Android app store

AppWizard
March 18, 2025
Bitdefender has identified at least 331 malicious applications on the Google Play Store, which have been downloaded over 60 million times. These apps, including QR code scanners and simple games, can display intrusive advertisements and compromise user data. A list of some remaining malicious apps includes ShapeUp, Beautiful Day, Destiny Book, Dropo, Handset Locator, Body Scale, Cache Sweep TEL: Clean, Five in a Row, Massm BMI, and Water Note. Many of these apps can bypass Android security measures, initiate without user interaction, and may launch phishing attacks. Users are advised to avoid these apps, manually remove any malicious apps they may have installed, and enable Google Play Protect for added security.
AppWizard
March 12, 2025
A report from cybersecurity firm Lookout reveals that North Korean hackers have uploaded Android spyware, named KoSpy, onto the Google Play app store, which has been downloaded over ten times. The spyware masquerades as a file manager and is designed for surveillance, collecting data such as SMS messages, call logs, device location, files, keystrokes, Wi-Fi details, installed apps, audio recordings, images, and screenshots. Google has removed the identified apps from the Play Store and deactivated associated Firebase projects. Lookout also found instances of KoSpy on the third-party app store APKPure. The campaign appears targeted at individuals in South Korea who speak English or Korean, with links to North Korean hacking groups APT37 and APT43.
AppWizard
February 28, 2025
Amazon will close its Android App Store on August 20th, preventing developers from submitting new applications. Epic Games reported an 18% year-over-year decline in player spending on PC, amounting to 5 million in 2024, despite increased user accounts. Alternative app stores face challenges in competing with established platforms like Apple’s App Store and Google Play. Companies like Huawei and Samsung have large user bases but struggle to generate significant revenue in Western markets. Alvaro Pinto, co-founder of Aptoide, notes that Amazon's closure occurs as the app distribution ecosystem is evolving, suggesting potential for new marketplaces despite existing hurdles. The upcoming Pocket Gamer Connects San Francisco event on March 17th to 18th will discuss insights on alternative app stores and direct-to-consumer practices.
AppWizard
February 24, 2025
Amazon will close its app store for Android devices on August 20, after which users will not be able to access the platform or guarantee the functionality of previously downloaded apps. The app store will remain operational for devices running on Fire OS, such as Fire TV and Fire tablets. Additionally, Amazon's Appstore will be removed from the Microsoft Store on March 5, coinciding with the discontinuation of support for the Windows Subsystem for Android. Users are advised to cancel app subscriptions and seek alternatives like Google's Play Store and others. Amazon Coins will also be discontinued on August 20, but users can use existing Coins until then, with refunds for any unused Coins to be provided later.
AppWizard
February 23, 2025
Amazon will close its Amazon Appstore for Android devices on August 20, 2025, after 14 years of operation. The closure includes the discontinuation of Amazon Coins, which are used for in-app purchases. Developers will no longer be able to submit new apps after this date, although existing apps will remain available until then. Amazon plans to focus on its Appstore for its own devices, such as Fire TV and Fire Tablets, where most of its customers engage with the platform. The Appstore was launched in 2011 as a competitor to Google Play but struggled to gain traction outside of Amazon's ecosystem. Additionally, Amazon will discontinue support for the Appstore on Windows 11 on March 5, 2025. Security concerns have also been raised regarding the Appstore, including incidents of malware found within it.
BetaBeacon
February 21, 2025
Amazon is discontinuing its Android app store on August 20, 2025. Amazon Coins, the currency used for in-app purchases, are no longer being sold as of February 20, 2025. Unused Amazon Coins will be refunded after the app store shutdown. Fire TV and Fire Tablet devices will still have access to the app store. Users are advised to download purchased apps before the shutdown.
AppWizard
February 21, 2025
Amazon will close its App Store for Android devices on August 20, 2025, due to low user engagement compared to the Google Play Store. Developers have been notified to stop submissions to the App Store. Additionally, Amazon is discontinuing its Amazon Coins program and will process refunds for any unused coins. The company is shifting its focus to enhancing app experiences on its own devices, such as Fire TV and Fire HD tablets.
AppWizard
February 21, 2025
Amazon will close its Android app store on August 20, 2025, and developers will no longer be able to submit new applications as that date approaches. The Amazon Coins program will also be discontinued on the same date, with no new purchases available after February 20, 2025. Customers with remaining Amazon Coins will be refunded after the shutdown. The app store will remain operational on Amazon devices like Fire TV and Fire Tablets. The decision to close the Android app store is due to limited use on non-Amazon devices, as the company aims to focus on its own devices where most customers engage with the app store.
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