Mobile News 3 Days

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

Samsung and Google Prepare for Major Device Launches

Samsung is gearing up for its Galaxy Unpacked event on July 22nd in London, where it's expected to unveil the Z Fold 8 Ultra, Z Fold, and Z Flip, with other devices also potentially on the horizon. Boy band BTS' J-Hope has already teased the Galaxy Z Fold 8 ahead of the official reveal. Camera and battery specifications for the Z Flip 8 and Fold 8 series appear to be a slight upgrade. However, the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra's leaked renderings suggest little has changed from its predecessor, failing to address user complaints. Meanwhile, Google is set to launch its Pixel 11 series on August 12th in New York City. Leaked specs for the Pixel 11a hint at it being a strong contender in the "a-series" lineup. The Pixel 11 Pro XL is also expected to feature an "extra glow," though its design may remain similar to previous models. In anticipation of the Pixel 11 launch, Amazon is offering significant discounts on the Pixel 10 Pro, slashing $300 off its price.

New Smartphone Models and Deals Emerge

Xiaomi has officially launched the Redmi Note 17 and Redmi Note 17 Pro in China, boasting impressive battery capacities; the Note 17 features an 8,000 mAh cell, while the Pro model offers an even larger capacity. Global memory options for the Redmi Note 17 Pro have also been revealed. The Poco X8 Pro and X8 Pro Max were announced earlier, and new information suggests a standard Poco X8 model will also be released. Motorola's Edge 70 Max, featuring a substantial battery and Qi2.2 support, has garnered interest, despite initial confusion surrounding its software update policy, which Motorola has since clarified. A weekly poll indicates that the Nothing Phone (4b) may need a price reduction to remain competitive. In terms of deals, the iPhone Air is available with a £200 discount, and Poco and Nothing phones are also on sale. Additionally, vivo X300 models are on sale with a free charger, and the Galaxy A37 has received a significant price cut. The Tecno Camon 50 Ultra has launched in India, priced at INR39,999. The Oppo K15 is set to launch next week with an 8,000mAh battery and an integrated cooling fan. iQOO has confirmed that the Z11 Lite will be priced under INR20,000 in India upon its July 24th launch.

Infrared Technology Persists, AR Glasses Improve

Despite the prevalence of Bluetooth, infrared technology remains a staple in TV remotes for several reasons. In the realm of augmented reality, Xreal's XBX a01+ AR glasses are praised as the best budget option available, offering impressive brightness and a lightweight design for $299.

Other Tech News and Updates

NASA has shared a captivating timelapse of the Psyche spacecraft's view as it passed Mars en route to its asteroid target. Claude's Reflect dashboard can help users manage their screen time with break reminders. Android users can increase their typing speed by utilizing an often-overlooked feature on their keyboards. Samsung's Freestyle+ projector, a compact device capable of projecting on uneven surfaces, is now available for $1,200. The Redmagic Astra 2 gaming tablet has been released, offering enhancements such as liquid cooling and a slightly larger battery compared to its predecessor. Chinese audio maker dd HiFi has released new entry-level IEMs, the Iris and Skyfall, which are receiving high praise for their quality and affordability. The Apple Watch's water lock feature automatically engages during swimming to protect the device. Verizon Fios has introduced a new 5Gbps home internet plan, more than double the speed of its previous top-tier offering. Signal is testing a new beta feature that allows Android users to add a phone or tablet as a secondary device. OpenAI will now notify parents if their teen's account is removed for policy violations, such as those related to violence. US government devices will no longer have a ban on TikTok. An API is now available for accessing posts from top accounts on Trump's Truth Social platform. Zoox has issued a software recall for its robotaxis due to potential confusion with smoke. Bethesda has detailed future plans for Fallout, including Obsidian working on a new game and remasters of Fallout 3 and New Vegas. One Plus's exit from Europe and North America leaves a gap in the US smartphone market for some consumers. Google's Health app is enhancing its Nutrition Logging features with custom food options. Tesla is now selling a $225 balance bike for toddlers. UGREEN NAS deals are available on Amazon, including discounts on their "best starter NAS". The French gambling authority has ordered ISPs to block access to the prediction market Polymarket. A bug in AWS caused some customer bills to show incorrect charges, ranging from cents to billions of dollars. Coca-Cola's dairy company fairlife has been affected by a ransomware attack, halting US operations. It is reported that the iPhone 18 Pro may feature a variable aperture camera, based on leaked files from an Apple partner. The 12.2-inch Asus Pad is scheduled to launch in India on August 6th. Hasselblad's Phocus Mobile app is now available on Android, years after its initial iOS release. Netflix has stated that AI has been used in approximately 300 titles this year, with expectations for this number to increase. T-Mobile's T-Satellite service allows for emergency connections even in remote areas. The landline phone is being reimagined for children with the introduction of Pinwheel's Home series, offering a screen-free communication option. The Engadget Podcast discusses the usefulness of Siri AI in iOS 27 and mac OS Golden Gate, as well as rumors of an OpenAI AI smart speaker. The lead actor for Kratos in the Prime Video God of War show has been recast due to an injury on set. Most smart appliances collect data, and users can find out what their devices track. Europe's climate policy has been updated, potentially allowing for increased pollution. The Lava Virat V1 and Virat V1 5G's specifications have been revealed, with a launch rescheduled to July 24th in India. Samsung's mobile division may experience its first quarterly loss, despite overall company profits. Nothing is identified as one of India's fastest-growing smartphone brands according to Counterpoint Research.