Mobile News 3 Days

Last updated: August 14, 2026, 11:41 PM ET

Google Pixel 11 Series and Foldables

Google has officially launched the Pixel 11 series, including the Pixel, Pixel 11 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro XL, and the Pixel 11 Pro Fold. The new phones feature the Tensor G6 chip and improved cameras, with the Pro models offering new camera sensors and a "hi-light" indicator. Despite price increases of approximately $100, the Pixel 11 Pro and Pro XL will have less RAM than their predecessors. The Pixel 11 Pro Fold also sees faster Qi2 wireless charging at 25W, though its wired charging speeds remain the same. Google has promised seven years of spare parts availability for the entire Pixel 11 lineup. For those looking for protection, there are several best Google Pixel 11 Pro XL screen protectors and best Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold screen protectors available. Preorder deals for the Pixel 11 series are already active, with some T-Mobile deals offering the devices for free without a trade-in. Other promotions include discounts hidden within Google Play Points, with up to $150 off select models. In terms of color options, there are guides to help you choose the best Google Pixel 11 color and the Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold color. The Pixel 11 series also brings enhanced AI features, particularly with Gemini, and significant camera upgrades like Instant Night Sight. Google's new Pixel Tag is also set to improve its Find Hub network. The company's new Pixel Buds Pro 2 will feature Dynamic ANC and improved Live Translate. The event also saw the launch of the Pixel Watch 5, which focuses on health, GPS, and AI features, and is available with a T-Mobile preorder deal for $5.55/month. The Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold is priced at $1,900 and boasts AI features, though some reviewers note it feels similar to its predecessor. A comparison between the Pixel 11 Pro Fold and Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra suggests the Fold 8 Ultra may have advantages despite the Pixel's weight. The Google Play Store is under scrutiny by a US judge for not doing enough to help users find rival app stores.

Other Smartphone and Tech News

Huawei is preparing to launch a new non-folding smartphone with a 16:10 screen aspect ratio in September. Meanwhile, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro has appeared in an AnTuTu test run, hinting at Qualcomm's next-generation flagship chipset. Samsung's One UI 9.5 is rumored to feature a "glass UI" with enhanced depth. The Kia EV3 will be the cheapest EV in Kia's lineup, starting under $31,000 in the US. In the realm of durability, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 has been put through a teardown and a durability test, with its repairability falling short. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 is also not waterproof, having an IP48 rating. Samsung has also released a new ringtone based on Chopin’s Nocturne for One UI 9. The Motorola Moto G Max has launched in India with a different specification set than its Brazilian counterpart. The Motorola Signature is now receiving its Android 17 update. Honor is teasing its Magic9 series for a September launch and is reportedly in trial production with a 12,000 mAh battery. The Honor Robot Phone combines phone and gimbal functionalities. The vivo Y31T has had its image and specs leak, with a launch expected soon in India. The Realme P4s Lite has been certified for launch in India. The Realme 16x features a 7,000 mAh battery and a 144Hz screen. The Fairphone 6+ is rumored to launch on August 18th for around €685. The iQOO Neo11 Ultra and Z11s chipset details have been revealed ahead of their August 18 launch. Xiaomi has unveiled HyperOS 4, featuring a new glass look and AI enhancements. The Tecno Pova 8 Pro has been unveiled with an Alive Matrix Display and 144FPS gaming support. The Tecno Pova AI Buds Pro include AI recording and call summarization features. Sony reports strong sales for the Xperia 1 VIII, considering the micro SD slot and 3.5mm jack integral. A device that can turn an Android phone into a desktop PC, capable of running The Witcher 3, has been showcased.

AI and Software Developments

Google now allows users to remove visible watermarks from AI-generated content, though the invisible Synth ID will remain. DeepSeek's AI models are set to quadruple in price. Microsoft's AI character, Mico, has been demoted from its role in Copilot Voice. Twitch is facing questions about its AI training practices, with users now having a way to stop Twitch from training AI on your streams. Spotify is partnering with Kobalt for AI-powered covers and remixes and has begun labeling AI artists, removing them from recommendations under the "AI Persona" label. ChatGPT will continue to offer unlimited texts in its free tier through 2026. Meta is donating 15,000 AI glasses to blind and visually impaired people in Ireland.

Gaming, Streaming, and Entertainment

Netflix has closed the Oxenfree studio Night School, despite praising its recent game's performance. The new season of The Mandalorian and Grogu will be available on Disney+ starting September 2nd. Amazon is exiting the MMO publishing space, handing off Lost Ark and Throne and Liberty to other publishers. The Ghost of Yōtei Complete Edition will be released on October 1st with a new story arc. The Gecko emulator is emerging as a contender to Dolphin as the top GameCube emulator.

Hardware and Accessories

DJI's Mic Mini 2S offers improved audio quality and ease of use, now featuring internal 32-bit float recording for a more professional experience. The Insta360 X6 is a 360 camera that balances ease of use with professional features like i-Log and 10-bit color. T-Mobile is offering discounts on non-smartphone tech for its Back to School sale. Apple has sent out warnings to targets of mercenary spyware attacks. A rare two-player Computer Space arcade machine is up for auction. The unreleased Xbox Elite Controller 3 may have made its way into the hands of a buyer.

Regulatory and Legal News

France's top court has struck down a social media ban for children under, prompting the government to rewrite the proposed legislation. The US government will allow private companies to conduct cyberattacks on its behalf. CBP officers are reportedly misusing surveillance technology, including databases that can access license plate readers and facial recognition.

Miscellaneous

Namecheap is currently down due to a data center cooling failure. The best Spotify alternatives are available for those seeking different music streaming options. Apple has made approximately 20 classic movies available for streaming on Apple TV. Google's Freeplay service now offers over 10,000 free movies and 300 live channels. Dash cam laws vary by state, and drivers should check the regulations for the states they will be traveling through.