instagram accounts after facing backlash Meta deactivated. Users can now block Meta from using their Instagram pictures for AI by adjusting settings. Google is aiming to disclose AI-generated ads soon, with automatic notes appearing in its My Ad Center if its AI tools are used.

Phoebe Gates' AI shopping app, Phia, is reportedly facing accusations of claiming unearned affiliate sales through fake clicks Phia is accused. OpenAI's head of safety is reportedly leaving the company as part of a reorganization, with the role to be combined with research OpenAI is reorganizing. Microsoft's AI drive has led to a 25% increase in carbon emissions in 2025, impacting its goal to be carbon negative by 2030.

New Formats, Services, and Accessories

The Eclipsa Video format is emerging as an alternative to Dolby Vision and HDR10, with its impact on devices to be seen. Netflix has reintroduced free trials, varying from 7 to 30 days depending on the user Netflix is offering. Disney may be planning a free tier for Disney+, in addition to its existing ad-supported plan.

Samsung's Gallery app will soon with Microsoft One Drive. For e-readers, DuRoBo's Moodi offers a wireless page-turner, competing with Boox's accessories DuRoBo announced. Sony has launched new in-ear monitors for professionals, the IER-M500, focusing on fit and comfort.

Gaming and Entertainment

NVIDIA has announced "GeForce Trading Cards" featuring iconic moments from GeForce PC gaming NVIDIA launches. Game Stop has been observed marking up Pokémon cards by over 300%, raising questions about pricing. Palworld 1.0 and Tiny Bookshop are among the new indie games available on mobile this week.

Lenovo has showcased the Legion Y700 Ultimate gaming tablet in a video, with a full announcement expected in August Lenovo showcased. The Steam Machine now has an easier way to on its store page. Retroid Pocket 5 and Flip 2 handhelds are receiving spec bumps and will cost $10 more after July 14 Retroid is upgrading.

Wearables and Smart Devices

The Honor Watch 6 Plus has a new Motorcycle Edition, aimed at bike enthusiasts, joining its existing color options. Meta's smart glasses are experiencing backlash, influencing how people. Xreal's a01+ AR glasses are now available for $299, designed for gamers and movie watchers. X by Xreal offers affordable smart glasses with a modular design and micro-OLED panels.

Other Tech News

Verizon will provide 5G connectivity services for new BMW vehicles in the US through a partnership with KDDI. New York has become the first US state to ban smart glasses in all its courthouses. A space mirror designed to reflect sunlight at night has, despite criticism from astronomers. Metal balls from space have been, though aliens are not suspected. The TCL NXTPAPER 70 Pro, a budget phone designed to reduce eye strain, has returned to a Prime Day price.