Mobile News 3 Days

Last updated: July 17, 2026, 2:30 AM ET

AI and Machine Learning

Netflix has integrated AI into approximately 300 titles this year, with further adoption expected integrated AI. Meanwhile, the Oversight Board has raised concerns that leading AI models may be restricting free expression. In a separate development, three publishers are suing Google over alleged AI copyright infringement, marking the latest effort to seek compensation from AI companies for training materials. Microsoft is facing accusations of unfair labor practices from US and Canadian video game unions, with charges filed with the NLRB accusing Xbox of bad faith bargaining. Former employees are also suing Meta, alleging the company used biased AI systems during layoffs.

Android and Google

Google is expanding its Connected Apps experience in AI Mode, now including Instacart and YouTube Music for AI-assisted grocery shopping and playlist creation. Android 17 QPR1 Beta 7 has been released, addressing several issues that have affected Pixel users for months. Google will permit third-party app stores on Android starting July 22. Google Images is celebrating its 25th anniversary with two major updates, including a "dynamic gallery" and the appearance of Nano Banana in AI Overviews. Google is also working to build anti-tampering protections into Android XR from day one, recognizing that user trust is crucial for the adoption of AI glasses. Gemini is now officially rolling out to Google Chrome users in the UK, transforming the browser into a smarter AI assistant that can summarize, compare, and handle tasks without leaving the page. Google Images is celebrating its 25th anniversary with two major updates, including a "dynamic gallery" and the appearance of Nano Banana in AI Overviews.

Samsung and Foldables

Samsung's upcoming Galaxy Z Fold8 and Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra are expected to feature significantly improved battery life, according to EU ratings. Leaked renders of the entire Samsung Galaxy Unpacked lineup have surfaced, showcasing the company's latest foldables and Galaxy Watches ahead of the event. Leaked specifications for the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 and Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra also reveal full details about the devices. A brutal price hike for the Galaxy Z Flip 8 is anticipated, with no hardware upgrades expected alongside the increased cost, and it will reportedly use a cheaper Exynos chip. Samsung is reportedly making Amazon Music a pre-installed bloatware on Galaxy phones, regardless of user preference. Some Samsung Health users reported seeing a notice requesting consent for their health data to be used for AI training and modeling, with cloud sync potentially contingent on agreement. Samsung's free storage upgrade, a popular pre-order perk, may not be offered for the upcoming Galaxy Z Fold8, Fold8 Ultra, and Flip8 models. Samsung is also investigating a discoloration defect that is causing some Galaxy S26 Ultra screens to turn red.

Smartphones and Hardware

Huawei's patent for a tri-fold smartphone, potentially the Mate XT2, hints at a new design and folding mechanism. Caviar has already released a $13,130 Messi-themed Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, predating Samsung's official reveal released a $13,130. The vivo T5 Lite has launched in India with a Dimensity 6300 SoC and a 6,500mAh battery launched in India. Infinix has a new tablet, the Xpad 30 Pro, which has appeared in a retailer listing with its main specifications. Infinix also unveiled the Hot 70 Pro, which comes with a 45W charger and a USB-A to USB-C cable. The Honor Robot Phone's key specifications have leaked, providing details about the upcoming device. The nubia Navi X Ultra is being presented as the company's take on an AI Agentic phone. The Huawei Pura 90s Pro Max is now available globally with a 200MP telephoto camera, and the Pura 90s Pro has also been unveiled available globally. Huawei also announced the Free Clip 2 S Signature Edition and the Mate Pad Air (2026) at its event in Malaysia. The One Plus N6x, a new model in the N6 series, has been teased and is expected to launch soon has been teased. The iQOO Z11 Lite's battery has been detailed ahead of its launch, confirming a 6,500 mAh battery and 44W charging support. The iQOO 16 is rumored to launch in September, with new details about its camera and battery emerging. The Redmi Note 17 series has been introduced in China, featuring larger batteries than their predecessors, including the Note 17 with an 8,000mAh battery and the Pro model with a 9,000mAh battery. The Redmi Note 17 Pro and Note 17 have been unveiled for the Chinese market, with a disassembly video of the Pro model already available unveiled for the Chinese market. The Redmi 17 4G has also had its design, color options, and complete specifications leaked. The Poco M8 Power is on its way and is expected to be a rebranded Redmi device. A new rumor suggests a downgrade in the chipset for the upcoming Redmi K100 Pro Max suggests a downgrade.

Wearables and Audio

Hasselblad's Phocus Mobile, previously exclusive to iOS, is now available on Android available on Android. The EU has introduced exemptions to its removable battery rule for smartwatches, fitness trackers, and earbuds, with new legislation taking effect in February 2027 introduced exemptions. The Pixel Watch 4 has returned to its Prime Day price on Amazon, weeks before the "Made by Google" event. Marshall's Milton ANC headphones have a significant drawback that disappointed a reviewer, despite expectations of high quality a significant drawback. Sonos has implemented quality-of-life updates to its mobile app, including tab navigation and speaker sorting quality-of-life updates. Vital Signals is introducing a ring that promises continuous blood pressure monitoring, aiming to reshape how individuals manage hypertension and other cardiac conditions. Skullcandy's Crusher 1080 headphones combine haptic bass with quiet ANC, blending Bose audio and powerful bass. The Muse 300 is a desktop DAC with a custom OS, a distinctive design, and sound quality that belies its price with a custom OS. The Pixel Watch 5 official press renders have leaked, offering a glimpse of the smartwatch's design, pricing, and color options. Samsung is teasing upgrades for the Galaxy Watch, addressing shortcomings of the Watch 8 model addressing shortcomings.

Other Tech News

T-Mobile's T-Satellite service can connect users to essential services even in remote areas, with eligibility information available. Honda is discontinuing its only EV in the US, an electric SUV developed in collaboration with GM. MLB has banned the use of dugout iPads for AI-powered in-game strategy calls banned the use of dugout iPads. NTSB investigators have confirmed that the driver in a fatal crash had overridden Tesla's Full Self-Driving system, with the NHTSA also investigating. SpaceX is deorbiting satellites, and while not a cause for immediate worry, scientists are still examining the environmental impacts of frequent deorbits deorbiting satellites. Elon Musk has acquired a gas turbine company, likely to serve as a direct power source for Space XAI's data centers. The WGA is also initiating legal action to block the Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger, with concerns raised about a single entity overseeing a significant portion of US entertainment media. The next wave of emoji could introduce new ways to express beauty and existential dread. PlayStation's Flex Strike wireless fight stick has been delayed indefinitely. Samsung's slower 990 Pro SSD is now more expensive than the original model. Roku TVs can offer functionality even without internet access, providing options for offline use. California's MyFirst EV program offers a $3,500 instant rebate to first-time EV buyers, aiming to support EV adoption. Apple has quietly introduced a significant change for Car Play with iOS, following a similar update from Google for Android Auto. Apple has released the first public beta of iOS, alongside public betas for iPad OS 27 and watch OS. Chat GPT is available again in WhatsApp in Europe, following a decision by the European Commission that mandates Meta to allow free access to third-party AI chatbots in the EEA. X has adjusted its algorithm to prioritize replies from followed users in comment sections. Google has purchased the entire output of a major solar farm to offset emissions from its data centers.