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Google’s Android update tackles motion sickness, accessibility, and more
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Tom's Hardware
- Google clamps down on Android app RAM usage amid AI memory crisis — developers have until February 2027 to adapt to new memory-optimizing rules
Google clamps down on Android app RAM usage amid AI memory crisis — developers have until February 2027 to adapt to new memory-optimizing rules
Because of the unprecedented memory shortage, Google has introduced stricter guidelines for how Android applications manage and use device memory. These new rules ensure applications perform smoothly across a wider range of devices, especially those with lower memory capacities. Developers now have until February 2027 to optimize their applications to reduce the memory footprint.
Smartphone manufacturers are managing the limited supply and rising costs of memory and storage components in different ways. Some are reducing the memory or storage included in their smartphones, while others are passing the additional costs directly on to consumers. Before the global memory shortage, it was not uncommon to find entry-level smartphones equipped with 6GB to 8GB of memory. However, many manufacturers have dialed memory down to 4GB, which will ultimately significantly impact device performance.
Google’s new memory limits are meant to help guarantee a smooth experience on smartphones with limited memory. If an application exceeds the predefined memory thresholds, the Android operating system will intervene by slowing down the application or forcibly closing it to prevent slowdowns or crashes. Google has called on developers to optimize three crucial areas: dynamic memory usage (anonymous RSS + swap), bitmap memory usage, and DEX code.
Dynamic memory usage refers to the temporary memory that an application consumes while it is running. Developers need to implement smarter memory management so memory is freed when it is no longer needed. This can be when the user is no longer interacting with the application or when it moves to the background.
Bitmap memory usage is another key area that developers must focus on. Bitmaps are common resources for displaying vibrant images, but they consume far more memory than displaying text. When overdone, excessive bitmap memory usage can easily eat up a device's memory. Google recommends that developers use bitmaps responsibly and use better image handling protocols.
Google also highlights code optimization. During development, applications often accumulate redundant or unused code. Sometimes developers ship applications with more code than what is actually needed. Unnecessary code just increases the memory footprint. Under the new guidelines, developers must clean and shrink the application's code by at least 25% with tools such as R8 before publishing the application on the Google Play Store.
Just as computer enthusiasts are reluctant to buy new hardware, smartphone users are in the same boat when it comes to upgrading their devices. This has prompted companies to take a more proactive approach to supporting customers by improving the experience on hardware they already own.
For example, Microsoft has committed to optimizing Windows 11 to run smoothly on devices with 8GB of memory so users are not pressured to upgrade their memory. Google has also taken steps with the new policy to enforce better memory management practices among Android application developers.
AI’s memory crunch is coming for Android apps
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Wccftech
- Windows 11 Will Now Let Android Smartphone Users Shutdown Or Restart Their Systems Remotely Using The Native Phone Link App
Windows 11 Will Now Let Android Smartphone Users Shutdown Or Restart Their Systems Remotely Using The Native Phone Link App
Microsoft’s Phone Link app, pre-installed in Windows 11, already offers tons of flexibility to users in displaying real-time notifications along with the ability to make or receive voice calls directly from your desktop or laptop. However, the company is now enabling Android device owners to remotely shut down or restart their machines when a future update rolls out. Phone Link’s remote shutdown or restart feature, arriving to Android smartphones, should make it easier to control their computers Evidence that Android devices will eventually be able to restart or shut down Windows 11 machines comes in the form of various strings […]
Read full article at https://wccftech.com/windows-11-phone-link-remote-shutdown-restart-android/

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Wccftech
- Competitive Shooters Like Counter-Strike 2 Can Reach New Popularity Heights On Android Smartphones, As Sustained Performance Mod Allows Game To Stay Above 100FPS
