Mobile News 3 Days

Last updated: August 15, 2026, 8:32 AM ET

Mobile Devices and Smartphones

The smartphone market is seeing a flurry of new releases and leaks. The iQOO Neo11 Ultra has had its full specs sheet leaked, with the Dimensity 9500M chipset confirmed and a launch expected soon. Similarly, the Poco M8x 5G is on the horizon, adding a fifth member to the M8 family. Huawei is also preparing to launch a new non-folding, wide-screen smartphone in September, following the success of its Pura X. Over at Samsung, rumors continue to swirl around One UI 9.5, with speculation about a new glass-like UI design. The vivo Y31T has also had its image and specs leaked, with a launch in India anticipated. Motorola has launched a new version of the Moto G Max in India, which differs from the Brazilian model. The Honor Magic9 series is confirmed for a September launch, and the company has also teased its unique Robot Phone, a hybrid gimbal and smartphone. The Poco F9 Pro and F9 Ultra have been extensively leaked, revealing renders, specs, and prices. The Fairphone 6+ is rumored to launch on August 18th with a price around €685. The Motorola Signature is now receiving its Android 17 update. Realme is preparing to launch the P4s Lite in India. Sony is reporting strong sales for its Xperia 1 VIII, with the micro SD slot and 3.5mm jack being considered integral features.

Google Pixel Lineup and Ecosystem

Google's Pixel lineup is a major focus, with significant announcements and leaks. The Pixel 11 series has arrived, featuring the new Tensor G6 chip and faster charging. Google is also promising 7 years of spare parts availability for the Pixel 11 lineup. The Pixel 11 Pro and Pro XL boast new camera sensors and improved design elements, though they come with less RAM despite price increases. The Pixel 11 Pro Fold is priced at $1,900 and features faster Qi2 wireless charging. Comparisons are already being made between the Pixel 11 Pro Fold and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, with the Pixel being heavier and having a smaller battery. Preorder deals are abundant, with T-Mobile offering the Pixel 11 for free with certain plans. Other deals include up to $150 off through Google Play Points. Screen protector options are available for the Pixel 11 and Pixel 11 Pro, as well as for the larger Pixel 11 Pro XL and the foldable Pixel 11 Pro Fold. Cases for the Pixel 11 and Pixel 11 Pro and the Pixel 11 Pro XL are also detailed. The Pixel Watch 5 is being compared to the Samsung Galaxy Watch, and T-Mobile is offering a deal for the Pixel Watch 5 for $5.55/month. Google’s Pixel Buds Pro 2 are getting upgrades including Dynamic ANC and Gemini controls. The Pixel Tag aims to enhance Google's Find Hub network with UWB precision. Google is also reportedly interested in silicon-carbon batteries for future Pixel phones. The controversial Pixel 11 launch event featured a "cringe fest" according to one review. Google's AI image generator now allows users to remove visible watermarks, though the invisible Synth ID watermark remains. Google also offers 10,000 free movies on Freeplay.

AI, Software, and Services

Artificial intelligence continues to be a major theme across the tech landscape. DeepSeek's AI models are set to quadruple in price. Google is making changes to its AI image generation, now allowing users to remove visible watermarks from Gemini images. In a move that could impact the payment industry, Stripe is reportedly in talks to buy PayPal. LG is partnering with Nvidia to develop AI-powered robots and hardware for self-driving cars. Tecno's new Pova AI Buds Pro feature AI recording and call summarization. Xiaomi has unveiled HyperOS 4, which includes a new glass look, UI customizations, and more AI capabilities. Spotify is expanding its AI initiatives by partnering with Kobalt for AI-powered covers and remixes, and is also beginning to label AI artists and remove them from recommendations. Twitch is facing questions about its AI training practices, with users asking how to stop Twitch from training AI on their streams. Chat GPT's free tier will continue to be available in 2026, with unlimited texts possible. Meta is donating 15,000 AI glasses to blind and visually impaired people in Ireland. The company has also faced a criminal complaint in Germany regarding privacy concerns with its smart glasses. Microsoft's AI mascot, Mico, has reportedly been demoted from Copilot Voice.

