Mobile News 3 Days

Last updated: August 1, 2026, 5:30 AM ET

Smartphone and Wearable News

Samsung's Galaxy FE is confirmed to exist and is expected to launch this year. Leaks suggest the upcoming Galaxy S27 Ultra will feature a substantial overhaul, including a large 5,700mAh silicon-carbon battery and a redesigned camera module. Rumors also that Samsung might have a surprise device in development for next year, potentially including four foldable models. Samsung's mobile has reported its first-ever loss, attributed to soaring memory prices, while its chip division is experiencing opposite trends. Galaxy Watch Ultra may soon face serious competition from Motorola's Moto Watch Ultra, according to leaked renders of the flagship smartwatch competitor. Motorola is also rumored to be releasing a Swarovski Edition of the Razr 2026, featuring a deep space-like colorway.

Apple anticipates a significant customer demand in the upcoming September quarter (Q3) that its supply chain may not be able to meet. iPhone and Apple Watch users in Oklahoma will soon be able to add their driver's licenses and IDs to the Apple Wallet app. Global smartphone have experienced a six percent fall in the first half of 2026 due to the ongoing memory cost crisis, although Apple and Samsung have both seen their market share increase. Counterpoint data a 15% decrease in global smartphone chipset shipments during the same period. Samsung is reportedly working on a new pair of Galaxy Buds featuring an ear hook design, which could appeal to fitness enthusiasts. These new Buds On are expected to offer a clip-on form factor, a design already common among competitors.

Samsung Galaxy S26 FE's pricing has been leaked, indicating potential price hikes across all storage tiers, with a rumored September 1 launch. Conversely, Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Fold 8 Ultra are already available with significant trade-in discounts from Samsung, with retail availability starting August 7th. Samsung also record pre-orders for the Galaxy Z Fold8, Fold8 Ultra, and Z Flip8 after their unveiling last week. A leaked feature for the Galaxy Z Fold 8 suggests an app-level "zoom level" option for enhanced customization. Samsung Galaxy Tab S12 series launch timeframe has been confirmed for this year by a Samsung executive. Samsung Ballie's app UI may have leaked, indicating a surprising return for the device.

Google is preparing to unveil the Pixel 11 family on August 12th, with promotional renders of the Pixel 11 Pro Fold already leaked, showcasing a familiar design with a refined camera bar, a new Pine finish, and a larger flash. A Google teaser for the Pixel 11 Pro also highlights a new "Pixel Glow" feature and hints at an updated camera bar. Google addressed a Pixel battery drain issue with a July update, though some users report ongoing problems, with fixes expected for the Pixel 9a and 8a in September. Amazon is offering discounts of up to $250 on the Google Pixel 10 and Pixel 10 Pro ahead of the Pixel 11 series launch. Android 17 Beta 8 has been released, including a fix for a persistent audio bug affecting Pixel devices.

The CMF by Nothing is set to launch its Clip Pro OWS earbuds in August. Motorola has unveiled the Moto Pad 70 Groove, described as an entertainment tablet with a 12.1-inch display, JBL Pro Speaker System, and a 10,200 mAh battery. Xiaomi Pad 8S Pro is anticipated to launch with Xiaomi's next self-developed chipset. OnePlus N6x has debuted in India, featuring a 6.8-inch display, a 7,000mAh battery, and a Dimensity 6360 Apex chipset. Tecno has revealed a concept phone with a 0mm display border, approaching an all-screen design, ahead of its IFA 2026 debut. Honor X6e has been officially launched with a 7,500 mAh battery, joining the crowded X6 lineup. The Oppo A7 Pro Max is scheduled to launch with a 10,000mAh battery.

AI and Software Developments

Snapchat will no longer feature AI-generated videos in its public recommendations to combat "AI slop." Google rolled back its AI image generation tools for Google Earth after a short period of availability. The EU will mandate labels on AI-generated content that appears authentic starting August 2nd, a measure described as crucial for customer and democracy protection. LinkedIn testing a reporting tool for content that "seems like AI slop" and is also removing some of its own AI-writing features. Major music are calling for AI-generated songs to be banned from global music charts due to the daily influx of tens of thousands of AI tracks. new Friend pendant, an AI wearable, has been updated with a speaker and enhanced models, maintaining its controversial approach to AI interaction.

