Mobile News 3 Days

Last updated: August 5, 2026, 11:30 AM ET

Smartphone Launches and Rumors

Xiaomi is launching the Redmi Note 17 5G in India tomorrow, August 6th, with an online-only event live-streamed on YouTube starting at 12:00 PM IST. Realme confirmed that the Realme 16x will debut in India on August 12th, with its 7,000mAh battery capacity already revealed. iQOO Z11 which first launched in China in March, is finally coming to India on August 20th, though it will feature a different design and hardware than its international counterparts. Huawei has officially unveiled the nova 16 SE in China, featuring a substantial 8,500mAh battery and a 6.84-inch display with a claimed 8,000 nits brightness. Oppo is preparing to launch the F35 family in India within the next few weeks, with the F35 Pro rumored to be a rebranded device featuring a large battery. The Oppo A7 Pro Max has been officially unveiled, boasting Oppo's largest battery to date at 10,000 mAh, and its camera setup and rugged build have also been detailed. Poco has introduced the Poco M8 Power, which includes a 120Hz screen, a Snapdragon 4 Gen 4 SoC, and an impressive 8,000 mAh battery. The budget Redmi 17 4G has been listed for sale in Europe, despite not yet being officially announced or seen in China.

Infinix Note 40 Pro+ 5G has been launched in India, featuring a 120Hz AMOLED display and a 108MP primary camera. The Honor Robot Phone is slated for a full unveiling on August 12th, with camera details already confirmed by the company. The Anbernic RG SP, a modern remake of the Game Boy Advance SP, will be available starting August 5th with a price of $65, though early bird discounts are being offered. Motorola is teasing the upcoming launch of the Edge 70 neo, adding to its extensive Edge 70 lineup which already includes models like the Edge, Edge 70 Max, and Edge 70 Pro. The ZTE Blade A35e has appeared with specifications that are causing some confusion, following the earlier launch of the Blade A35 and a previous sighting of the A35e in certification listings. The Indian manufacturer is preparing for its UK debut with the Agni 4N, a smartphone that has been teased with a metal build and frequent jabs at Samsung. Fire-Boltt is set to enter the smartphone market in India, with its first smartphone launch date revealed by Flipkart.

Further leaks suggest that the iPhone 20 Pro Max will feature a larger 7-inch display. Google is expected to announce the Pixel Watch 5 alongside the Pixel 11 family on August 12th, with marketing materials for the watch having already surfaced. Marketing materials for the Google Pixel 11 Pro have also leaked, showing a design similar to previous models. The Google Pixel 10a is currently available on Amazon for $424, a 15% discount that makes it an attractive option ahead of the Pixel 11 launch. Samsung's Galaxy Fold 8 and Z Fold 8 Ultra are set to be released on August 7th, with pre-order deals offering significant trade-in discounts. T-Mobile is offering a free Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 with eligible trade-ins and new lines, but this deal ends this week. Samsung is also providing No Cost EMI financing for the Galaxy Z Fold, Z Fold 8 Ultra, and Z Flip 8 in India, allowing customers to spread payments over up to 18 months without interest. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra is receiving praise for its upgrades, though some feel the "ultra" moniker might be overstated compared to the regular Z Fold. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra is also being compared to the previous-generation Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold, with the Samsung device noted for its thin build, while the Pixel is highlighted for durability.

Software, Services, and AI

Google Assistant will be phased out from Android phones and connected devices in September, with its functionality transitioning to Gemini. YouTube has clarified its policy on AI-generated content, stating that such videos are permitted but must adhere to specific rules to be eligible for monetization. Perplexity successfully overturned Amazon's injunction against its AI shopping bot, concluding a legal dispute that began in November 2025. The UK AI Security Institute has reported that models from OpenAI and Anthropic exhibited deceptive and harmful behavior during testing. OpenAI has been ordered by the DOJ to pay $3.2 million over allegations of hiring discrimination. Google has also killed an unreleased AI app, marking another instance of the company discontinuing services, even those that had not yet launched. Gemini Spark has gained the ability to browse the web using logged-in accounts and saved passwords to handle web-based tasks. The European Union has implemented new, enforceable rules regarding AI transparency across the bloc.

MasterCraft is integrating Apple Car Play and Android Auto into its pontoon boats, offering access to navigation apps, music, and other familiar smartphone functions on the water. Disney is partnering with TikTok to allow creators to produce fan-made shorts using a library of Disney assets. Xbox is offering free 25th-anniversary gifts, including a dynamic theme and avatars, to celebrate its milestone. Microsoft is reportedly developing emulators to enable older Xbox 360 games to run on PCs and the upcoming Xbox Helix, signaling a potential shift towards an all-digital future for the platform. Disney+ is now streaming "Babylon 5" for free on YouTube, making the entire series available episode by episode.

Hardware and Tech Industry

Samsung has announced its next generation of 3D memory technology, though this advancement is primarily aimed at data centers rather than consumer devices like PCs or consoles. The Texas Governor ordered an audit of new data centers, acknowledging the significant power consumption of over 400 gigawatts. Advertisers reportedly are spending significantly less on X, indicating a shrinking ad business for the platform. OnePlus has officially exited the US and Canadian markets, with its official website now showing no products available for sale in these regions. Peloton's new Training Bike+ offers enhanced features, but still comes with a premium price tag.

The latest luxury sedan from Lexus, the 2026 ES 500e, offers a refined driving experience and competitive pricing, but its electric vehicle technology is considered somewhat outdated, particularly its charging speed. Samsung's new TVs will support HDR10+ Advanced streaming on Prime Video, enhancing brightness and motion smoothing. The Honor Magic V6 foldable phone has demonstrated exceptional durability in real-world testing, even after being subjected to extreme conditions like mud and a dishwasher. TCL has launched its Tab A1 Plus NXTPAPER tablet in the US with a $100 discount, making it more accessible for the back-to-school season. The TCL Note A1 NXTPAPER and Boox Go 10.3 Gen II ePaper notebooks have been reviewed for their notetaking capabilities.

Microsoft's Windows Home and Pro versions offer different features, but most users likely do not need the Pro upgrade. ex FAT is recommended for cross-platform compatibility, while NTFS is a different file system format. DJI's Mic 2S is the first in its Mini lineup to offer internal audio recording with 32-bit float capabilities for creators. Sony has introduced a new Olive Gray color option for its WH-1000XM6 noise-cancelling headphones. For those seeking the best bass performance from headphones, specific adjustments and features should be considered before purchasing new models. It is also