Mobile News 3 Days

Last updated: July 22, 2026, 11:30 PM ET

Samsung Unveils New Foldables and Wearables, Embracing AI

Samsung's Galaxy Unpacked event showcased a suite of new devices, including the Galaxy Z Fold 8 series and the Galaxy Z Flip 8. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra is positioned as the successor to the Fold, featuring a larger battery, improved screen, and an enhanced ultrawide camera. Samsung is also rumored to be exploring new form factors for future foldables, with speculation around the Galaxy Z Fold 9. The Galaxy Z Flip 8 lineup also received updates, with discussions about whether the Z Flip 9 will exist.

Samsung is heavily integrating AI across its new product lines, with Snapdragon-powered chips driving enhanced AI capabilities in the foldables, watches, and smart glasses. Google is also contributing to this AI push with Gemini updates for Samsung devices. The Galaxy Ring has received FDA clearance for sleep apnea detection, a significant health-focused feature FDA-cleared for the detection of a major sleep condition. Samsung's new AI-powered Health Assistant aims to help users make more sense of their health data.

Wearables also saw an update with the Galaxy Watch 9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra 2. The Galaxy Watch 9 is a modest update over its predecessor. Samsung is also launching its first credit card, the Galaxy Card, offering cash rewards. The company is doubling down on AI with new smart glasses, addressing public perception and offering hands-on demonstrations addressing the elephant in the room. Samsung has also established a new Robotics eXperience (RX) division.

Smartphone Market Sees AI Integration, New Models, and Market Shifts

Oppo is reportedly testing its upcoming Find X10 family against the iPhone 17 Pro, with live photos suggesting a focus on camera comparisons. Xiaomi is also preparing its next foldable, the Mix Fold, which has received certification for sale in China allegedly been certified for sale in China. The company is also rumored to be increasing its yearly smartphone sales target amid memory market normalization. The Indian smartphone market experienced a significant downturn, with shipments falling 13% in Q2 according to Omdia. Meanwhile, Xiaomi's Redmi Note 17 series has launched in China and is expected to arrive internationally expected to bring the lineup to international markets.

HMD has unveiled the Nokia 123 Shield, touting it as its most affordable water and dust-resistant feature phone. One Plus is teasing its new N-series smartphone, the One Plus N6x, with design and color options revealed offering a sneak peek at the handset's design. Vivo is also set to launch the X300 E with a large 7,200mAh battery and a Zeiss telephoto lens. The Oppo A7 Pro Max is also expected soon, featuring a massive 10,000mAh battery.

Tech Industry News: AI, Gaming, and Regulatory Developments

The US is launching the $5 billion Genesis Mission to boost science with AI, involving several federal agencies. OpenAI faces a lawsuit over alleged dangerous medical advice provided by Chat GPT regarding a pulmonary embolism. Google is working on a significant accessibility feature for Gboard to support sign language users working on a significant accessibility feature.

In the gaming world, Xbox is bringing original Xbox console games to PC with achievement support coming to PC. Steam has updated its gifting and wishlist features, allowing users to gift games without an account and categorize their wishlists. PlayStation Plus is set to remove several games in August, including Dead Island 2. Meta Horizon Plus is now offering Xbox Game Pass for its Quest VR users, expanding the available game library.

The EU has approved Paramount's acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, provided Paramount ends its distribution business with Universal. Colorado is exploring new methods for EV battery recycling to address end-of-life disposal challenges. The UK will legalize plug-in solar on August 27, moving towards more accessible alternative energy solutions set a date for the legalization.

Hardware and Accessory Updates

Sony has launched the FX5 cinema camera, featuring open gate recording capabilities launched the newest member of its compact cinema camera series. The Xteink X4 Pro is a compact e-reader designed for DRM-free books, offering more features than its size suggests. For home theater enthusiasts, understanding surround sound speaker channel numbers is crucial, as bigger isn't always better.

Power delivery continues to advance, with a 140W GaN charger from Satechi offering a compact, multi-port solution with real-time charging details. Cuktech's 30 Ultra is a 300W charging station designed for desks, capable of charging multiple devices simultaneously at high speeds. NVIDIA's data center hardware is utilizing water cooling systems with temperatures hotter than a hot tub, demonstrating innovative thermal management.

Other Tech News and Trends

Substack is introducing an AI detection feature in partnership with Pangram to identify AI-generated content is partnering with Pangram. Threads is enhancing its parental control features with the upcoming Parental Supervision tool is coming to Meta's Threads. Apple devices have a consistent lifespan, with the average iPhone expected to last a certain duration seems to be fairly consistent. The trash can with an X icon on electronics signifies compliance with the EU's Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive is the official marking.

Garmin has launched the CIRQA, a screenless fitness band that provides all-day assistance without a subscription launched its take on the screenless fitness band. Meta's smart glasses, while offering similar functionality to Ray-Ban models, are noted for being less premium. Halliday's second-generation smart glasses aim to improve meetings with AI-driven insights, though privacy concerns may arise from its always-listening microphone. Best Buy is holding a "Black Friday in July" sale, offering significant discounts on Chromebooks from brands like Lenovo, HP, and Acer slashing prices on hundreds of items.