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.
On September 3, 2026, Microsoft announced that Xbox Game Pass subscribers will see a shift in cloud gaming access. Starting November 2026, unlimited cloud streaming will be replaced by a tiered hour bank system: 15 hours for Ultimate, 10 for Premium, and 5 for Essential subscribers. Once a subscriber exhausts their allotted hours, they must wait for the next billing cycle or purchase additional time. This change is the most significant since the beta launch of Xbox Cloud Gaming in 2019. The announcement was made on Xbox Wire, and the new structure is reflected on Xbox’s product pages.
The new tiered system introduces a scarcity model, with every paid tier now having its own cloud gaming quota. Essential subscribers, who previously had no cloud access, will now receive 5 hours per month. The pricing for the Game Pass tiers is as follows: Ultimate at .99 for 15 hours, Premium at .99 for 10 hours, and Essential at .99 for 5 hours. The free ad-supported tier remains unchanged at 5 hours per month.
Microsoft's rationale for the change is based on usage data indicating that most subscribers do not heavily utilize cloud streaming, coupled with the rising costs of operating cloud gaming services. The company has stated that additional hours can be purchased once a subscriber's monthly allotment is used up, although pricing details for these add-ons have not yet been disclosed.
The new hour caps will take effect in November 2026, following a shorter notice period compared to NVIDIA's GeForce NOW service, which implemented a 100-hour monthly cap earlier in 2026. The response from gaming communities has been largely negative, with concerns about the limits falling short of typical usage patterns and conflicting with the marketing of Game Pass as offering unlimited access.
The introduction of hour caps could impact Game Pass's subscriber base, particularly among those who rely on cloud gaming as their primary access point. Microsoft's internal usage data will determine the extent of this impact, as the company aims to control costs without raising subscription prices.
NordVPN's next-generation antivirus achieved a 94% detection rate for phishing threats in an evaluation by AV-Comparatives, tested against 250 active phishing URLs and recording zero false positives. The antivirus also demonstrated a 92% block rate in similar independent testing and ranked third overall in speed and malware protection behind Avast and Norton. It is included in NordVPN's Complete subscription tier and operates alongside the standard VPN tunnel to block trackers, ads, and malicious sites in real-time. Users are advised to maintain vigilance and practice strong digital hygiene, including scrutinizing URLs and enabling two-factor authentication for added security.
Microsoft has enabled players to access original Xbox titles on Windows PCs and handheld devices through the Xbox Backward Compatibility scheme, eliminating the need for third-party emulators. The initial game lineup includes titles like Blinx: The Time Sweeper, Conker: Live and Reloaded, Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge, and Fuzion Frenzy, available via the Xbox app or Game Pass subscriptions. Players who previously purchased these games do not need to buy them again due to the Xbox Play Anywhere program. The games utilize Microsoft's emulation technology, allowing enhancements such as increased resolution up to 2560×1920, anisotropic filtering, and MSAA anti-aliasing. The minimum system requirements include an AMD Ryzen 3 3100 or Intel Core i3-10300 CPU, 8GB RAM, AMD Radeon RX 550 or Nvidia GeForce GTX 950 GPU, 4GB VRAM, and Windows 11 with updates until January 2026. Microsoft plans to expand the Xbox Backward Compatibility library on PC in the future.
Norton 360 Deluxe is a subscription service from Gen Digital that combines antivirus, firewall, VPN, and password management tools, covering up to five devices across various platforms. It includes features such as Norton Secure VPN, cloud backup for Windows PCs (up to 50 GB), Norton Password Manager, a smart firewall, and real-time malware scanning. The service is priced at €34.99 for the first year in Germany and around .99 in the U.S., with higher renewal prices. It is designed for households and small offices, providing multi-device coverage and ease of use. Norton 360 Deluxe is available through Norton’s website and retailers like Amazon, and it is recommended by review platforms for its comprehensive security features.
Intego One is an antivirus solution for Macs that integrates four security tools into one package and is currently offered at a 50% discount. It includes an antivirus feature providing real-time protection, a firewall to prevent unwanted intrusions, and SmartClean for decluttering storage. The Complete Tier adds a VPN for secure browsing. Intego One is compatible with macOS 12 Monterey and later, requiring at least 8GB of RAM and 2GB of storage. It is available in three subscription tiers: Essential, Advanced, and Complete, with varying features and pricing based on the number of devices and plan duration.
Xbox Game Pass has reduced its subscription costs effective immediately: Game Pass Ultimate is now .99 per month, and PC Game Pass is .99, down from .49. The Premium and Essential tiers maintain their pricing from October 2025. Future releases of the Call of Duty franchise will no longer be available on Game Pass at launch, with new titles added nearly a year after their initial release, although existing titles will remain accessible.
The messaging app Session, which prioritizes user privacy and offers end-to-end encryption without requiring personal information for registration, is facing potential closure and has issued a call for support. The Session Technology Foundation (STF) has received funding to support operations for 90 days but will rely on volunteers after all paid staff have been let go. Development activities have paused due to insufficient funding, affecting the introduction of new features and the resolution of existing bugs. The STF has stated that it needs million to complete ongoing projects and introduce a subscription model to achieve self-sustainability. As of now, 0,000 has been raised towards this goal. Users can contribute at getsession.org/donate.
The Gemini screen automation feature is now available on the Pixel 10 series in the U.S., following its launch on the Galaxy S26. This feature allows users to automate tasks such as ordering food, booking rides, and arranging grocery deliveries. Free users can make approximately five requests per day, while Ultra subscribers can make up to 120 requests daily. The feature can be activated by holding the power button or using the "Hey Google" command, guiding users through tasks with real-time updates. It supports applications like Lyft, Uber, Uber Eats, Grubhub, DoorDash, and Starbucks, and can ask follow-up questions during the ordering process.
Google has introduced longer, 30-second unskippable ads on the YouTube app for smart TVs, marking a shift in advertising strategy compared to mobile and laptop platforms. This change is part of an initiative to enhance content delivery on larger screens, utilizing Google AI to alternate between different ad formats. YouTube's growth is projected to lead to revenues reaching billions by 2025, with the living room becoming its fastest-growing venue. Viewers on smart TVs are experiencing longer engagement times, making the "Skip Ad" button less common unless they subscribe to YouTube Premium. YouTube is also exploring subscription models, including a budget-friendly “Premium Lite” tier. However, some markets, like Vietnam, have imposed restrictions on ad lengths. Despite this, YouTube remains the leading streaming platform in the U.S., and the trend towards longer ads is expected to continue.
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