Mobile News 3 Days

Last updated: August 14, 2026, 8:32 PM ET

Google Pixel 11 Series and Foldable Unveiled

Google has officially launched its latest Pixel lineup, including the Pixel, Pixel 11 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro XL, and the Pixel 11 Pro Fold. The new smartphones are powered by the Tensor G6 chipset, though it's confirmed to be a 3nm process, not 2nm as previously rumored. The Pixel 11 Pro and Pro XL models will feature less RAM than their predecessors despite price increases of approximately $100. Google has also committed to 7 years of spare parts availability for the Pixel 11 series. Preorder deals are already available, with some offering the Pixel 11 or Pixel 11 Pro for free with no trade-in required through T-Mobile. The Pixel 11 Pro Fold is priced at $1,900 and supports Qi2 wireless charging, offering faster speeds than its predecessor. The Pixel 11 series also introduces new camera upgrades like Instant Night Sight and larger sensors, along with Gemini AI capabilities. Google is also offering discounts on the Pixel 11 lineup through Play Points, with up to $150 off select models. The event, however, was criticized for its execution, with some suggesting a different approach similar to game launches.

Smartwatch and Wearable Updates

Google's Pixel Watch 5 has been launched, focusing on health, GPS, and AI features. A notable new feature is its ability to monitor blood pressure and insulin resistance, potentially acting as an early warning system for diabetes. T-Mobile is offering a preorder deal for the Pixel Watch, making it available for as low as $5.55 per month with certain plans. In other wearable news, Huawei has introduced the Watch GT 7 and GT 7 Pro, boasting up to 21 days of battery life. Samsung's Galaxy Tab S12 series, including the Tab S12+ and Tab S12 Ultra, has moved closer to launch after receiving Bluetooth certification.

AI and Software Developments

Google is now allowing users to remove visible watermarks from AI-generated content, though the invisible Synth ID will remain. Microsoft's AI mascot, Mico, has reportedly been demoted from its role in Copilot Voice. In the realm of AI music, Spotify has partnered with Kobalt to integrate AI tools for covers and remixes, and has also begun labeling AI artists with an "AI Persona" tag, removing them from recommendations. DeepSeek has announced significant price increases for its V4 AI models, with prices set to quadruple. Twitch users can now take steps to stop the platform from training AI on their streams. Chat GPT's free tier will continue to offer unlimited text interactions in 2026.

Smartphone Hardware and Leaks

The upcoming Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro chipset has appeared in an AnTuTu benchmark run, hinting at its performance capabilities. Samsung's One UI 9.5 is rumored to feature a glass-like interface with enhanced "depth." The vivo Y31T has had its image and specifications leaked, suggesting an imminent launch in India. Motorola has launched the Moto G Max in India, which differs from the Brazilian version. iQOO has revealed chipset details for the upcoming Neo11 Ultra and Z11s ahead of their August 18 launch. Poco F9 Pro and F9 Ultra details have also leaked, including renders, specifications, and pricing. The Fairphone 6+ is rumored to launch on August 18 with a price around €685, and will feature an upgraded chipset, the Snapdragon 7s Gen. Xiaomi has unveiled HyperOS 4, which includes a new glass look, UI customizations, and more AI features. Realme has certified the Realme P4s Lite for launch in India. The Realme 16x has been announced with a Dimensity 6300 SoC, a 144Hz screen, and a large 7,000 mAh battery.

Automotive and Transportation Technology

Waymo has received permission to offer rides in Sacramento and San Diego, expanding its autonomous ride-hailing services. Kia's EV3 will have a starting price under $31,000 in the US, making it the most affordable EV in Kia's lineup. LG and Nvidia are joining forces to develop AI-powered robots and hardware for self-driving cars. Drivers should be aware that dash cam laws vary by state, and it's important to check the regulations of any state you plan to drive through.

Gaming and Entertainment

Netflix has shut down the studio Night School, creators of Oxenfree, despite praising its recent game's performance. The complete edition of Ghost of Yōtei will be released on October 1, featuring a new story arc. Amazon is exiting the MMO publishing business, handing off titles like Lost Ark and Throne and Liberty to other publishers. The unreleased Xbox Elite Controller 3 has reportedly surfaced for sale. A rare two-player Computer Space arcade machine is up for auction, part of a collection focused on early computing history.

Mobile Accessories and Protection

For those with larger phones, investing in the best Google Pixel 11 Pro XL screen protectors is recommended for protection. Similarly, the new Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold also requires the best screen protectors to safeguard its displays. Users looking for cases for their Pixel 11 devices can find options for the standard Pixel, Pixel 11 Pro, and Pixel 11 Pro XL.

Privacy, Security, and Legal

Apple has begun sending out notifications to users who have been targeted by mercenary spyware attacks. A U.S. judge has stated that Google must improve how its Play Store surfaces rival app stores to users. France's highest court has struck down a ban on social media use for children under, prompting President Macron to request a rewrite of the proposed legislation. A German nonprofit has filed a criminal complaint regarding the privacy of Meta's smart glasses. Meta is donating 15,000 Ray-Ban Meta glasses to a charity in Ireland to assist blind and visually impaired individuals. CBP officers are reportedly misusing surveillance technology, including databases that can access license plate readers and facial recognition data.

Other Tech News

Honor has launched its "Robot Phone," featuring an Agile Gimbal and an ARRI Cinematic Imaging partnership. The company also confirmed that the Magic9 series will launch in September. Hosting provider Namecheap is currently experiencing an outage due to a data center cooling failure. The Google Play Store is facing criticism from a U.S. judge for not adequately directing users to alternative app stores. Instagram has unveiled a new wordmark for the first time in over a decade. Sony reports strong sales for the Xperia 1 VIII, with the micro SD slot and 3.5mm jack considered "integral" features. The U.S. government is preparing to allow private companies to conduct cyberattacks on its behalf. Virgin Galactic has postponed the first commercial flight of its new spaceship to 2027. Apple is reportedly planning a $100 price increase across all iPhone models. The company is also reminding users how to clear the cache on their iPhone to potentially improve performance. Google's Freeplay service now offers over 10,000 free movies and 300 live channels, providing a significant alternative to paid streaming services. The company is also working on ways to help users save space in their Google storage by adjusting Android settings. The Fairphone 6+ is rumored to launch on August 18, with a price point around €685. The Fairphone 6+ will also feature an upgraded chipset, the Snapdragon 7s Gen. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 has undergone a teardown, revealing that its repairability falls short. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 is also confirmed to have an IP48 rating for water and dust resistance. Google's Pixel Tag, utilizing UWB technology, aims to enhance its Find Hub network. The Pixel Buds Pro 2 are receiving updates including Dynamic ANC, Gemini controls, and improved Live Translate. Samsung is rumored to be releasing a new ringtone based on Chopin's Nocturne for One UI. A new rumor suggests that Apple will increase the price of iPhones by $100. The company is also reportedly planning to make 15,000 AI glasses available to blind and visually impaired people in Ireland. The company's new offerings are expected to be based on the same underlying technology as the Android 17 update. The company has also announced its Hyper OS, featuring a new glass look, UI customizations, and more AI. The Fairphone 6+ is expected to launch on August 18, with a price of around €685. The Fairphone 6+ will feature a Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 chipset. The Realme 16x has been announced with a 7,000 mAh battery and a 144Hz display. The company has also announced the Redmi K100 Pro and K100 Pro Max.