Google’s Pixel 11 lineup offers fewer hardware changes, but much more Gemini
The Google Pixel 11 series starts $100 costlier than the last year, but offers 256GB base storage.
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Android now has a tap-to-share feature
The Quick Share update makes it easier to share contact info and files between Pixel devices, and soon, Samsung phones.
Google unveils the Pixel Watch 5 with a smarter Gemini and advanced health monitoring | TechCrunch
The new smartwatch, which starts at $399, can track blood pressure patterns and insulin resistance, as well as deliver personalized help and better sleep tracking.
Google’s new Pixel 11 Pro Fold offers a stronger build and brighter screens
The Pixel 11 Pro Fold will cost $1,899.
Honor’s Robot Phone is better than a gimbal in a phone has any right to be
After an hour of testing the Robot Phone, I’m surprised but impressed.
Apple updated the Siri app icon in its latest iOS 27 developer beta.
Now, it’s a glassier orb. I like it. With beta 5, Apple also tweaked the Safari, Preview, Settings, and Remote app icons, according to 9to5Mac. I grabbed a screenshot of the new icons — what do you think? [Image: https://platform.theverge.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/Screenshot-2026-08-11-at-1.20.43-PM.png?quality=90&strip=all]
The boss of Apple Pay is retiring.
Jennifer Bailey will be leaving Apple in October, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reports. That means she’ll be leaving shortly after incoming CEO John Ternus takes over on September 1st. In a memo to staff included in Gurman’s article, SVP of services Eddy Cue said that a succession plan will be announced before Bailey departs. [Media: https://www.threads.com/@markgurman/post/Db6KtMSCcjY?xmt=AQG0Feh2y7_jI-9mbL8m63NQxinU4nIeJ59uuZOLalempXXDXBS6DoEoaXXOsnIV7WA2imA]
The Galaxy Z Fold 8 survives JerryRigEverything’s bend test.
It’s still a stomach-clenching moment, though. He also did a cool teardown. [Media: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZOYCMkic0E]
Apple could help you prove your iPhone photos aren’t deepfakes
iOS 27 beta 5 includes code references for an “Apple Reference Image” system that can embed provenance metadata into iPhone photographs.
Samsung is bringing hearing aid capabilities to its Galaxy Buds.
The FDA-approved hearing aid feature will arrive on the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro and Galaxy Buds 4 Pro in the US and select markets later this year. Samsung has also announced that users will be able to perform a hearing test with the buds, which will use the results to amplify the sounds they have trouble hearing the most. [Image: https://platform.theverge.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/samsung-hearing-aid.jpg?quality=90&strip=all]
The Microsoft Surface Phone that got away.
Windows Central shared photos showing what appears to be a prototype of a rumored, unreleased Windows phone “that was expected to ship in 2014 under the Surface moniker.” It even has a design similar to a Surface laptop and reportedly included a Qualcomm chip and a 720p display. [Image: https://platform.theverge.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/surface-phone-prototype-windows-central.jpg?quality=90&strip=all]
What comes after the smartphone? Amazon's Panos Panay will make his case at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 | TechCrunch
At Disrupt 2026, Amazon's Panos Panay will provide his vision for what's in store for us beyond the smartphone.
Gurman says the glass iPhone is still on track.
An analyst report yesterday claimed Apple had canceled plans for an all-glass iPhone to mark its phone’s 20th anniversary. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman disagrees. He says the phone is still due to launch in 2027, it just won’t be all glass, with a slim metal frame connecting the two curved glass panels. [Link: Apple’s Glass-Centric 20th-Anniversary iPhone Remains on Track for 2027 | https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-08-11/apple-s-glass-centric-20th-anniversary-iphone-remains-on-track-for-2027 | Bloomberg]
Ballie refuses to die.
Samsung’s adorable rolling robot was never officially killed off, but it also never made it to retail as promised. SammyGuru just discovered an unmistakable Ballie-looking icon inside an official Samsung app during an APK teardown. More proof of life or just another death rattle? [Image: https://platform.theverge.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/Ballie-Icon-1.png?quality=90&strip=all] [Image: https://platform.theverge.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/ballie-small.png?quality=90&strip=all]
Clicks' Power Keyboard brings BlackBerry-style typing to any phone — with some compromises | TechCrunch
Clicks’ $99 Power Keyboard brings a customizable, slide-out physical keyboard to MagSafe and Qi2 smartphones, but its added heft can make larger phones awkward to use.
Apple will stream Friday Night Baseball live in Vision Pro
Games will stream every Friday for four weeks
This great retro-inspired keyboard now comes preassembled
The Classic-TKL is one of my favorite keyboard kits, and now you don’t have to build it yourself
Apple is considering a screen-free wearable.
With the success of Whoop and other screen-free fitness bands like the Fitbit Air, Polar Loop, and Helio Strap, it’s not a surprise that the company is weighing its options. But nothing is set in stone yet. According to Mark Gurman: > The company is considering new devices with no displays, as well as different types of screens and various sizes. While unlikely to hit the market, round screens have even been considered. I’m told the work also includes potentially adding premium models beyond the Ultra and Hermès variants. On the lower end, Apple is considering more affordable concepts besides the current SE model. [Link: Apple Explores Shaking Up Its Smartwatch for a New Era | https://www.bloomberg.com/news/newsletters/2026-08-09/apple-explores-apple-watch-shake-up-company-prepares-for-september-iphone-event?srnd=undefined | Bloomberg]