Gaming, Entertainment, and New Media

The entertainment landscape is evolving with new content and platform changes. A Kingdom Hearts anime is coming to Disney+. For Star Wars fans, The Mandalorian and Grogu will be available on Disney+ starting September 2nd. Netflix has shut down the Oxenfree studio Night School despite praising its recent game. Amazon is exiting the MMO publishing space, handing off Lost Ark and Throne and Liberty to other companies. Classic movies like The Martian, E.T., and Zodiac are now available on Apple TV. The complete edition of Ghost of Yōtei will arrive on October 1st with a new story arc. The emulator scene is also seeing activity, with the Gecko emulator challenging Dolphin as the top Game Cube emulator. A rare two-player Computer Space arcade machine is up for auction.

Industry and Consumer Tech

Several developments are impacting the broader tech industry and consumer electronics. Waymo has received approval to offer rides in Sacramento and San Diego, and will also expand its services in the San Francisco Bay Area and Los Angeles. A US judge has stated that the Google Play Store is not doing enough to help users find rival app stores. The Kia EV3 will start under $31,000 in the US, making it the cheapest EV in Kia's lineup. Qualcomm's next-generation chipset, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro, has appeared in an AnTuTu benchmark. The US government is reportedly planning to allow private companies to conduct cyberattacks on its behalf. There are varied laws regarding dash cams by state, so drivers should be aware of the rules. Apple has begun issuing warnings to users who have been targeted by mercenary spyware attacks. A new rumor suggests that Apple will be increasing iPhone prices by $100, affecting both current and upcoming models, leading to an imminent iPhone price hike. France's top court has struck down a ban on social media for children under, prompting President Macron to ask the government to rewrite the proposed ban. The hosting provider Namecheap is down due to a data center cooling failure. The company's amorphous corporate mascot, Mico, has been demoted from Copilot Voice. Virgin Galactic has postponed the first commercial flight of its new spaceship to 2027. Users can now save Google storage on Android by changing a single setting. The debate between HDMI splitters and switches continues, with an explanation of their key differences. Digital wallets, such as Apple Wallet and Google Wallet, offer convenience, and there are various pros and cons to using them. The Insta360 X6 offers a balanced experience for creators with its 360 camera features. CBP officers are reportedly misusing surveillance technology, including license plate readers and facial recognition. T-Mobile's 'Beyond the Smartphone' sale offers discounts on non-smartphone tech for Back to School. Apple has released a guide on how to clear the cache on an iPhone. The DJI Mic Mini 2S has been updated to offer a more professional audio experience with 32-bit float recording.

Wearables and Accessories

Wearable technology is seeing advancements in health monitoring and connectivity. Google's Pixel Watch 5 features health, GPS, and AI upgrades, with most of this year's updates focused on software rather than hardware. The Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 has received a positive review for its specs and battery upgrade. Google is also planning to launch a screen-less Fitbit Air in India this October. A report suggests that a Google Pixel with a silicon-carbon battery could be in development. The Pixel 11 Pro Fold supports faster Qi2 wireless charging, and the standard Pixel 11 models also feature improved wireless charging capabilities with Qi2 support. Google's new Health Guardian feature for Pixel Watches can monitor blood pressure and insulin resistance. Samsung's Galaxy Tab S12 series has moved closer to launch after receiving Bluetooth certification.

Security and Privacy

Concerns around digital security and privacy are prominent. Apple has begun sending out notifications 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 the government to rewrite the proposed legislation. A German nonprofit has filed a criminal complaint against Meta regarding privacy concerns associated with its smart glasses. The US government is reportedly considering allowing private companies to carry out cyberattacks on its behalf. The U.S. judge overseeing a case involving the Google Play Store has stated that Google must do more to help users find rival app stores. CBP officers are allegedly misusing surveillance technology, including license plate readers and facial recognition. X is testing a tool that will allow users to see if their posts have been shadowbanned.