app stores Archives

AppWizard

August 12, 2025

What Happened to the Messenger App Kik?

Kik was founded in 2009 by students from the University of Waterloo and launched in October 2010. The app gained popularity among teenagers, particularly for its anonymous registration process. At its peak, Kik had over 300 million users but became associated with issues like cyberbullying and grooming due to its anonymity. Attempts to implement age verification were largely ineffective. In 2016, Kik explored chatbots for business engagement but faced increasing competition. A blockchain-based cryptocurrency, Kin, was introduced in 2017 but did not revitalize the app. In October 2019, Kik's operations were announced to cease, and it has since existed as a “digital zombie,” with limited visibility and recent fluctuations in its availability on app stores. Kik is currently absent from Google’s Play Store, although the owner, Medialab, is working on a solution.

AppWizard

August 11, 2025

Fake Android Banking Apps Are Hijacking Devices and Draining Accounts in Malware Campaign

A wave of mobile malware is targeting Android users in India, posing as legitimate banking applications. This malware can fully compromise infected devices, stealing sensitive data, intercepting communications, and conducting unauthorized financial transactions. It typically spreads through deceptive "dropper" apps via phishing messages on platforms like WhatsApp, SMS, or email, often disguised as system updates or official banking apps. The malware requests extensive Android permissions, allowing it to read and send SMS messages and intercept two-factor authentication codes. It operates stealthily, bypassing Android’s battery optimization features, and can manipulate notification content. All captured data is transmitted to attackers, enabling potential financial fraud and identity theft. Users are advised to install apps only from trusted sources, be skeptical of unexpected installation prompts, and review permission requests carefully.

BetaBeacon

August 8, 2025

Epic Games Store’s Latest Free Mobile Giveaway: Claim ‘112 Operator’ on Android & iOS Now!

Epic Games is giving away the game 112 Operator for free on mobile platforms to expand its user base and compete with other app stores by offering premium experiences at no cost.

Tech Optimizer

August 6, 2025

Android spyware posing as antivirus

A new Android spyware campaign called LunaSpy has emerged, disguising itself as an antivirus or banking protection application. It spreads through deceptive messenger links and fraudulent channels, tricking users into downloading it. Once installed, LunaSpy mimics a legitimate scanner and fabricates threat detections while secretly monitoring device activities and stealing sensitive data. Since February 2025, it has been spreading through hijacked contact accounts and new Telegram channels. Users are advised to avoid downloading apps from unofficial links, scrutinize messenger invitations, and only install applications from reputable app stores. Employing reliable antivirus software and being cautious with permissions can enhance device security.

BetaBeacon

August 5, 2025

Epic Games wins again against Google in court — Android could change dramatically

A US appeals court upheld a jury verdict in the Epic Games v. Google case, declaring Google Play and the company's payment system to be illegal monopolies.

AppWizard

August 4, 2025

US court mandates Android app competition, loosens billing rules

The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that Google's dominance in Android app distribution is illegal, reinforcing a previous jury verdict in favor of Epic Games. Google is now subject to a three-year injunction from 2024 to 2027, requiring the inclusion of rival app stores and alternative billing systems in the Google Play Store. A technical compliance committee, appointed by Epic and Google, will oversee the implementation, ensuring competitors access Google’s app catalog while minimizing security risks. Developers will no longer be required to use Google’s billing system for in-app purchases. Market analysts predict that this could lead to a decline in Google’s app revenue by .5 billion annually. Google plans to appeal the decision and seek delays to prevent rapid changes. Advocates for the ruling, including Microsoft and regulators, view it as a significant step toward a more competitive mobile market.

AppWizard

August 3, 2025

Google has just two weeks to begin cracking open Android, it admits in emergency filing

Google must implement significant changes to its Google Play app store operations within 14 days following an antitrust ruling. The court has mandated that Google cease requiring app developers to use Google Play Billing, allowing them to direct users to alternative payment platforms. Additionally, Google must limit incentives for manufacturers and carriers to preinstall its apps. In response, Google has sought an emergency stay from the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, which has been granted, providing three additional weeks to contest the ruling. The judge has given Google eight months to create a system for including rival app stores. Immediate changes required by the injunction include: - Ceasing the requirement for app developers to use Google Play Billing. - Allowing developers to inform users about alternative payment methods within the Play Store. - Permitting developers to link to external app download options. - Enabling developers to set their own pricing structures. - Ending revenue-sharing practices with manufacturers and carriers for exclusivity agreements. - Collaborating with Epic Games to resolve disputes while establishing a framework for rival app stores.

AppWizard

August 2, 2025

Epic’s win means Google has two weeks before the Android app store opens to rivals

Google is required to implement significant changes to its Play Store and Android ecosystem following a court ruling in its case against Epic Games, with an initial compliance deadline of 14 days, which has been extended by an emergency stay to an additional week. The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the 2024 verdict, reinforcing the need for Google to adapt its practices. Google is not obligated to facilitate the integration of the Epic Games Store into the Play Store for another eight months, meaning third-party app stores may not appear until 2026 at the earliest. Google has expressed concerns that the required changes could destabilize the Android ecosystem and affect millions of users and developers.

BetaBeacon

August 2, 2025

The Epic Games ‘total victory’ doesn’t mean as much as it wants you to think

Google lost its appeal against a 2023 verdict that found its app store and payments system to be illegal monopolies. The company must make changes such as allowing app developers to advertise other app distribution platforms and limit perks for installing its own apps. Epic Games' relationship with the Chinese state and Microsoft's potential foothold in the mobile world are also mentioned. The outcome of the case may result in changes to how apps are installed and the profits made by companies like Google and Epic Games. Appeals, injunctions, and new cases related to the issue are expected to continue.

AppWizard

August 2, 2025

Google Merely Stalls Epic-Ordered Play Store Overhaul With Emergency Stay, Delaying Inevitable Crack In Its Tight Control Over Android Apps And Billing

Google is required to change its app distribution model following a U.S. appeal court ruling that upheld a December 2023 verdict deeming its Play Store an illegal monopoly. The ruling mandates that Google allow third-party billing systems and alternative app stores, with a compliance deadline of fourteen days. Google is seeking an emergency stay to delay the implementation of these changes, arguing that they could disrupt operations and affect revenue, as well as compromise security and user experience. Critics believe Google's actions are aimed at maintaining its market dominance rather than ensuring user safety. An emergency stay has been granted, providing temporary relief but delaying inevitable changes.