Mobile News 3 Days

Last updated: July 24, 2026, 8:30 AM ET

AI and Authentication

Meta is introducing a new Facebook Verified badge, requiring users to submit selfie videos to confirm they are real. Similarly, Google is rolling out its "Selfie Video" feature, which allows users to create a video of themselves to use as an alternate sign-in method for their accounts if they get locked out safeguarding access. Further expanding AI accessibility, Google is making its Gemini Spark agentic AI assistant.

Smartphone Launches and Updates

Honor has opened the early access program for Magic OS 11 on its Magic V6 device in China offering a preview. Meanwhile, the iQOO Z11 Lite has debuted in India, featuring a substantial 6,500mAh battery and a Dimensity 6300 SoC powering the device. Lava has launched its new Virat smartphone series, with the Virat V1 and Virat V1 5G models arriving with price tags under Rs. 15,000 (approximately $155). The Oppo K15 has been quietly unveiled in China, boasting an active-cooling fan and an 8,000mAh battery enhancing performance.

New Benchmarking and Health Tech

Primate Labs has released Geekbench, the latest version of its cross-platform benchmarking application, which includes updated workload tests and redesigned multi-core CPU tests. In health tech, scientists have developed a handheld device that measures acetone in breath to determine if the body is burning fat monitoring ketosis. Ultrahuman's Emerald update introduces its "decision engine" to the app, promising significant total health and fitness improvements.

Consumer Electronics and Industry News

LG has agreed to stop displaying McAfee spam ads on its monitors following user complaints and pressure from Microsoft. More than 200 companies have signed onto former President Trump's non-binding Ratepayer Protection Pledge. Samsung is reportedly testing a new 50MP main camera with a Sony sensor for the upcoming Galaxy S27 and S27+ models. Samsung has also expanded software support for the Galaxy Watch 9 and Watch Ultra 2 to five major Wear OS upgrades, up from four on previous models.

Foldable Phone Market Developments

Honor is set to showcase its Robot Phone next week and has also unveiled a new logo. The Honor Magic V6 is being positioned against Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra in direct comparisons. Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Fold 8 Ultra have been reviewed, with the new models reportedly featuring larger batteries, sharper folding screens, and improved ultrawide cameras compared to the previous generation. T-Mobile and AT&T are offering deals on the new Samsung foldables, with the Galaxy Z Fold 8 available for free and the Z Fold 8 Ultra for $200. T-Mobile is also offering the Galaxy Z Flip 8 for $100 with a specific preorder deal. Samsung's new foldables are adopting silicon-carbon battery technology, marking a significant battery upgrade. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 series is also doubling down on Snapdragon-powered AI, with Samsung and Qualcomm collaborating on next-gen chips. Despite the new models, there's still a desire for Samsung's discontinued Galaxy Z Tri Fold, with hopes that the Z Fold 8's design signals future innovations.

Smartwatch and Wearable Technology

Samsung announced during its Galaxy Unpacked event that the Galaxy Ring has received FDA clearance for detecting a major sleep condition, specifically sleep apnea. Amazon is offering a $50 gift card for preordering the Samsung Galaxy Watch, even though the device has not yet been released. The Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 is a modest update over its predecessor, the Galaxy Watch 8. Garmin has launched the CIRQA, a screenless fitness band that provides all-day assistance without requiring a subscription.

Gaming and Streaming Services

Amazon is integrating its Luna game streaming service into the Prime Video app, initially available on Fire TV devices in the US and UK. Xbox is testing a free, ad-supported cloud gaming service, drawing inspiration from GeForce Now's model. Xbox is also bringing games from its original console to PC, complete with achievement support. Meta Horizon Plus is welcoming Xbox Game Pass for its Quest VR users, providing access to a larger game library. PlayStation Plus will be removing Dead Island, Harold Halibut, and seven other games in August.

Software and App Updates

Google has significantly improved Chrome on Android, reducing scroll stutters by 48% since 2023 through behind-the-scenes engineering efforts. An upgraded Android Switch iOS migration tool for Android 17 is now available on Samsung's latest foldables. Qobuz has overhauled its music player and added real-time lyrics, positioning itself as a strong alternative to Spotify. Steam has introduced updates to its gifting and wishlist features, allowing users to gift games without an account and categorize their wishlists.

Company News and Layoffs

Patreon is reportedly laying off 20 percent of its staff, despite its efforts to protect creators from AI. Uber has laid off 10 percent of its customer service team, opting to utilize AI in its place streamlining operations. Bethesda is facing accusations of violating Canadian labor laws with its layoffs in Montreal.

Regulatory and Legal Developments

The EU has given antitrust approval to the Saudi-led $55 billion takeover of EA with the acquisition. The EU has also granted Paramount approval to purchase Warner Bros. Discovery in Europe, provided Paramount ends its distribution business with Universal.

Other Tech News

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket is anticipated to crash into the moon in August, having been in orbit for over a year after its launch. The UK will legalize plug-in solar panels on August 27. Several federal agencies are contributing to the US's $5 billion Genesis Mission, which aims to boost scientific research with AI. Colorado is exploring a new approach to address the challenge of EV battery recycling. There are no consumer Wi-Fi routers that are 100% American-made.