Mobile News 3 Days

Last updated: July 17, 2026, 11:30 AM ET

Foldables and Premium Phones Get Luxe and Leaks

Caviar has unveiled a limited-edition, Lionel Messi-themed for a staggering $13,130, a week before Samsung's official. Samsung's upcoming Galaxy Z Fold8 series, including the Fold8 and Fold8 Ultra, are reportedly receiving a according to EU ratings. The full specs for the Galaxy Z Fold8 and Fold8 Ultra have also leaked, with sources suggesting considerable battery improvements. However, Samsung may be for pre-orders of the Galaxy Z Fold8, Fold8 Ultra, and Flip8. Leaked renders of the entire Samsung Galaxy Unpacked lineup, including the foldables, have surfaced ahead of the event. A brutal price hike is rumored for the Galaxy Z Flip, despite a lack of hardware upgrades and the use of a cheaper Exynos chip. The Samsung Galaxy S27 Ultra might not see a significant redesign to its rear camera island, contrary to earlier rumors. Meanwhile, Samsung is investigating why some Galaxy S26 Ultra screens are.

Gaming and AR Devices See Updates and New Entrants

Redmagic has launched its new gaming tablet, the Astra 2, which is now available globally after its debut in China. This iteration boasts liquid cooling, an OLED panel, and a slightly larger battery, making it an improved version of. Xreal's XBX a01+ AR glasses are being hailed as the seen yet, offering impressive brightness and a lightweight design for $299. On the PC gaming front, Valve appears to be discontinuing self-repair parts for the LCD Steam Deck at iFixit, with no plans to stock.

Smartphone Market Dynamics and New Releases

The Indian smartphone market saw a 10% decline in the second quarter year-over-year, but Nothing has emerged as one of the fastest-growing brands in the region, according to Counterpoint Research. Lava's Virat V1 and Virat V1 5G specifications have been revealed, with the Virat V1 launch in India rescheduled to July 24th. Tecno has launched the Camon 50 Ultra in India, priced at INR39,999 and available exclusively through Amazon.in starting July 21st. The Oppo K15 is set to launch next week, featuring an 8,000mAh battery and an in-built cooling fan. The vivo T5 Lite has officially launched in India with a Media Tek Dimensity 6300 SoC and a 6,500mAh battery, going on. iQOO is preparing to launch the Z11 Lite on July 24th, confirming it will be priced under INR20,000 in India and will feature a 6,500 mAh battery with 44W charging support. A new Redmi 17 4G has had its renders and specifications leaked, detailing its design, color options. The Poco M8 Power is on its way, appearing to be a rebranded Redmi device. The One Plus N6x, a new model in the N6 series, has been teased and is expected. Honor's Robot Phone's key specifications have also leaked, offering a glimpse at the upcoming device's hardware. Motorola's Edge 70 Max, with its large battery and Qi2.2 support, has garnered interest, though its software update policy remains a concern. AI, Software, and Connectivity Updates

Apple has released the first public beta of iOS, alongside public betas for iPad OS 27 and watch OS, following developer betas. The Engadget Podcast discusses the potential usefulness of Siri AI in iOS 27 and mac OS Golden Gate, as well as OpenAI's rumored AI. Google is expanding its Connected Apps experience in AI Mode to include Instacart and YouTube Music, enabling AI-assisted grocery shopping and playlist creation. Chat GPT is now available again within WhatsApp in Europe, following a decision by the European Commission that requires Meta to allow third-party AI chatbots in the messaging app for free in the European Economic Area. Google Images is celebrating its 25th anniversary with a "dynamic gallery" and the inclusion of a "Nano Banana". Google also plans to allow third-party app stores on Android starting July 22nd. Signal is testing the ability to add an Android phone or tablet as a secondary device. Spotify is rolling out a new feature allowing users to via a built-in AI chatbot on mobile devices. Netflix has stated it has already used AI in approximately 300 titles this year, with that number expected to grow.

Tablets and Laptops See New Models and Availability

The 12.2-inch Asus Pad is confirmed to be launching in India on August 6th. Infinix is also working on a new tablet, the Infinix Xpad 30 Pro, which has been prematurely listed on a Belarusian retailer's website with its main specifications revealed. The Huawei Mate Pad Air (2026) has had a hands-on preview following its introduction in Malaysia alongside other Huawei devices. A durable touchscreen Chromebook, the Lenovo Idea Pad Flex 3i, is available at a 40% discount on Amazon, functioning well as both a tablet and a laptop.

Wearables and Smart Home Devices

Vital Signals is introducing a ring capable of continuous blood pressure monitoring, aiming to revolutionize how individuals manage hypertension and other cardiac conditions. The EU is adding exemptions to its removable battery rule for smartwatches, fitness trackers, and earbuds, with the broader legislation taking effect in February 2027. Withings' new ultra-premium bathroom scale, priced at $600, is now available for purchase, offering clinical-grade monitoring capabilities.

Other Tech News

Verizon Fios has introduced a new 5Gbps home internet plan, more than double the speed of its previous. Tesla is selling a $225 balance bike for toddlers, targeting future consumers. In a surprising move, Honda is officially pulling the plug on its only EV in the US, an electric SUV that was a collaboration with GM. The Major League Baseball has banned the use of dugout iPads for AI-powered. Microsoft is facing accusations of unfair labor practices from US and Canadian video game unions, with charges filed alleging bad faith bargaining with Xbox. NTSB investigators have confirmed that the Tesla driver involved in a fatal crash overrode the Full. SpaceX's deorbiting of Starlink satellites is not cause for immediate concern, though scientists are investigating the environmental impacts of frequent deorbits. Starlink's new V5 residential dish is smaller and more energy-efficient, though it does not. The Oversight Board suggests that leading AI models might be restricting. Netflix has released a VHS-quality version of Stranger Things' first season, with potential for more seasons if viewership is high. The Writers Guild of America (WGA) is suing to block the Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger, citing concerns over media consolidation. Three publishers are challenging Google over alleged AI copyright infringement, seeking compensation for training materials used by AI companies. The latest wave of emoji may include options to evoke beauty and existential dread. PlayStation's Flex Strike wireless fight stick has been delayed without a firm. Samsung's new 990 Pro SSD is both more expensive and slower than. Samsung is teasing upgrades for the Galaxy Watch 9 ahead of its Unpacked event, aiming to address shortcomings of the Watch 8. Google Maps' eco-friendly routes are worth exploring, but users should be aware of what the leaf icon signifies. Viaim's Rec Dot earbuds utilize AI for call recording and transcription, aiming to.