Mobile News 3 Days

Last updated: August 1, 2026, 11:30 AM ET

Foldable Phones and Upcoming Releases

Samsung has embraced silicon carbon battery technology in its new Fold lineup, and this innovation is also appearing in handsets from major Chinese smartphone makers. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Fold 8 Ultra are set to release on August 7th, with pre-orders offering trade-in discounts as low as $699.99. Google is expected to unveil its Pixel 11 family on August 12th, with promotional renders of the Pixel 11 Pro Fold leaking, showing a familiar design with a refined camera bar, a new Pine finish, and a larger flash. A new teaser from Google for the Pixel 11 Pro offers a closer look at the new "Pixel Glow" feature and hints at a new camera bar functionality. It is suggested that consumers looking to buy a foldable phone should consider waiting until August 12th to see what Google will offer with the Pixel 11 Pro Fold.

Smartphone Hardware and Features

Samsung's upcoming S27 Ultra is rumored to feature a massive 5,700mAh silicon-carbon battery and a redesigned camera island. However, some suggest that the Galaxy S27 Ultra might omit two significant upgrades previously anticipated. Samsung Galaxy S26 FE's existence has been confirmed by a Samsung executive, with hints that the phone will launch this year. Pricing Samsung Galaxy S26 FE has leaked, indicating potential price hikes across all storage tiers, with a rumored September 1st release date. Samsung also reportedly working on a pair of Galaxy Buds with an ear hook design, which could appeal to fitness enthusiasts. The company's original Galaxy Smart Tag launched in 2021, followed by the Smart Tag2 in 2023, and the Smart Tag3 is expected soon with a new shape. Google's Pixel tracker is rumored to be on the way to help users keep track of their belongings. The Tecno company has unveiled a concept phone with a 0mm display border, representing the closest thing to an all-screen phone. Qualcomm officially confirmed that it will be increasing prices for its Snapdragon chipsets across the board. Global smartphone have fallen by six percent due to the ongoing memory cost crisis, though Apple and Samsung have seen their market share increase. Global smartphone shipments were down 15% in the first half of 2026, impacting component suppliers.

Software and AI Developments

Gemini's new overlay is rolling out with a background blur for a more integrated feel. Android 17 Beta 8 has been released, addressing a persistent audio bug for Pixel users and preparing for a stable September release. Google is rolling back some AI generation tools it had added to Google Earth after users had less than a day to create misleading images. Google Earth incorporating Nano Banana, allowing users to leverage AI for city reworks or estate plans. Snapchat cracking down on AI-generated content in its Spotlight feature, with AI-made videos no longer appearing in public recommendations. LinkedIn testing an "AI slop" reporting tool and is removing some of its own AI-writing features. The EU will mandate labels on authentic-looking AI content starting August 2nd, aiming to protect customers and democracy. Major music are calling for AI-generated songs to be banned from music charts globally, as tens of thousands of such songs are uploaded daily. Bloomberg reports that Chat GPT and Roblox will soon be added to the EU's list of "very large online platforms," subjecting them to stricter rules. launched Lyria 3.5 in Flow Music, offering enhanced tempo, vocal, and musical control for users.

Wearables and Accessories

CMF Nothing has teased new wireless earphones, the CMF Clip Pro OWS earphones, set to launch on August 4th. Casio has released a new ring watch that appears to be a competitor to the Oura ring. Meta's smart have a bypassable anti-creep feature, which can be circumvented with a simple $2 sticker. Snap will its AR Specs, priced at $2,195, at a September 16th event. Motorola is reportedly preparing the Moto Watch Ultra, its first attempt at a flagship smartwatch, which could rival the Galaxy Watch Ultra. iPhone and Apple Watch users in Oklahoma will soon be able to add their driver's licenses and IDs to the Apple Wallet app.

Laptops and PCs

The lifespan of a new MacBook is influenced by hardware obsolescence and ended support, making these significant considerations when purchasing. Leaked renders a first look at Lenovo's upcoming Googlebook devices. Amazon is offering a 17% discount on a Lenovo Chromebook, making it more affordable than ever. Maingear has introduced a new lineup of pre-built PCs called "Zero," featuring a hidden-cable design for a clean aesthetic.

Gaming and Entertainment

Sony plans to discontinue PS5 game discs despite widespread criticism, as stated in their latest earnings call. Xbox has stated that game discs should have functioned during their recent outage, and a fix is expected soon. Sony secured enough RAM for all the PS5 consoles it anticipates selling this year, alleviating concerns about shortages. Microsoft is rolling out the Xbox app to Hisense TVs and other TVs powered by VIDAA OS, allowing users to stream Xbox games without a console. Super Mario is confirmed as the next Game Cube addition for the Switch, featuring a sunny platformer from 2002. Pokopia's first DLC for Switch 2 is releasing on August 5th, adding a new underwater location and a dive mechanic. Ubisoft shutting down its NFT game, Champions Tactics: Grimoria Chronicles, two years after the NFT craze declined. Electronic Arts expected to become a private company next week, with its $55 billion deal closing by August 4th. Lego has introduced its latest Smart Play sets, putting its own spin on the Pokémon franchise with building, training, and battling elements. PSP classic has been released on iOS and Android with a free trial for the remastered puzzle game.

Network and Connectivity

AT&T has finalized its acquisition of $23 billion worth of spectrum licenses from Echo Star, significantly expanding its 5G capabilities. RedPocket Mobile users to choose their preferred "Big Three" network, with plans now starting at $10. Visible is offering a year of Unlimited 5G wireless for $19 per month with a specific promo code. Suggestions are provided on how to speed up a router if experiencing slow download speeds, before considering a router upgrade.

Other Tech News

EU's Right to Repair directive is now in effect, aiming to make it easier to fix electronic devices. SpaceXAI anticipates a year to fully remove unpermitted gas turbines from its Mississippi data center, following accusations of violating the Clean Air Act. A new drone design is so fast that the human eye can barely perceive its movement. NASA sent a spacecraft named LINK to rescue the falling Swift observatory, but its mission's success is now uncertain. Waymo has resumed highway operations after pausing them in May due to robotaxis entering closed construction zones. Amazon's Zoox received regulatory approval from the NHTSA to charge for rides, marking the first driverless robotaxi to do so. Australia's social ban for individuals under 16 has shown limited impact so far, with no significant change in AI chatbot usage. Pandora's ad-free will be under $10 a month in 2026, with Pandora Premium considered worthwhile for some users.