Technology briefing
Foldables return to the spotlight as AI moves closer to everyday devices
The morning of 11 July 2026 brought no single story that eclipsed everything else. Four releases point in the same direction instead: AI is being packaged into phones, images, home appliances and the hardware underneath them.
11 July 2026 at 06:00
1. Samsung will hold Galaxy Unpacked on 22 July
Samsung confirmed a London event focused on new foldable Galaxy devices and more personal, adaptive AI experiences. It has not yet announced the actual models or prices.
2. Meta launches Muse Image in Meta AI
Meta says its new image model can combine several photos, accept sketched edits and create visuals ready to share. Features are also reaching Instagram and WhatsApp, initially in limited countries.
3. Nothing Phone (4b) brings a fresh option to the affordable tier
The new Phone (4b) runs Nothing OS 4.1 based on Android 16. Nothing's product and support pages confirm the model, with the early focus on an affordable device, a distinctive interface and voice-to-text features.
4. AI enters the laundry room, but energy use is the real test
Samsung launched a new Bespoke AI Washer Dryer in Korea, highlighting energy efficiency, automatic cycle adjustment and fabric recognition. Availability in Finland was not announced.
What should you know this morning?
AI is no longer a separate product; it is being added to almost every device category. Buyers should separate real utility from the label: does a feature save time or energy, improve usability and leave the device functional if an online service changes?