app availability Archives

AppWizard

August 22, 2025

Amazon’s Android Pivot: A Catalyst for Semiconductor and Software Ecosystems

Amazon is transitioning its Fire tablet lineup from Fire OS to standard Android, codenamed “Kittyhawk,” to enhance hardware and software integration and compete with Apple and Samsung. This shift addresses developer fatigue by eliminating the need for separate app versions for Amazon's Appstore and responds to consumer demand for access to the Google Play Store. The new Android-based tablets, set for release in 2025, will likely increase app availability and capture a share of the premium tablet market. Key semiconductor partners expected to benefit from this transition include Qualcomm, Samsung, and MediaTek, as Amazon's adoption of standard Android may lead to increased demand for their chipsets. Additionally, the move strengthens Google's position within the ecosystem, potentially stimulating growth for its cloud and AI services, despite Amazon's decision to exclude Google's proprietary applications. Investors should monitor Qualcomm and MediaTek for semiconductor exposure, as well as Amazon's AI tools and cloud partnerships for potential growth. Amazon's current global tablet market share is 8%, which could expand with the new model, although risks include project delays and regulatory scrutiny regarding data privacy.

AppWizard

August 21, 2025

Amazon looks to ditch homegrown software for Android in Fire tablet revamp

Amazon is transforming its Fire tablet lineup by introducing a premium tablet model featuring the Android operating system for the first time, internally called "Kittyhawk." This shift aims to improve app availability and compatibility with other Android devices. The new tablet is expected to be priced around 0, nearly double the cost of the current Fire Max 11 tablet, which retails for approximately 0. Amazon is also exploring the launch of lower-priced tablets powered by its Linux-based Vega operating system. The Kittyhawk project may face delays or cancellation due to financial considerations.

AppWizard

August 21, 2025

Amazon Plans Android-Powered Fire Tablet in Major Software Shift

Amazon plans to transition its Fire tablet lineup from its custom Fire OS to a standard Android platform, codenamed Kittyhawk, with a new higher-end tablet model expected next year. This change aims to improve app availability and compatibility for users. The new tablet is projected to retail at around 0, a significant increase from the current Fire Max 11's price of 0. Amazon currently holds approximately 8% of the tablet market, while Apple and Samsung lead with 33% and 19%, respectively. Lower-priced Fire tablets will continue to use Amazon's Linux-based Vega operating system until the full transition to Android is completed over the coming years.

BetaBeacon

August 14, 2025

Cyprus-based Skich Store launches Android alternative after Epic Games victory

Skich Store has launched its own Android platform following Epic Games' legal victory against Google, offering developers a direct path to their target audience by bypassing Google Play's regulations and payment systems.

Winsage

August 2, 2025

Microsoft is killing off Windows 11 SE, its Chrome OS competitor

Microsoft will discontinue support for Windows 11 SE by October 2026, ceasing all software updates, technical assistance, and security fixes. Devices running Windows 11 SE will continue to function, but users are advised to transition to another edition of Windows 11 for ongoing support. The upcoming 25H2 update will not be released for Windows 11 SE, leaving devices on the 24H2 version until support ends. Various manufacturers have produced laptops with Windows 11 SE, and Microsoft launched the budget-friendly Surface Laptop SE in 2021. Microsoft's previous attempts to compete with Chrome OS included the introduction of S Mode for Windows 10, which faced challenges due to limited app availability. A Gartner report indicates that Chromebook market share is declining, with a shift in focus towards Windows 11 upgrades rather than migration to Chrome OS.

AppWizard

May 21, 2025

Android Auto gets video and browser apps ‘soon,’ more weather apps finally coming

Google is expanding Android Auto by introducing new app categories, including browser apps and video apps, which will be compatible with phones running Android 16 in select vehicles while parked. Additionally, weather apps have graduated from beta status, allowing developers to publish them without extra approval, as long as they meet quality guidelines.

AppWizard

May 6, 2025

Exploring ChromeOS – A New Era In Android App Support

ChromeOS has introduced significant enhancements, particularly in Android app support, improving functionality and integration. The latest updates include upgraded Bluetooth technologies, improved content search capabilities, and the integration of Android 11 changes using virtual machines for better app performance. The initiative "Start building apps for ChromeOS" provides guidance for developers to optimize applications for these devices. Accessibility features like Face Control, Bounce Keys, and Slow Keys have been added to assist users with various needs. Security improvements include theft detection and quick locking, while usability enhancements like Fast Pair simplify device connections. Recent updates also focus on integration and compatibility with existing file systems and support for Android and Linux applications, aiming to create a cohesive ecosystem.

AppWizard

April 30, 2025

Your Android Can Download Fewer Apps Than in 2023, Here’s Why That’s Good

The Google Play Store has seen a decline in available apps, dropping from 3.4 million at the beginning of 2024 to approximately 1.8 million by April, a 47% reduction compared to the end of 2023. In contrast, Apple’s App Store increased its app count from 1.6 million to 1.64 million during the same period. Google has implemented stricter quality control measures, which contributed to the reduction in app numbers, alongside enhanced human review processes and new verification requirements for developers. Despite the overall decrease, there was a 7.1% increase in the release of new apps in April 2025 compared to April 2024.

AppWizard

February 20, 2025

Amazon is shutting down its app store on Android

Amazon will discontinue its Android app store and phase out its Coins digital currency on August 20, 2025. Users holding Amazon Coins will receive refunds. The app store will remain operational on Amazon's proprietary devices, such as Fire TV and Fire Tablet. The decision follows limited usage of the app store outside Amazon's devices and security concerns regarding malware in the app store. Amazon has been reevaluating its app distribution strategy, having previously discontinued its app store on Windows.

AppWizard

February 11, 2025

One UI 7 brings enhanced parental controls over websites and apps

Samsung has introduced new parental control features in One UI 7 for the Galaxy S25 series, allowing parents to oversee their children's online activities, particularly in web browsing and app downloads. The new content restrictions page enables parents to manage web content on Samsung Internet and regulate app downloads from the Galaxy Store. Parents can activate a content filter to block access to sexually explicit and violent sites, and set maximum age ratings for apps and games. These features are expected to be presented during the initial setup for devices intended for children, with modifications requiring parental approval. Currently, these features are exclusive to the Galaxy S25, with plans for future updates to extend them to other Samsung devices.