Mobile News 3 Days

Last updated: July 21, 2026, 5:30 PM ET

Mobile Tech & Devices

Samsung is poised to unveil its latest foldable devices, including the Galaxy Z Fold8, Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, and Galaxy Z Flip8, at its upcoming Galaxy Unpacked event on July 22. Leaked renders suggest a wide-screen design for the Galaxy Z Fold8, with production volumes reportedly favoring this model over the Fold8 Ultra and Flip8. Ahead of the launch, BTS member J-Hope has teased the Galaxy Z Fold8. Meanwhile, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is experiencing a "red screen" issue, which Samsung acknowledges and is working to fix. Separately, AT&T is reportedly increasing home internet prices by $5 for legacy Fiber and Internet Air customers.

New smartphone models are also on the horizon from other manufacturers. The vivo S2 is rumored to be in development, marking a restart for the S series in India. The Honor 600 Pro is receiving a limited edition version in China for actress Wang Churan fans, while the Honor Robot Phone made an appearance at the World Cup final. Xiaomi is reportedly increasing its yearly smartphone sales target as it anticipates memory market normalization, and its upcoming Xiaomi 18 series is set for an early India launch, possibly without an Ultra variant. The Redmi Note 17 and Note 17 Pro have officially launched in China, boasting impressive battery capacities, with the Note 17 featuring an 8,000 mAh cell. The iQOO 16T's key specifications have also been tipped.

Qualcomm's next budget chipset, the Snapdragon 4 Gen, is rumored to feature an upgrade in graphics performance. Google's Android 17 beta is addressing Bluetooth issues and Gemini crashes, and a potential sign language accessibility feature for Gboard is reportedly in development. The Indian smartphone market saw a 13% drop in shipments in Q2, according to Omdia.

Smart Home, Wearables & Accessories

Garmin has introduced the CIRQA, a screenless fitness band that offers all-day assistance without a subscription. Meta's Threads is rolling out new parental control features, including Parental Supervision. Ring doorbell cameras can now be connected to smart TVs, allowing users to see visitors without their phones. Amazon's Adaptive Display accessibility feature for Fire TVs is now officially rolling out.

In the realm of charging and power, Cuktech's 30 Ultra offers a 300W charging station with multiple USB-C ports capable of charging devices simultaneously. Satechi's 4-port GaN charger provides 140W charging in a compact design with a built-in display for real-time charging details. For those concerned about e-waste, the EU's Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive is marked by a trash can with an "X" icon on electronics.

Displays, Audio & Entertainment

LG's 2026 OLED evo TVs will feature a new Creator Original picture mode, developed in collaboration with Prime Video for an enhanced streaming experience. The debate on whether OLED TVs are still worth the premium in 2026 continues, with discussions on scenarios where "lesser" technology might suffice. Amazon has greenlit a full TV show based on a Robocop pilot, with the showrunner from "Lodge 49" attached.

For audio enthusiasts, dd HiFi's new entry-level IEMs, the Iris and Skyfall, are being praised for their quality at a budget price point. Spotify's DJ-inspired tools can make music feel "DJ mixed". PlayStation Plus will be removing games like Dead Island 2 and Harold Halibut in August 2026. Netflix is expanding its accessibility features by offering ASL interpretations for dozens of kids' shows and movies.

Computing & Software

Substack is integrating an AI detection feature through a partnership with Pangram. Best Buy is holding a "Black Friday in July" sale, offering significant discounts on Chromebooks from Lenovo, HP, and Acer, as well as a $350 discount on the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra.

In software updates, Google is reportedly working on a significant accessibility feature for Gboard to assist sign language users. Android Auto is finally incorporating a live, color-changing speedometer in Google Maps after a long wait. For enhanced security, a guide offers practical tips to make Android safer with minimal effort. However, an Android lockscreen bypass has been discovered that allows Gemini to send SMS messages without verification.

Other Tech News

The UK is set to legalize plug-in solar panels on August 27. The first UL 3700-compliant plug-in solar microinverter is now available in the US, aiming to make alternative energy more accessible on a smaller scale. Tesla has teased its Cybercab, featuring a built-in SpaceX Starlink V5 antenna.

In the world of niche electronics, the Xteink X4 Pro is a compact ereader designed for DRM-free books. The Light Flip is a minimalist flip phone that omits distracting apps, blending features of the Light Phone III with an old-school flip phone design. For analog enthusiasts, Kodak has released the EC35, a pocketable and beginner-friendly 35mm film camera. The durability and lifespan of a new iPhone are estimated to be fairly consistent, with Apple devices generally being quite durable.

Sony has filed another lawsuit against AI music generator Udio. Nvidia's data center hardware is being cooled with water hotter than a hot tub, reaching temperatures of 113 degrees Fahrenheit. The FCC plans to ban companies from selling DJI products under their own brands in the US.