Mobile News 3 Days

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

Foldable Phones and Battery Innovations

Samsung's Galaxy Fold 8 and Z Fold 8 Ultra are set to hit shelves on August 7th, with pre-orders offering trade-in discounts that could bring the price down to $699.99 . new Fold lineup will feature silicon-carbon batteries, a technology embraced by several major Chinese smartphone makers and now adopted by Samsung . For those wondering about case compatibility, old Galaxy Z Fold 7 cases may not fit the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra . Meanwhile, Google expected to reveal its Pixel 11 Pro Fold on August 12th, with leaked renders showing a familiar design featuring a refined camera bar and a new Pine finish . Samsung also reportedly preparing a surprise device for next year, potentially including four new foldables like the Flip9 and Fold9 Ultra .

Smartphone Updates and New Releases

Samsung Galaxy S26 FE is confirmed to launch this year, with a representative hinting at its arrival . Leaked information the Galaxy S27 Ultra suggests a significant overhaul, including a massive 5,700mAh silicon-carbon battery and a redesigned camera island, although some rumors indicate potential omissions of major upgrades . Android 17 Beta 8 has been released, fixing a long-standing audio bug for Pixel users as Google prepares for a stable September release . Honor is set to officially unveil Magic OS 11 based on Android 17 on August 12th, with an early access program already open for the Magic V6 . Xiaomi Pad 8S Pro is in development, featuring Xiaomi's next self-developed chipset . Huawei has announced an event for August 5th, where it will unveil the nova 16 SE, along with new versions of the Mate Book Fold Ultimate Design and Mate Pad Pro . The Oppo A7 Pro Max, featuring a 10,000mAh battery, will launch soon with revealed color options and pricing . Honor X6e has been added to the X6 lineup, boasting a 7,500mAh battery . OnePlus has launched the N6x in India, an affordable version of the One Plus N6, featuring a 6.8-inch display and a 7,000mAh battery . Tecno has unveiled a concept phone with a 0mm display border, claiming it's the closest thing to an all-screen phone .

Accessories and Wearables

Samsung is reportedly working on a new pair of Galaxy Buds with an ear hook design, which could offer a secure option for workouts and compete with brands like Shokz . Google is rumored to be developing a "Pixel Tag" tracker to help users keep tabs on their belongings . Samsung's next of trackers, the Galaxy Smart Tag3, is expected to feature a new shape . Motorola is preparing to launch the Moto Watch Ultra, its first potential competitor to the Galaxy Watch Ultra, with leaked renders available . Casio has introduced a new ring watch that appears to be an Oura competitor .

Gaming and Entertainment

Sony will with its plan to discontinue PlayStation 5 game discs despite backlash . Microsoft is rolling out the Xbox app to Hisense TVs and other VIDAA OS-powered televisions, allowing users to play Xbox games without a console . Super Mario is slated to be the next Game Cube addition for the Nintendo Switch 2 . PSP classic Lumines has been released on iOS and Android with a free trial . Electronic Arts set to become a private company next week, with its $55 billion deal expected to close by August 4th .

AI, Software, and Services

Meta, TikTok and Google are facing a wrongful death lawsuit from four US families who accuse the companies of creating addictive and dangerous platforms . Snapchat is implementing stricter measures against 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 removing some of its own AI-writing features . The EU will mandate labels on authentic-looking AI content starting August 2nd, citing customer and democracy protection . ChatGPT Roblox are reportedly set to be subject to tighter rules in the EU, potentially being added to the 'very large online platform' list . Google's Gemini is rolling out a new blurred UI to Android phones for a cleaner, more integrated feel . Google pulled AI generation tools from Google Earth after less than a day, following user feedback . However, Nano 2 image generation is now available in Google Earth, allowing users to leverage AI for city reworks . Reddit's CEO expressed frustration with Google's AI overviews, stating users want Reddit content, not summaries . The AI wearable "Friend" pendant has received updates, including a speaker and new models .

Connectivity and Infrastructure

tethering can offer better performance than a Wi-Fi hotspot in certain situations, and instructions on how to enable it are available . Apple CarPlay be a finicky system requiring occasional troubleshooting, with guidance provided on what to check when it isn't working . Slow Wi-Fi might be improved with router tweaks before considering an upgrade . TP-Link routers under scrutiny, with information available regarding the FCC . SpaceXAI expects to take a year to fully remove unpermitted gas turbines from its Mississippi data center, following accusations of Clean Air Act violations . Global smartphone have fallen by six percent due to the memory cost crisis, though Apple and Samsung have seen their market share increase . Samsung's mobile has posted its first-ever loss, attributed to soaring memory prices .

Other Tech News

EU's Right to Repair directive offtakes effect, aiming to make electronic device repairs more accessible over time. Apple is unable to meet demand in the upcoming September quarter (Q3), according to CEO Tim Cook . Qualcomm has confirmed an upcoming price increase for its Snapdragon chipsets across the board . Honda is partnering with another company to advance solid-state battery technology for its future EV line . Meta Glasses' anti-creep feature can be bypassed with a simple $2 sticker, raising privacy concerns . CMF Nothing is preparing to launch its Clip Pro OWS earbuds in August . Ayaneo Konkr Pocket Advance, a Game Boy Advance remake, will be released in navy and orange colorways . DJI Osmo Pocket 4P is now available globally and is considered a top-tier portable gimbal camera with a new 3x lens and a 1-inch main camera . A new drone has been developed that spins so fast it is barely visible to the human eye . Amazon's Zoox has received regulatory approval for paid rides, marking the first steering wheel-free autonomous vehicle to do so .