app marketplace Archives

AppWizard

March 13, 2025

Xiaomi to preinstall PhonePe’s app store on smartphones sold in India

Xiaomi has entered a multi-year agreement with PhonePe to preinstall the Indus Appstore on its Android smartphones sold in India, replacing the GetApps store. The Indus Appstore will support 12 Indian languages, offer zero fees for developers on in-app purchases, and feature over 500,000 apps. Google’s Play Store will still be available on Xiaomi devices. Xiaomi aims to enhance user experience and localize offerings in response to the growing demand for a locally driven app marketplace in India. Specifics about the rollout timeline and availability for existing devices have not been disclosed.

AppWizard

February 19, 2025

The Play Store sucks, so here’s what I use instead

As of early February 2025, there are nearly 2.1 million apps available on the Play Store, with over 1,100 new apps introduced daily, resulting in an average of almost 42,000 new options each month. The search function on the Play Store is often ineffective for broader queries, and users face challenges due to the lack of sorting options and transparency regarding app updates. F-Droid is a platform for free and open-source software (FOSS) applications, requiring sideloading or the use of clients like Neo Store or Droid-ify. Obtainium is a tool that allows users to access open-source applications and updates directly from their sources, supporting over a dozen repositories including GitHub and GitLab, and enables users to export curated app lists and track updates without downloading them.

AppWizard

December 17, 2024

Android app price drops and freebies: Hyper Light Drifter, Conquistadorio, Paths & Danger, more

On Tuesday afternoon, the Google Play store introduced new deals on Android games and applications, along with hardware discounts. Notable hardware deals include the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10+ at a low price, a 0 price reduction on the 3-node Google Nest Wi-Fi Pro 6e setup at Best Buy, and LG's 120Hz C4 OLED smart TV with a complimentary 0 gift card. Featured Android apps include Hyper Light Drifter, Conquistadorio, Paths & Danger, and PARANORMASIGHT, all available for download.

BetaBeacon

December 13, 2024

Epic Games secures deal to preinstall Fortnite onto Android phones in UK and Spain

Epic Games has partnered with Telefónica to preinstall the Epic Games Store and Fortnite on Android phones in the UK, Germany, Spain, and Spanish-speaking territories of Latin America. This partnership aims to make these games more accessible on millions of Telefónica Android devices and create a more competitive ecosystem for Android players.

AppWizard

December 5, 2024

Outdated Devices Face Restrictions in Google Play’s Latest Update

Google Play has updated the Play Integrity API to enhance security for Android devices. The API verifies that applications run on secure, non-rooted hardware, reducing the risk of malware attacks. A new feature allows the API to check if devices have the latest software updates, enabling developers to restrict app functionality based on the device's security status. This is particularly important for financial and enterprise applications. The update will be available on devices running Android 13 and later, while those on Android 12 or earlier should use alternative security measures. The API's performance has also improved, with reduced latency for better communication between apps and the operating system. Automatic updates for developers will begin by May 2025.

AppWizard

December 4, 2024

Google’s beefing up Android app security, but not everyone’s going to be happy

Google is enhancing its Play Integrity API to provide faster and more secure device attestation for Android applications. The updated API will make it harder to spoof attestation checks and will introduce measures to verify that apps are installed via the Play Store, potentially affecting sideloaded applications. Average Android users can expect improved app performance, although some may receive notifications about outdated security updates. Developers can opt into the new system now, with a broader rollout planned for May 2025.

Winsage

December 4, 2024

Here are the new features Microsoft Store received in 2024

Throughout 2024, the Microsoft Store app on Windows 11 and 10 has undergone significant updates, including: - A revamped Library section divided into Update and Library categories, with a search bar for easier navigation. - Enhanced product listings featuring a new install progress bar that shows app size and completion percentage, improved gaming categories, and automatic trailers on product pages. - Performance optimizations resulting in a 25% reduction in launch time and a 50% decrease in failed downloads. - Additional features such as a revamped web installation experience, support for Win32 app web installers, and improved search and recommendation features. - The annual Microsoft Store App Awards showcased popular applications like ChatGPT, Arc, and Fantastical.

AppWizard

November 19, 2024

Meituan-owned Keeta, video game AFK Journey among Google’s ‘Best of 2024’ apps

Google Play has announced its “Best of 2024” awards in Hong Kong, recognizing standout applications. The winners include Keeta, an online delivery platform owned by Meituan, which was launched in May 2023 and awarded “Best Everyday Essential” for its integration into daily life. Keeta is Meituan’s first food delivery service outside mainland China. The name "Keeta" is inspired by the cheetah, symbolizing speed and agility. The second winner, AFK Journey, developed by Farlight Games (a subsidiary of Lilith Games), received the award for “Best Game” for its engaging gameplay and storytelling.

AppWizard

October 20, 2024

Google wins delay in opening Android app – Manila Standard

A federal judge in San Francisco has granted Google a temporary reprieve from a deadline requiring the opening of Android-powered smartphones to competing app stores, which was part of an antitrust case initiated by Epic Games. The deadline, originally set for November 1, has been suspended. Google expressed satisfaction with the ruling, while Epic Games criticized it as “meritless” and indicated their intent to continue pursuing a more competitive app marketplace. Android devices hold approximately 70 percent of the global smartphone market, making Google a target for regulatory scrutiny and legal challenges.

AppWizard

October 18, 2024

Epic judge lets Google keep its Android app store closed to competitors — for now

Judge James Donato granted Google a temporary administrative stay regarding changes to its Android app store rules, allowing Google to postpone compliance with most aspects of a previous ruling while it appeals. A jury had determined that Google's Play Store was an illegal monopoly, and the stay delays the implementation of this ruling. Starting November 1, 2024, Google must refrain from entering agreements that prevent the preinstallation of rival app stores for three years. Google expressed satisfaction with the stay, while Epic Games criticized it, claiming it highlights the meritlessness of Google's appeal.