Walmart’s cheapest Google TV stick isn’t dead yet, but there’s a shift coming

9to5google.com Jul 14, 2026

Walmart’s cheapest Google TV stick isn’t dead yet, but there’s a shift coming

Curated by Shubham · TechCapsules · Jul 14, 2026

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

Walmart is set to overhaul its Google TV streaming stick lineup as the retailer’s low‑cost FHD model briefly disappeared from its website last week before reappearing at $29.98. The stick, introduced in 2023, is the only device in Walmart’s catalog that has not received a recent refresh and is regarded as overdue for replacement. Industry source AFTVNews reports that Walmart plans to shift production from current supplier SDMC to Chinese manufacturer Skyworth, a change hinted at by an FCC filing released in May. The new Skyworth‑built unit appears identical to the existing model, though it is unclear whether the currently sold sticks are the updated version. Walmart is expected to transition additional Google TV devices to Skyworth in the coming months.

💡 Why It Matters

· Switching to Skyworth lets Walmart sustain sub‑$30 pricing, pressuring rivals to find equally cheap sourcing options.

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Pixel 11’s Tensor G6 chip beats the iPhone 18 to TSMC’s 2nm…

Google’s upcoming Pixel 11 smartphones will be powered by the Tensor G6 chipset, which, according to Economic Daily News, will be the first commercial chip built on TSMC’s 2‑nanometer process. The move places Google a month ahead of Apple, whose A20 chip is slated for the iPhone 18 in September, and precedes Qualcomm’s Snapdragon and MediaTek’s Dimensity flagships that will also adopt the node later in the year. Leaks suggest the Tensor G6 adds new CPU cores, an upgraded but still modest GPU, and enhancements to the security module, modem and other subsystems, though the overall performance jump is described as incremental rather than revolutionary. Google has confirmed an August 12 launch event for the Pixel 11 series, with early Amazon listings already showing new color options and higher price points.

💡 Securing the first 2 nm smartphone chip gives Google a brief technological edge that could sway early adopters and set performance benchmarks before Apple’s September rollout.

9to5google.com · Jul 14

Snapseed 4.1 for Android rolling out with ‘massively expanded’ RAW support

Google has begun rolling out Snapseed 4.1 for Android, the first major update since the app’s May redesign. The new version adds native support for most RAW file types—including DNG, ARW, RAF, NEF, CR3, ORF and PEF—after extensive image‑processing work, though a few formats remain unsupported. Developers acknowledge that RAW handling is complex and ask users to report any bugs that appear. The update also introduces in‑tool undo and redo, allowing edits to be reversed without leaving the current editing screen. Snapseed 4.1 is being released gradually to maintain stability, and a corresponding iOS build is promised in the near future. Recent patch releases have also refined the Snapseed Camera feature set on Android, bringing Android experience closer to iOS today.

💡 By finally handling the majority of RAW formats on mobile, Snapseed gives photographers a powerful, on‑the‑go alternative to desktop editors, accelerating creative workflows.

androidcentral.com · Jul 14

BigMe already has competition for its latest E Ink hybrid phone before…

Hisense has officially teased the A10, a 6.1-inch hybrid smartphone featuring an E Ink display and a detachable LCD secondary screen. The device reportedly utilizes a 4nm 8-core Qualcomm processor and runs Android 16. Its primary innovation is the magnetically attachable LCD, designed to offer a full-color experience for apps while the E Ink screen handles reading and writing. Reports suggest the LCD may be sold separately as an accessory, rather than included in the box. The phone is listed in China with a starting price of CNY 3,999, approximately $590. This launch introduces immediate competition for BigMe’s upcoming Hibreak Dual 2, which has not yet released. BigMe’s device also features a dual-screen setup with a 6.1-inch E Ink display and a 5-inch LCD on the back. Both companies aim to provide versatility, allowing users to carry one device instead of two. Hisense’s entry signals a growing trend in pocketable e-reader hybrids, challenging BigMe’s position before its new model hits the market.

💡 Hisense’s potential strategy to sell the LCD as a separate accessory fundamentally shifts the value proposition of hybrid e-readers, forcing consumers to pay extra for core functionality. This approach directly challenges BigMe’s integrated design, suggesting that the emerging market for dual-screen devices may prioritize modular upgrades over all-in-one convenience.

9to5google.com · Jul 13

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.