Mobile News 3 Days

Last updated: August 4, 2026, 5:30 PM ET

Mobile Device Launches and Updates

OnePlus has officially exited the North American and European markets, with its official website now showing no available phones for sale in the US and Canada. Motorola is teasing the launch of a new Edge 70 Neo model, adding to its existing Edge 70 lineup. Oppo has officially unveiled the A7 Pro Max, which features Oppo's largest battery to date with a capacity of 10,000 mAh. Redmi is preparing to launch the K100 Pro, which will feature a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 V SoC, with design and key specifications already revealed. The Xiaomi Redmi 17 4G is available for sale in Europe, even though it has not yet been officially announced or seen in China. Honor Robot Phone is scheduled for a full unveiling on August 12, with camera details already confirmed and further specifications leaking. Indian handset maker Lava is preparing for its UK debut with the upcoming Agni 4N smartphone. Flipkart has revealed that Boltt's first smartphone will launch soon in India. iQOO Z11 is also slated for an India launch, as teased by the company's CEO.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Fold 8 Ultra are set to hit store shelves on August 7th, with pre-order deals offering significant trade-in discounts from Samsung. T-Mobile is offering a free Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 with eligible trade-in and new line activations, with this deal ending this week. Samsung is also providing No Cost EMI financing for its latest foldables in India, allowing customers to spread payments over up to 18 months without interest or a down payment. Select variants of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 are available for pre-order alongside new smartwatches. A recent poll indicated that the Galaxy Z Fold 8 is the most desired foldable, although its price tag remains a deterrent for many. Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra has received processor upgrades, brighter screens, and chassis tweaks, but the updates may not fully justify the "ultra" designation. Compared to the Galaxy Z Fold, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra offers numerous improvements, though Fold 6 users might retain their S Pen functionality. Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra is also being compared to the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold, with the Samsung model noted for its build and the Pixel for its durability.

Google's Pixel Pro marketing materials have leaked, showcasing a design similar to its predecessors, and the upcoming Made by Google event is expected to reveal the Pixel 11 series and Pixel Watch 5 a 15% discount on the Google Pixel 10a, bringing its price down to $424 for a limited time. Some Android users are finding workarounds for features like the Pixel's "Now Playing" music recognition using third-party apps.

Audio and Wearable Technology

CMF has announced its first pair of open-ear earbuds, priced at under $100. DJI's Mic 2S is the first in its Mini lineup to offer internal audio recording capabilities, including 32-bit float internal recording for creators. Sony has introduced a new Olive Gray color option for its flagship WH-1000XM6 noise-cancelling headphones. The wireless earbuds market is highly competitive, with many models tested and reviewed, and specific recommendations are available for those seeking the best options. Bluetooth multipoint connectivity is highlighted as an essential feature for modern headphones and earbuds, though not all devices offer it. For those prioritizing bass, specific considerations for headphone selection and adjustments are recommended to improve sound quality.

Smartwatches and smart rings offer different approaches to health tracking, and understanding their distinctions is important for consumers. Apple Watch users can customize their watch faces with numerous options to personalize the device.

Software, Services, and Other Tech News

The Department of Justice has extracted $3.2 million from OpenAI due to allegations of hiring discrimination. Microsoft is reportedly developing emulators to run older Xbox games on PCs and the upcoming Xbox Helix, as Xbox hardware sales have declined by 13% and content and services revenue by 10% year-over-year. Xbox is offering free 25th-anniversary gifts, including a dynamic theme and avatars, to its users. The European Union has implemented new, enforceable rules regarding AI transparency across the bloc. Google's AI assistant, Gemini Spark, now has the capability to browse the web using logged-in accounts and saved passwords for various online tasks. Google has also discontinued an unreleased AI app, which is noted as a departure from its usual practice of killing even successful services.

MS Paint has been shown to be capable of running the game Doom. A new Jersey antitrust lawsuit accuses Amazon of illegally leveraging its power over delivery contractors. Amazon is also developing an animated show based on Warhammer 40,000, with Henry Cavill involved in the project. Samsung will begin banning smart TV apps that expose users' internet connections, citing security concerns. New Samsung TVs will support HDR10+ Advanced streaming on Prime Video starting this month, featuring Enhanced Overall Brightness and Intelligent Motion Smoothing.

Windows 11 users, the Pro version is generally not necessary, as most users do not require its advanced features. The difference between ex FAT and NTFS file systems lies in their primary use cases, with ex FAT being better suited for cross-platform compatibility. Users are advised against charging laptops using their car's USB ports, as these ports are typically not powerful enough; alternative charging solutions are recommended. It is also advised not to place phones in refrigerators due to the risk of condensation damaging electronics. Using a phone while it is charging can affect its battery life, and understanding the truths and myths surrounding smartphone charging is important.

users can reconnect their streaming sticks or TVs to Wi-Fi even without the remote. PlayStation Plus subscription cancellations are straightforward for users who wish to discontinue the service. The expected lifespan of a PlayStation 5 console is a topic of interest, as is Sony's continued support for the PS5 after the release of the PS6. The 2026 solar eclipse will be best viewed from Spain or Iceland.

The TCL Note A1 NXTPAPER and Boox Go 10.3 Gen II ePaper notebooks have been tested for back-to-school season, with the TCL Tab A1 Plus NXTPAPER receiving a $100 launch discount in the United States. The Lexus ES 500e sedan is noted for its price and driving experience, but its electric vehicle technology feels somewhat outdated with a slow charging speed.

Anbernic RG SP, a modern remake of the Game Boy Advance SP, will be available starting August 5th, with early bird pricing offered. Users can sideload Android APKs on their Chromebooks, expanding the range of available applications beyond the Google Play Store. USB-C becoming the standard, users are advised to review their collection of USB adapters and discard those that are no longer needed.

The television series "Babylon 5" is now available to watch for free on YouTube, episode by episode. Amazon is developing a Warhammer 40,000 animated series, and Henry Cavill is involved in the production.