Mobile News 3 Hours

Last updated: July 8, 2026, 2:30 PM ET

AI Assistants & Voice Modes

OpenAI is rolling out a voice mode for Chat GPT that can acknowledge user speech and dynamically adjust its pace if prompted. Meanwhile, Amazon is reportedly developing a project codenamed 'Moonraker' to significantly enhance Alexa's ability to manage multi-step tasks, signaling a push towards more agentic AI assistants across the industry.

Google & Android Updates

Google has begun distributing the first post-Android 17 update for Pixel devices, focusing on essential security patches and bug fixes. Separately, the company announced a new 'Video Remix' feature for AI subscribers, which will leverage Gemini Omni to reimagine videos stored within Google Photos, offering users new creative editing capabilities.

Upcoming Smartphone Launches & Leaks

Xiaomi has teased the upcoming Redmi Note 17 series, slated for unveiling on July 14, with specific details emerging about the Pro model, including its use of Gorilla Glass Victus. Official renders have also leaked for multiple new Samsung devices, including the Galaxy Z Flip, Watch, Watch 2 Ultra, and the Z Fold, ahead of the company's July 22nd Galaxy Unpacked event in London where Samsung CEO previously discussed the future of AI integration.

Autonomous Driving Expansion

Waymo is preparing to remove human safety drivers from its operations in four additional cities: San Diego, Las Vegas, Tampa, and Denver. This move signifies a significant step towards fully autonomous ride-hailing services in these major metropolitan areas.