Mobile News 3 Days

Last updated: August 5, 2026, 8:30 PM ET

Google and AI Updates

Google is officially shutting down its Google Assistant service on September 4, as Gemini takes over its functions. This transition means that the AI assistant will gradually disappear from Android phones and connected devices. related AI news, Gemini Spark has gained Chrome web-browsing capabilities, allowing it to use logged-in accounts and saved passwords for web errands. Google has also killed an unreleased AI app, a move that is not uncommon for the company's product lifecycle.

New Pixel Devices and Leaks

Google is expected to unveil the Pixel Tag, its first Air Tag-like tracker, on August 12, alongside the Pixel 11 series and the Pixel Watch. Marketing materials for the Google Pixel 11 Pro have also leaked, showing a design similar to other Pixel 11 models. A significant leak has provided full specifications and pricing details for the Google Pixel Watch, which is anticipated to launch with the Pixel 11 family on August 12. In a surprise move, Amazon is offering a 15% discount on the Google Pixel 10a, bringing the price down to $424 for a limited time, positioning it as a strong contender for students ahead of the Pixel 11 launch.

Samsung's Foldable Releases and Deals

Samsung's Galaxy Flip8, Galaxy Z Fold8, and Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, unveiled on July 22, will go on sale starting August 7. Pre-orders for the Galaxy Z Fold8 duo and Flip8 in Europe have exceeded Samsung's targets. In India, Samsung is offering No Cost EMI financing for its latest foldables, allowing customers to spread payments over up to 18 months without interest or a down payment. Some preorder deals for the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 are still available, with T-Mobile offering the foldable phone for free with eligible trade-ins and new lines. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra features processor upgrades, brighter screens, and chassis tweaks, though these updates may not fully justify the "ultra" designation. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra has been compared to the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold, with the Samsung model being noted for its thin build and the Pixel for its durability. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra is considered a near-perfected version of Samsung's large-screen foldable, though users of the Galaxy Z Fold 6 might prefer to keep their S Pen.

Smartphone Launches and Rumors

Xiaomi has announced the India launch of the Redmi Note 17 5G for August 6 at 12:00 PM IST, with the event being live-streamed on YouTube. The budget Redmi 17 4G is already available for sale in Europe, even before its official announcement or release in China. Huawei has officially unveiled the nova 16 SE in China, featuring a large 8,500mAh battery and a 6.84-inch display with a claimed 8,000 nits brightness. The Realme 16x is confirmed to launch in India on August 12, with a 7,000mAh battery. Honor is refreshing its brand with a new logo and the slogan "Dare to Be," reporting a 25% growth in the first quarter of 2026. Honor's long-awaited Robot Phone is set for a full unveiling on August 12, with camera details already confirmed. Motorola is teasing the launch of the Edge 70 neo, suggesting an expansion to its Edge 70 series. The Oppo A7 Pro Max has been officially unveiled, boasting Oppo's largest battery to date with a 10,000 mAh capacity. Oppo is also rumored to be working on the F35 family, which is expected to launch in India soon. The Oppo F35 Pro, part of this family, is rumored to be a rebranded device with a substantial battery. The Poco M8 Power has been unveiled, featuring a 120Hz screen, a Snapdragon 4 Gen 4 SoC, and a large 8,000 mAh battery. The ZTE Blade A35e has been listed with specifications that are causing confusion.

Gaming and Entertainment News

Minecraft is scheduled to be released on the Switch 2 on October 27. Xbox is reportedly working on emulators to bring old Xbox games to PCs and the upcoming Xbox Helix. Xbox's free 25th anniversary gifts include a dynamic theme and avatars. The DOJ extracted $3.2 million from OpenAI over allegations of hiring discrimination. Perplexity has successfully overturned Amazon's injunction against its AI shopping bot, ending a legal battle that began in November 2025. Disney is partnering with TikTok to bring fan-made shorts to Disney+, granting creators access to a library of Disney assets. Amazon is developing a Warhammer 40,000 animated show, with Henry Cavill involved in the project. Babylon 5 is now available for free on YouTube, with episodes being released incrementally.

Tech Industry and Product Releases

The Anbernic RG SP, a modern remake of the Game Boy Advance SP, will be available starting August 5, with early bird pricing offered. DJI's Mic 2S is the first in its Mini lineup to offer internal audio recording, with 32-bit float recording capabilities. Sony has added a new Olive Gray color option to its popular WH-1000XM6 noise-cancelling headphones. New Samsung TVs will support HDR10+ Advanced streaming on Prime Video starting this month, featuring Enhanced Overall Brightness and Intelligent Motion Smoothing. Samsung is considering removing the 10MP 3x telephoto camera from the Galaxy S27 Ultra, a sensor that has been in use since the Galaxy S21 Ultra. The Galaxy S27 Pro is rumored to feature a 12MP telephoto camera, as part of Samsung's expected Galaxy S27 lineup in early 2027.

Storage and Connectivity

San Disk's Extreme Fit drive is highlighted as the world's smallest USB drive, offering more storage than an iPhone. ex FAT is recommended as the preferred file system for cross-platform usage. A new rumor suggests that Google is planning to unveil the Pixel Tag, its first Air Tag-like tracker, on August 12.

Other Technology News

The House passed its version of the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) in June, and the Senate has since advanced its own version out of committee. Texas Governor has ordered an audit of new data centers, noting that the state already hosts over 500 such facilities and is concerned about power consumption. A NAS device the 4-bay DXP4800 Pro, has proven reliable after extensive testing, including over 2,500 hours of operation and 50TB of writes, making it a trusted media server. A new rule from the European Union will enforce AI transparency across the bloc. YouTube has clarified its policy on AI-generated videos, stating that they are allowed but must adhere to specific rules, and some creators will not be paid. Reddit is planning to retire its public API, which could lead to the discontinuation of old Reddit. A lawsuit in New Jersey accuses Amazon of unlawfully leveraging its power over delivery contractors. The USB port in a car is generally not powerful enough to charge a laptop, and alternative charging methods are recommended. Placing a phone in the refrigerator is strongly discouraged due to the risk of condensation damaging the electronics. Tips are available to prevent your phone from overheating in a car. It is advised not to use your car's USB ports to charge your laptop, and alternative charging methods should be used instead.

Wearable Tech and Accessories

AT&T is offering a free pair of Ray-Ban Meta glasses (Gen and a $200 reward card with its 5 GIG internet plan. The difference between smartwatches and smart rings for health tracking is explained, helping users decide between the two wearable types.

Software and Operating Systems

Most Windows 11 users do not need to upgrade to the Pro version of the operating system. Android 17 2 Beta 2 is now available, indicating ongoing development beyond the main annual release. A workaround exists for using Android Auto without disabling your VPN.

Audio and Display Technology

The wireless earbuds market is highly saturated, but certain models stand out as top picks after extensive testing. Adjustments can be made to improve the bass response of headphones, and Bluetooth multipoint is highlighted as an essential feature for modern headphones and earbuds.