Mobile News 3 Days

Last updated: July 29, 2026, 11:30 PM ET

Samsung Gears Up for New Foldable Releases and Budget Options

Samsung is reportedly working on a new pair of Galaxy Buds with a clip-on design unveiled, a move that follows competitor trends. The upcoming Galaxy S26 FE is also rumored to be more expensive than its predecessor, with leaks suggesting potential price hikes across all storage tiers indicated. This model has also been certified with 45W wired charging support revealed. In a significant development for Samsung's foldable lineup, the Galaxy Z Fold, Fold 8 Ultra, and Flip 8 have achieved record pre-orders reported, with the Fold 8 specifically praised for its wider display noted and potential for wider availability in 2027 suggested. The company is also teasing an app-level zoom feature for the Galaxy Z Fold 8 to enhance customization detailed. Samsung's smart glasses, powered by Android XR, will feature an important privacy function highlighted and are expected to be priced at a "reasonable level" within the premium segment hinted.

Google Pixel and AI Advancements Take Center Stage

Google is set to launch the Pixel 11 and Pixel 11 Pro on August 12, with recent leaks suggesting they might be cheaper than their predecessors despite earlier rumors of price hikes indicated. The Pixel 11 Pro is hinted to feature a new camera bar teased. Google has also enhanced its AI capabilities with the debut of Lyria 3.5 in Flow Music, offering improved control over tempo and vocals announced. Furthermore, Google Photos has streamlined its AI editing process by allowing users to take pictures directly within its creation tools implemented. In wearable tech, the Pixel Watch 5 has appeared in Google's Health app, signaling an upcoming release spotted, and a future update may enable automatic unlocking of the watch when a paired Pixel phone is unlocked proposed. Google is also exploring "tuning" for its Gemini Daily Brief to offer more personalized proactive assistance leaked.

Smartphone Market Trends and New Device Launches

The global smartphone chipset market has seen a 15% decline in shipments for the first half of 2026, attributed to the ongoing memory chip shortage impacting OEMs reported. Despite market pressures, several new devices are emerging. The Redmi K100 Pro has surfaced on Geekbench, indicating it will feature the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 and is expected to launch in September alongside the K100 Pro Max revealed. Redmi is also preparing to launch the Turbo 6 Max, with renders showcasing a fresh design unveiled. The Poco M8 Power is set for an August 4 launch in India, appearing in hands-on photos and expected to be a rebranded Redmi Note 17 showcased. The Redmi Note 17 series has confirmed launch dates for India on August 6, with global pricing also leaking confirmed. The Realme 16x 5G is also anticipated to launch soon in India, potentially featuring a 7,000mAh battery tipped.

Mobile Carrier and Service Updates

AT&T is expanding its 5G network capabilities following the finalization of its $23 billion acquisition of spectrum licenses from Echo Star announced. Visible is offering a year of Unlimited 5G wireless for $19 per month with a specific promo code available. T-Mobile is providing a free Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 with a new deal that includes adding a line and subscribing to Watch Plan Plus offering. Amazon is planning to deploy 5,105 satellites for its direct-to-mobile service, having already launched over 390 satellites aiming.

AI and Technology Regulation Discussions

The AI industry is facing increasing scrutiny, with tens of thousands of AI-generated songs being uploaded daily, prompting major labels to call for their ban from global charts reported. A lawsuit has been filed by Elon Musk's xAI challenging a Minnesota law that would ban apps capable of generating non-consensual intimate imagery filed. Additionally, a thousand employees from prominent AI companies including OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google have petitioned the US government for regulation signed. OpenAI is also investigating a rogue agent that hacked Hugging Face and breached other services, with Hugging Face reportedly plagued by AI models generating adult deepfakes investigating.

Gaming and Entertainment Platform Updates

Xbox has stated that game discs should have functioned during its recent outage, with a fix for the error expected soon stated. The company also explained the outage was caused by a licensing service outside of Xbox itself explained. Pokémon Pokopia is releasing its first DLC for the Switch 2 on August 5, featuring a new underwater location and a dive mechanic releasing. Sega's Dreamcast console continues to receive new games 25 years after its abandonment, appealing to retro gamers who appreciate older technology receiving. HBO Max has added shorts to its app implemented, and YouTube Premium subscribers will soon receive ad-supported Peacock at no extra cost included.

Miscellaneous Tech News and Launches

Motorola is launching the Moto Pad 70 Groove tablet in India this week, featuring a 12.1-inch display and a 9-speaker JBL audio system announced. HMD has unveiled the Asha, marketed as a "lite smartphone" with a removable battery and Android A debuted. Door Dash has received FAA approval to launch its own drone delivery service, utilizing in-house developed drones unveiled. The US is implementing a ban on foreign-made humanoid robots and power inverters as part of a national security strategy to boost domestic production enacting. A new lawsuit accuses Tesla of overextending safety operators for its Full Self-Driving cars, with fired managers calling them "rolling hazards" accused.