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Google and Epic Abandon Settlement, Clearing the Way for Rival Android App Stores
AppWizard
July 17, 2026

Google and Epic Abandon Settlement, Clearing the Way for Rival Android App Stores

Google and Epic Games have withdrawn their joint motion to modify a court injunction that requires Google to support third-party app stores within the Google Play ecosystem. A permanent injunction issued in October 2024 mandates Google to facilitate alternative app stores on Android devices, with support set to begin on July 22. Google plans to implement a ,000 annual access fee for these alternative marketplaces, while apps downloaded through these stores will still use the Google Play system for transactions. The agreement between Google and Epic includes provisions for reduced fees and alternative payment methods, separate from the injunction. The legal situation regarding third-party app stores does not directly affect Apple, but it may influence Apple's ongoing legal challenges with Epic Games and regulatory developments. Apple is currently appealing a ruling that requires it to allow link-outs and alternative payment options, with oral arguments expected in late 2026 or early 2027.
The Phocus Mobile app for Hasselblad cameras has finally arrived on Android
AppWizard
July 17, 2026

The Phocus Mobile app for Hasselblad cameras has finally arrived on Android

Phocus Mobile has launched on Android, allowing users to process, view, and export RAW photographs from smartphones and tablets. The app is compatible with Hasselblad cameras such as the X2D II 100C, X2D 100C, and 907X & CFV 100C. It features the Hasselblad Natural Colour Solution (HNCS), AI-powered noise reduction, editing tools, and a photo management system. For HDR-capable devices, it processes images with full dynamic range and fine-tunes HDR highlights. The app includes Hasselblad Natural Noise Reduction (HNNR) for low-light photography, reducing noise in 100MP RAW images in about 15 to 20 seconds. Phocus Mobile offers two processing modes: Purity Mode for noise reduction and Detail Mode for capturing microtextures and fine details.
Epic & Google Withdraw Settlement: Other Stores Coming to Android
AppWizard
July 17, 2026

Epic & Google Withdraw Settlement: Other Stores Coming to Android

Epic Games and Google have withdrawn their proposed settlement regarding app distribution on Android, which included a program for registered app stores. This decision allows Google to permit third-party app stores on its platform. The legal dispute began when Epic accused Google of monopolizing Android app distribution. Despite multiple victories for Epic, the companies attempted a settlement that included new billing options and reduced fees, but concerns about sideloading apps led to its abandonment. Google plans to invite other app stores starting July 22 in the United States.
E.U. Orders Google to Open Android Mic, Camera and Screen to Rival AI Assistants
AppWizard
July 17, 2026

E.U. Orders Google to Open Android Mic, Camera and Screen to Rival AI Assistants

The European Commission has mandated that Google must provide equal access to rival AI assistants within its Android ecosystem, allowing them to use the same functionalities as Google's Gemini assistant. This includes access to the camera, microphone, and on-screen content, as well as background operation capabilities. Google is required to implement these changes in the upcoming Android 18 release by August 1, 2027. The directive includes two binding specifications under the Digital Markets Act, one of which requires Google to share anonymized search query, click, and ranking data with competing search engines and AI chatbots for a fee. The Android decision involves 11 operating system features, with five classified as restricted, requiring certification for third-party applications. These restricted features include access to on-device data shared by apps, context-aware intelligence, structured on-device integration, screen automation, and system integration. The remaining six features do not require certification, allowing broader access to ambient data, always-on hotword detection, long-press invocation, system-level on-device models, third-party model implementation, and background execution capabilities. Google must establish a Qualified AI Assistant Programme to facilitate access to gated features, allowing third-party Trusted Certification Authorities to certify assistants at no cost. The certification process must be fair and non-discriminatory, and users can consent to bypass the certification requirement for specific services and devices. By August 2027, both certified and user-approved uncertified assistants will be able to interact with applications on a virtual display. Google is also required to anonymize search data before sharing, ensuring user privacy and limiting data access to recipients who meet specific criteria. Kent Walker, Google's president of global affairs, expressed concerns about the security implications of granting external apps access to sensitive device permissions and criticized the anonymization methods for search data. The final measures reflect significant changes from earlier drafts, introducing more stringent requirements regarding data sharing and certification processes.
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.
Google accidentally leaves a Pixel 11a clue in its Phone app
AppWizard
July 17, 2026

Google accidentally leaves a Pixel 11a clue in its Phone app

The beta version of Google’s Phone app (version 230.0.946661649-publicbeta-pixel) reveals internal codenames for the upcoming Pixel 11 lineup, including "cubs," "grizzly," "kodiak," "yogi," and "formosan." The first four are believed to correspond to the Pixel 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro XL, and 11 Pro Fold models. The codename "formosan" is associated with the budget-friendly Pixel 11a, indicating that its development is underway. The Pixel 11a is expected to launch around March 2027, following the pattern of previous A-series phones. No specifications or features have been disclosed for these codenames, but their emergence suggests active preparation for the next generation of Pixel devices. The Pixel 11 series is set to be revealed on August 12.
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.
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