WhatsApp planning to introduce a new folder specifically for messages from large businesses to help users manage their main chat list. Google released Lyria 3.5 in Flow Music, offering upgraded tempo, vocal, and musical controls for users with its AI capabilities. Users can transfer their data from Chat GPT to Claude more easily with a step-by-step guide. ChatGPT Roblox are reportedly set to be subject to stricter regulations in the EU as they are expected to be added to the 'very large online platform' list. Australia's social ban for individuals under 16 has shown limited impact, with no significant change in AI chatbot usage observed.

Gaming and Entertainment

Sony plans to proceed with its decision to discontinue PS5 game discs despite considerable backlash. Sony confirmed it has secured sufficient RAM for all anticipated PS5 sales this year, addressing concerns about the ongoing memory shortage. Microsoft has begun rolling out the Xbox app to Hisense TVs and other TVs running VIDAA OS, enabling users to stream Xbox games without a console. Xbox's tech stated that game discs should have functioned during a recent outage, with a fix for the error expected soon. Ubisoft shutting down its NFT game, "Champions Tactics: Grimoria Chronicles," two years after the initial NFT craze subsided.

"Super Mario is reportedly slated to be the next Game Cube title released for the Nintendo Switch. "Pokémon Pokopia's" DLC, featuring a new underwater exploration area and a dive mechanic, will arrive on Switch 2 on August 5th. Netflix has paid $500 million to extend its streaming rights for "The Walking Dead" and its spinoffs, sharing them with AMC+. Netflix has surpassed the BBC in a recent UK audience survey.

Other Tech and Industry News

SpaceXAI estimates it will take a year to fully remove unpermitted gas turbines from its Mississippi data center, following accusations of violating the Clean Air Act by the NAACP. Engadget notes that there are ways to protest against data centers concerning noise, utility costs, or pollution. EU's Right to Repair directive is now in effect, which is expected to make it easier to fix electronic devices over time. Qualcomm officially confirmed an upcoming price increase for its Snapdragon chipsets across the board.

Apple CEO Cook indicated that the upcoming September quarter (Q3) will experience customer demand that the supply chain will struggle to meet. The EU will mandate labels on authentic-looking AI content starting August 2nd, a move aimed at consumer and democracy protection. $2 sticker has been found to bypass the anti-creep feature on Meta's smart glasses, which are designed to alert bystanders when recording. HoverAir has introduced the Versa, a product that combines a gimbal camera and a drone. Amazon's Zoox received regulatory approval from the NHTSA to offer paid rides, making it the first robotaxi without a steering wheel to do so. Waymo has resumed highway operations for its robotaxis after a pause initiated in May due to incidents involving closed construction zones. AT&T has finalized its acquisition of $23 billion worth of spectrum licenses from Echo Star to expand its 5G network capabilities.

Pandora's ad-free Pandora Premium, is priced at less than $10 a month in 2026, with its value proposition discussed. Spotify has introduced a new Running Mode for its iOS app in select countries for Premium subscribers. PSP classic has been released on iOS and Android with a free trial for the remastered puzzle game. Casio has launched a new ring watch that acts as a competitor to the Oura ring.

EU's Digital Services Act may soon subject Chat GPT and Roblox to stricter rules, potentially categorizing them as 'very large online platforms'. Reddit's CEO frustration with Google's AI overviews, stating users desire Reddit content rather than summaries. Lenovo is offering a 17% discount on its Idea Pad Slim 3 Chromebook at Amazon, making it a more affordable option for the Back to School season. TCL's NXTPAPER Gen 2 drawing tablet is currently at its lowest price ever on Amazon for the Back to School season.

DoorDash has received FAA approval for its in-house developed drone delivery service, Door Dash Air. Researchers have developed a drone that spins so rapidly that it is nearly imperceptible to the human eye. TP-Link routers being discussed in relation to FCC matters. It is generally believed that regularly restarting a phone can improve performance, though the actual benefits are debated.