Mobile News 3 Days

Last updated: July 16, 2026, 8:30 AM ET

Smartphone Market Shakeups and New Devices

One Plus has officially confirmed its exit from the European and North American markets, a move that also sees the discontinuation of its Oxygen OS. Existing One Plus phones in these regions will transition to Color OS. Meanwhile, the company is teasing a new model in its N6 series, the One Plus N6x. In other smartphone news, the Infinix Hot 70 Pro has been officially announced, featuring an unboxing that revealed a 45W charger and a USB-A to USB-C cable, and is available in six finishes, including a heat-sensitive Thermo Orange. Realme India has confirmed that future devices will launch with Color OS, signaling a potential merger of Realme UI and Oppo's Color OS to reduce R&D costs. The Redmi 17 4G has had its design and specifications leaked, while the Redmi Note 17 Pro has received a teardown video showcasing its internals. Additionally, the 7-inch Redmi Note 17 has been unveiled in China with an 8,000mAh battery, accompanied by the Note 17 Pro featuring a 9,000mAh battery. The Poco M8 Power is also on its way, appearing as a rebranded Redmi device. The iQOO Z11 Lite is set to launch with a 6,500mAh battery and 44W charging, while the iQOO 16's camera and battery details have been tipped, with the Z12 series and Neo12 also expected to pack larger batteries. The Honor Robot Phone's key specifications have also leaked. OnePlus confirmed, confirms future, shows off, Poco M8, 16's camera.

Google, Samsung, and Apple Prepare for Next-Gen Releases

Google is gearing up for the launch of its Pixel 11 family on August 12th, with a teaser video confirming a "Pixel Glow" feature and pre-order date. Leaked renders showcase the Pixel 11 in three colors, and a separate leak suggests the devices will feature the first 2nm smartphone SoC, Google's Tensor G6. The company is also preparing to allow third-party app stores on Android starting July 22nd. Meanwhile, Samsung is facing internal investigations into why some Galaxy S26 Ultra screens are turning red, and there are rumors that the company may discontinue its free storage upgrade for upcoming foldables. Leaked renders of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 and Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra have revealed full specifications, though pre-order perks like storage upgrades might be absent. Samsung is also reportedly increasing smartphone repair prices in South Korea. Apple has released the first public beta of iOS, which includes practical but plain AI enhancements for Siri, and has quietly hidden a significant change for Car Play. confirms Pixel, devices first, screens turning, Samsung's best, releases first.

AI Developments and Controversies

The Oversight Board has raised concerns that leading AI models may be restricting free expression, and is aiming to expand its influence beyond Meta. xAI has filed a lawsuit against a Grok user for allegedly generating nonconsensual sexualized deepfakes of adults and children, highlighting the potential misuse of AI tools. Meta is implementing a new safeguard that will alert parents if their teens discuss self-harm in AI interactions, and former employees are suing Meta over alleged use of biased AI systems during layoffs. OpenAI has launched a physical keypad designed for controlling AI agents, a collaboration with keyboard maker Work Louder. Google's AI features are reportedly creating "unacceptable risks" for children, according to a recent study. Three publishers are challenging Google over AI copyright infringement, seeking compensation for training materials. Elon Musk's xAI is reportedly looking to acquire a gas turbine company, likely for direct power to its data centers. Separately, Suno claims its source code was breached, detailing how the company allegedly scraped millions of songs. says leading, parents their, launches physical, publishers challenge, accessed Suno.

Audio and Display Innovations

Skullcandy's new flagship Crusher 1080 headphones combine Bose audio with enhanced bass and whisper-quiet active noise cancellation. The Muse 300 is a desktop DAC with a unique custom OS and design, offering sound that belies its price. In display technology, innovations are emerging from lesser-known companies, with one particularly standing out for its impressive eye care solutions. Huawei has announced the Mate Pad Air (2026) and the Free Clip 2 S, with the Mate Pad Air also being showcased in a hands-on preview. The Starlink V5 residential dish is now smaller and more energy-efficient, though it doesn't offer increased data speeds. Wii M Sound is being lauded as a superior smart speaker option, outperforming competitors from Google, Amazon, and Sonos in both sound quality and connectivity. Marshall's Bromley 450 is highlighted as the best portable party speaker of 2026, designed for extended use. Skullcandy Crusher, innovations coming, S announced, WiiM Sound.

Other Tech News and Updates

Hyundai is reportedly looking to take full control of robotics giant Boston Dynamics. Netflix has released a "VHS" special edition of Stranger Things season, with potential for more seasons if viewership is high. The FCC is considering a move to dismantle local TV station ownership rules, which could lead to broadcast TV monopolies. Hinge users can now leverage their friends to add endorsements to their profiles. Nvidia GeForce Now is now available in India with free, Performance, and Ultimate tiers. Google Images is celebrating its 25th anniversary with a "dynamic gallery" and the inclusion of a Nano Banana in AI Overviews. Spotify is rolling out a new feature allowing users to interact with the app via voice commands, enabling playlist creation and song information retrieval. The company also offers free "Managed Accounts" for parents, providing a music-only experience for younger users. Valve appears to be discontinuing self-repair parts for the LCD Steam Deck at iFixit. California's MyFirst EV program offers a $3,500 instant rebate to first-time EV buyers. Google has purchased the entire electrical output of a major solar project to offset its data center emissions. Apple's iCloud+ and Apple One subscription services are compared, with advice on which might be more valuable. The global phone market experienced a drop in Q2 2026, with projections indicating a continued decline. TV Time is functionally relaunching as Bingers, as its parent company pivots to AI. Meta has removed its Muse Image AI from Instagram following privacy concerns. Games Done Quick abruptly canceled an SNK stream due to ties with Saudi Arabia. Google is adding AI labels to ads across its platforms for increased transparency. looking take, plans rip, Nvidia GeForce, You can, brings Managed, California's MyFirst EV, iCloud+ vs., relaunching parent, Games Done.