Mobile News 3 Days

Last updated: August 13, 2026, 11:54 AM ET

Google Pixel 11 Launch

The Made by Google 2026 event officially unveiled the Pixel 11 series, including the Pixel, Pixel 11 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro XL, and Pixel 11 Pro Fold, alongside the Pixel Watch 5 and Pixel Tag. You can watch the announcement live here. The Google Pixel 11 is powered by the new Tensor G6 chip and offers faster charging. The Pixel 11 Pro and Pro XL feature new camera sensors and a modern twist on classic indicator lights called "Hi-Light." However, both Pro models have less RAM despite price increases of around $100 across the lineup. The Pixel 11 Pro Fold carries a $1,900 price tag. A hands-on with the Fold found it largely unchanged from its predecessor, while a comparison with the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra shows it's not a straightforward win for either device. The Pixel 11 Pro Fold charging speed retains the same battery life claim but gains faster Qi2 wireless charging (25W). The Pixel 11 Pro Fold supports Qi2 wireless charging (note: but I need to use exact URL from list; article 40 URL: - that is correct). The Pixel 11 also supports Qi2 with faster wireless charging across the board. Camera upgrades include Instant Night Sight and bigger sensors, while the base Pixel 11 reportedly features a 10.8MP telephoto camera but lacks an RGB notification LED. Early leaked renders appeared ahead of the event. A hands-on with the Pixel 11 Pro and Pro XL (duplicate? Use different article: article 52 already used? Wait, we have article 52 and article. We'll use each once. Article 48 is separate about camera upgrades, already used. Article 52 already used for hands-on. So fine.)

Major features highlighted in the Pixel 11 lineup focus on Gemini AI and camera capabilities. Google is sending discount codes via email for the Pixel. T-Mobile already offers the Pixel 11 or Pixel 11 Pro for free with preorder deals, no trade-in required. For those deciding whether to buy, here's what to consider before waiting for the Pixel 11. A Pixel 11 Pro vs Galaxy S26 Ultra comparison examines cameras, display, battery, and specs.

On the software side, Tap to Share launches on Pixels and Samsung devices, an Android equivalent of Name Drop. Sharing between Pixel phones just got simpler with this feature. The Pixel Tag takes Google's Find Hub to the next level with UWB precision. The Pixel Watch 5 hands-on emphasizes health, GPS, and AI upgrades. The Pixel Watch 5 will also come in a Stephen Curry edition. Google's new Health Guardian feature can monitor blood pressure and insulin resistance as an early warning system for diabetes.

Pixel Buds Pro 2 get a new Olive color and new software features, including Dynamic ANC and Live Translate. Choosing a Pixel 11 color or Pixel 11 Pro Fold color can be tricky, with guides available. Best cases for Pixel 11 and Pixel 11 Pro and for Pixel 11 Pro Fold and Pixel 11 Pro XL are also covered.

Other Smartphones

Honor launched the Robot Phone in China with a 200MP titanium gimbal camera. The company also teased the Magic9 series, confirming a September launch, and a new rumor claims the Magic9 Pro will have two 200MP cameras. Additionally, Honor's 12,000 mAh battery is reportedly in trial production.

Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 8 is so successful that the company increased production by 1 million units. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 waterproof rating is IP48. The Galaxy S27 series reportedly won't copy the upcoming iPhone's variable aperture. Samsung released a new ringtone based on Chopin’s Nocturne for One UI. One UI 9 Beta 5 is rolling out, with rumors of One UI 9.5. The Galaxy Tab S12+ and Tab S12 Ultra moved closer to launch with Bluetooth certification. The Galaxy S26 FE specs leaked in full. FDA cleared a Samsung Galaxy Buds feature to help with hearing health.

Sony reported that Xperia 1 VIII sales are strong, calling the micro SD slot and 3.5mm jack "integral."

Tecno Pova 8 Pro was unveiled with an Alive Matrix Display and 144FPS gaming support, powered by the Dimensity 7400 Ultimate SoC.

Realme launched the Realme 16x with a 7,000 mAh battery and 144Hz screen. The Realme P4s Lite got certified for India launch. iQOO detailed the Z11's battery and display for India, and the iQOO 16T is tipped to sport a 200MP camera and liquid-air cooling.

