IT General

The phone summer continues: Next up is Google, which is launching new Pixel 11 phones and more at its "Made by Google" event, held in New York on Wednesday, Aug. 12, starting at 6 p.m. ET.

During the event, we expect to see four new Pixel phones: Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro XL, and the foldable Pixel 11 Pro Fold. The company is also rumored to launch the new Pixel Watch 5 and yes, we'll probably hear a lot (A LOT) of chatter about Google's Gemini AI. For a full list of what we expect to see today, go here.

In this live blog, we'll be chronicling the event as it unfolds, so stay tuned for all the latest updates.

TL;DR: Starting Aug. 12, new and existing AT&T customers can pre-order the Google Pixel 11 Pro for free when they trade in any old Google Pixel, no matter its age or condition.

Opens in a new window Credit: Google Google Pixel 11 Pro Trade in any old Google Pixel — any year, any condition — and get the new Pixel 11 Pro for free at AT&T. Get Deal

Thinking of upgrading your Google Pixel? AT&T's got a deal that makes it an easy call.

Starting Wednesday, Aug. 12, the carrier is opening preorders for the new Pixel 11 lineup, and the trade-in offer makes the timing even better: hand over any old Pixel, and walk away with a Pixel 11 Pro for $0.

New and existing AT&T customers can pre-order through the AT&T app, online, or in-store, and the trade-in terms are simple: any old Google Pixel qualifies, regardless of its age or condition. So even if your current phone has a cracked screen, a dying battery, or is a few generations behind, it still counts toward a brand-new Pixel 11 Pro at no extra cost.

There's some fine print worth knowing before you sign up. The $0 deal requires an installment plan paired with AT&T's Extra 2.0 plan or higher (at least $80/month before discounts), and it applies to the 256GB model after 36 monthly bill credits. Credits kick in within your first three bills, but if you cancel service, they stop, and whatever's left on the device balance becomes due. A $35 activation or upgrade fee, plus taxes and other charges, also applies.

Google's Made by Google event is happening the same day, Aug. 12, so this deal drops right as the new phones go live. And since Google hasn't confirmed final pricing on the lineup yet, getting a Pixel 11 Pro for free with a trade-in is a great way to skip the sticker shock entirely.

Your old Pixel's final job? Getting you the Google Pixel 11 Pro for free at AT&T.

Along with the release of the Pixel 11 Pro, Made By Google 2026 also brings an upgrade to the largest of the Pixel smartphones.

Introducing the Pixel 11 Pro XL.

And just like the Pixel 11 Pro, the big new feature for the Pixel 11 Pro XL is the new HiLight element on the camera bar.

But first, let's get to the pricing. As with the rest of the Pixel 11 lineup, prices have gone up compared to the launch pricing of its predecessor. The Pixel 11 Pro XL will start at $1,299, which is $100 more than the Pixel 10 Pro XL. Google eliminated the 128GB model of the largest Pixel smartphone last year with the Pixel 10 Pro XL, so this base Pixel 11 Pro XL comes with 256GB of storage.

SEE ALSO: T-Mobile is giving away the new Google Pixel 11 Pro for free — how to qualify Google Pixel 11 Pro XL: Colors and specs

Like the Pixel 11 Pro, the Pixel 11 Pro XL comes in four colors: Canyon, Obsidian, Fog, and Olive.

Pixel 11 Pro XL has many of the same basic specs as the Pixel 11 Pro:

• Processor: Google Tensor G6 

• Storage: 256/512GB/1TB 

• Memory: 12/16GB RAM 

• Rear cameras: 50MP wide, 48MP ultra-wide, 48MP telephoto with 5x optical zoom 

• Front camera: 42MP

Google Pixel 11 Pro XL size comparison Credit: René Ramos / Mashable

However, some big differences put the XL in the Pixel 11 Pro XL:

• Display: 6.8-inch display with 1344 x 2992 resolution and 1-120Hz refresh rate 

• Battery: 5115mAh battery 

The Pixel 11 Pro XL has the biggest display of the Pixel 11 lineup and the largest battery as well. This all means it's the biggest of the Pixel 11 lineup as well, with a height of 6.4 inches and a width of 3 inches. It's also the heaviest, at 8oz.

