Mobile News 3 Days

Last updated: July 28, 2026, 2:30 PM ET

Mobile Phones and Foldables

Honor is gearing up to launch its "Robot Phone," emphasizing its AiMAGE image engine and cinema-level camera capabilities. Meanwhile, Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 8 is receiving praise for its wider display, enhancing media consumption. The company is also hinting at a "reasonable" price point for its upcoming Galaxy Glasses. Samsung's next tri-fold device, rumored for 2027, could aim for wider mainstream availability. In other foldable news, the Galaxy Z Fold8 and Z Fold8 Ultra have launched, featuring a wider 4:3 aspect ratio for improved usability. AT&T is offering a deal on the Galaxy Z Flip 8 for around $5.56 per month with a trade-in, and T-Mobile is giving away the Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 with a new line and plan. The Huawei Pura 90s Pro Max has also been reviewed, and the Honor X7e Plus has arrived with an 8,100mAh battery and a 6.87-inch screen. The HMD Asha, described as a "lite smartphone" with a removable battery, has debuted in the Philippines. The upcoming One Plus 16 might face challenges with global availability despite potential flagship upgrades. The Redmi Note 17 series is set to launch in India on August 6, with global pricing also leaking. The vivo S2 has been officially teased with a "flagship inspired design", and the vivo T5e, a budget phone with a 5,500mAh battery and 90Hz display, has expanded vivo's T5 lineup in India. The vivo X300 E has been made official in China, featuring a Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 SoC and a Zeiss-backed triple-rear camera. The Poco M8 Power is set to debut next week with an 8,000mAh battery, and Oppo has confirmed the A7 Pro Max with its largest battery ever, a 10,000 mAh cell. The iQOO Z11 is expected to launch in India with a different processor and a 3D curved display. Motorola's Edge 70 Max could be a hit, contingent on a price cut, due to its large, high-quality display and powerful chipset.

Wearables and Smart Home

Samsung is internally testing One UI 9 for the Galaxy S25 series, based on Android, though the beta is currently only for the Galaxy S26 line. Google's Pixel Watch may soon receive an update that automatically unlocks it when a paired Pixel phone is unlocked. The Apple Watch SE 3 is significantly cheaper due to the exclusion of certain features why is it cheaper. Samsung's Galaxy Watch Ultra2 is now available for review, offering improvements over previous models. Users can customize their Samsung Galaxy Watch with a free design tool for creating unique watch faces. The Xiaomi Smart Band 10 Pro has been reviewed globally. Amazon is planning to deploy 5,105 satellites for its direct-to-mobile service, having already launched over 390. Nanoleaf's Smart LED Monitor Stand, an all-in-one desk brightening solution, is available for $169.99 monitor stand. Amazon's Echo Dot Max offers better bass and a newer processor compared to the standard Echo Dot.

Apps, Services, and Software

WhatsApp has added support for encrypted calls on the web. The HBO Max app has introduced a "shorts" feature. Google's latest Play services and Play Store updates are enhancing Wallet, Wear OS, Play Games, and app discovery with seamless wrist payments and a revamped storefront feed. Meta AI is now accessible via direct messages for all Threads users, following its integration into Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp DMs. YouTube Premium subscribers will soon receive Peacock at no extra cost early next year. Users can now access a developer menu within Android Auto to tweak settings. Chat GPT has begun refusing requests to write in the style of famous authors. A leak suggests Google's Gemini Daily Brief may introduce "tuning" for personalized proactive assistance on Android devices. Motorola has launched the Indigenous Collections app, an Android application designed for language and cultural preservation from the Rainy Lake Ojibwe community.

Gaming and Entertainment

Xbox experienced a major outage due to a licensing service outside of the Xbox platform. Users also reported difficulty playing disc-based games during the outage. Spotify suffered another significant outage. The PlayStation App on Android had login issues related to two-factor authentication, but a workaround was found. God of War Laufey is scheduled to release on PS5 on February 16.

Audio and Accessories

Honor has detailed the cameras for its upcoming Robot Phone, which aims to bring cinematography-level features to everyday use. The 60-60 rule is recommended for protecting hearing when using AirPods. Information has been provided on what differentiates swimming headphones from regular headphones. Engadget has compiled a list of the best wireless headphones for 2026.

Other Tech and Industry News

Researchers have found that a majority of AI models on Hugging Face can generate non-consensual deepfakes. The Trump administration is exempting data centers from pollution laws aimed at preventing acid rain. Old iPhones can be repurposed with various tips, and old Google Pixel smartphones could be utilized in data centers, promoting recycling. Qualcomm's chip prices are increasing, which is expected to raise the cost of future phones. Apple is reportedly planning to unveil its smart glasses in June 2027, with a commercial launch later that year. Samsung's Galaxy S27 Pro and Ultra models may feature significant battery upgrades. Discussions on the differences between USB 3.0 and 2.0 highlight speed variations. The reason MacBook Air models do not require a fan is attributed to the efficient performance of Apple Silicon. Phone batteries continue to drain even when devices are powered off due to ongoing processes. Tips are available for safely cleaning USB ports, advising against certain cleaning agents. Best Buy's annual Back to School sale includes numerous deals for students.

Robotaxis and Emerging Mobility

Lyft and Baidu have commenced testing of their robotaxis in London, in partnership with Freenow. Mercedes-Benz's 2027 C-Class Electric is described as a long-range EV with a few cabin quirks.

AI and Data Centers

The Trump administration is exempting data centers from pollution regulations intended to curb acid rain. Old Google Pixel smartphones could be repurposed for use in data centers, contributing to device reuse.

E-readers and Displays

Boox has teased a smaller e-reader called the Picco, designed for portability.

AI Models and Content Generation

Researchers have discovered that a significant portion of AI models on Hugging Face are capable of generating non-consensual deepfakes. Chat GPT has started declining requests to mimic the writing styles of famous authors.