Competitive Shooters Like Counter-Strike 2 Can Reach New Popularity Heights On Android Smartphones, As Sustained Performance Mod Allows Game To Stay Above 100FPS
It’s a solid claim that high-end Android smartphones pack sufficient compute and graphics horsepower to bulldoze through any tasks, including gaming, and it’s just their cooling systems and high power limits that are holding these devices back. Well, one modder has enabled his Nubia Z70 Ultra to deliver sustained performance while running Counter-Strike 2 at above 100FPS, opening a floodgate of opportunities as far as PC-centric competitive shooters go. The same dual-CPU cooler mod for the Nubia Z70 Ultra has been leveraged to allow CS2 to deliver performance equivalent to a gaming PC As for how the Nubia Z70 Ultra […]
Read full article at https://wccftech.com/cs2-android-sustained-performance-mod-100fps/

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Wccftech
- High-End Android Smartphone With 24GB RAM Turns Into Fully-Functional PC With Dual-CPU Cooler Mod And Transparent Case; Can Run Witcher 3 At 1080p Ultra Settings
High-End Android Smartphone With 24GB RAM Turns Into Fully-Functional PC With Dual-CPU Cooler Mod And Transparent Case; Can Run Witcher 3 At 1080p Ultra Settings
Adequate cooling and the ability to employ software can transform any capable Android smartphone into a fully-fledged PC. One modder in possession of the ZTE Nubia Z70 Ultra utilized two CPU coolers, a custom acrylic case, and a power bank to ensure that performance remains consistent enough to run The Witcher 3 at 1080p resolution while keeping the visual settings at Ultra. The Snapdragon 8 Elite-powered Nubia Z70 Ultra can deliver enough single-core and multi-core performance to turn into a PC Despite the Nubia Z70 Ultra not featuring Qualcomm’s latest and greatest Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, the Snapdragon 8 Elite […]
Read full article at https://wccftech.com/24gb-ram-android-phone-modded-pc-witcher-3-1080p/

Google brings its age-assurance technology to Android developers worldwide
Netflix exclusive POINPY available for free following its removal from the service
For quite a few years, Netflix had been leaning rather heavily into the video games space, including a variety of titles as part of the entertainment giant’s subscription service. From AAA games to exclusive indies, Netflix was starting to collect quite the line-up. As they have moved away (somewhat) from gaming however, we’ve seen a number of these exclusives be delisted. Fortunately, 2022’s POINPY has now been revived – and is completely free.
Taking to BlueSky to make the exciting announcement, Ojiro Fumoto (known for the games Downwell and UFO50) revealed that the previously Netflix-exclusive mobile release is now back and available for all, writing:
“POINPY IS BACK! And now it's FREE! No ads, no paid unlocks, just the full game. There's a tip option if you feel like it. Available NOW on iOS and Android!”
For the uninitiated, POINPY is a vertical climber similar to the classic mobile game ‘Doodle Jump’. Initially released in 2022 as a Netflix exclusive, the game was praised for its fun and repeatable gameplay, vibrant visuals and an excellent soundtrack from artist BO EN.
As mentioned however, the game was eventually removed from Netflix in June of last year – making it entirely inaccessible. Given this, the fact that POINPY is not only back but 100% free is certainly worthy of celebration. POINPY is available to download now on iOS and Android.
KitGuru says: What did you think of Netflix’s whole gaming push? Have you played POINPY before? What other Netflix exclusives do you hope to see deshackled from the service in the future? Let us know down below.
The post Netflix exclusive POINPY available for free following its removal from the service first appeared on KitGuru.Google is making it easier to switch from iPhone to Android
Ratchet & Clank: Ranger Rumble nears release
Just like Nintendo, Sony has been dipping its toes into the mobile gaming market, albeit even more carefully – having only a few select dedicated titles so far. One game which has shown some promise is the PvP hero shooter Ratchet & Clank: Ranger Rumble. Following a closed access period, the game is almost set for a proper debut, with pre-registrations now officially going live.
Taking to the PlayStation Blog to make the announcement, the lead dev team for Ranger Rumble (OH BIBI) wrote: “Suit up, Rangers! Pre-registration for Ratchet & Clank: Ranger Rumble is now open worldwide on the App Store and Google Play.”
As of now, no concrete release date has been provided (although it is expected to arrive in early October), but all those who do pre-register will be gifted a number of consumables alongside the “exclusive Clank Suit skin” for the Hero ‘Widget’.