SEE ALSO: How to watch Made By Google 2026 Google Pixel 11 Pro XL: HiLight

Aside from its larger size, the Google Pixel 11 Pro XL gets pretty much all the upgrades the Pixel 11 Pro does, including this year's biggest addition to the lineup: HiLight.

Google Pixel 11 Pro XL's HiLight feature Credit: René Ramos / Mashable

Previous reports referred to the feature as "Pixel Glow," but Google has officially introduced this new element as HiLight.

HiLight is a small, multicolored light located in the camera bar on the rear of the device. HILight will light up and change color to notify its owner. These lights can be customized to match a certain contact. This way, if your phone is lying face down and you receive a call, the user can immediately tell who is calling without having to flip their device over, based on the HiLight notification color. 

The Pixel 11 Pro XL was just announced, so stick with Mashable's continued coverage to find out more as we get hands-on with Google's new Pixel devices.

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Google has finally introduced the Pixel 11 phone series, along with the Pixel Watch 5 and Pixel Tag. The emphasis this year isn't just on AI features like Gemini Intelligence — it's on cameras that can do everything short of pressing the shutter button.

A sports car probably isn't the first thing most parents think of when shopping for a teenager's first car. Reliability concerns, maintenance costs, and the risks that come with giving a new driver too much power can make even an affordable performance car a questionable choice. But for a teenager who is genuinely passionate about cars, there is one lightweight coupe that offers something unusual: an engaging driving experience without a huge price tag or excessive power.

Apple’s AirTag, Chipolo, Tile, and Moto Tag have run the Bluetooth tracker show for years. Now, Google is officially entering the segment with the Pixel Tag. It will help you find misplaced belongings, so finding keys, wallets, or bags is about to become less stressful for Android users.

Alongside the next-generation Pixel 11 series and the Pixel 11 Pro Fold, Google also announced the Pixel Watch 5. It doubles down on proactive health tracking and Gemini-powered intelligence while retaining the familiar design and hardware. The biggest addition to the latest wearable is passive blood pressure and insulin resistance tracking—two common invisible health risks. These are aimed at encouraging healthy habits.

Google's version of the AirTag is coming: The Google Pixel Tag.

The Google Pixel Tag uses Google's Find Hub network to help you find your belongings, like your wallet or suitcase. It can be used with Android devices running Android 9 or newer; connect it to your device, name it, and even share it with up to 10 people.

SEE ALSO: How to watch Made By Google 2026

You can see your tagged items on the map within the Find Hub app. If you lose something, you can ring it if it's within Bluetooth range, and it'll play a sound through its built-in speaker. Apparently, it'll have precise location data thanks to Ultra-Wideband with Bluetooth Channel Sounding, so you can recover your item even if it's in a nook or cranny.

Credit: René Ramos / Mashable

And if you leave your keys or wallet (or pet?) behind, or are about to, you'll get an alert. You'll also get an alert if an unknown tag is with you. Should your tagged item be out of range, Find Hub will tap into a network of over one billion Android devices to find it, according to Google's press release.

SEE ALSO: T-Mobile is giving away the new Google Pixel 11 for free — how to claim

The Google Pixel Tag is made of stainless steel and has a battery life of up to one year (which is similar to the AirTag). At under two inches long, 0.2 inches thick, and weighing 0.4 ounces, it won't add bulk to your valuables. It retails for $29 for one or $99 for a 4-pack. It releases on Nov. 11.

Google has officially unveiled the Pixel 11 Pro Fold during Made By Google on Wednesday, positioning it as the standout entry in a refreshed Pixel 11 lineup that also includes the Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, and Pixel 11 Pro XL.

According to Google, the company built the new foldable to be "open for anything," touting a thinner, lighter design alongside meaningful jumps in display brightness, camera performance, and processing power. Google says the Pro Fold is about 1 millimeter thinner and nearly 10 percent lighter than its predecessor, and claims it's three times more durable.

Credit: Google

The device carries an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, according to the company, and features a new hinge, a composite back, and scratch-resistant glass. For the first time, Google says the Pro Fold's outer display uses the company's Super Actua screen technology, which it says makes both the 6.5-inch external panel and the 8-inch internal display 20 percent brighter than the previous generation.

