Mobile News 3 Days

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

Google and AI Advancements

Google has launched its latest Gemini models, including Gemini 3.6 Flash. 5 Flash-Lite, and.5 Flash Cyber. The Gemini 3.6 Flash is positioned as the company's "workhorse model" designed for enhanced coding, knowledge work, and multimodal performance. In related news, Google's Android 17 beta is addressing several issues, including Bluetooth problems and Gemini crashes. Additionally, Google is reportedly developing a significant accessibility feature for Gboard aimed at users who communicate via sign language.

Smartphone and Wearable Launches

Several new smartphones and wearables are on the horizon or have recently been detailed. Xiaomi's Redmi Note 17 series has officially launched in China, with the Redmi Note 17 featuring an 8,000 mAh battery and the Pro model boasting an even larger cell. Leaks also suggest the upcoming Redmi Watch 6 Active and Watch 6 Lite are in development, with specifications and pricing emerging. The vivo S2 is expected to restart the S series in India, following up on the 2019 S1, while the vivo X300 E is slated for a China debut with a 7,200mAh battery and a Zeiss Telephoto lens. In China, a limited edition Honor 600 Pro is available for a short period. Meanwhile, tipped specs for the iQOO 16T have surfaced, though its release might be later in the year. The Indian smartphone market saw a decline, with shipments falling 13% in Q2 according to Omdia. Xiaomi is reportedly increasing its yearly smartphone sales target, citing normalization in the memory market.

Samsung's Product Pipeline and Issues

Samsung is gearing up for its Galaxy Unpacked event on July 22nd, where new foldable phones and smartwatches are expected. Leaked renders of the Galaxy Z Fold8 (wide) have appeared ahead of the event, with reports indicating Samsung plans to produce more of this model than the Fold8 Ultra and Flip8. The Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra is currently available with a significant $350 discount during Best Buy's Black Friday in July sale. Samsung has also acknowledged a "red screen" issue affecting the Galaxy S26 Ultra and is working on a fix, stating it can be resolved. The company has established a new Robotics eXperience (RX) division, led by CEO TM Roh, to consolidate its robotic research and development efforts.

TV and Home Entertainment Updates

LG's 2026 OLED evo TVs will feature a new Creator Original picture mode, developed in collaboration with Prime Video to enhance the streaming experience. Amazon's Adaptive Display accessibility feature for Fire TVs is rolling out today. Discussions around the longevity of physical media include awareness of disc rot for CD and Blu-Ray collections. Infrared technology continues to be prevalent in TV remotes due to specific advantages over Bluetooth.

Gaming and Entertainment Services

PlayStation Plus will be removing several titles in August 2026, including Dead Island 2 and Harold Halibut. Xbox Game Pass is now available for Meta Quest VR users through Meta Horizon Plus, providing access to a larger game library. Amazon has greenlit a Robocop TV show, with the showrunner from Lodge 49 attached. Netflix is expanding its accessibility features by offering ASL interpretations for numerous kids' shows and movies through a partnership with Sign Up Media. Sony has filed another lawsuit against AI music generator Udio, as it is the only major music label without a deal with the company.

Wearables and Fitness Tech

Garmin has introduced the CIRQA, a screenless fitness band that offers all-day assistance without requiring a subscription. Leaks have also revealed specifications and images for the upcoming Redmi Watch 6 Active and Redmi Watch 6 Lite smartwatches.

Laptops and Back-to-School Deals

Best Buy's "Black Friday in July" sale is offering significant discounts on Chromebooks from Lenovo, HP, and Acer, with savings of up to 60%. This sale also includes a substantial $350 discount on the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra.

Smart Home and Connectivity

Connecting a Ring doorbell camera to a smart TV is presented as an easy way to see visitors without needing a phone. Tesla has teased its Cybercab design, featuring a built-in SpaceX Starlink V5 dish.

Emerging Tech and Industry Trends

Google's Gemini 3.6 Flash. 5 Flash-Lite, and 3.5 Flash Cyber models have been launched, enhancing AI capabilities. Substack is integrating an AI detection feature through a partnership with Pangram. The UK will legalize plug-in solar panels on August 27th, and the first UL 3700-compliant plug-in solar microinverter is now available in the US, aiming to make alternative energy more accessible. NVIDIA's data center hardware is being cooled using water hotter than a hot tub, demonstrating advanced cooling techniques. The EU's Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive is explained, with the trash can with an X icon marking WEEE-compliant products.

Mobile Accessories and Features

New leaks suggest the iQOO 16T will feature impressive specs. The Oppo A7 Pro Max is rumored to launch soon with a substantial 10,000mAh battery. For charging, Cuktech's 30 Ultra offers a 300W charging station with multiple USB-C ports capable of 140W output. Satechi's 4-port GaN charger is highlighted for its compact size, 140W charging, and real-time charging display. Android Auto is finally incorporating a live, color-changing speedometer within Google Maps, a feature long-awaited by drivers. Typing on Android keyboards can be made faster with an "ancient but underrated feature".

Specialty Devices and Reviews

The Xteink X4 Pro is a compact ereader designed for DRM-free books. The Light Flip offers a minimalist flip phone experience, blending features from the Light Phone III with traditional flip phone design. The Kodak EC35 is a pocketable, beginner-friendly 35mm film camera priced at $35. Reviews of free Car Play apps have narrowed down the best options for users. Halliday's smart glasses, the G2, aim to improve meetings with AI-driven live insights, though privacy concerns are noted due to its always-listening microphone. Meta's smart glasses are reviewed, noting they offer similar functionality to Ray-Ban models but lack a premium feel.

Mobile Market and Pricing

AT&T is reportedly planning to increase home internet prices for customers who may struggle to afford the hikes, with legacy Fiber and Internet Air bills set to rise by $5. Deals include a £200 discount on the iPhone Air, with Poco and Nothing Phones also on sale. Verizon is offering Google Pixel 10 phones for free with the addition of a mainline Unlimited plan.

Other Tech News

Qualcomm's next budget chipset, the Snapdragon 4 Gen, is rumored to feature an upgrade in graphics performance. Samsung's Health Assistant chatbot is in beta for eligible US users, aiming to help users better understand their health data. Threads is introducing new parental control features under the "Parental Supervision" umbrella. The FCC plans to ban companies from selling DJI products under their own brand names in the US. Lego has unveiled an X-Files set for $200, featuring Mulder, Scully, and an alien, available in August. Spotify's DJ-inspired tools are noted for their entertainment value. NASA has shared a beautiful timelapse of the Psyche spacecraft's view over Mars.