Poco F9 Pro and F9 Ultra battery details leaked. The Redmi K100 Pro and K100 Pro Max were announced in China. The Fairphone 6+ will have an upgraded Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 chipset, and leaked images show it in Cobalt Blue. Motorola Signature is now receiving Android 17 update. Motorola's Android 17 rollout is underway for 50+ phones. A Redmi Note 17 5G hands-on review is available. Redmi Note 17 Pro Max details leaked with a new chipset, 210 mAh battery, and 100W charging. Xiaomi and Redmi India launch roadmap leaked. Xiaomi 18 Pro colors and back material leaked, including fiberglass options.

vivo X500 series design and specs leaked. The Minimal Phone 2 trades E Ink for OLED and keeps its soul.

Apple news: iPhone 18 may get 12GB RAM after all. iPhone 18 Pro BOM cost estimated to be up by 40%. A new rumor says Apple may hike iPhone prices by $100. Apple wants to pay publishers for using their content in Siri AI. How the iPhone has changed in the last five years is explored.

Wearables, Audio & Accessories

Garmin Cirqa versus Fitbit Air compares the two fitness trackers. Google launches the screen-less Fitbit Air in India this October. The Huawei Watch GT 7 and GT 7 Pro offer up to 21-day battery life. Galaxy Watch 8 Classic’s One UI 9 Watch beta appears on test servers. The Moto Watch (2026) review finds looks can be deceiving. T-Mobile offers a free Galaxy Watch 9 with a watch plan.

DJI Mic Mini 2S review calls it the best tiny mic with pro 32-bit float recording. Insta360 X6 review praises the 360 camera's ease-of-use and i-Log. Lenovo unveils its gaming tablet's AnTuTu score for the Y700, reaching 4,585,844. Bose vs Sony earbuds tested for noise cancellation. Meta gives away 15,000 AI glasses to blind and visually impaired people in Ireland. Meta's Neural Band with neural handwriting is rolling out in Early Access for Ray-Ban Display.

Apps, Services & Industry

Spotify starts labeling AI artists and removing them from recommendations. Claude now watermarks text to indicate AI generation. OpenAI gives Daybreak partners access to a more powerful cybersecurity model. YouTube is making it harder for creators to get ad revenue, doubling watch hour requirements. Bumble now lets either person message first after matching.

Amazon is severing ties with two MMOs, handing off Lost Ark and Throne and Liberty. Virgin Galactic postpones its new spaceship's first commercial flight to 2027. NYC Mayor Mamdani supports the Delivery Protection Act to limit contractor use. Verizon outage in Southern California was due to vandalism cutting fiber cables. Smartphone market dropped 7% in Q2 due to rising memory prices. A rare two-player Computer Space arcade machine is up for auction. The unreleased Xbox Elite Controller 3 may have ended up in a buyer's hands. Abbott partners with Google Health for AI-powered glucose monitoring. Authors face backlash for participation in a 2022 Google AI study.

Privacy, Security & Legal

CBP officers are misusing surveillance tech, abusing databases with license plate readers and facial recognition. A German nonprofit files criminal complaint over Meta smart glasses privacy. England and Wales ban Meta Glasses from courtrooms. A flight tracking service sues Kalshi for using its data without authorization. Government workers can waste time on TikTok again as the ban on government devices is lifted. How to stop Twitch from training AI on your streams is explained, noting it wasn't opt-in.

Tips & How-Tos

How to convert or upscale a photo without complicated software. How to clear the cache on your iPhone. HDMI splitter vs HDMI switch — how they differ. Pros and cons of using a digital wallet. How to connect Bluetooth headphones to your PS5. Can you wear headphones while driving? State laws vary. How to fix stick drift on PS5 and Xbox controllers. Securely wipe or destroy old USB drives before disposal. Can a MacBook run multiple external monitors? It depends. MagSafe vs Qi2 wireless charging — same tech, different names. What does a $100 smartphone get you in 2026? You'll have to get creative.

Gaming & Entertainment

Ghost of Yōtei Complete Edition arrives October 1 with a new story arc. A leaked Zelda Switch 2 could be Nintendo’s next collector hit. Classic movies like The Martian, E.T. and Zodiac are now on Apple TV.

Chat GPT and AI

ChatGPT free tier in 2026 allows unlimited texts, but some features are paid.

Deals

Amazon's Back to School sale has top Android deals. XGIMI Horizon Ultra projector discount — save $300 with an exclusive code.

Smartphone Colors & Trends

One editor is more excited about smartphone colors than any actual new features in 2026. The Xiaomi 18 Pro is tested in five colors with fiberglass back.

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