SEE ALSO: Made By Google: Live updates as new Pixel 11 phones launch

In terms of performance, Google says the Pro Fold runs on its custom Tensor G6 chip, delivering up to 50 percent more TPU compute power and up to 20 percent greater power efficiency compared to the prior generation, and is paired with 16GB of RAM. The company says the battery lasts more than 24 hours on a charge, with wired charging reaching 50 percent in about 30 minutes and wireless charging up to 20 percent faster than before, enabled by Google's Pixelsnap magnetic system.

Camera upgrades include a new 48-megapixel main sensor that Google says captures 56 percent more light than its predecessor, along with a telephoto lens supporting 30x Super Zoom. Google is also highlighting features unique to the Fold's design, including a "Rear Camera Selfie" mode that lets users shoot high-resolution self-portraits using the main rear camera while framing themselves on the outer screen, and a "Dual Screen Preview" option that lets subjects see themselves as a photo is composed.

SEE ALSO: T-Mobile is giving away the new Google Pixel 11 for free — how to claim

The Pro Fold arrives alongside broader software updates that Google is rolling out across the Pixel 11 series, centered on its Gemini Intelligence assistant. Google says Gemini can now handle routine tasks like booking rides or placing orders in the background, and in the U.S., can place phone calls on a user's behalf while offering a live transcript of the conversation.

The company is also introducing sign language-to-text translation via the Pixel Camera, aimed at helping deaf and hard-of-hearing users communicate more naturally with non-signers.

Buyers who purchase the Pro Fold or other Pro models will also get six months of Google's AI Pro subscription plan at no cost, according to the company, a bundle Google values at $119.94 that includes expanded Gemini usage limits, 5TB of cloud storage, and Google Health Premium.

Google's new smartwatch has the endorsement of a champion.

The company announced the new Pixel Watch 5 on Wednesday as part of its big Made by Google event. Starting at $399 and coming in both 41mm and 45mm sizes, the new Pixel Watch makes some important changes on the software side and introduces new customization options. It also has a special Steph Curry edition with an exclusive band and custom watch face, in case you need something to wear while shooting half-court threes.

SEE ALSO: T-Mobile is giving away the new Google Pixel 11 Pro for free — how to qualify Google Pixel Watch 5: Specs and changes All the important stuff happens here. Credit: René Ramos / Mashable

Here are the basic specs for Pixel Watch 5:

• Sizes: 41mm and 45mm

• Colors: Matte Black, Polished Silver, Satin Pyrite, Champagne Gold (41mm only)

• Display: Actua 360 display with 3,000 nits peak brightness and 1-60Hz refresh rate

• WiFi and LTE support

• Battery: 465mAh on 45mm, 332mAh on 41mm

As always, health features are the main draw here, and Google brought some new ones to the table for the Pixel Watch 5. It can track blood pressure patterns and insulin resistance, and offer detailed fitness training for more than 50 exercises. Google is also promising a revamped and improved GPS this year. Of course, sleep tracking is also back, now with a feature that analyzes your sleep breathing quality.

SEE ALSO: How to watch Made By Google 2026

Gemini is also part of the whole deal, with personalized AI health coaching and the ability to proactively surface relevant information from text messages and whatnot. Google also says the processing should happen 20 percent faster on the Pixel Watch 5.

And yes, you can use generative AI to create your own watch faces from prompts. That's on top of a ton of watch band options, which should let you create the exact look you want.

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In an age when annual phone upgrades seem increasingly iterative, Google has brought at least one interesting new hardware feature to the table with the Pixel 11 Pro.

Announced as part of its Made by Google event on Wednesday, the Pixel 11 Pro builds on the Pixel 10 Pro from a year ago by upgrading a few key components and adding a new element to the camera bar called HiLight. Before we get to that, though, let's talk price.

The Pixel 11 Pro starts at $1,099, which is $100 higher than the starting price for the Pixel 10 Pro. An important bit of context, though, is that the 10 Pro's $999 model had 128GB of storage, which is not available on the 11 Pro.

