Join us on Episode 42 of Plugged as we break down the week's most pressing issues and exciting developments in gaming and tech!

First, we tackle the recent uproar over Microsoft's announcement of a price hike for Xbox Game Pass. Starting in September, Game Pass Ultimate will increase from $16.99 to $19.99 per month, and the standard PC Game Pass will go from $9.99 to $11.99 per month. Is this increase justified by the addition of major titles like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, or is it a step too far for gamers?Next, in a surprising move, Sonic is introducing a $1.99 value menu, offering a respite from the rising costs seen elsewhere in the fast food industry. We discuss the new menu and why Sonic's ice is a fan favorite.Meanwhile, Whataburger's app has become an unexpected hero amid Hurricane Beryl's aftermath in Houston, providing locals with updates on power outages based on store closures.We also explore the implications of AI in music creation with the release of a new track generated by Udio. Can AI truly capture the passion and creativity of human musicians?In the tech world, Xiaomi's new smart factory in China promises to revolutionize smartphone production with a fully automated, worker-free facility capable of producing 60 smartphones per minute.Finally, we delve into groundbreaking scientific research that has discovered a new hormone in breastfeeding women, CCN3, which could help accelerate bone healing. This finding could lead to new therapies for promoting bone growth in both sexes.Tune in for all this and more as we break down the biggest stories impacting gamers and tech enthusiasts alike!MarkstromTwitch -   / markstrom   Instagram - MarkstromTVTikTok - MarkstromTVSlum / Domhttps://www.lts.mediaInstagram - Dom.Fillari