Appstore Archives

Winsage

June 24, 2025

Microsoft removed this feature from Windows, and it’s time to bring it back

Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA) was introduced during the Windows 10 era to allow users to run Android applications on their PCs but was removed in Windows 11. Despite Microsoft's withdrawal, there remains a strong demand for Android app capabilities on Windows, as evidenced by the popularity of platforms like Bluestacks and Google's Google Play Games app for Windows. The initial implementation of WSA faced criticism due to poor execution and limited geographic availability, which hindered user access. Users had to navigate through the Microsoft Store to install the Amazon Appstore, complicating the process. The partnership with Amazon restricted the range of available applications, leading to user frustration, as many popular apps required Google services. Performance issues also affected WSA, with users facing resource consumption trade-offs. Microsoft's adjustments to allow some Android services to run in the background were a step forward, but the initial setup could have been more efficient. The discontinuation of WSA left many users puzzled, and there is hope for its reintroduction with improvements in the future.

BetaBeacon

June 15, 2025

Solo Leveling: Arise releases on the Epic Games Store for mobile

- Solo Leveling: Arise is now available on the Epic Games Store with an exclusive event for players. - Players who log in via the Epic Games Store can receive an exclusive Epic Store Launch Celebration pack until June 25th. - Netmarble's decision to release Solo Leveling: Arise on the Epic Games Store could have positive implications for the platform.

Winsage

April 3, 2025

Is Windows 11 Finally Better Than Windows 10 For Gaming?

Windows 11 has introduced several gaming-focused enhancements that are not present in Windows 10, including: - DirectStorage: Optimized for Windows 11, this technology allows games to load data directly from an NVMe SSD to the GPU, reducing load times. - Auto HDR: Enhances older games by automatically applying high dynamic range lighting effects for users with HDR-capable monitors. - Improved Scheduling for Hybrid CPUs: Offers better task scheduling for Intel's 12th or 13th generation CPUs, resulting in smoother frame rates during CPU-intensive gaming sessions. Benchmark tests show minimal performance differences between Windows 10 and Windows 11, with slight FPS improvements in some titles on Windows 11, especially when using advanced hardware and DirectStorage. As of March 2025, over 55% of Windows users on Steam have transitioned to Windows 11, indicating growing confidence in the operating system among gamers. Windows 11 has addressed many early bugs and driver issues, providing robust stability on compatible systems. Windows 11 has stricter hardware requirements than Windows 10, including the need for TPM 2.0 and UEFI secure boot. Windows 10 remains supported until October 2025, making it a viable option for users with older hardware. Windows 11 features a redesigned interface with a centered Start Menu and Taskbar, rounded corners, and expanded personalization options. It also simplifies the update process with annual feature updates and smaller, faster security updates. Windows 11 enhances integration with Microsoft services, supports Android apps through the Amazon Appstore, and introduces productivity tools like Snap Layouts and improved Task View. Security improvements include mandatory TPM 2.0, enhanced Windows Defender, and a redesigned privacy dashboard for better user control over app permissions. Despite its advancements, Windows 11 has limitations such as ongoing stability issues, driver compatibility concerns, and a simplified taskbar that lacks certain functionalities from Windows 10. Windows 11 is available as a free upgrade for eligible Windows 10 devices through Windows Update.

BetaBeacon

March 25, 2025

How to play Android games on your PC

Google Play Games for Windows allows users to play hundreds of Android games on a Windows PC running Windows 10 or later, as long as the computer has a solid state drive (SSD) as its boot drive and Virtualization support enabled in the BIOS settings. The app offers keyboard and mouse support for all games on the list.

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 25, 2025

Windows is about to lose support for Android apps

Microsoft announced the discontinuation of the Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA), effective March 5, which will result in the loss of access to installed Android apps. To ensure user security until the closure, Microsoft released a final set of security updates for WSA. Users seeking to continue using Android applications on Windows can consider third-party solutions, such as the Bluestacks emulator.

AppWizard

February 24, 2025

One Play Store rival fewer: Amazon shutters its Android app store

Amazon will close its app store for Android devices on August 20, after which users will not be able to access the platform or guarantee the functionality of previously downloaded apps. The app store will remain operational for devices running on Fire OS, such as Fire TV and Fire tablets. Additionally, Amazon's Appstore will be removed from the Microsoft Store on March 5, coinciding with the discontinuation of support for the Windows Subsystem for Android. Users are advised to cancel app subscriptions and seek alternatives like Google's Play Store and others. Amazon Coins will also be discontinued on August 20, but users can use existing Coins until then, with refunds for any unused Coins to be provided later.

AppWizard

February 23, 2025

Amazon to Shut Down Android App Store, Ending a Decade-Long Experiment

Amazon will close its Amazon Appstore for Android devices on August 20, 2025, after 14 years of operation. The closure includes the discontinuation of Amazon Coins, which are used for in-app purchases. Developers will no longer be able to submit new apps after this date, although existing apps will remain available until then. Amazon plans to focus on its Appstore for its own devices, such as Fire TV and Fire Tablets, where most of its customers engage with the platform. The Appstore was launched in 2011 as a competitor to Google Play but struggled to gain traction outside of Amazon's ecosystem. Additionally, Amazon will discontinue support for the Appstore on Windows 11 on March 5, 2025. Security concerns have also been raised regarding the Appstore, including incidents of malware found within it.

AppWizard

February 21, 2025

Amazon Appstore on Android to be discontinued this summer

Amazon will close its Android Appstore on August 20, 2025, ending access for users on Android devices and discontinuing the Amazon Coins program. The Appstore, launched in 2011, struggled to gain a substantial user base despite various innovations. Users will be warned that apps downloaded from the Appstore may stop functioning after the closure, but they can migrate purchased apps to Amazon devices like the Kindle. Amazon has already stopped selling Amazon Coins as of February 20, 2025, and unused balances will be refunded after the closure. Users are advised to disable auto-renewals for subscriptions. The closure reflects the Appstore's failure to resonate with users and diminishing relevance in the market.

AppWizard

February 21, 2025

Amazon to shutter app store for Android devices

Amazon will close its Appstore for Android devices on August 20 of this year, and developers will no longer be able to submit new applications. The decision is part of a strategic shift to enhance user experience on Amazon's own devices. The Appstore will still be available on Amazon's Fire TV, Fire Tablet, and other built-in products. Developers can submit updates for existing applications until the service ends. Additionally, Amazon will discontinue its Amazon Coins program on the same date and will refund any remaining coins in user accounts.