A study by Proton found tracker code associated with companies in China and Russia in many of the most downloaded free Android games in the US and Europe.
Google has begun the rollout of Android 17 QPR2 Beta 6.1 for the Pixel 11 series, which includes two builds: CP41.260831.011 for the Pixel 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro XL, and 11 Pro Fold, and CP41.260831.007.A3 for other compatible devices. Users of the Pixel 11 Pro Fold may need to re-enroll in Face Unlock. System images for this beta are available for various devices, including the Pixel 6a, Pixel 7 series, Pixel Tablet, and the entire Pixel 11 lineup. Users can provide feedback through the Android Beta Feedback app and participate in discussions on the Android Beta community on Reddit.
Wabi, an AI startup, has launched Wabi 2.0, a platform that serves as a sophisticated AI messenger while maintaining app-building capabilities. The founder, Eugenia Kuyda, describes Wabi 2.0 as a "personal agent" that enhances user experience by integrating conversation and task management. The platform distinguishes itself by targeting AI agents with conversational and productivity features, rather than competing with traditional coding tools. Users can request tasks that the agent fulfills by generating a tailored user interface for specific needs, such as health tracking or family management. Access to Wabi 2.0 is currently limited to invite codes distributed via X.
Google has enhanced the Find Hub app by introducing a feature called the Remembered tab, which allows users to track items that cannot accommodate a physical tracker. Users can tag items, record notes, and attach pictures to help remember where they are stored. Instead of using a physical tracker, users can inform Google’s AI assistant, Gemini, about an item's location verbally or through manual entry. This feature is particularly useful for organizing items that are not frequently moved, such as passports or other essential belongings. Users can quickly add items by stating their location and taking a photo, making it easier to retrieve them later. The Remembered tab enhances the utility of the Find Hub app without requiring additional subscriptions or gadgets.
68% of consumers primarily associate McAfee with its antivirus software, despite the company offering additional services like scam detection and dark web monitoring. Awareness of these products is limited among consumers. McAfee is launching a rebranding initiative on September 29 to broaden awareness of its diverse offerings and strengthen its position in the cybersecurity market.
Main features of version 3.0 include managing Pokémon by editing various aspects, legalizing Pokémon offline, moving Pokémon between games, storing collections in a Bank, tracking the Pokédex, browsing and injecting events, editing the bag and trainer, using RNG tools, batch editing, breeding and hatching Pokémon, completing the Pokédex, playing with Pokémon in the Poképark, sharing teams, using game-specific editors, keeping saves safe, and supporting dual-screen devices. The software supports various generations of Pokémon games and emulators.
Cybersecurity threats are on the rise, with Verizon’s 2026 Data Breach Investigations Report indicating that 48% of breaches involve ransomware and 31% arise from software vulnerabilities. A review of leading antivirus programs assessed their effectiveness against various threats.
Top antivirus software includes:
- Bitdefender: Best overall, effective against various threats, perfect score from AV-TEST.
- Norton 360: Best all-in-one suite, includes VPN and parental controls, perfect score from AV-TEST.
- McAfee+ Premium: Best for families, unlimited device coverage, full marks from AV-TEST.
- Malwarebytes: Best for simple protection, user-friendly interface, rated 5.5/6 by AV-TEST.
- ESET NOD32: Best for advanced users, lightweight and fast, includes Gamer Mode.
- Avast: Best free option, offers various scanning options, straightforward upgrade path.
- Microsoft Defender: Built-in for Windows, essential protection, perfect score from AV-TEST.
- Intego ONE: Best for Mac users, includes firewall and VPN.
- Surfshark Antivirus: Combines antivirus and VPN services, real-time protection.
- TotalAV: Best for beginners, combines antivirus with web security tools.
The evaluation process included lab data from AV-TEST and AV-Comparatives, hands-on experience, and criteria such as malware protection, false positives, system performance impact, phishing protection, ease of use, platform coverage, additional security features, and pricing.
Key metrics from antivirus lab tests include protection scores, false positives, and performance impact. The choice between antivirus software and internet security suites depends on individual needs. Antivirus software remains necessary, especially for Windows PCs, to complement other security measures.
Google has begun rolling out Android 17 QPR2 Beta 5 for Pixel testers, addressing issues such as unexpected reboots and a Bluetooth bug related to switching device types. The previous Beta 4 marked the start of the Platform Stability phase, locking in the operating system's APIs. Testers with Pixel 6a, Pixel 7, 7 Pro, 7a, Pixel Fold, or Pixel Tablet will receive build number vCP41.260828.005.A6, while other eligible devices will download vCP41.260828.004.A8. The update also fixes a feature that remains enabled despite being disabled in user settings and addresses various bugs, including Bluetooth audio routing issues, a malfunctioning gesture feature, and UI freezing problems.
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.
A Google-made wearable device has been listed at the FCC, suggesting it may run on Wear OS and is primarily designed as a fitness tracker due to its lack of Wi-Fi connectivity and use of Bluetooth LE. It features GPS support and a durable metal frame. ADB testing indicates it may include Wear OS software. This device could fill the gap between the Fitbit Air and the Pixel Watch, as there have been no updates to the Fitbit Charge series since 2023. It is also connected to an unannounced fitness tracker shown during the Pixel 11 launch event, indicating Google's intent to expand its fitness tracking offerings.
