Mobile News 3 Days

Last updated: August 15, 2026, 11:36 AM ET

Android and Google

Google is expanding customization options in its latest Android 17 QPR2 Beta 3 update, introducing new features and bug fixes for eligible Pixel devices. The company is also reportedly looking into silicon-carbon batteries for future Google Pixel phones, which could offer significant improvements in battery life. In other Google news, the tech giant has removed the visible watermark from images generated by its Nano Banana AI tool, making the output cleaner, as detailed in an update on Gemini images. The Google Play Store is facing scrutiny from a U.S. judge who believes the platform isn't doing enough to help users discover rival app stores. Google's Pixel 11 series has launched, with pre-orders now open and several deals offering the Pixel 11 Pro for free. Google has also promised 7 years of spare parts availability for the Pixel 11 lineup, ensuring longevity for the new devices.

Smartphones and Mobile Devices

The iQOO Neo11 Ultra is nearing its launch, with its chipset details revealed and a full specs sheet leaking ahead of its imminent release. The Poco M8x 5G is also on the horizon, adding another model to the Poco M8 family. Huawei is preparing to launch a new non-folding, wide-screen smartphone in September, following up on the success of its Pura X, as detailed in Huawei's plans. The Tecno Pova 8 Pro has been unveiled, featuring an Alive Matrix Display and a P1 Graphic Chip for enhanced gaming performance, while the Tecno Pova AI Buds Pro offer AI recording and call summarization. The vivo Y31T has had its image and specs leaked, suggesting an imminent launch in India. The Motorola Moto G Max has launched in India with a different set of specifications compared to its Brazilian counterpart. Honor has teased its upcoming Magic9 series, confirming a September launch and also revealed its intriguing "Robot Phone", a hybrid device that combines a smartphone with a gimbal. The Poco F9 Pro and Poco F9 Ultra have been extensively leaked, showcasing their design, specifications, and pricing. The Fairphone 6+ is rumored to launch on August 18th with a price point of around €685. The Samsung Galaxy S27 series is reportedly not planning to adopt an upcoming iPhone feature related to camera aperture. The Honor X100 Ultra has been leaked with its full specs sheet, ahead of its launch. The Sony Xperia 1 VIII is seeing strong sales, with the company emphasizing the importance of its micro SD slot and 3.5mm headphone jack. The Realme P4s Lite has been certified, indicating its upcoming launch in India. Motorola is rolling out the Android 17 update to its Signature smartphone, a significant download of 5.75GB. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S12 series has moved closer to launch after receiving Bluetooth certification.

AI and Software

Google is adding significant customization to its Android 17 operating system, with the QPR2 Beta 3 update bringing new features to Pixel devices. In the realm of AI, Google has removed the visible watermark from images generated by its Nano Banana tool, offering cleaner outputs, as noted in the AI content watermarks update. DeepSeek has announced a significant price increase for its V4 AI models, quadrupling their cost. Microsoft's AI mascot, Mico, has been demoted from its role in Copilot Voice. Twitch is facing scrutiny over its AI training practices, with users now able to opt out of having their streams used for AI model development, as explained in Twitch AI training. Spotify is partnering with Kobalt to integrate AI-powered covers and remixes, and has also begun labeling AI artists and removing them from recommendations. Xiaomi has unveiled HyperOS 4, which features a new glass look, UI customizations, and enhanced AI capabilities.

Gaming and Entertainment

Netflix has shut down the Oxenfree studio, Night School, despite recent praise for its game's performance. Disney+ is set to release an anime based on Kingdom Hearts, featuring a new storyline. Indie game enthusiasts can look forward to new releases inspired by '90s classics, as well as unique animal-themed games, in this week's indie game roundup. The Game Cube emulator scene is heating up with the emergence of Gecko as a potential challenger to the long-standing Dolphin emulator. Amazon is exiting the MMO publishing space, handing over publishing rights for Lost Ark and Throne and Liberty to other companies.

Tech Industry and Business

SpaceX has officially acquired the AI coding startup Cursor. Stripe is reportedly in talks to acquire PayPal, with negotiations underway for a new price. Apple has begun issuing warnings to users who have been targeted by mercenary spyware attacks. A German nonprofit has filed a criminal complaint against Meta regarding privacy concerns with its smart glasses. The U.S. government is reportedly set to allow private companies to conduct cyberattacks on its behalf. Hosting provider Namecheap is currently experiencing an outage due to a data center cooling failure. X, formerly Twitter, is testing a tool that will allow users to see if their posts have been 'shadowbanned', alongside increased algorithm transparency. Virgin Galactic has postponed the first commercial flight of its new spaceship to 2027. Apple is rumored to be planning a $100 price hike across all its iPhone models.

Connectivity and Standards

Understanding USB ports can be confusing, but knowing the trident symbol can help identify different types of ports and their capabilities. There's a significant difference between USB4 and USB-C, with USB4 offering much faster speeds and more features.

Automotive and Transportation

Waymo has received permission to offer rides in Sacramento and San Diego, expanding its robotaxi service to new cities and also increasing its fleet coverage in the San Francisco Bay Area and Los Angeles. Kia's EV3 will start at under $31,000 in the U.S., making it the most affordable EV in Kia's lineup. Hybrid car owners should be aware of what happens when a traction battery dies and the necessary steps to address such issues. Dash cam legality varies by state, and drivers should be aware of the rules in the regions they are traveling through. LG is partnering with Nvidia to develop AI-powered robots and hardware for self-driving cars.

Accessories and Peripherals

Earbuds vary greatly in price, and understanding what justifies the premium cost can help consumers make informed decisions. DJI's Mic Mini 2S has been updated to offer a pro experience with internal 32-bit float recording, making it a top choice for small, high-quality microphones. Meta is donating 15,000 Ray-Ban Meta glasses, equipped with AI capabilities, to blind and visually impaired individuals in Ireland, as part of a donation of AI glasses. The best screen protectors for the Google Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro XL, and Pixel 11 Pro Fold models are available to ensure display safety. Various cases for the Google Pixel 11 and Pixel 11 Pro XL are also recommended to protect these devices. T-Mobile is offering a Back to School sale on non-smartphone tech, and has also introduced deals for the Pixel Watch 5, including a $555 monthly price with a specific plan.

Other Tech News

Google TV's Freeplay service now offers over 10,000 free movies and 300 live channels, providing a substantial alternative to paid streaming services. A rare, two-player Computer Space arcade machine is up for auction, part of a collection focused on early computing history. Users can now stream classic movies like The Martian, E.T., and Zodiac on Apple TV. A judge has stated that Google must improve how its Play Store surfaces rival app stores to users. The latest ChatGPT update in August 2026 will allow unlimited texting, with specific features remaining free. MacBook users can optimize battery life by adjusting certain settings. Spotify offers alternatives for users seeking to move away from its service. HDMI splitters and switches serve different purposes for managing multiple HDMI devices.