Mobile News 3 Days

Last updated: August 12, 2026, 11:51 PM ET

Google Pixel 11 Series Launch

Google officially unveiled the Pixel 11 at its Made by Google 2026 event, powered by the new Tensor G6 chip and featuring faster wired and wireless charging. The base model gains a 10.8MP telephoto camera according to a leak, though it lacks an RGB notification LED. New renders of the Pixel, Pro XL, and 11 Pro Fold appeared just before the event. The Pixel 11 Pro and Pro XL hands-on reviews reveal two new camera sensors and a "Hi-Light" indicator, though they ship with less RAM despite a $100 price increase across the lineup. The Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold launched at $1,900 and offers faster Qi2 wireless charging at 25W, as confirmed by support details. The foldable’s charging speed remains unchanged for wired, but improves wirelessly. A hands-on with the Pro Fold noted impressive AI features but a design similar to its predecessor. The entire Pixel 11 family supports Qi2, enabling faster wireless charging across the board. Camera upgrades include Instant Night Sight and larger sensors, while a new Tap to Share feature simplifies file sharing between Pixel phones. The Pixel Tag leverages UWB and Google’s Find Hub for tracking items. Google also began sending discount codes via email to entice buyers. The base Pixel 11 features a 10.8MP telephoto. The Pixel 11 Pro and Pro XL both cost $100 more than their predecessors. The Pixel 11 Pro Fold vs Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra comparison highlights trade-offs in weight, battery, and cameras. Google’s Health Guardian feature on the Pixel Watch can monitor blood pressure and insulin resistance. The event also introduced the Pixel Buds Pro 2 with Dynamic ANC and Live Translate. The Pixel 11 series announcement was livestreamed. A live blog covered all announcements. T-Mobile offers the Pixel 11 for free with preorders and no trade-in. The Pixel 11 Pro Fold color guide helps choose between Olive and Obsidian. The Pixel 11 color guide lists multiple enticing options. Should you wait for Pixel 11 or buy the Pixel 10 now? The Pixel 11 Pro vs Galaxy S26 Ultra comparison examines cameras, display, and battery. The Pixel Watch 5 focuses on health, GPS, and AI. The Pixel Watch 5 Stephen Curry edition was announced. Google added Venmo payments to Google Play. The best Pixel 11 cases are available, with both models sharing compatibility. Major Pixel 11 features emphasize Gemini AI and camera improvements.

Samsung Galaxy Updates

Samsung rolled out the fifth One UI 9 Beta for the Galaxy S26 series as promised. A separate report details fixes in Beta 5 and rumors of One UI 9.5. The Galaxy Z Fold8 is proving more successful than expected, prompting Samsung to boost production by 1 million units. The device survived a durability test from Jerry Rig Everything. The Galaxy Z Fold8's waterproofing is rated IP48. Samsung released a new ringtone based on Chopin’s Nocturne for One UI. The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic’s One UI 9 Watch beta appeared on test servers. The Galaxy S26 FE specs leak from Win Future reveals changes and carryovers. Samsung's Galaxy Buds received FDA clearance for a hearing aid feature. T-Mobile is offering a free Galaxy Watch 9 with a watch plan.

