Mobile News 3 Days

Last updated: July 19, 2026, 5:30 AM ET

Pixel 11 and Other Google Devices

Google is preparing to launch its Pixel 11 series on August 12, with invites already sent out for the India event. The upcoming phones are rumored to be the first to feature a chipset from TSMC's 2nm fab and may swap Samsung modems. Meanwhile, deals are available for the Pixel 10 series, with Amazon slashing $300 off the Pixel 10 Pro ahead of the new launch. The Pixel 11 Pro XL is being compared to the Galaxy S26 Ultra, highlighting differences in style and features. Google's XR product lead emphasized the importance of trust in public adoption of smart glasses, with anti-tampering protections being built into Android XR from the start. The tech giant is also expanding its Connected Apps experience in AI Mode to include AI-assisted grocery shopping and playlist creation. In other Google news, the Pixel Watch 4 has returned to its Prime Day price on Amazon.

Samsung Foldables and Galaxy Updates

Samsung is expected to unveil its new folding smartphones, including the Galaxy Z Fold8 and Z Flip8, at a Galaxy Unpacked event on July 22 in London. Leaked specs suggest slim camera upgrades for the Z Flip, Fold, and Fold 8 Ultra, though one report indicates a brutal price hike for the Z Flip 8 with no hardware upgrades, possibly due to a cheaper Exynos chip. Battery life is expected to see a significant boost for the Galaxy Z Fold8 series, according to EU ratings. Pre-orders for a $13,130 Messi-themed Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra are already available from Caviar, ahead of Samsung's official reveal. Samsung is also reportedly facing the possibility of its mobile division seeing its first quarterly loss, despite strong performance in its semiconductor business. The Galaxy S26 Ultra is experiencing a red screen issue that Samsung has acknowledged and is working to fix. Renderings of the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra suggest minimal changes and unaddressed user gripes. Samsung's Freestyle+ projector is now available for $1,200.

Nothing Phone and Other Smartphone News

Despite Nothing's status as one of India's fastest-growing smartphone brands, a recent poll indicates grim prospects for the Nothing Phone (4b), suggesting a price cut is urgently needed. Meanwhile, the Tecno Pova 8 5G is noted for its impressive battery life and AI features, mimicking a "Nothing impersonation" with a cool rear Active Matrix display. Deals are also available for the discounted Nothing Phone (4a) Pro. Motorola has clarified its software update policy for the Edge 70 Max, a device that has drawn attention for its large battery and Qi2.2 support, though an editorial points out this situation highlights a larger issue with Motorola's update policy. The vivo X300 Pro is on sale with a free charger, and the vivo T5 Lite has officially launched in India with a Dimensity 6300 SoC and a 6,500mAh battery. The Oppo K15 is set to launch next week with an 8,000mAh battery and an in-built cooling fan. Xiaomi's Mix Fold 5 has been spotted running Hyper OS, with speculation pointing to an August 2026 release. The vanilla Poco X8 is still expected to arrive, despite earlier assumptions of cancellation. The Infinix Hot 70 Pro has been unboxed, featuring a 45W charger and USB-A to USB-C cable, and its sibling, the Infinix Xpad 30 Pro tablet, has surfaced with key specifications. The Tecno Camon 50 Ultra has launched in India priced at INR39,999. The iQOO Z11 Lite will launch in India priced under INR20,000. Lava's Virat V1 and V1 5G launch has been rescheduled to July 24.

Audio, AR, and Other Gadgetry

Entry-level in-ear monitors (IEMs) from Chinese audio maker dd HiFi, the Iris and Skyfall, are being praised for their quality at a budget price. Open-ear earbuds are currently at their lowest price ever on Amazon, offering a sleek and immersive listening experience. Marshall's Milton ANC headphones, however, have disappointed with a significant drawback despite expectations. Sonos has updated its mobile app with features like tab navigation and speaker sorting. Xreal's XBX a01+ AR glasses are highlighted as the best budget option available at $299, offering a bright and lightweight design. In a surprising move, Apple partner Tata Electronics was reportedly hacked, leading to the surfacing of internal files that may offer proof of a variable aperture camera for the iPhone 18 Pro.

Software, AI, and Emerging Technologies

A security vulnerability has been discovered in Android lock screens that allows Gemini to send SMS messages without verification. OpenAI is planning to notify parents if their teen accounts are flagged for violating policies, such as those around violence. The company is also rumored to be developing an AI smart speaker. Netflix has reported using AI in approximately 300 titles this year, with expectations for this number to increase. The Oversight Board has raised concerns that leading AI models might be restricting free expression. nubia has officially unveiled the nubia Navi X Ultra, its take on an AI Agentic phone.

Gaming, Media, and Connectivity

US government officials have officially lifted the ban on TikTok on federal devices. The UK's communications regulator, Ofcom, is investigating TikTok's child safety measures. Microsoft faces accusations of unfair labor practices from US and Canadian video game unions concerning Xbox's bargaining practices. Bethesda has detailed future plans for Fallout, including a new game from Obsidian and remasters of Fallout 3 and New Vegas. The Prime Video series adaptation of God of War will reshoot episodes due to an injury sustained by its lead actor, Kratos. MLB has banned the use of dugout iPads for AI-powered in-game strategy calls.

Other Tech News and Developments

Verizon Fios has introduced a new 5Gbps home internet plan, more than doubling the speed of its previous flagship offering. A bug in AWS caused some customers to see billing estimates spike dramatically, though Amazon stated these did not reflect actual usage. Vital Signals is developing a ring capable of continuous blood pressure monitoring, aiming to reshape hypertension management. Zoox has issued a software recall for its robotaxis due to potential confusion with smoke. Honda is officially discontinuing its only EV in the US, the electric SUV developed in collaboration with GM. French authorities have ordered ISPs to block access to the prediction market Polymarket. The European Union has made exemptions to its removable battery rule for smartwatches, fitness trackers, and earbuds, set to go into effect in February 2027. Tesla is selling a $225 balance bike for toddlers. SpaceX's deorbiting of Starlink satellites is not a cause for concern, though scientists are examining the environmental impacts.