Google Pixel 11 Pro: Colors and specs Nice metal curves. Credit: René Ramos / Mashable

Pixel 11 Pro comes in four colors: Canyon, Obsidian, Fog, and Olive. Here are the specs:

• Display: 6.3-inch display with 1280x2856 resolution and 1-120Hz refresh rate

• Processor: Google Tensor G6

• Storage: 256/512GB/1TB

• Memory: 12/16GB RAM

• Battery: 4,850mAh battery

• Rear cameras: 50MP wide, 48MP ultra-wide, 48MP telephoto with 5x optical zoom

• Front camera: 42MP

There are some meaningful changes to discuss here. First, Google upped the peak brightness from 3,300 nits to 3,600 nits, so it should be easier to use outdoors. Beyond that, the removal of a 128GB storage option also coincides with the addition of a 12GB RAM option. Before this, Pixel Pro devices only came with 16GB RAM. It seems that 16GB RAM is tied to higher storage options this year, with 12GB being associated with the 256GB storage variant.

SEE ALSO: Made By Google: Live updates as new Pixel 11 phones launch

The new Tensor G6 processor should improve performance and unlock new AI features like Magic Capture, which will seemingly find "perfect" frames in your videos to turn into images, with automatic cropping and unblurring when necessary.

Google Pixel 11 Pro: Introducing HiLight There it is. Credit: René Ramos / Mashable

All of that is within the realm of expectations for a new Pixel Pro device, but HiLight is not.

SEE ALSO: T-Mobile is giving away the new Google Pixel 11 Pro for free — how to qualify

This new feature, which rumors had called "Pixel Glow" before the unveiling on Wednesday, is a small multicolored light that lives in the camera bar on Pixel 11 Pro and Pixel Fold devices. Sorry, the base model is excluded here. HiLight will light up and change colors when you have your phone turned over to notify you if someone in your contacts is calling, or to signify that Gemini is being used. You can go into your contacts and even set custom colors for different people, if you'd like.

We'll have full reviews for these new Pixel phones in the near future, so watch this space for further analysis of things like HiLight.

Google's next round of Pixel phones is finally here.

As part of its Made by Google event on Wednesday, Google announced the new Pixel 11 lineup. There are also Pro models and a foldable device, but let's focus on the regular Pixel 11 for now. The base model this year starts at $899, which is $100 more than last year, but there's a caveat: The starting storage is now 256GB instead of 128GB. Last year's Pixel 10 was also $899 for 256GB of storage, so it's only technically a price increase.

SEE ALSO: Made By Google: Live updates as new Pixel 11 phones launch Google Pixel 11: Colors and specs Very thin indeed. Credit: René Ramos / Mashable

Pixel 11 also comes in four colors: Frost, Pistachio, Hibiscus, and Obsidian. Here are the basic specs for the device:

• Display: 6.3-inch display with 1080x2424 resolution and 60-120Hz refresh rate

• Processor: Google Tensor G6 processor

• Storage: 256/512GB

• Memory: 12GB

• Battery: 4,985mAh

• Rear cameras: 48MP wide, 13MP ultrawide, 10.8MP telephoto with 5x optical zoom

• Front camera: 10.5MP

Google didn't revolutionize the base Pixel model for 2026. This is a very incremental upgrade over last year, but there are some noteworthy changes. For instance, the camera bar is about 40 percent thinner, so the phone appears almost fully flat with a case on. Unfortunately, that camera bar does not include HiLight, a new hardware feature exclusive to the Pro devices that uses multicolored lights to convey notifications when the phone is lying face down.

SEE ALSO: T-Mobile is giving away the new Google Pixel 11 for free — how to claim

As for other changes, we already covered the exclusion of a 128GB model, but it's also worth mentioning that there's a new 512GB variant of the base model this year. The new Tensor G6 processor delivers faster performance and a few minor new AI features, such as Magic Capture, which automatically captures, crops, and unblurs moments as you film.

Aside from that, though, the Pixel 11 seems very similar to the Pixel 10. We'll have a full review to determine just how much better it is in the near future.

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Want your kids to use Linux but can't decide which distro makes the best introduction? Should they use your daily driver or something different? Well, here are five distros I'm seriously considering for my own kids—and the reasoning behind each choice.

