Latest Mobile & Gadgets News
Samsung Galaxy S26 to Feature First Flagship Price Hike in 3 Years
Samsung plans a price increase for the Galaxy S26 series due to rising memory chip costs from the AI boom, with the 256GB model potentially up $68. The unveiling is set for Galaxy Unpacked on February 25, 2026, in San Francisco, themed 'The Next AI Phone Makes Your Life Easier.'
CEO Roh Tae-moon hinted at pricing impacts from chip costs in January.
Samsung Teases One UI 8.5 Stable Release with Galaxy S26
Samsung released a video teasing One UI 8.5 (Android 16 QPR2) debuting stably with the Galaxy S26 at the February 25 Unpacked event. Currently in beta on Galaxy S25, it offers a cleaner, more customizable UI with new features.
The teaser features dancing app icons from Messages, Gaming Hub, Wallet, and Camera.
Google Pixel 10a Launches Globally Tomorrow with Tensor G4 Chip
Google's Pixel 10a mid-range smartphone launches February 18 with a 6.3-inch 120Hz display, retaining the older Tensor G4 chipset unlike the Pixel 10 series' Tensor G5. It features unchanged cameras, available in Blue, Grey, Obsidian at €549 for 128GB and €649 for 256GB.
Retailer Vanden Borre revealed details early via Roland Quandt.
Samsung Galaxy A57 5G Certified, Imminent Launch with Flagship-Like Upgrades
The Galaxy A57 5G (SM-A576BDS) cleared IMDA certification, confirming global dual-SIM variant with 5G, NFC, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. Leaks suggest massive mid-range upgrades nearing flagship levels, ready to disrupt the market.
Recent certifications hint at a launch soon.
Apple Schedules March 4 Global Event for Hardware and AI Launches
Apple teases a 'special Apple experience' on March 4 in New York, London, and Shanghai, aligning with Mobile World Congress for synchronized global launches. Speculation points to device refreshes supporting on-device AI, broadening chip-powered ecosystems.
This optimizes hardware for privacy-focused AI features.
Apple Developing AI Smart Glasses, Pendant, and Camera AirPods
Apple advances three AI wearables: N50 smart glasses with dual cameras for vision AI (2027 launch), a pendant, and low-res camera AirPods for Siri context, all iPhone-connected. Glasses lack displays, relying on voice for calls, music, navigation.
AirPods could ship this year, competing with Meta Ray-Bans.
NICT to Showcase Beyond 5G/6G Tech at MWC Barcelona 2026
Japan's NICT will demo terahertz wireless, AI communications, cybernetic avatars, multilingual tech, and quantum security at MWC Hall 6, Stand F54 (March 2-5). Focuses on high-capacity networks for AI services amid rising data demands.
Aims to collaborate with European partners on CONNECT, EXPAND, SECURE pillars.
Qualcomm Faces UK Lawsuit Over AI-Era Chip Licensing
Qualcomm sued in UK challenging cellular tech royalties, impacting smartphones, AI PCs, wearables amid always-connected demands. Could reshape 'fair' licensing as radios underpin edge AI devices.
Ripples beyond phones to connected ecosystems.
Cohere Releases Open Multilingual AI Models for On-Device Use
Cohere launched small, open multilingual AI models for everyday devices, enabling cheap, controllable AI in low-connectivity regions. Critical for apps in Asia, Africa, Latin America beyond English.
Aligns with market shift to efficient on-device intelligence.
Google I/O 2026 Dates Confirmed, Expect Android 17 and AI Updates
Google announced Google I/O 2026 dates, set to cover latest AI advancements and new Android 17 features for mobile ecosystem. Event focuses on developer tools and hardware integrations.
Builds on ongoing AI and software pushes.
Top American-Made Luxury Phones Define 2026 with Premium Features
Standouts include Metavertu Max Alligator (10TB storage, Web3 AI) and Librem 5 USA (hardware kill switches, user-replaceable battery). Emphasize security, craftsmanship like 316L steel frames and Ruby Key concierge.
Elite devices with distributed storage and exclusive tech.