Mobile News 3 Days

Last updated: July 21, 2026, 8:30 AM ET

Samsung Gears Up for Major Foldable and Robotics Push

Samsung Electronics has established a new Robotics eXperience (RX) Business Promotion Office, consolidating its robotic research and development under CEO TM Roh. The company is also poised to unveil its next-generation Galaxy Z foldables at its upcoming Galaxy Unpacked event on July 22nd in London. Pre-event leaks continue, with new renders of the wider Galaxy Z Fold8 model surfacing, and reports suggesting Samsung will produce more of this variant than the Fold8 Ultra and Flip8. Further adding to the Unpacked anticipation, J-Hope from BTS has teased the Galaxy Z Fold8, and renders of the Galaxy Watch Ultra2 have also leaked, confirming upgraded specs. Samsung has also launched a Galaxy credit card offering up to five percent back on its products ahead of the event.

Smartphone Market Dynamics and New Entrants

Xiaomi is reportedly increasing its yearly smartphone sales target, anticipating a normalization in the memory market after a period of shortages that impacted pricing. The company's sub-brand, Redmi, has officially launched the Redmi Note 17 and Redmi Note 17 Pro in China, featuring significant battery capacities with the Note 17 packing an 8,000 mAh cell and the Pro model exceeding it. International markets are expected to receive the lineup soon, with the Redmi Note 17's India launch date also tipped. Separately, the Xiaomi 18 series is slated for an early India launch in September, expected to feature three models without an Ultra variant. In other smartphone news, the Oppo A7 Pro Max is anticipated to launch soon with a substantial 10,000mAh battery. The iQOO 16T's key specifications have also been tipped, though its launch may not occur this year.

AI and Legal Battles in the Music Industry

Sony has filed another lawsuit against AI music generator Udio, as it remains the only major music label without a licensing deal with the platform. In a separate development, a federal judge has approved Anthropic's record-breaking $1.5 billion settlement with authors who claimed their work was used to train the Claude AI model. Users of Claude can now utilize its Reflect dashboard to manage usage and set reminders to take breaks.

Android Enhancements and Security Features

Google is reportedly developing a significant accessibility feature for Gboard aimed at users who communicate via sign language. The latest Android 17 QPR2 Beta 1 release addresses Bluetooth issues and Gemini crashes on Pixel devices, though Pixel 6 users are nearing the end of their beta support. Android Auto is finally set to receive a long-awaited live, color-changing speedometer within Google Maps, though the rollout will be gradual. Practical advice is also available for enhancing Android security with minimal user impact.

New Chipsets and Performance Upgrades

Leaked details for Qualcomm's upcoming Snapdragon 4 Gen 6 chipset suggest an upgrade in the graphics department. Further information on the Snapdragon 4 Gen 6 has emerged, detailing its expected specifications as the successor to the current generation.

Accessibility and Smart Home Innovations

Amazon's Adaptive Display accessibility feature for Fire TVs is now officially rolling out to users. In the realm of renewable energy, the first UL 3700-compliant plug-in solar microinverter is now available in the US, aiming to make alternative energy more accessible for smaller-scale and renter-friendly applications.

Deals and Device Lifespans

Best Buy has launched a "Black Friday in July" sale, featuring significant discounts on various tech items, with specific deals highlighted for Android users. Google Pixel 10 series phones, including the Pro and Pro XL models, are currently on sale, as is the Nothing Phone (4a) Pro. A discussion on the expected lifespan of a new iPhone suggests Apple devices are generally durable, with a consistent average lifespan.

Other Notable Tech News

FCC plans are in motion to ban companies from selling DJI products under their own brands in the US. NVIDIA's data center hardware is being cooled using water hotter than a hot tub, a method that remains effective for thermal management. Meta's glasses offer similar functionality to their Ray-Ban counterparts but lack the same premium feel. The Kodak EC35 has been released as a pocketable, beginner-friendly 35mm film camera. France is intensifying its restrictions on access to the prediction market Polymarket by ordering ISPs to block its website. A new report suggests AT&T may increase home internet prices for customers who can least afford it. Infrared technology continues to be widely used in TV remotes for reasons beyond Bluetooth's prevalence.