NewApp Digest
search bot

alternative platforms

Civil Servants to Switch to "Max": New Messenger to Become Main Work Tool by 2030
AppWizard
July 17, 2026

Civil Servants to Switch to “Max”: New Messenger to Become Main Work Tool by 2030

The government has mandated that all work-related communications for state and municipal employees must transition to the "Max" messenger platform by 2030. The "Max" platform was developed by "Kommunikatsionnaya platforma," with a beta version launched in March 2025 and becoming a mandatory pre-installed application on new smartphones in Russia by September 2025. As of March 2026, "Max" had 100 million registered users and offered features like audio/video calls, chat, voice messaging, large file sharing, and money transfers. In July, the EU imposed sanctions on VK, the parent company of "Kommunikatsionnaya platforma," and "Max" was removed from the Apple App Store in June and from Google Play recently. VK stated that its services remain functional and are available on alternative platforms such as RuStore and Huawei AppGallery. Negotiations with Apple are ongoing to restore "Max" to the App Store.
VK and Max messenger removed from Google Play store
AppWizard
July 17, 2026

VK and Max messenger removed from Google Play store

VK's core applications, including the VK social network and Max messenger, have been removed from the Google Play store and previously from the Apple App Store. Users searching for these apps will find them absent, and this may be linked to recent international sanctions. VK's press service stated that users who have the apps installed will not experience disruptions, and all features and security systems will remain stable. Users are encouraged to download the apps from alternative platforms, such as RuStore, Huawei AppGallery, Samsung Galaxy Store, and Xiaomi GetApps. Additionally, the Odnoklassniki social network application has also disappeared from the Google Play store. The European Union has imposed sanctions against VK and its subsidiary, "Kommunikatsionnaya platforma," which is linked to the removal of these applications from major tech platforms.
Google Play removes Max, Russia’s Kremlin-backed messenger, and VKontakte, VK’s flagship social network — three days after the EU sanctioned VK, their parent company
AppWizard
July 17, 2026

Google Play removes Max, Russia’s Kremlin-backed messenger, and VKontakte, VK’s flagship social network — three days after the EU sanctioned VK, their parent company

VK announced on July 16 that its Max messenger and VKontakte applications have been removed from the Google Play app store, along with the Odnoklassniki app. Users can still access these apps through alternative platforms like RuStore, Huawei AppGallery, Samsung Galaxy Store, and Xiaomi GetApps, and functionality will remain uninterrupted for those who have already installed them. VKontakte users are receiving notifications about a transition from the .com domain to .ru, assuring them of the platform's reliability. This change follows sanctions imposed by the European Union on July 13 against VK and its subsidiary, Kommunikatsionnaya Platforma. In late June, the Max messenger and VK social network app, along with Mail.ru’s email applications, were also removed from the App Store, with Odnoklassniki becoming unavailable at that time.
Google Will Allow Third-Party App Stores On Android Next Week
AppWizard
July 15, 2026

Google Will Allow Third-Party App Stores On Android Next Week

Google has announced the introduction of third-party app stores for US users, starting July 22, as part of the Play Catalog Access Program. Developers can submit apps to Google, which will then be accessible through these external stores, although transactions will still be processed via Google Play, maintaining service fees. This initiative follows a settlement with Epic Games, which led to the creation of a "Registered App Stores" program. However, Google and Epic have since withdrawn their motion to modify a court injunction. Third-party app stores must pay a ,000 upfront service fee for a security review and an annual fee of ,000 to access the Play catalog, and they are required to target US users only. Additionally, Google has opened the Play Store to external billing options and reduced its commission on app purchases from 30% to 10%.
Hundreds of PS3 games to be saved from digital store closure with new PC ports
AppWizard
July 10, 2026

Hundreds of PS3 games to be saved from digital store closure with new PC ports

PlayStation announced the closure of the PlayStation 3 digital store, raising concerns about the preservation of gaming history. The majority of the PlayStation 3 library is available on physical discs, but the loss of digital content is significant. PlayStation plans to phase out physical media production by 2028. A community of PlayStation 3 enthusiasts is working to keep titles accessible online. Efforts to decompile PlayStation 3 games are underway, with a new tool simplifying the emulation process. This tool navigates the complexities of the console's Cell Processor, potentially revolutionizing emulation. Many PlayStation 2 and 3 games are only available through cloud-streaming or require a PlayStation Plus Premium subscription, which has technical issues. Fans are taking on the responsibility of preserving these games, highlighting a need for PlayStation to enhance compatibility with modern platforms or consider porting games to PC.
A Potential Lawsuit Against Valve Might Have You Rethinking The Value Of Steam Sales
AppWizard
July 3, 2026

A Potential Lawsuit Against Valve Might Have You Rethinking The Value Of Steam Sales

The Consumer Competition Claims Foundation (CCC), a Dutch nonprofit organization, has filed a class action claim against Valve, alleging that the company's practices are stifling competition in the PC gaming market and inflating game prices. The CCC claims that Valve enforces price-parity agreements through contracts and peer pressure, preventing game developers from offering lower prices on competing platforms. They argue that Valve's 30% commission on sales restricts studios from setting their own prices, leading to higher costs for consumers. The CCC is also concerned about Valve's requirement for microtransactions to go through the Steam Wallet, which incurs an additional 30% commission, and the practice of region-locking keys. They are seeking €220 million in damages for affected Dutch players. The CCC is currently exploring an amicable resolution with Valve and is encouraging individuals to support their cause by signing up on the GameClaim website. The CCC's claims extend beyond direct Steam purchases, affecting the entire market. The likelihood of a successful lawsuit is uncertain, as the CCC has a mixed track record in previous cases. Valve has faced legal challenges in the past, including a penalty in 2016 for misleading consumer representations, and ongoing lawsuits regarding its market dominance.
silver Android smartphone
Winsage
June 19, 2026

I tried Microsoft’s region-locked PC Manager and now I wish everyone could use it

Microsoft PC Manager is a free application for Windows 11 that optimizes system performance by consolidating various tools and options into a cohesive interface. It has been in development for over two years and is set for general release in 2024, but it remains limited to a select audience and is not officially available in all regions. Users have found workarounds to access the app despite these regional restrictions.
India Blocks Telegram Access Ahead of Medical School Retest Amid 'Fake Leak' Scandal
AppWizard
June 18, 2026

India Blocks Telegram Access Ahead of Medical School Retest Amid ‘Fake Leak’ Scandal

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology in India has imposed a week-long ban on the messaging app Telegram amid a scandal related to the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET). This decision, enacted under the Information Technology (IT) Act, aims to protect national integrity and sovereignty, following significant irregularities in the original exam held on May 3. The National Testing Agency (NTA) invalidated the initial exam after discovering question leaks, and the upcoming retest is scheduled for June 21. The ban also includes the disabling of Telegram's 'message editing' feature until June 30. Despite the NTA's assurances that no questions have leaked for the retest, concerns about organized cheating groups using Telegram to spread misinformation persist. Pavel Durov, Telegram's CEO, criticized the ban for impacting millions of users without addressing underlying issues. Protests demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan have occurred, and the case has been referred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which has arrested approximately 11 individuals based on preliminary findings of leaked questions in the exam.
Search