Mobile News 3 Days

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

Smartphones and Mobile Devices

Samsung is reportedly developing an AI accelerator chip for PCs, codenamed Gaia, utilizing a 4nm process. The Nothing Phone (4b) has been officially launched, featuring a simplified Glyph Bar, a 6.77-inch 120Hz AMOLED display, and a 5,200mAh battery. Motorola is set to unveil the Edge 70 Max on July 15, having already revealed its design and confirmed its chipset. Xiaomi's 18 Pro is anticipated to launch in September with significant upgrades, likely featuring Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 chip expected to launch. The Tecno Camon 50 Ultra will debut in India on July 17, positioned as a device for creators and photographers debut in India. Vivo is also preparing to launch the T5 Lite in India next week, featuring a 6,500mAh battery.

Samsung's Galaxy S26 series is experiencing a surge in sales in South Korea, potentially driven by concerns over a pricier Galaxy S27. Mint Mobile is offering a significant discount on the Samsung Galaxy S26, providing $500 off and 50% off a year of its Unlimited plan. The TCL NXTPAPER 70 Pro, a budget-friendly phone designed to reduce eye strain, is now available at a Prime Day price. The HMD Skyline 2 has had its images and specifications leaked, suggesting a successor to the two-year-old model is still in development.

Wearables and Accessories

Samsung's Galaxy Smart Tag 3 is rumored to be released in September alongside the S26 FE, with expectations that it will improve its network capabilities to compete with rivals rumored to drop. The X by Xreal smart glasses are now available, offering an affordable yet functional option with a modular design, micro-OLED panels, and spatial tracking redefines affordable. Xreal's a01+ AR glasses, priced at $299, are also available for purchase, targeting gamers and movie enthusiasts seeking a portable large-screen experience. The Honor Watch 6 Plus has received a Motorcycle Edition, a collaboration aimed at bike and racing enthusiasts unveiled.

Tablets and Laptops

Samsung's Galaxy Tab S12 Plus has appeared in a leaked live image, suggesting a design that might feel familiar. This tablet, along with the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra, is expected to launch in early September, possibly alongside the Galaxy S26 FE. Lenovo has showcased the Legion Y700 Ultimate gaming tablet in a video, with a full announcement expected in August for the 5G-supported device. Huawei is reportedly working on a successor to its Mate Book Fold, expected to be a mild refresh in the latter half of the year. The HP Omni Book Ultra 14 is being reviewed as HP's best ultraportable in years, offering a premium Windows experience at a potentially high price for fully loaded models review.

Gaming and Entertainment

An Xbox gamer has won a lawsuit against Microsoft, leading to the restoration of their account and digital library, with Microsoft also ordered to pay approximately $400 in damages. Microsoft's Xbox division has undergone significant layoffs, with Xbox CEO Asha Sharma being appointed to advise the Federal Reserve on jobs. Game Cube games are noted for their expense and rarity in retro stores. NVIDIA has launched "GeForce Trading Cards" featuring notable moments from PC gaming history. A roundup of recent reviews includes the Steam Machine, Samsung Music Studio, and Oura Ring 5. The Palworld 1.0 update and Tiny Bookshop on mobile are among the new indie games highlighted this week. It is now easier to determine if a game is compatible with the Steam Machine by checking the Steam page.

AI and Data

Phoebe Gates' AI shopping app, Phia, is reportedly accused of generating unearned affiliate sales through fake clicks. Meta has deactivated its Muse Image feature, which allowed users to create AI images of any public Instagram account. OpenAI's head of safety is reportedly leaving the company as part of a reorganization, with the role being combined with research leadership. OpenAI's browser functionality has been integrated into the Chat GPT app, indicating a shift in strategy rather than discontinuation isn't dead. Samsung Health users are being asked to consent to the use of their health data for AI training, with non-consenting users facing data deletion. Microsoft's AI initiatives have contributed to a 25 percent increase in its carbon emissions in 2025, impacting its goal of carbon negativity by 2030.

Networking and Connectivity

The correct positioning of router antennas is dependent on home layout to achieve optimal coverage. Verizon will provide 5G connectivity services for new BMW vehicles in the US through a partnership with KDDI.

Other Tech News

Pentagon has released a new batch of UFO files, and China's Tianwen-2 mission has reached its asteroid target. Eclipsa Video is introduced as a new format that aims to compete with Dolby Vision and HDR10. Samsung Health users may find their gallery sync with Microsoft One Drive will cease soon. The new Click-to-Cancel rule, a revival of a proposed FTC protection, has been announced for New York City. Netflix is once again offering free trials, with durations varying from 7 to 30 days. DuRoBo's Moodi, a wireless page-turner for e-readers, has been released, offering competition to similar accessories. Disney is reportedly considering a free tier for its Disney+ streaming service.