Xiaomi, Redmi, iQOO, and Others

Xiaomi announced the Redmi K100 Pro and K100 Pro Max in China with impressive specs. The Redmi 17 4G and 5G models launched, following the Redmi 15 series. A hands-on review of the Redmi Note 17 5G is available. Leaked Redmi Note 17 Pro Max details promise a 9,210mAh battery and 100W charging. The Xiaomi 18 Pro color options leaked, including black, white, pink, blue, and red with a fiberglass back. Xiaomi and Redmi’s India launch roadmap leaked, pointing to a Redmi 17 series launch. The iQOO Z11 for India will feature a Dimensity 7500 Turbo SoC and confirmed battery/display details. The iQOO 16T is tipped to sport a 200MP camera and liquid-air cooling. The iQOO Neo11 Ultra and Z11s launch dates and designs have been revealed. The vivo X500 series design details and screen sizes leaked, with launch expected next month. Honor launched the Robot Phone in China with a 200MP titanium gimbal camera. Honor's 12,000 mAh battery for the Power3 is in trial production. The Huawei Watch GT 7 and GT 7 Pro offer up to 21-day battery life. The Fairphone 6+ will feature a Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 chipset, and leaked images show a Cobalt Blue variant. The Minimal Phone 2 switches from E Ink to a 90Hz AMOLED display while keeping a QWERTY keyboard. The Lava Smart 4 launched with specs reminiscent of 2016. The REDMAGIC Astra 2 gaming tablet goes on sale August 26 with early access discounts.

Motorola and Realme

Motorola started rolling out Android 17 to over 50 phones, including the Motorola Signature, which received an Android 17 update of 5.75GB. The Moto G Max is coming to India with a Snapdragon 6s Gen 4 and 7,000mAh battery. The Moto Watch (2026) review says looks can be deceiving due to limited software. Realme’s P4s Lite was certified for India. The Realme 16x launched with a 7,000 mAh battery and 144Hz display.

Software and App News

Chat GPT’s free tier in 2026 now offers unlimited texts. Spotify started labeling AI artists as “AI Persona” and removing them from recommendations. YouTube doubled monetization requirements for new creators. Twitch allows users to stop AI training on their streams, but the feature isn’t opt-in. Claude now watermarks AI-generated text for EU compliance. OpenAI expanded Daybreak cybersecurity access to partners. Apple is rumored to hike iPhone prices by $100. The iPhone 18 Pro BOM cost is estimated to be up 38-40%. Bumble now lets either person message first. T-Mobile is offering a free Samsung Galaxy Watch 9. Amazon’s Back to School sale has Android deals. The XGIMI Horizon Ultra projector discount is live. Lenovo’s next gaming tablet, the Y700, boasts an AnTuTu score of 4,585,844.

Industry and Legal

Global smartphone shipments declined 7% in Q2 due to rising memory prices, with FDM forecasting a 12% full-year decline. A flight tracking service is suing Kalshi over data use. A German nonprofit filed a criminal complaint over Meta smart glasses privacy. England and Wales banned Meta Glasses from courtrooms. Valve warned that Steam hardware customer data was likely compromised. Verizon’s outage in Southern California was caused by vandalism cutting fiber cables. NYC Mayor supports the Delivery Protection Act to limit contractor use. Government workers can use TikTok again after ban was lifted. Abbott partnered with Google Health for AI glucose monitoring. Authors face backlash for participation in a 2022 Google AI study. Amazon is exiting MMO publishing, handing off Lost Ark and Throne and Liberty.

Gaming and Entertainment

Ghost of Yōtei Complete Edition arrives October 1 with a new story arc. An unreleased Xbox Elite Controller 3 may have been sold early. A leaked Zelda Switch 2 could be a 40th anniversary collector’s item. The Insta360 X6 review highlights ease-of-use and pro features.

Accessories and How-To

Understanding HDMI splitter vs switch differences. Pros and cons of digital wallets. How to clear cache on iPhone. How to connect Bluetooth headphones to PS5. How to fix stick drift on controllers. Can you wear headphones while driving? MacBook external monitor support explained. How to pair Roku remote. AirTag water resistance is IP67. MagSafe vs Qi2 differences. How to securely wipe USB drives. The Dell XPS 13 (2026) review says it needs more RAM. Bluetooth vs Wi-Fi vs 2.4G differences. What $100 smartphone gets you in 2026. The Garmin Cirqa vs Fitbit Air comparison. The Bose vs Sony earbuds noise cancellation test. Meta’s Neural Band gets neural handwriting for Ray-Ban Display. A rare two-player Computer Space arcade machine is up for auction. Smartphone colors are more exciting than features in 2026. How the iPhone has changed in 5 years.