Mobile News 3 Days

Last updated: July 18, 2026, 5:30 AM ET

Smartphone Launches and Deals

vivo is offering deals on its X300 models, including a free 90W Flash Charge adapter with select purchases, with the X300 Pro seeing a 16% discount offering deals. Motorola has clarified its software update policy for the Edge 70 Max, following confusion regarding support for the device clarified the matter. In the US market, the absence of One Plus is creating a smartphone dilemma for consumers spells trouble. Samsung's upcoming Galaxy Z Flip 8 and Z Fold 8 models appear to feature modest camera upgrades, with camera upgrades seemingly slim. Amazon is offering a substantial $300 price cut on the Google Pixel 10 Pro ahead of the Pixel 11 series launch. Samsung's Freestyle+ projector is now available for purchase at $1,200.

Foldables and Future Devices

Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip 8 is reportedly facing a significant price increase without any hardware upgrades, utilizing a cheaper Exynos chip. Leaked specifications for the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Fold 8 Ultra suggest a substantial improvement in battery life, according to EU ratings expected to come with. However, a rumor indicates that Samsung might discontinue its free storage upgrade perk for upcoming Galaxy foldables. Caviar has already released a Messi-themed Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra for an exorbitant $13,130, preceding Samsung's official reveal. Meanwhile, renders and confirmed specs for the Samsung Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra have surfaced. Huawei's Mate XT 2 patent hints at a new design and folding mechanism for its alleged tri-fold smartphone.

Tablet and Accessory Updates

The Redmagic Astra 2 gaming tablet is available, offering improvements over last year's model with liquid cooling, an OLED panel, and a larger battery. Asus has confirmed that its 12.2-inch Asus Pad will launch in India on August 6 device is headed. Lenovo's Idea Pad Flex 3i Chromebook is available at a 40% discount on Amazon, functioning as both a tablet and laptop. The Xreal XBX a01+ AR glasses are being lauded as the best budget AR glasses available, priced at $299. Withings has released its new ultra-premium bathroom scale, which offers clinical-grade monitoring for $600.

Software and AI Developments

An API is now available for accessing posts from top accounts on Trump's Truth Social. Zoox has issued a software recall for its robotaxis due to potential confusion with smoke, following NHTSA calls for improved emergency response in autonomous vehicles. Apple's streaming box, the Apple TV 4K, is now significantly more expensive than comparable alternatives like Fire TV or Roku. Google's Health app on Android has been updated to focus on nutrition logging, introducing "custom foods" and other features. Signal is testing the ability to add an Android phone or tablet as a secondary device in its latest beta.

Industry News and Trends

Nvidia's game streaming service, GeForce Now, has launched in India with free, Performance, and Ultimate tiers, amid rising gaming hardware costs. Apple's iOS 27 is set to introduce a practical but understated Siri AI. Google's XR product lead emphasizes the importance of trust for AI glasses, incorporating anti-tampering protections into Android XR from the outset. The Oversight Board has raised concerns that leading AI models might be restricting free expression. Netflix has stated that it has already utilized AI in approximately 300 titles this year, with this number expected to rise.

Cloud and Security Incidents

A bug within AWS has caused some customer bills to spike dramatically, with Amazon assuring that displayed estimates do not reflect actual usage. Coca-Cola's dairy company, fairlife, has halted US operations due to a ransomware attack. A ransomware group has targeted an Indian Apple partner, Tata Electronics, leading to the exposure of internal company files, including potential evidence for the iPhone 18 Pro's variable aperture camera.

Gaming and Entertainment

Bethesda has outlined future plans for Fallout and its other franchises, including a new Fallout game by Obsidian and remasters of Fallout 3 and New Vegas. The Prime Video series for God of War will reshoot episodes with a new lead actor due to an injury sustained by Ryan Hurst on set. MLB has banned the use of dugout iPads for AI-powered in-game strategy calls. Microsoft is facing accusations of unfair labor practices related to bad-faith bargaining with video game unions at Xbox. Netflix has released a VHS-quality version of Stranger Things' first season, with potential for more seasons if viewership is high.

Smart Home and Devices

Many smart appliances collect data, and users can discover what information their devices are tracking. Pinwheel's Home series introduces a modern landline phone experience for children, offering a screen-free, talk-only device. Sonos has implemented quality-of-life updates to its mobile app, including tab navigation and speaker sorting.

Regional and Market Updates

Nothing is emerging as one of India's fastest-growing smartphone brands, according to Counterpoint Research, despite a 10% decline in the Indian smartphone market in the second quarter. Realme has confirmed that its future devices will launch with Color OS 17 as it ceases operations in China, with Realme UI merging with Oppo's Color OS to reduce R&D costs. Tecno has launched the Camon 50 Ultra in India, available exclusively through Amazon.in for INR39,999. Lava's Virat smartphone series launch has been rescheduled to July 24 in India.

Other Tech News

Verizon Fios has increased the speed of its fastest plan to 5Gbps, more than double its previous flagship plan. Vital Signals is developing a ring that promises continuous blood pressure monitoring to help manage hypertension and other cardiac conditions. Musk's acquisition of a gas turbine company is likely for direct power supply to Space XAI's data centers. The FCC is planning to revise local TV station ownership rules, which some fear could lead to broadcast TV monopolies. Hinge users can now have friends provide endorsements for their profiles.

EU Regulations and Environmental Concerns

The EU has introduced exemptions to its removable battery rule for smartwatches, fitness trackers, and earbuds, with new legislation for user-replaceable batteries set to take effect in February 2027. Europe's climate policy has seen updates that may permit increased pollution. SpaceX's deorbiting of Starlink satellites is not a cause for immediate concern, though scientists are investigating the environmental impacts of frequent deorbits deorbiting satellites.