Mobile News 3 Days

Last updated: August 17, 2026, 6:16 AM ET

Mobile Launches & Leaks

HMD 2760 Flip is tipped to run Android 13 Go, succeeding the 2660 Flip that HMD unveiled at MWC last year. CUBOT KINGKONG Dura will feature a replaceable-battery system designed to reduce charging downtime. Poco M8x will be powered by the Snapdragon 4 Gen 5 SoC, with teasers already appearing on Flipkart. iQOO 16 is rumored to launch in September with a higher refresh-rate screen than its predecessor. iQOO Neo11 Ultra specs have leaked ahead of its imminent launch, confirming the Dimensity 9500M chipset. vivo Y31T image and specs have leaked, with a launch expected in India soon. Huawei's wide-screen phone is rumored to launch in September, featuring a 16:10 screen aspect ratio. Tecno Pova AI Buds Pro bring AI recording and call summarization features. iQOO Buds TWS will launch alongside the Z11 in India on August 20.

OpenAI & AI Developments

OpenAI reportedly disbanded its preparedness team as part of a streamlining restructuring process. DeepSeek's AI models are set to cost four times more, with price hikes announced for V4 models. Google now lets users remove Gemini's visible watermark from generated images. Google will now allow users to remove visible watermarks from AI content, while the invisible Synth ID will remain.

Legal & Regulatory

A fourth party is pursuing legal action against xAI, alleging that Grok was used to create CSAM based on childhood photos. France's top court struck down the social media ban for children under, with President Macron asking the government to rewrite the proposed legislation. US Judge says Google Play Store isn't doing enough to help users find rival app stores.

Android Updates & Features

Android 17 adds customization options to quick settings, with Google dropping the QPR2 Beta 3 update to eligible Pixel devices. Google is adding tons of new customization options to Android, including new quick settings features. Enable these Android settings to protect your phone from theft, including Google's theft-detection features. Do you really need an antivirus app on your Android? Most users don't, but there are exceptions.

Pixel Series & Ecosystem

Pixel 11 series launched alongside the Pixel Watch, with all models packing the new Tensor G4 chip. Google Pixel 11 series is now on pre-order with gift cards and trade-in bonuses. Which Google Pixel 11 model should you buy? The phones are available for pre-order and will ship from August 20. Get your Google Pixel 11 Pro preorder for free through various deals. Best Google Pixel 11 and Pixel 11 Pro screen protectors are now available for pre-order. Best Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold screen protectors are essential for the massive new foldable. Google Pixel 12 Pro Fold is expected in 2027, with four new Pixels anticipated. Google Pixel 12 leaks reveal price and design details for the 2027 lineup. Best Google Pixel Watch 5 bands remain compatible across generations, expanding your options. Google Pixel Watch 5 vs. Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 faces off in a close comparison of Android smartwatches.

Samsung Developments

Samsung Galaxy Tab S12 series tablets now appear in Google Play Console's supported devices list after Bluetooth certification. Samsung Galaxy Watch9 review reveals specs and battery upgrades for the latest wearable. Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 measures antioxidant levels, potentially helping users improve their diet. Samsung is likely preparing high-end over-ear headphones to rival Sony and Apple offerings. One UI 9.5 leaks suggest Samsung is eyeing a glass UI with shiny edges and depth effects. Galaxy Z Fold 8 offers compelling reasons to buy or skip, according to hands-on testing. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra was featured in a recent review recap alongside Dell XPS 13 coverage.

One Plus & Other Brands

Is buying a OnePlus phone in 2026 still a good idea? If you really want one, you can still make it work. Xiaomi 18 Ultra cancelled according to leaks, with Xiaomi launching only three smartphones in the 18 series. Upcoming vivo and Oppo Ultras likely won't go global, remaining China-only releases.

Gaming & Entertainment

Kingdom Hearts anime is coming to Disney+, featuring a brand new story. The Mandalorian and Grogu will hit Disney+ on September 2 for viewers who missed the theatrical release. Riffs on GoldenEye 007 and Star Fox appear in this week's indie game roundup. Nintendo GameCube discs were small for a reason, maintaining a unique format in console history. Retro games look better on old CRT TVs than on today's ultra-sharp displays.

Hardware & Components

Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro emerged in an AnTuTu benchmark run, with Qualcomm expected to unveil it at the Snapdragon Summit next month. Why are RAM prices so high right now? The AI-driven shortage continues to impact costs. USB4 Vs USB-C have pretty major differences, with guidance on how to tell them apart. USB trident symbol indicates port capabilities, but making sense of USB standards can be tricky. Analog TV vs. digital TV shows how the transition has evolved over time. Hybrid battery dies when its traction battery fails, requiring prompt attention from mechanics.

Audio & Accessories

Expensive earbuds range from under $10 to hundreds of dollars, with premium models offering significant benefits. Bluetooth codec guide explains which codec offers the best audio quality for your setup. Apple Watch battery replacement costs vary by model, extending device life but requiring cost-benefit analysis. Apple Upgrade program makes leasing an iPhone cheaper than buying outright through monthly payment plans.

Business & Finance

Stripe is reportedly in talks to buy PayPal, with new negotiations following a previous deal PayPal rejected. Kia's EV3 will start under $31,000 in the US, making it the cheapest EV in Kia's lineup. T-Mobile's 'Beyond the Smartphone' sale offers cheap and free devices for Back to School 2026.

Tech Tips & Guides

Reset your ASUS router when internet speeds slow down, following these troubleshooting steps. Request an Xbox refund through Microsoft's official process, though some games and apps have stipulations. Set up iPhone emergency contacts and medical ID before you need them, as they could save your life. Get the best MacBook battery life by changing these settings to optimize performance. Dash cam laws vary by state, so check regulations before driving through different regions. Retro app serves as a friend-only photo journal, competing with other social media platforms. Dolby Vision on Netflix requires the top-tier Premium subscription plan to access. Google Freeplay offers 10,000+ free on-demand movies and 300+ live channels without a TV app.

Waymo Expansion

Waymo receives permission to offer rides in Sacramento and San Diego, expanding beyond its current service areas. Instagram gets a new wordmark for the first time in over 10 years, featuring a refreshed font while retaining original design elements. Nubia Z70 Ultra became a desktop PC running Linux and The Witcher, proving smartphone chips can go far with proper cooling.

Feature Phone Trends

Weekly poll results show feature phone usage remains surprisingly high, with one third of voters using them occasionally. Newegg's GPU trade-in program offers convenience but may not provide the best cash value for your hardware. Telecommunications company evolution shows how the world's oldest telecom has adapted through twists and turns while remaining a major industry name.