Mobile News 3 Days

Last updated: August 2, 2026, 5:30 AM ET

Foldable Phones and New Samsung Devices

Galaxy Z Fold8 is the most anticipated foldable from Samsung, according to a recent poll, but its high price may deter potential buyers. Despite the cost Samsung is offering distinct foldable options with the Galaxy Z Fold, Z Fold 8 Ultra, and Z Flip, targeting different consumer needs. Owners of the Galaxy Z Fold 7 may wonder if their existing cases will fit the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra. Samsung also reportedly preparing a surprise device for next year, possibly including the Flip9, Fold9, Fold9 Ultra, and a Tri Fold. Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Fold 8 Ultra are available for pre-order, with Samsung offering trade-in discounts that can bring the price down to as low as $699.99.

Smartphone and Chipset Updates

Qualcomm officially confirmed a price increase across its Snapdragon chipsets, following earlier speculation. Global smartphone have experienced a six percent decline, partly attributed to the memory cost crisis, though Apple and Samsung have managed to increase their market share. iQOO Z11's launch in India has been teased by the company's CEO, following the recent release of the Z11 Lite. Samsung's upcoming S26 FE has had its camera specifications surface, with a company executive confirming its existence and hinting at a launch this year. There are also leaks suggesting a massive camera and battery overhaul for the Galaxy S27 Ultra, potentially featuring a 5,700mAh silicon-carbon battery. conflicting rumors suggest the Galaxy S27 Ultra might miss out on two significant upgrades. The Fairphone 6+ has emerged in a listing with a surprisingly large amount of RAM, despite the ongoing global memory chip crisis.

Google's Pixel Lineup and Software

Google is rumored to be developing a tracker called "Pixel Tag" to help users keep tabs on their belongings. Leaked renders of the Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold reveal a familiar design with a refined camera bar, a new Pine finish, and a larger flash. Pixel 11 Pro Fold is expected to be unveiled on August 12th, alongside the rest of the Pixel 11 family. In terms of software, Gemini's new Android overlay, featuring a blurred UI for a cleaner look, is now reaching Android phones. Android 17 Beta 8 has been released, finally fixing a persistent audio bug for Pixel users and improving the preview's usability ahead of the stable September release. Google also stated that it has fixed a Pixel battery drain issue, though some users disagree, with fixes for the Pixel 9a and 8a slated for September. Amazon is offering discounts of up to $250 on the Google Pixel 10 and Pixel 10 Pro, preceding the anticipated launch of the Pixel 11 series. Google Voice subscriptions offer additional features beyond just a phone number.

Smart Glasses and Wearable Technology

Smart glasses being positioned as a potential "next frontier" in consumer technology, though a recent poll indicates that widespread adoption is still uncertain. Meta's smart have a feature intended to alert bystanders when recording, but bypassing this safety measure is reportedly quite simple with a $2 sticker. Snap is planning to showcase its AR Specs at a September 16th event, promising an in-depth look at the $2,195 glasses. new Friend pendant, an AI wearable, has been updated with a speaker and newer models, continuing its controversial approach to AI integration. Casio has introduced a new ring watch that appears to be a competitor to the Oura ring, offering a stylish alternative.

Audio and Entertainment Devices

Motorola is preparing to launch the Moto Watch Ultra, which could present significant competition for the Galaxy Watch Ultra. CMF Nothing has announced the Clip Pro, a set of OWS earbuds scheduled for release in August. Samsung is reportedly developing Galaxy Buds with an ear hook design, potentially catering to workout enthusiasts and competing with brands like Shokz. Sony's last-generation headphones are currently available for $150 off during Best Buy's Back to School sale. PSP classic Lumines has been released on iOS and Android, offering a free trial for the remastered puzzle game. Sonos planning a product event for September, which is expected to focus on AI integration.

Other Mobile and Tech News

WhatsApp is developing a new folder to manage messages from large businesses, aiming to reduce clutter in users' main chat lists. EU's Right to Repair directive is now in effect, which will eventually make it easier to fix electronic devices. Global oil are influencing a shift towards electrified vehicles, with 50 countries setting quarterly sales records in Q2 2026. Apple's CarPlay can sometimes be finicky, and troubleshooting steps are available for when it isn't working. iPhone Apple Watch users in Oklahoma will soon be able to store their driver's licenses and IDs in the Apple Wallet app. Spotify has introduced a new "Running Mode" for its Premium subscribers in several countries, designed to enhance the listening experience during workouts. mobile game Lumines, originally a PSP classic, is now available on iOS and Android.

Gaming and PC Hardware

Sony plans to proceed with its decision to discontinue physical PS5 game discs, despite significant backlash. company confirmed securing sufficient RAM for its projected PS5 sales this year, addressing concerns about memory shortages. Electronic Arts set to become a private company next week, following the closure of its $55 billion deal. Super Mario is slated to be the next Game Cube title added to the Nintendo Switch. Maingear has launched a new line of "Zero" pre-built PCs designed with a hidden-cable aesthetic for a clean look.

AI and Social Media Developments

The EU will mandate labels on authentic-looking AI-generated content starting August 2nd, citing customer and democracy protection. Snapchat is implementing measures to combat AI-generated content in its Spotlight feature, with videos created by AI no longer appearing in public recommendations. LinkedIn testing a reporting tool for content that appears to be "AI slop" and is also removing some of its own AI-writing features. Meta, TikTok and Google are facing a wrongful death lawsuit from four US families who accuse the companies of creating addictive and dangerous platforms. Australia's ban on social media for individuals under 16 has shown limited impact so far, with no significant change in AI chatbot usage. Google briefly AI generation tools in Google Earth that allowed users to create misleading images, but has since rolled back the feature. Reddit's CEO expressed frustration with Google's AI overviews, stating that users want direct access to Reddit content, not summaries.

Future Tech and Industry Trends

Honda is partnering with a new company to advance solid-state battery technology, indicating significant changes planned for its EV lineup. Silicon carbon are being adopted by major Chinese smartphone manufacturers, and Samsung has now incorporated them into its new Fold lineup. The durability of a MacBook is a key consideration, with factors like hardware obsolescence and ended support influencing its lifespan. A new drone has been developed that spins at such a high speed that it is barely visible to the human eye. Amazon's Zoox received regulatory approval for paid rides, making it the first steering wheel-free robotaxi to do so. EU's Right to Repair directive, which aims to make device repairs easier, comes into effect today.