Mobile News 8 Hours

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

Mobile AI & Assistants

Google announced a new "Video Remix" feature for its AI subscribers, leveraging Gemini Omni to reimagine user-uploaded videos. Separately, OpenAI's ChatGPT is rolling out a voice mode that can adjust its speaking speed based on user prompts. Amazon is also reportedly developing a more capable AI assistant, codenamed 'Moonraker,' aimed at handling complex, multi-step tasks more effectively Amazon works on. Meanwhile, the U.S. government is expressing concern over the increasing adoption of Chinese AI models by domestic companies seeking cost reductions US restricts.

Smartphone Launches & Leaks

Xiaomi is gearing up to unveil the Redmi Note 17 series on July 14, with teasers highlighting the Pro model's durability. Official renders for Samsung's upcoming devices have leaked, including the Galaxy Z Flip 8, Watch, Watch 2 Ultra, and the Z Fold. Samsung has also opened reservations for the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Flip 8 series following the July 22 Unpacked event confirmation Samsung opens reservations. The company is also expected to release the budget-friendly Galaxy A18, with design renders already circulating. Huawei is teasing the global release of its Pura 90 series next week, featuring distinctive gradient backs Huawei teasers. Details regarding the Redmi Turbo 6 Max have also emerged, indicating a successor to the Turbo 5 Max.

Wearables & Accessories

Rollme has introduced the AirCam, an open-ear headphone model that integrates an 8MP camera with a Sony sensor. Meta is implementing a mandatory update for its smart glasses, which will disable camera if the privacy light is tampered with. Fi Ultra's latest pet tracker is utilizing T-Mobile's Starlink service for enhanced coverage in rural areas.

Software & Services Updates

Google is distributing the first post-Android 17 update for Pixel phones, focusing on security patches and bug fixes Pixel update rolls out. Nintendo has announced that the mobile game Mario Kart Tour will on September 30, with no plans for an offline version. Duck Duck Go's browser now includes functionality to block video advertisements by default, extending to platforms like YouTube.

Automotive & Manufacturing

Waymo is expanding its fully autonomous operations to four additional cities: San Diego, Las Vegas, Tampa, and Denver, eliminating human safety supervisors. Apple has committed to purchasing $30 billion worth of US-made chips from Broadcom as part of its initiative to boost domestic manufacturing Apple pledges $30B.

Legal & Regulatory

Apple has lost its legal challenge against European Union regulations that mandate the opening of its platforms to third-party developers, affecting its App Store Apple loses EU fight. In a separate development, Apple is reportedly testing DRAM chips from CXMT, a Chinese company facing U.S. restrictions due to alleged ties with the People's Liberation Army Apple tests Chinese chips.

Promotions & Features

Amazon is offering limited-time discounts across the entire Samsung Galaxy S26, an event described as being comparable to Prime Day promotions. Roku users have access to a lesser-known feature designed for late-night viewing, which can be activated on compatible devices Roku night owl feature.