app marketplace

AppWizard
December 4, 2025
Google has introduced a new system-level metric called “excessive partial wake locks” to identify apps that prevent Android phones from entering sleep mode, which leads to unnecessary battery drain. This metric, co-developed with Samsung, will be integrated into Android's core vitals metrics to help measure app performance and efficiency. Starting March 1, 2026, apps that keep devices awake for more than two hours unnecessarily will face penalties, including reduced visibility in Play Store recommendations and potential user warnings. This initiative aims to improve transparency for users and encourage developers to optimize their apps.
BetaBeacon
November 6, 2025
Epic Games and Google have reached a settlement to end their long-running dispute over app distribution and in-app billing on the Android platform. The settlement includes the introduction of "Registered App Stores" and allows developers to direct users toward alternative payment systems. The agreement aims to make Android more open and competitive for developers and consumers.
AppWizard
November 5, 2025
Google will integrate a new system in the upcoming version of Android that allows third-party app stores to be recognized as legitimate sources for applications. These "Registered App Stores" will enable users to install apps directly from websites with a single click, streamlining the process and avoiding traditional sideloading warnings. The implementation will be global, not limited to the U.S., and is expected to provide a user-friendly experience similar to the Google Play Store. Google will set "reasonable requirements" for the certification of these app stores, which may include review processes and fees not tied to revenue generation. The changes aim to benefit third-party app stores, reduce fees for developers, and expedite the app installation process. The settlement is expected to be presented for approval soon, with potential operational changes by the end of this year and a rollout coinciding with Android 17 in June next year. Early glimpses of the new system may be available in Google's Android Canary and Beta releases as early as 2026.
AppWizard
November 5, 2025
Google and Epic Games have submitted a proposed agreement to a US judge in response to Epic's 2020 antitrust lawsuit against Google regarding app distribution and in-app payments on Android. The proposal allows users to download and install third-party app stores that meet updated security standards, aiming to create a more competitive app marketplace. Developers will be able to direct users to alternative payment methods, with Google implementing a capped service fee structure of 9% or 20%. The settlement is pending judicial approval and could lead to expanded choices for developers, lower fees, and enhanced competition while prioritizing user safety.
AppWizard
August 18, 2025
Effective August 20, 2025, the Amazon Appstore will cease to support Android devices, ending over fifteen years of service. Users are advised to uninstall all apps downloaded via the Amazon Appstore to mitigate security risks, as these apps will no longer receive updates or security patches. Users should transition to alternatives in the Google Play Store, which offers built-in security features. Additionally, Amazon Coins will also be discontinued on the same date, with unclear details on refunds for remaining balances. Cybersecurity experts emphasize the urgency of this transition to avoid potential threats from outdated applications.
AppWizard
July 14, 2025
In a recent survey, Pixel Weather was identified as the most favored weather app, receiving 47% of the votes. It is exclusively available to Google Pixel users. The next closest competitors were Wunderground with 12.51%, Today Weather with 10.42%, Weather and Radar with 10.13%, and Ventusky with 4.02%. Users also suggested alternative weather applications such as Weawow, Samsung Weather, AccuWeather, Windy, MyRadar, and ForecastAdvisor. For non-Pixel users, Weather Master can replicate some features of Pixel Weather, and tech-savvy users can sideload the Pixel Weather APK onto other devices.
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