Mobile News 3 Days

Last updated: August 15, 2026, 2:32 AM ET

Smartphones & Foldables

Poco is expanding its M8 series with a new device, the M8x 5G, teasing a glimpse of its rear design. Huawei is also preparing to launch a new non-folding, wide-screen smartphone with a 16:10 aspect ratio, rumored for a September release. Meanwhile, rumors surrounding Samsung's One UI 9.5 suggest a "glass UI" with enhanced visual depth. The upcoming Honor Magic9 series is confirmed for a September launch, with the company also teasing a unique Honor's new Robot Phone that merges phone and gimbal functionalities. For those seeking robust protection for their devices, screen protectors for the Google Pixel 11 Pro XL and the Pixel 11 Pro Fold are available, with the latter's massive displays desperately needing safeguarding.

The Google Pixel 11 lineup has officially launched, featuring the Tensor G6 chip and faster charging capabilities across all models. The Pixel 11 Pro and Pro XL models, while increasing in price by approximately $100, will come with less RAM compared to their predecessors. In contrast, the Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold, priced at $1,900, boasts Qi2 wireless charging at 25W and maintains the same battery life as the previous generation, though it is heavier and has a smaller battery than the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra. The Pixel 11 Pro Fold is available in Olive and Obsidian color options. Samsung's own foldable, the Galaxy Z Fold8, has undergone a teardown that revealed disappointing repairability. Samsung is also preparing for the launch of the Samsung Galaxy Tab S12 series, which has now received Bluetooth certification. While the Samsung Galaxy S27 Ultra is rumored to forgo a variable aperture camera, potentially influenced by Apple's plans, the company has released a new ringtone based on Chopin’s Nocturne for One UI 9.

Motorola has launched a distinct version of the Moto G Max in India, differing from the Brazilian model. The Motorola Signature is now receiving its Android 17 update, a substantial 5.75GB download. In other smartphone news, the vivo Y31T has had its image and specifications leaked, indicating an upcoming launch in India. Realme is preparing to launch the P4s Lite, which has been certified for the Indian market, and has also unveiled the Realme 16x, featuring a 7,000 mAh battery and a 144Hz display. iQOO is set to launch the Neo11 Ultra and Z11s in China on August 18th, with chipset details now revealed. Poco is also gearing up for the release of the F9 Pro and F9 Ultra, with leaked images, specs, and pricing emerging. The Fairphone 6+ is rumored to launch on August 18th with a price point around €685. Tecno has unveiled the Tecno Pova 8 Pro, boasting an Alive Matrix Display and a P1 Graphic Chip for enhanced gaming, while also preparing for the launch of the Pova 8 Pro and Pova 8 Pro 5G Tonino Lamborghini Limited Edition. The Tecno Pova AI Buds Pro offer AI recording and call summarization features.

Google & AI Developments

Google is enhancing user control over AI-generated content by allowing the removal of visible watermarks, though the invisible Synth ID will remain. The company's Pixel 11 series places a significant emphasis on AI, with Gemini and its camera capabilities being highlighted as major features. The new Pixel Buds Pro 2 are also receiving updates, including Dynamic ANC and improved Live Translate, along with Gemini controls and a new Olive finish. Google's Pixel Watch 5 series is focusing on health monitoring, with new features capable of tracking blood pressure and insulin resistance, acting as a potential early warning system for diabetes. The Pixel Watch 5 itself has received hands-on reviews emphasizing its health, GPS, and AI upgrades. Google's Find Hub network is being advanced with the Pixel Tag, which incorporates UWB precision and a phone-ringing button. File sharing between Pixel phones has become simpler with the new "Tap to Share" feature.

In other AI news, LG has partnered with Nvidia to develop AI-powered robots and hardware for self-driving cars. DeepSeek has announced significant price increases for its V4 AI models, which are set to quadruple in cost. Twitch is facing scrutiny over its AI training practices, with users now able to opt out of having their streams used for AI training, a feature that was not opt-in by default. Spotify is also integrating AI, with a new label, "AI Persona," to identify AI artists, and is partnering with Kobalt to leverage AI for covers and remixes, offering fans AI-powered creative tools. ChatGPT's free tier will continue to offer unlimited text messaging in 2026. Microsoft's AI mascot, Mico, has been demoted from its role in Copilot Voice. Meta is donating 15,000 AI-powered Ray-Ban Meta glasses to a charity in Ireland supporting visually impaired individuals.

Industry & Services

Waymo has received approval to offer its robotaxi rides in Sacramento and San Diego, expanding its services beyond the San Francisco Bay Area and Los Angeles. A U.S. judge has criticized the Google Play Store for not adequately directing users to rival app stores. In the streaming world, Google TV Freeplay is now offering over 10,000 free movies and 300 live channels. Netflix has shut down Night School studio, the developer behind Oxenfree, despite recent praise for its game's performance. X (formerly Twitter) is testing a tool to allow users to see if their posts have been "shadowbanned," coinciding with the company's move to open-source more of its ranking algorithm. Hosting provider Namecheap is currently experiencing an outage due to a data center cooling failure.

Kia's new electric vehicle, the Kia's EV3, will start at under $31,000 in the US, making it the most affordable EV in Kia's lineup. Amazon is exiting the MMO publishing space, handing off Lost Ark and Throne and Liberty to other publishers. Apple has begun issuing warnings to users who have been targeted by mercenary spyware attacks. France's top court has overturned a ban on social media for children under, prompting President Macron to request a rewrite of the proposed legislation. A rare, two-player Computer Space arcade machine is up for auction as part of a retro tech sale. The most popular Game Cube emulator, Dolphin, now faces competition from a newcomer called Gecko. Apple is also making approximately 20 classic movies available for streaming to its subscribers. Virgin Galactic has postponed the first commercial flight of its new spaceship to 2027.

Other Tech News

Qualcomm's next-generation flagship chipset, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro, has appeared in an AnTuTu benchmark test. For those looking to optimize their devices, tips are available for improving MacBook battery life, and instructions are provided on how to clear the cache on your iPhone. Dash cam legality varies by state, and drivers are advised to check the specific regulations for any states they plan to travel through. T-Mobile is offering a "Beyond the Smartphone" sale, discounting non-smartphone tech for the back-to-school season. The DJI Mic Mini 2S has been updated to offer internal 32-bit float recording, enhancing its capabilities for professional audio capture. Insta360's X6 360 camera balances ease of use with professional features like i-Log and 10-bit color. Methods for converting and upscaling photos are available for users looking to improve image quality. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers have reportedly misused surveillance tech, including databases drawing from license plate readers and facial recognition. The unreleased Xbox Elite Controller 3 has reportedly surfaced in the hands of a buyer.