Android Studio Emulator is the official Android SDK tooling maintained by Google for app developers to test code against specific Android API levels, screen densities, and hardware profiles.
The September Android Drop includes five significant features: Motion Assist, Gemini integrations, and various accessibility improvements. Motion Assist helps reduce motion sickness by overlaying a pattern that aligns visual perception while in motion. Gemini can remember the locations of items without a tracker, linked to the Find Hub, but requires Android 16 or higher. To install the update, users should navigate to Settings > Updates or Google Play > Manage apps and device > Updates. Features can be checked by looking for specific indicators in the settings or apps. If a feature is missing, users should update the relevant app, restart their device, and ensure compatibility with Android 16 for certain features. All Android devices will receive most updates via Google Play, while full functionality for Gemini requires Android 16. Users are advised to keep apps updated and maintain backups.
Mozilla and NVIDIA have integrated GeForce NOW support for Firefox on Windows, allowing users to stream games without separate applications or local installations. This feature provides access to over 2,000 titles from platforms like Steam and the Epic Games Store. NVIDIA is not compensating Mozilla for this integration, and Mozilla addressed challenges such as the keyboard lock issue. Hardware acceleration enhances the streaming experience, although it is not required. Users can choose to play via the native app or stream in Firefox. Currently, official support is limited to Windows, with plans for expansion. GeForce NOW Ultimate members can access up to 1440p resolution and 120 FPS. There are known issues with capture and fullscreen mouse functionality, and a bug affecting video colors on macOS is being addressed.
Nvidia has announced that DLSS 5 technology will be available for RTX 4000 GPUs, previously exclusive to RTX 5000 GPUs. The official rollout will follow Nvidia's schedule for local stockists in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and the Middle East, with performance tuning dependent on software updates later this year. Currently, DLSS 5 is only available in NBA 2K27, and while it enhances graphics, it can significantly reduce frame rates by 50% to 60%. Nvidia plans to optimize DLSS 5 for both RTX 5000 and RTX 4000 series. The gaming community has found unofficial ways to run DLSS 5 on RTX 4000 GPUs, but this also results in a substantial drop in FPS. Gamers in the Middle East won't need to upgrade their hardware to access DLSS 5, but they should monitor local hardware availability and updates for improved performance.
Microsoft has over 1.4 billion active devices each month, making it a target for security vulnerabilities. Users can enhance their security using built-in features without third-party software. Key security measures include:
- Windows Hello: Enables secure login via PIN or biometric methods. Activation steps: Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options > Select method > Set up.
- Windows Firewall: Protects against malicious internet traffic. Activation steps: Settings > Privacy & security > Windows Security > Firewall & network protection > Toggle on Microsoft Defender Firewall for Public, Domain, and Private networks.
- Microsoft Defender: Pre-installed antivirus solution. Ensure it is operational by enabling Real-time protection and Controlled folder access. Activation steps: Settings > Privacy & security > Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Manage settings.
- Microsoft Account: Linking a Microsoft account provides benefits like cross-device syncing and advanced security features. Steps to link: Settings > Accounts > Your info > Sign in with a Microsoft account.
- Device Encryption: Protects sensitive information using BitLocker. Activation steps: Settings > Privacy & security > Device encryption > Toggle on.
- Find My Device: Allows users to locate their device if lost. Activation steps: Settings > Privacy & security > Location > Toggle on Location services > Find my device > Toggle on Find my device.
The Google Play Store is the primary destination for Android applications, but many users seek alternative app stores for greater variety, different versions, or region-specific apps. In India, the search for alternative app stores is common due to the diverse needs of users. While the Play Store offers a wide selection of apps and automatic updates, alternative app stores may provide older versions, modded APKs, or apps not available in certain regions. Popular alternative app stores include HappyMod, APKPure, Aptoide, and Uptodown. Users should verify the developer, check reviews, be cautious about permissions, ensure compatibility, avoid unofficial sources, and keep their system updated before installing apps from these platforms.
Microsoft's official Windows Subsystem for Android stopped receiving updates and new installs after March 5, 2025. This leaves three options for running Android software on a Windows PC in 2026: third-party emulators, Google's Play Games on PC beta client, or developer-grade tools like Android Studio's emulator or Genymotion.
In June, Jagex hosted its largest live event, the Deadman All Stars, a PvP tournament for Old School RuneScape (OSRS), outside the UK. Kieren Charles, the creative director of OSRS, noted that the game has grown significantly since its launch, stating, “The game's bigger now than it was in 2007.” OSRS surpassed the original RuneScape's age in 2013 and achieved an all-time high of over one million active subscribers last August. The decision to base OSRS on the 2007 version was influenced by player preference for what they considered the "golden age," despite initial interest in the 2006 version. OSRS is recognized as a pioneering example of officially-supported 'classic' servers, balancing community engagement with official support. Regular updates, including the upcoming Varlamore expansion in 2024, aim to keep the game fresh while maintaining its nostalgic essence. New content is approved through community votes, requiring a minimum of 70% approval. Charles emphasized the importance of community feedback, preferring to reject proposals rather than invest significant development time into unpopular features. He views his role as a caretaker of the OSRS legacy, focusing on what the community wants.
The prices of graphics cards and RAM have increased significantly, making building new PCs expensive for gamers. Cloud-streaming services like Nvidia's GeForce NOW provide an alternative by allowing access to existing game libraries from platforms such as Steam and Epic Games. The highest tier membership offers 5K streaming and up to 360 FPS for .99 per month. Nvidia's GeForce NOW has launched a native Linux application, moving out of beta, which allows Linux users to stream games at graphical fidelity comparable to RTX 5080 levels, with official support for Ubuntu 24.04 and later. The service has added nine new games, bringing the total to over 4,500 compatible titles. Since early 2026, a 100-hour monthly streaming cap has been implemented for all users to manage demand.
Enthusiasts are working on the Xodus project, an unofficial open-source initiative aimed at enabling Xbox PC games, including those from Game Pass, to run on Linux and Mac systems. The project is a reverse-engineering effort that allows users to log in, download packages, and obtain game licenses for Xbox titles. The team has experience from previous projects like the Heroic Games Launcher and aims to support a wide range of Xbox games formatted in GDK and MSIXVC. While Xodus can download and run these games, additional patches may be required for optimal performance.