As mentioned, Ratchet & Clank: Ranger Rumble is a mobile-only PvP Hero Shooter in which “Captain Qwark has created a revolutionary combat Simulation to find the next generation of Galactic Rangers.
Players will be able to choose from a variety of 12 ‘Heroes’ in total, each of which are said to have unique abilities. Designed in partnership with Insomniac Games, the list of playable characters should fit neatly into the rest of the R&C world.
At launch, the game will feature 6 different game modes to choose from, including PvP and PvE experiences, a battle royale of sorts, and even a “football-inspired showdown where every goal comes with a little extra firepower.”
As mentioned, Ranger Rumble has been in different forms of closed access for a while now, with the game seeing plenty of updates throughout. Given this, hopefully when Ratch & Clank: Ranger Rumble does finally launch, it represents a solid addition to one of PlayStation’s longest-running franchises.
KitGuru says: What do you think of Ranger Rumble? Will you check it out when it launches? Is Sony wasting its time in the mobile space? Let us know down below.
The post Ratchet & Clank: Ranger Rumble nears release first appeared on KitGuru.Mario Kart Tour is shutting down later this year
While Nintendo is highly protective of its IPs, the console maker did dip its toes into the mobile gaming space for a while, releasing a variety of titles based on Mario; Animal Crossing; Fire Emblem and others. Some succeeded, while others did not. Though the Switch maker is unlikely to leave the mobile space entirely (especially when it comes to Pokemon), one of its biggest successes will soon be shut down forever – with Mario Kart Tour going offline in September.
Making the official announcement, Nintendo took to their support page to reveal that Mario Kart Tour will soon be going offline, writing: “Service for the Mario Kart Tour game for smart devices will come to an end as of 11:00 p.m. Pacific on September 29. We sincerely thank the many players who have loved and supported the game since service began so long ago. Thank you for playing Mario Kart Tour.”
Full details on the shut down can be found HERE, including how this will impact the sale of Tour’s in-game items.
Mario Kart Tour is an interesting title. Released during the drought following Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, the game was barebones in many ways, featuring limited controls while not even allowing for landscape play.
Over the years however, the game changed quite a bit, with Nintendo adding tons of new tracks, characters, skins and more – all the while getting rid of some of its more predatory practices. A good number of original tracks made for Tour would even wind up being added to MK8 Deluxe as part of the game’s Booster Course Pass.
All this is to say it is unfortunate to see Mario Kart Tour being fully shut down. The game was already in maintenance mode, with no new content being added as of 2023, but shutting down access forever is another matter entirely.
Discuss on our Facebook page HERE.
KitGuru says: What did you think of Mario Kart Tour? Did it satiate your MK needs on mobile? What did Tour do better than other mainline entries? Let us know your thoughts down below.
The post Mario Kart Tour is shutting down later this year first appeared on KitGuru.-
Wccftech
- iPhone 18 Pro Max To Deliver Runtimes Equal To Silicon-Carbon Android Flagships; Tipster Highlights Three Upgrades That Make This Possible
iPhone 18 Pro Max To Deliver Runtimes Equal To Silicon-Carbon Android Flagships; Tipster Highlights Three Upgrades That Make This Possible
The iPhone 17 Pro Max and its 5,088mAh battery for the eSIM version were already a force to be reckoned with in terms of runtime compared to the competition, but the iPhone 18 Pro Max could surpass its predecessor’s ceiling by a decent margin thanks to a slew of upgrades. One tipster says that Apple’s top-end flagship will end up lasting as long as Android smartphones equipped with a silicon-carbon battery. An Android flagship with a 7,000mAh battery will last around the same time as an iPhone 18 Pro Max, claims rumor The 5,567mAh battery for the eSIM model of […]
Read full article at https://wccftech.com/iphone-18-pro-max-to-deliver-runtimes-equal-to-silicon-carbon-android-flagships/

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TechCrunch
- Chinese cybercrime operation that used AI to scam ‘hundreds of thousands of victims’ sued by Google