No one wants ads and other junk popping up on their screen, especially if those ads are frustrating notifications from an overly aggressive app on your Galaxy phone. Thankfully, if you're on the latest Samsung One UI 8.5 update, you can use a new ad blocker hidden in the settings menu.

The top finds from Target's 2026 Halloween lineup: Nerds Halloween Gummy Clusters Candy $3.49 Shop Now Easy Grip Halloween Pumpkin Carving Kit $5 Shop Now Lit Plastic Ghost in Dome - Hyde and EEK! Boutique $5 Shop Now Pokémon Pikachu Kids' Jumpsuit $20.99 Shop Now 60-inch Poseable Lifesize Skeleton $25 Shop Now Demon Hunters Rumi Kang Classic Costume $25.49 Shop Now

Halloween shopping keeps creeping earlier every year, and Target is betting its 2026 Halloween lineup will get shoppers in early before the leaves even start turning. The retailer just unveiled this year's assortment, and prices stay cheap, with 60% of the decor under $10 and half of all costumes and accessories under $25.

Target's decor splits into two styles this year. Hyde & EEK! Boutique keeps it playful and affordable, with most pieces $10 or under — the standout is a $25 posable skeleton that can strike a new pose every day.

Later this month, Target's own Threshold brand adds a more grown-up Halloween collection: glass pumpkins, rattan pieces, and haunted village sets. For kids, the upcoming Pillowfort Monster collection turns kid-drawn artwork into plush toys and hooded blankets.

Target's exclusive K-Pop Demon Hunters costumes headline the costume collection, including a Rumi look built to be the centerpiece of any group costume. Pokémon gets a major expansion too — up to 26 costumes this year, more than double last year. There are also picks from Toy Story and Super Mario covering most of the big fandoms.

The candy aisle mixes nostalgia with new flavors. Target-exclusive picks include the Nerds Gummy Clusters Halloween Mix, Nutty Fruity Dubai Chocolate, and Drizzilicious in Pumpkin Spice and Apple Pie. For families looking to make an activity out of it, Target's DIY lineup includes Mondo Llama Pumpkin Mosaic Art Kits and Favorite Day Brain Cupcake Kits — easy, mess-contained projects that don't require a trip to the craft store first.

The Halloween lineup is ready to shop at Target now — in store, through Drive Up, or with Order Pickup.

The ESP32 is a tiny and versatile microcontroller that sips power. This means it can perform a variety of tasks and fit almost anywhere. Even so, I’m frequently amazed by the weird and wonderful things people are using it for.

Google Maps for Android Auto is slowly getting a huge upgrade, and the experience is so good that I might be ditching Waze. Some of the most frustrating Android Auto navigation problems are a thing of the past, and while Waze still has several strengths, Google Maps' new 3D Immersive View is a big deal.

Insta360 has launched the X6, its new flagship 8K 360 camera. Following last year's X5, the new X6 offers larger sensors, a higher frame rate, and 10-bit colour in an even more compact and rugged body.

The Insta360 X6 had been rumoured for a while, with an FCC filing hinting at its release earlier this year. The X5 was — and still is —  an impressive 360-degree camera, helping to cement Insta360 as a leader in the category upon its 2025 release. Now we finally know how Insta360 plans to improve upon it, with the X6 providing multiple upgrades.

SEE ALSO: Insta360 unveils cute Hello Kitty-themed action camera

Firstly, the X6 boasts larger dual Sony 1/1.1-inch sensors as opposed to the X5's 1/1.28 sensors. This allows the X6 to take in more light, improving performance in dim environments and where there is significant contrast. Like the X5, the X6 has two dedicated imaging chips and one AI chip. However, the X6's AI chip has been upgraded from 5nm to 4nm, Insta360 stating that the camera has five times more computing power than its predecessor, while also having a reduced power draw.

Credit: Insta360

The Insta360 X6 can capture 360-degree footage at resolutions up to 8K at 50fps — up from the X5's maximum of 8K at 30fps. Its flat, traditional filming mode has also received a boost, reaching 5K at 60fps as opposed to the X5's maximum of 4K on the same frame rate. Photo mode now reaches 120MP for 360-degree images, or 42MP for flat pictures, compared to the X5's 72MP 360-degree and 18MP flat photos.

