Mobile News 3 Days

Last updated: July 19, 2026, 11:30 AM ET

New Phones Arrive, Others Face Uncertainty

Xiaomi has officially launched the Redmi Note 17 and Redmi Note 17 Pro in China, with the and the Pro model also boasting impressive power capabilities. Elsewhere, the Motorola Edge 70 Max is generating interest following clarification on its software update policy, and it features the most powerful chipset in its series and a substantial battery with Qi2.2 support. The global memory options for the Redmi Note 17 Pro have also been revealed. Meanwhile, the Nothing Phone (4b) is facing a tough market, with poll results indicating a need for a, though Nothing is identified as one of India's fastest-growing smartphone brands. In a significant market shift, OnePlus has, a move that leaves a "huge smartphone dilemma" for US consumers. The vanilla Poco X8 model may still be coming, despite earlier assumptions of cancellation.

Google Pixel Lineup Sees Updates and Leaks

Google is gearing up for the Pixel 11 series launch on August 12th, with invites already sent out in the US and India. The upcoming Pixel 11 is expected to feature a chipset from TSMC’s 2nm fab. Leaks suggest the Pixel 11 Pro XL will offer an "extra glow", and official teaser animations have showcased its "Pixel Glow" design. The Pixel 11a is also rumored to have some significant upgrades. In anticipation of the new releases, significant discounts are available on older models, with the and the Pixel, Pro, and 10 Pro XL also on sale. The Pixel Watch 4 has also. For existing Pixel users, the as essential for device tracking, and the Google Health app has been updated to focus on Nutrition Logging. Android 17 QPR1 Beta 7 is also.

Samsung Prepares for Foldable Launch Amidst Other Device News

Samsung is set to unveil its new folding smartphones, including the Galaxy Z Fold8 and Fold8 Ultra, at a Galaxy Unpacked event in London on July 22nd. Early details about the camera and battery specs for the Z Flip 8 and Fold 8 models suggest incremental upgrades. A highly exclusive, Messi-themed Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra is already available for purchase at a staggering $13,130. Samsung has acknowledged a "red screen problem" affecting the Galaxy S26 Ultra, with a fix reportedly underway. The Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra's leaked renderings show. Despite strong overall company profits expected, Samsung's mobile division may experience its. The Samsung Freestyle+ projector is now available for $1,200.

Audio and Accessory Market Sees New Entrants and Deals

Chinese audio maker dd HiFi has released its new entry-level IEMs, the Iris and Skyfall, which are being praised for their quality at an affordable price. Open-ear earbuds are currently at their lowest price ever on Amazon, with a 33% discount. For those looking to enhance their audio experience, deals are available on vivo X300 models, including a free charger. Marshall's latest mid-range headphones, the Milton ANC, have received criticism for one major drawback despite expectations of high quality.

Tablets and Gaming Devices Get Upgrades and New Options

The Redmagic Astra 2 gaming tablet has been released, offering improvements over last year's model with liquid cooling and a larger battery. 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 Xpad 30 Pro, with its main specifications appearing in a retailer listing.

Software, Security, and AI Developments

A security vulnerability has been discovered in Android lock screens, allowing Gemini to send SMS messages without verification. OpenAI will now notify parents if their teens violate its policies and are subsequently removed from ChatGPT. Netflix has reported using AI in approximately 300 titles this year, with this number expected to grow. Google's Connected Apps feature in AI Mode is expanding to include Instacart and YouTube Music for AI-assisted shopping and playlist creation.

Other Tech News and Industry Updates

The US government has officially lifted the ban on TikTok on federal devices. France is continuing to restrict access to the prediction market Polymarket by ordering ISPs to block its website. A ransomware attack has impacted Coca-Cola's dairy company fairlife, leading to a halt in US operations. Zoox has issued a software recall for its robotaxis due to potential confusion in smoky conditions. The EU is making updates to its climate policy, including exemptions for smartwatches and fitness trackers from its removable battery rule. SpaceX is reportedly deorbiting Starlink satellites, though it is not considered a cause for major concern. Honda is officially ending sales of its only EV in the US, the electric SUV developed in partnership with GM. Microsoft is facing accusations of unfair labor practices from US and Canadian video game unions regarding Xbox bargaining. The NTSB has confirmed that the driver in a fatal Tesla crash had overridden the Full Self-Driving system. A bug in AWS caused some customer bills to spike dramatically, although the displayed estimates did not reflect actual usage.