Mobile News 3 Days

Last updated: August 15, 2026, 5:35 AM ET

Google Pixel 11 Series and Foldable Unveiled

Google has officially launched its latest lineup of Pixel devices, including the Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro XL, and the highly anticipated Pixel 11 Pro Fold. The new Pixel 11 series features the Tensor G6 chip, promising improved performance and AI capabilities. Notably, the Pixel 11 Pro and Pro XL models are priced around $100 more than their predecessors, despite featuring less RAM. The Pixel 11 Pro Fold, priced at $1,900, offers enhanced Qi2 wireless charging at 25W and retains the same battery life as the previous generation. In terms of cameras, the Pixel 11 Pro and Pro XL boast new sensors and AI-powered features like Instant Night Sight. Google has also committed to providing 7 years of spare parts availability for the entire Pixel 11 lineup. The Pixel 11 lineup also introduces new color options, with guides available to help users choose between shades like Olive and Obsidian for the Pro Fold, and various appealing colors for the standard Pixel. For those looking for protection, a range of screen protectors and cases are available. Preorder deals are plentiful, with T-Mobile offering the Pixel 11 and Pixel 11 Pro for free with no trade-in required, and Verizon also presenting competitive preorder offers. The Made by Google event also saw the unveiling of the Pixel Watch 5 and the Pixel Buds Pro, which feature improved noise cancellation and Live Translate.

New Phones and Chipset Leaks Emerge

Several new smartphone models and chipset rumors are circulating. The Poco M8x 5G is teased, expanding Poco's M8 family. Huawei is preparing to launch a new non-folding, wide-screen smartphone, rumored for a September launch. The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro has appeared in an AnTuTu benchmark, hinting at Qualcomm's next-generation flagship chipset. In India, the Motorola Moto G Max has launched with different specifications compared to its Brazilian counterpart. The vivo Y31T has also been spotted with leaked images and specifications. Further leaks reveal details about the chipsets powering the upcoming iQOO Neo11 Ultra and Z11s, slated for an August 18 launch in China. Additionally, the Poco F9 Pro and F9 Ultra have been extensively leaked, showcasing their designs, specifications, and pricing. The Fairphone 6+ is rumored to launch on August 18, with a potential price of around €685. Tecno has unveiled the Pova 8 Pro, featuring an Alive Matrix Display and P1 Graphic Chip, alongside the Pova AI Buds Pro with AI recording and call summarization capabilities. The Realme P4s Lite has received certification for its launch in India, and the Realme 16x has arrived with a Dimensity 6300 SoC, a 144Hz screen, and a substantial 7,000 mAh battery.

AI and Software Updates Unfold

Google is enhancing its AI offerings by allowing users to remove visible watermarks from images generated by its Gemini AI. An invisible watermark, Synth ID, will remain. Samsung's One UI 9.5 is rumored to feature a new "glass UI" with a focus on depth and shiny edges, with One UI 9 Beta 5 already rolling out. Xiaomi has unveiled HyperOS 4, which will likely be based on Android 17 and includes a new glass look, UI customizations, and enhanced AI features. LG is partnering 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 seeking ways to stop their streams from being used. Spotify is also integrating AI, partnering with Kobalt for AI-powered covers and remixes and introducing an "AI Persona" label for AI artists, while also removing them from recommendations. Meanwhile, X is testing a tool that will allow users to see if their posts have been "shadowbanned," a move towards greater algorithm transparency.

Automotive and Service News

Waymo has received approval to offer its robotaxi services in Sacramento and San Diego, expanding its reach beyond San Francisco and Los Angeles. Kia's new electric vehicle, the EV3, will launch in the US with a starting price under $31,000, making it Kia's most affordable EV. Drivers should be aware that dash cam laws vary by state, and it's crucial to check regulations before driving through different regions.

Other Tech and Entertainment Updates

Apple has begun sending out warnings to users who have been targeted by mercenary spyware attacks. In entertainment news, The Mandalorian and Grogu will be available on Disney+ starting September 2nd. Netflix has shut down the Oxenfree studio, Night School, despite recent praise for its game's performance. Hosting provider Namecheap is currently down due to a data center cooling failure. The U.S. government is reportedly preparing to allow private companies to conduct cyberattacks on its behalf. For those interested in gaming, a rare two-player Computer Space arcade machine is up for auction. In a surprising move, Amazon is exiting the MMO publishing space, handing off Lost Ark and Throne and Liberty. Meta is donating 15,000 of its AI-powered Ray-Ban Meta glasses to visually impaired individuals in Ireland, though a German nonprofit has filed a criminal complaint regarding privacy concerns with these smart glasses. The Google Play Store has been criticized by a U.S. judge for not adequately directing users to rival app stores. Instagram has updated its wordmark for the first time in over a decade, a design change that has been met with mixed reactions. Virgin Galactic has postponed the first commercial flight of its new spaceship to 2027. Chat GPT's free tier will remain available with unlimited text messages in 2026.