Another significant change is the X6's form factor. While it is slightly wider than the X5, measuring in at 50mm as opposed to 46 millimetres, its much shorter height more than makes up for this. The X6 reduces the X5's already fairly compact build by almost 25 millimetres, measuring approximately 100 millimetres tall. While nowhere near as small as Insta360's GO action cameras, the X6 can easily fit in a jacket pocket.

Credit: Insta360

This shorter build houses a 2.32-inch OLED touchscreen which can reach up to 1200 nits brightness, making it easier to preview footage in light environments. In addition to operating as a regular touchscreen, the X6's screen can also be used as a giant button for recording. This allows users to operate the camera even wearing thick gloves, or if you're struggling with the X6's typical controls.

The X6 further adds both 10-bit colour and Dolby Vision, features that aren't available in the X5. Alongside its ability to film in I-Log (Insta360's proprietary log profile), these shooting options enable the X6 to capture a wider dynamic range and more colours, providing a richer image and more flexibility when colour grading in post. 

Insta360 states that the X6 can record 8K 30fps 360-degree video for up to 140 minutes on a single charge, surpassing the X5's runtime by 40 minutes. The X6 is also waterproof to 20 metres, an increase in depth of five metres, and has new replaceable lenses which the company claims are five-times more scratch-resistant (as well as more affordable). Mashable got to try replacing some X6 lenses, and found them not only simple to swap out, but also very satisfying.

The Insta360 X6 is available now, and comes in two colourways: Midnight Black and Arctic White. The Standard Version will set you back $699.99, and includes the X6 camera, a USB-C cable, a protective pouch, and a lens cloth. The $799.99 Essentials Bundle also includes these, but adds on an extra battery, invisible selfie stick, lens cap, fast charge case, and an extended warranty.

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I love Pure for so many reasons. (It's particularly useful for anyone who's looking for no-fuss, hot AF phone sex.) But that level of sauciness isn't for everyone — and to be fair, Pure isn't the only place you'll find randos sending you unsolicited photos of their unruly trunks among the forest.

If you're a Woman on the Internet and you've used a dating app, you may have (unfortunately) received an unsolicited explicit photo, which is known as cyberflashing. According to the Pew Research Center, about four in 10 online dating users (38 percent) report receiving a sexually explicit message or image they didn't ask for. For women ages 18 to 49, that number jumps to 56 percent.

So, Pure — one of the most sex-positive dating apps I've ever tested — is stepping up to stop cyberflashing with a brand-new feature called My Media Rules.

SEE ALSO: My favorite dating app just got even cooler with a new feed redesign

Developed directly from community feedback, My Media Rules takes the anxiety out of opening your messages. The tool lets you set your own universal boundaries for the app, meaning you can choose to auto-block all nude pics, turn off media sharing completely, or keep things open. You can even toggle these permissions on a chat-by-chat basis. Plus, if a graphic image appears for the first time, Pure prompts you to adjust your filters right then and there — and lets you decide whether you want to keep talking to the person who sent it.

No consent? No nude. Pure's built-in privacy tools blur sensitive content automatically. Credit: Pure

"We love bringing fun and spontaneity to our community, but we believe that only works when it's backed by privacy, respect, and consent," Vicki Rool, Head of Trust & Safety at Pure, said in a statement. "People consistently told us they wanted more control over incoming media while keeping the spontaneity that makes Pure unique. We listened and built it. My Media Rules put that feedback into practice, giving people the choice of what type of media they receive."

This new feature adds to Pure's robust list of existing privacy tools, which includes native anti-screenshot protection, sensitive content blurring, and self-destructing photos and videos. (Which, honestly, is exactly why I recommend it for sexting!)

When it comes to power tools, all the popular brands make some of the most common and essential gear. And while there is a ton of overlap, each brand misses the mark on several items. DeWALT is an extremely popular option for a myriad of reasons, but Ryobi manufactures a bunch of niche tools you can't get from the competition. Here are four tools you might need that you can't get from DeWALT.