Mobile News 3 Days

Last updated: August 14, 2026, 5:36 PM ET

Smartphones and Wearables

Google has officially launched its latest Pixel 11 series, including the Pixel, Pixel 11 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro XL, and the Pixel 11 Pro Fold. The new lineup features the Tensor G6 chip and improved camera systems. The Pixel 11 Pro and Pro XL models, while seeing price increases of about $100, come with less RAM than their predecessors. Google has also introduced new features like Instant Night Sight and larger sensors for the Pixel 11 cameras, with enhanced AI capabilities powered by Gemini. The Pixel 11 Pro Fold, priced at $1,900, boasts faster Qi2 wireless charging at 25W, though its wired charging speeds remain the same as the previous generation. In terms of design, the Pixel 11 Pro and Pro XL feature new camera sensors and distinctive indicator lights, while the Pixel 11 Pro Fold offers new AI features and a lighter build. Google promises 7 years of spare parts availability for the entire Pixel 11 lineup.

The Pixel Watch 5 was also unveiled, focusing on health, GPS, and AI features, with many of its updates not in hardware but in software. Preorder deals for the Pixel 11 Pro are available, with some offering the device for free through T-Mobile, requiring no trade-in. Other deals are hidden within Google Play Points, offering up to $150 off select models. Cases for the Pixel 11 series are also readily available, with a wide selection catering to different needs. Google is also exploring the possibility of a Pixel with a silicon-carbon battery in the future.

Samsung's upcoming Galaxy S27 series is reportedly not following Apple's rumored variable aperture camera feature. Meanwhile, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 has received an IP48 rating, indicating some level of water and dust resistance. A teardown of the Galaxy Z Fold 8 suggests that its repairability falls short. Samsung also released a new ringtone for One UI, based on Chopin’s Nocturne. The company's Galaxy Tab S12 series, including the Tab S12+ and Tab S12 Ultra, have moved closer to launch after receiving Bluetooth certification. Samsung is also rumored to be working on a glass-like UI for One UI 9.5, emphasizing "depth."

Qualcomm's next-generation flagship chipset, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 6 Pro, has appeared in an AnTuTu benchmark test. In other mobile hardware news, Honor has teased its Magic9 series, with a launch confirmed for September, and has also entered trial production for a 12,000 mAh battery. The Honor Robot Phone, featuring an Agile Gimbal and an ARRI Cinematic Imaging partnership, has been launched in China.

Kia's EV3 will start under $31,000 in the US, making it the most affordable EV in Kia's lineup. Motorola has launched the Moto G Max in India with a different set of specifications compared to the Brazilian version. Tecno has unveiled the Pova 8 Pro, featuring an Alive Matrix Display and a P1 Graphic Chip, supporting 144FPS gaming. The Tecno Pova AI Buds Pro are also set to offer AI recording and call summarization.

The Google Pixel Watch 5 and Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 are in direct competition, with reviews suggesting one may be the better option for most users. The Pixel Buds Pro 2 are receiving upgrades, including Dynamic ANC, Gemini controls, and improved Live Translate, along with a new Olive finish. The Pixel Tag, designed to enhance Google's Find Hub network, now includes UWB precision and a phone-ringing button.

AI and Software

Google is now allowing users to remove visible watermarks from AI-generated content, though the invisible Synth ID watermark will remain. This move comes as Google aims to provide more control over AI-generated media. In a related development, Twitch is facing scrutiny for its AI training practices, with users seeking ways to prevent their streams from being used. Spotify has announced that it will be labeling AI artists with an "AI Persona" tag and will remove them from recommendations. The music streaming service has also partnered with Kobalt to leverage AI for covers and remixes.

DeepSeek has announced significant price increases for its V4 AI models, which are set to quadruple in cost. In the realm of AI mascots, Microsoft's Mico has been demoted from its role in Copilot Voice. Apple has begun issuing warnings to users targeted by mercenary spyware attacks, highlighting ongoing security concerns. France's top court has struck down a social media ban for children under, prompting the government to reconsider the legislation.

Gaming and Entertainment

Netflix has shut down Night School, the studio behind the game Oxenfree, despite previously praising its performance. The streaming giant has also made around 20 classic movies, including The Martian, E.T., and Zodiac, available for subscribers to stream on Apple TV. A rare two-player Computer Space arcade machine is up for auction, part of a collection focused on the early computer revolution. The complete edition of Ghost of Yōtei is set to arrive on October 1st, featuring a new story arc.

Nintendo may be preparing a special Zelda-themed Switch 2 console, with leaked images suggesting a 40th-anniversary edition. The Game Cube emulator scene has a new contender as the Gecko emulator challenges the long-standing Dolphin. Amazon is exiting the MMO publishing space, handing over Lost Ark and Throne and Liberty to other publishers.

Other Tech News

LG has partnered with Nvidia to develop AI-powered robots and hardware for self-driving cars. The U.S. government will now permit private companies to conduct cyberattacks on its behalf. A U.S. judge has criticized the Google Play Store for not doing enough to help users discover rival app stores. Hosting provider Namecheap is currently experiencing an outage due to a data center cooling failure. Instagram has unveiled a new wordmark, its first refresh in over a decade.

For those looking to optimize their devices, tips are available for improving MacBook battery life by adjusting settings. T-Mobile is offering a "Beyond the Smartphone" sale, discounting non-smartphone tech for the Back to School season. Dash cam laws vary by state, and users are advised to check the regulations for the areas they will be driving through.