Mobile News 3 Days

Last updated: July 21, 2026, 2:30 PM ET

Samsung Gears Up for Foldable and Smartwatch Season

Samsung is reportedly preparing to produce more units of the wide-screen Galaxy Z Fold8 than its Fold8 Ultra and Flip8 counterparts. This comes as renders of the Galaxy Z Fold8 (wide) have surfaced ahead of the company's anticipated Galaxy Unpacked event on July 22nd new look. The event is expected to unveil the new generation of Samsung foldables, including the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold8, and Galaxy Z Flip8, alongside new smartwatches like the Galaxy Watch Ultra2 expected introduce.

AI and Health Tech Take Center Stage

Samsung is also aiming to help users better understand their health data with a new AI-powered assistant, the Health Assistant chatbot, which is currently in beta for eligible US users. Meanwhile, a federal judge has approved a record-breaking $1.5 billion settlement for Anthropic, resolving a copyright lawsuit concerning the use of authors' work to train its Claude AI model approves settlement. Google is reportedly developing a significant accessibility feature for Gboard that could aid users who communicate via sign language.

Mobile Market Dynamics and New Devices

In the Indian smartphone market, shipments reportedly fell by 13% in Q2, according to Omdia's latest report. Despite this, device news continues to emerge, with vivo teasing its S2 smartphone and rumored specs leaking for the iQOO 16T. Xiaomi is reportedly increasing its yearly smartphone sales target as it anticipates a normalization in the memory market. The company has also officially unveiled the Redmi Note 17 and Redmi Note 17 Pro in China, featuring impressive battery capacities of 8,000 mAh and higher, respectively officially unveiled.

Smart Home and Wearable Innovations

Garmin has introduced its first screenless fitness tracker, the Cirqa Smart Band, positioning it as a competitor to devices like Whoop and the Fitbit Air. Amazon is rolling out its Adaptive Display accessibility feature for Fire TVs today. In the UK, plug-in solar panels are set to be legalized on August 27th, with the first UL 3700-compliant plug-in solar microinverter now available in the US, aiming to make alternative energy more accessible microinverter available.

Tech Deals and Back-to-School Savings

Best Buy's "Black Friday in July" sale is offering significant discounts on laptops, with up to 60% off Lenovo, HP, and Acer Chromebooks, perfect for the back-to-school season. The sale also includes a substantial $350 discount on the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra scored a discount. Additionally, Verizon is clearing Google Pixel 10 stock by offering the phones for free with eligible Unlimited plans.

Gaming and Entertainment Expansions

Xbox Game Pass is now available for Meta Quest VR users through Meta Horizon Plus, granting access to a vast library of additional games. Amazon has also greenlit a full TV show based on Robocop, with the showrunner from "Lodge 49" attached. Netflix is expanding its accessibility features by offering ASL interpretations for dozens of kids' shows and movies through a partnership with Sign Up Media.

Niche Tech and Future Concepts

Tesla has teased its upcoming Cybercab design, which features a built-in SpaceX Starlink V5 dish. In a move towards minimalist communication, the new Light Flip phone combines features of the Light Phone III with an old-school flip phone design, omitting distracting apps. Halliday is back with its second-generation smart glasses, the Halliday G2, which aim to improve meetings with live AI insights, though its always-listening microphone may raise privacy concerns.

Connectivity, Security, and User Experience

Google's latest Android 17 beta is addressing Bluetooth issues and Gemini crashes, though Pixel 6 users are nearing the end of their beta support. A potential security vulnerability has been identified in Android's lock screen, allowing Gemini to send SMS messages without verification. For Android users looking to enhance security without altering their usage habits, a practical guide offers tips for reducing risks. Meanwhile, Android Auto is set to receive a long-awaited live, color-changing speedometer feature within Google Maps.

Audio and Visual Tech Updates

The discussion around OLED TVs continues, questioning their continued value premium in 2026, with some scenarios favoring "lesser" technologies. On the audio front, Chinese maker dd HiFi has impressed with its new entry-level IEMs, the Iris and Skyfall. For those interested in retro tech, Kodak has released the EC35, a pocketable, beginner-friendly 35mm film camera.

Regulatory and Legal Developments

The FCC is planning to ban companies from selling DJI products under their own brands in the US, targeting suspected resellers. France is intensifying its restrictions on access to the prediction market Polymarket, with its gambling authority ordering ISPs to block the website. Sony has filed another lawsuit against AI music generator Udio, as it remains the only major music label without a deal with the company sued again.

Durability and Device Lifespans

Apple devices are generally known for their durability, with the average lifespan of a new iPhone appearing to be fairly consistent iPhone lifespan. However, the longevity of physical media is also a consideration, with awareness of disc rot being important, though not a cause for immediate alarm disc rot.

Hardware and Component Leaks

Leaked specifications for the Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 6 suggest an upgrade in the graphics department. Details about the upcoming Snapdragon 4 Gen 6 have also emerged, indicating it will be the successor to the current generation.