Yes, Verizon really wants to give you a free Google Pixel 10 Pro — here's how you can claim it

androidcentral.com Jul 13, 2026

Yes, Verizon really wants to give you a free Google Pixel 10 Pro — here’s how you can claim it

Curated by Shubham · TechCapsules · Jul 13, 2026

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

Verizon is currently offering a promotional deal that allows eligible customers to acquire a Google Pixel 10 Pro at no upfront cost. This significant carrier promotion targets new subscribers or those switching their existing wireless plans to Verizon’s network. To claim the free device, customers must meet specific eligibility criteria, which typically involve committing to a long-term contract or upgrading their current service tier. The offer represents a strategic move by the telecommunications giant to attract high-value customers by subsidizing the cost of premium Android hardware. Shoppers interested in this deal must carefully review the terms and conditions, as the "free" price tag often comes with strings attached, such as monthly payment structures or trade-in requirements. This promotion highlights the ongoing competition among major carriers to bundle popular smartphones with service plans. By leveraging the appeal of Google’s latest flagship device, Verizon aims to boost its subscriber base while providing consumers with an opportunity to access high-end technology without immediate out-of-pocket expenses for the handset itself.

💡 Why It Matters

· Carrier subsidies remain the primary driver for consumer adoption of flagship Android devices in the US market.
· This deal underscores how hardware availability is increasingly tied to service loyalty rather than standalone retail sales.

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Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra display crease missing in latest hands-on leak…

Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra may have eliminated the visible crease that has plagued previous foldable models, a leaked video posted by Momentary Digital on Weibo appears to show. The footage displays a unit with the inner screen fully opened, revealing a smooth panel without the characteristic canyon‑like line, though faint hinge bumps are still detectable at certain angles. The video includes multiple folds, countering claims that the device was never unfolded. While the clip does not confirm the standard Z Fold 8, the similarity between the two models suggests the same glass technology could be used. Samsung is slated to unveil the Z Fold 8, Z Fold 8 Ultra and Z Flip 8 at its Galaxy Unpacked event on July 22.

💡 A crease‑free display finally removes the most visible flaw of foldables, making the Z Fold 8 Ultra a far more attractive premium device for hesitant consumers.

9to5google.com · Jul 13

OnePlus will reportedly officially shut down in the US and Europe later…

OnePlus is reportedly preparing to officially cease operations in the United States and European markets later this week, marking the end of its presence in these regions. While the brand initially denied early rumors of a wind-down, subsequent actions confirmed a strategic retreat. The company has been evaluating its future in Europe and recently redirected customers on its website to purchase Oppo devices instead. Internal mergers within Oppo’s corporate structure and the potential discontinuation of the OxygenOS software further indicate this shift. Closed-door press conferences have occurred, though specific reasons for the shutdown remain undisclosed. The withdrawal affects only Western markets, with operations in India and China continuing unaffected. This move coincides with fundamental strategic changes within the parent company, Oppo, signaling a consolidation of its global brand portfolio. The announcement is expected to be made in the coming days, finalizing months of speculation regarding the brand’s viability outside of its primary Asian markets.

💡 The consolidation into Oppo eliminates a distinct competitor that once challenged Apple and Samsung with its "Never Settle" ethos. Consumers lose a unique software experience and hardware alternative, as OnePlus effectively becomes a sub-brand rather than an independent entity in the West.

techcrunch.com · Jul 13

Waze adds new AI-powered features and customization updates

Waze, owned by Google, has launched AI‑powered features and customization options, including conversational road‑update reporting and personalized navigation guided by Google’s Gemini assistant. The app now recommends routes based on trip history and city traffic patterns, allowing users to prioritize highways or opt out of personalization. Gemini enables quick chat searches for nearby cafés, parking, or low‑price gas stations. A new Motorcycle mode offers two‑wheel‑specific shortcuts and hazard alerts, currently live in several Latin American and Asian countries. All updates roll out globally on Android and iOS.

💡 By embedding Gemini, Waze turns navigation into a conversational experience, reducing friction for users who need instant, context‑aware directions. The motorcycle‑specific routing and hazard alerts address a niche yet growing segment of commuters, positioning Waze as a more inclusive and data‑rich alternative to rivals.

androidcentral.com · Jul 13

The Pixel 11 Pro Fold just leaked, and it’s still missing one…

A new leak from Mystic Leaks reveals the Pine green color variant of the upcoming Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold, showcasing a slightly redesigned camera module. The render displays edge-to-edge sensor pills and an integrated flash within the island, replacing the previous external placement. The camera module appears squarer than last year’s model, with a faint golden hue on the rear 'G' logo. Notably, the leaked image lacks the rumored Pixel Glow LED, a feature Google has reportedly integrated into other products like the Home Speaker. While a hidden sensor cannot be ruled out, the visual evidence suggests its absence. Google has confirmed the official reveal of the Pixel 11 series will occur on August 12th at 6:00 PM ET in New York. This leak arrives just weeks before the launch, offering a rare glimpse into the device’s design amidst fewer leaks compared to previous generations. The Pine green shade is also expected for the Pixel 11 Pro and Pro XL models. Meanwhile, the current Pixel 10 Pro Fold is discounted by nearly 20% on Amazon, presenting a cost-effective alternative before new foldable prices potentially exceed $2,000.

💡 The absence of the Pixel Glow LED in the leak suggests Google may be reserving this branding feature for specific product lines rather than a universal rollout. Consumers seeking premium foldables now face a clear choice between discounted current models and potentially pricier next-generation devices lacking anticipated aesthetic upgrades.

9to5google.com · Jul 12

Pixel 11 Pro Fold in ‘Pine’ leaks & could Pixel Glow just…

New leaks reveal the Pixel 11 Pro Fold in a “Pine” color variant, featuring a darker green back paired with a light gold frame and ‘G’ logo. Mystic Leaks shared official-looking renders showing the device’s rear design remains nearly identical to the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, utilizing a satin frame distinct from the glossy finishes expected on other Pro models. The camera bar appears slightly narrower, with cutouts extending to the edge. The main and ultrawide cameras sit at the bottom, while the telephoto lens is positioned top-right. Notably, the camera flash in the top-left corner is significantly larger than previous iterations, resembling a lens in size. This unusual dimension has sparked speculation that the rumored “Pixel Glow” light indicator might be integrated directly into the flash unit, rather than running along the camera bar’s perimeter as previously suggested.

💡 The enlarged flash component suggests Google may be integrating its rumored ambient light feature directly into existing hardware, potentially avoiding the need for a separate perimeter LED strip. This design choice could define the visual identity of the Pixel 11 series while maintaining a cleaner aesthetic on the foldable device.

androidcentral.com · Jul 11

The Galaxy Tab S12 Plus looks familiar in leaked live image—not sure…

Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy Tab S12 Plus appeared in a South Korean safety‑certification database, providing the visual glimpse of the device. The leaked image shows a front panel almost identical to the previous‑generation Tab S11, including the same rounded corners and thick bezels that house the front‑facing camera. No redesign of the display area is evident, and the selfie camera remains embedded in the bezel rather than a punch‑hole. The listing, confirmed by SammyGuru and cross‑checked with India’s BIS database, suggests the tablet is on track for a late‑2026 launch, around September, alongside the Tab S12 Ultra. Other rumors claim the Ultra will retain the S11 Ultra’s 11,600 mAh battery and 45 W charging, and may feature a 14.6‑inch screen with Android 17.

💡 The certification leak pins down Samsung’s product schedule, allowing rivals and app makers to align their strategies with the expected September 2026 debut.