Astrae Oratio is a fantasy magic RPG set to launch for iOS and Android in 2027, with a PC version to follow. The game is currently playable at Tokyo Game Show 2026, offering a glimpse into the immersive world crafted by the developers.
On September 15, 2026, Google released the beta OS update "Android 17 QPR2 Beta 5" for Google Pixel devices in the Android Beta Program. This update includes support for new Pixel devices: "Pixel 11," "Pixel 11 Pro," "Pixel 11 Pro XL," and "Pixel 11 Pro Fold," while excluding "Pixel 6" and "Pixel 6 Pro." The update is distributed via Over-the-Air (OTA) to 23 models, including "Pixel 6a," "Pixel 7," and "Pixel 8 Pro."
Key features include "Call Forwarding Hardening," which restricts access to call-forwarding USSD codes to enhance security against scams. The update also includes eight bug fixes, addressing issues with Bluetooth device type display, unexpected reboots, volume slider UI, text rendering, Private Space unlocking, HDR mode, Camera app crashes, and Bluetooth audio distortion. The build number changes to "CP41.260828.004.A8" or "CP41.260828.005.A6," with the Android security patch level updated to "August 5, 2026," and "Google Play services" upgraded to version 26.28.33 or later.
Bingo Blitz offers social bingo with variety and daily content, Bingo Story is casual and story-driven, Bingo Journey is classic and ticket-based, Live Play Bingo features live-hosted bingo shows, and MyVegas Bingo has a Vegas theme and loyalty rewards.
Rastar Games is launching a pre-registration campaign for their upcoming strategy game Three Kingdoms: Conquest of Nine Kingdoms. The game will have a closed beta test for Android users on September 22, featuring dynamic combat and strategic elements. The game's monetization strategy focuses on player skill rather than pay-to-win mechanics. Players who pre-register on iOS can unlock special rewards and have the chance to win prizes through physical giveaway events.
On Windows 11, the Storage Sense feature can reclaim space by cleaning user-level files, such as temporary data, items in the Recycle Bin, files in the Downloads folder, and cached OneDrive copies. It recently reclaimed approximately 1.67GB of space in one morning and a total of 10.2GB over the past month with default settings. Storage Sense only activates when the storage drive is nearing capacity unless the user adjusts the schedule. It can be configured to run daily, weekly, or monthly, and users can set parameters for emptying the Recycle Bin and deleting files in the Downloads folder. However, Storage Sense does not clean the entire drive or access the Windows component store, which holds outdated system files. The component store was found to contain approximately 11.84GB of data that Storage Sense cannot clean up. The total size of the component store is 20.14GB, with a significant portion comprising backups and disabled features. Users may need additional cleaning tools to manage the data that Storage Sense cannot address.
Android 17 QPR2 Beta 5 has been released for Pixel devices, addressing several critical issues. Key fixes include:
- Resolved visual inconsistencies with Bluetooth device icons (Issue #516071134).
- Fixed a system stability issue causing unexpected reboots during UI scrolling in media-heavy apps (Issue #544291113).
- Hardware volume buttons now allow the system volume slider UI to display while casting media (Issue #548145018).
- Corrected text-rendering issues causing unexpected background highlights in search fields and a navigation routing problem in Private Space (Issue #548285596).
- Fixed persistent activation of enhanced HDR mode despite being turned off in settings (Issue #547457910).
- Google Wallet can now be launched via the power button shortcut without causing touchscreen unresponsiveness (Issue #549758084).
- Resolved camera crashes during panorama processing (Issue #551069625).
- Addressed Bluetooth audio distortion and noise after calls (Issue #541684282).
The build CP41.260828.005.A6 is available for Pixel 6a, Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 7a, Pixel Tablet, and Pixel Fold, while CP41.260828.004.A8 is for other devices. System images for Beta 5 are available for various Pixel devices and the Android Emulator. Users can join the Android Beta Program for OTA updates.
Android 17 QPR2 Beta 5 has begun its rollout, with a stable release expected in December. The update includes new features and enhancements, with a detailed guide available for installation on compatible devices such as Pixel 6a, Pixel 7 series, and Pixel Tablet.
Changes in Quick Settings include the introduction of a new Audio Streams Tile and the removal of layout customization. The Voice broadcast Tile has been moved under Connectivity.
Fixes in this update include:
- Resolved an issue with Bluetooth device icon updates.
- Addressed a system stability problem causing unexpected reboots during UI scrolling in media-heavy apps.
- Fixed a bug preventing the system volume slider from appearing when using hardware volume buttons while casting media.
- Corrected a text-rendering issue causing unexpected background highlights in search fields and a navigation routing problem with Private Space.
- Enhanced HDR mode remained enabled despite user settings.
- Resolved touchscreen unresponsiveness when launching Google Wallet via the power button shortcut.
- Fixed camera crashes during panorama processing.
- Addressed Bluetooth audio issues with noise and distortion after calls.
Iranian state-affiliated cyber actors are targeting dissidents, activists, and journalists using fake AI applications, counterfeit antivirus tools, and fabricated MRI scan results, primarily through a spyware family known as CHOSEN BRICK, which is designed for Windows systems. This campaign has been active since at least 2025 and affects individuals globally, including in the UK, US, and Netherlands. The malware establishes persistence via the Windows Registry Run key and communicates through Telegram, utilizing unique Bot IDs for each victim. CHOSEN BRICK is capable of extensive data collection, including capturing screenshots, recording audio, and stealing email content. Personal information from victims has been found on pro-Iranian leak sites, increasing harassment risks. Security measures should include monitoring for suspicious Registry entries and unusual communications, while users are advised to avoid unsolicited software installations and keep their systems updated. The FBI refers to this malware family as HEAVYGRAM.
Windows is the only desktop platform where antivirus software is essential. Microsoft has patched many vulnerabilities, but the OS still allows installations from unverified sources and connects to potentially untrustworthy networks. As of 2026, the top antivirus solutions for Windows include:
- Norton 360: Best overall, with a full scan time of 13 minutes and 22 seconds, robust firewall, and up to 250 GB cloud backup.
- Bitdefender: Best for older PCs, maintaining peak CPU usage at 11% and memory at 183 MB during scans.
- Avast One: Best free option for Windows 11, achieving a perfect score in AV-TEST.
- NordVPN Threat Protection Pro: Best for VPN users, blocking 90% of malware.
- McAfee+: Best for households with multiple devices, offering unlimited coverage but is the slowest scanner.
- Microsoft Defender: Best free option included with Windows, awarded Top Product by AV-TEST.
Norton 360 has a 99.8% detection rate and offers a 60-day refund window. Bitdefender also has a 99.8% detection rate with low resource usage. Avast's free version is effective, while NordVPN provides integrated malware protection for existing VPN users. McAfee is suitable for large households but has slower performance. Microsoft Defender is adequate for single users practicing safe browsing but lacks multi-device support. Kaspersky is unavailable in the U.S. due to supply chain concerns.
B&H Photo is offering a limited-time deal on the MSI Codex Z2C RTX 5070 gaming PC for ,399 with free shipping. Buyers will receive a download voucher for the game Control: Resonant, releasing on September 22. The PC features an AMD Ryzen 7 8700F CPU, GeForce RTX 5070 12GB GPU, 16GB of DDR5 RAM, and a 1TB M.2 SSD. The Ryzen 7 8700F has an 8-core, 16-thread architecture with a boost clock speed of 5.1GHz. The GeForce RTX 5070 is designed for 1080p and 1440p gaming, typically retailing around 0. It can run most titles at 4K, but upgrading to a 5070 Ti may provide better performance at that resolution.