Appstore Archives

AppWizard

March 4, 2026

Google Announces Registered App Stores For Android

Google is launching a Registered App Stores program for Android, allowing third-party app stores to officially register if they meet specific quality and safety criteria. This program aims to provide a better installation experience for users and will be rolled out in a major Android release later this year, initially targeting markets outside the US. Registration is optional, and stores can continue using the existing sideloading process. Alongside this, Google is unbundling its fee structure, reducing service fees for developers to between 15% and 20%, with an additional 5% fee for using Google Play billing in certain regions. The rollout of the new billing structure is expected by the end of June in the US, UK, and Europe, with global completion by September 30, 2027. The initiative is part of a broader settlement with Epic Games and reflects ongoing legal pressures for greater competition in app distribution.

AppWizard

February 21, 2026

Android users put on high alert: Malware hides in TV streaming apps

A new strain of malware called Massiv has been identified by the fraud detection firm ThreatFabric. This malware disguises itself as legitimate IPTV applications to steal financial information and identities. IPTV refers to Internet Protocol Television, often associated with unauthorized content streaming. Many of these malicious apps are not found on reputable platforms, leading users to unofficial sources where malware can be embedded. The malware can monitor screens in real-time and extract data from the phone's Accessibility Service, allowing attackers to interact with devices without users' knowledge. Cybercriminals can then open bank accounts in victims' names, leading to debts with banks the victims have never interacted with. ThreatFabric has noted an increase in fake IPTV applications used for malware delivery, particularly in Portugal, Spain, France, and Turkey. Many of these apps do not provide free content but instead deliver malware. Users are advised to avoid sideloading applications from untrusted sources.

BetaBeacon

February 16, 2026

What Makes Android the Go-To Platform for Indie Game Developers?

Android remains the dominant OS in countries like India, Indonesia, Brazil, and parts of Africa, providing indie studios with a large audience eager for content and more likely to download experimental games from unknown developers.

AppWizard

January 16, 2026

Deezer rolls out new Android TV app for the big screen

Deezer has launched a completely reimagined Android TV app that enhances the music experience on television. The update features a modern interface, smoother navigation, and Hi-Fi audio quality. It emphasizes music discovery with personalized recommendations through Deezer Flow and offers access to "100%" artist playlists and track mixes. The app includes an immersive player view, enhanced artist profiles, and a revamped lyrics feature for real-time display. The updated app is currently rolling out to compatible Android TV devices via the Google Play Store, with plans to extend to Fire TV through the Amazon Appstore.

AppWizard

January 15, 2026

Deezer delivers a reimagined music experience on Android TV

Deezer has redesigned its Android TV app to enhance the music experience for users, featuring a modern interface, seamless navigation, vibrant visuals, and improved music discovery. The app now includes features such as Flow, track mixes, 100% artist playlists, HiFi sound quality, and word-by-word lyrics for karaoke. The updated app is available on compatible devices via the Google Play Store, with plans to launch on Fire TV through the Amazon Appstore soon. Users can transition their music library to Deezer using the Tune My Music service, which ensures data protection during the transfer process. Deezer is a global music platform founded in 2007, offering high-quality music access in over 180 countries and is publicly traded on Euronext Paris.

AppWizard

January 4, 2026

How to Get Minecraft APK Safely?

Minecraft is a popular game that has been engaging players for over ten years, allowing for creativity and exploration. The term "Minecraft APK" refers to the Android Package Kit used to install the game on Android devices. Players may seek the APK for various reasons, such as lack of Google Play support on their device, using an Amazon Fire tablet, or wanting to reinstall the game after switching devices. However, downloading the APK from unofficial sources poses risks, including malware, compromised accounts, game crashes, bans from online servers, and legal issues, as Minecraft is a paid title developed by Mojang and owned by Microsoft. To obtain Minecraft on Android safely, players can use the Google Play Store, which is the recommended method, or the official Minecraft Trial available for free. Users of Amazon Fire tablets can download the game from the Amazon Appstore. Advanced users may need to manually install an APK from official channels, ensuring to enable and disable the "Install unknown apps" setting cautiously. Players should avoid modded or cracked APKs, websites requiring surveys, and files demanding unrelated permissions to protect their devices and personal information. Minecraft on Android offers cross-play capabilities, regular updates, access to realms and online servers, and stable performance, making it a valuable mobile gaming option.

AppWizard

November 14, 2025

Android 17 Retrofits Alternative App Store Installs

Android 17 will introduce a system for "Registered App Stores," allowing third-party app stores that meet Google's certification standards to benefit from a unified installation interface. Users will see a straightforward prompt when installing a certified app store, with clear explanations and links to essential information. Certified stores will automatically gain permission to install and manage other applications, simplifying the installation process and improving user experience. The initiative will reduce barriers imposed by OEMs, ensuring a consistent installation process across devices. Security measures will remain intact, with Google Play Protect continuing to scan apps from all sources. The new system will be integrated into Android 17, with potential support in the initial release or by Android 17 QPR2. Competing app stores will not be able to promote themselves through Google Play, but users can still access certain titles directly through their respective apps.

AppWizard

November 10, 2025

Windows 11 ends Android app support: practical workarounds

Microsoft has discontinued the Windows Subsystem for Android and its integration with the Amazon Appstore on Windows 11 due to low demand. Users can no longer use an official Microsoft method to install general Android apps. The primary alternatives are Google Play Games on PC, which focuses on gaming, and third-party emulators like BlueStacks, LDPlayer, and GameLoop for a broader range of applications. To use Google Play Games, users need a PC with at least 8 GB RAM, a modern quad-core processor, hardware-accelerated graphics, SSD storage with 10 GB free, and hardware virtualization enabled. Users must enable virtualization in their UEFI or BIOS settings and activate the Virtual Machine Platform and Windows Hypervisor Platform in Windows. Emulators allow users to run full Android apps on Windows. They can download apps from the Google Play Store within the emulator or sideload APK files. Users should be cautious about security risks when sideloading apps and stick to reputable sources. Performance tuning for emulators involves allocating sufficient resources, resolving virtualization conflicts, and optimizing settings like resolution and frame rate. Users are advised to install on SSDs and minimize background tasks for better performance.

BetaBeacon

November 6, 2025

Nintendo’s new Android app shows how much of your life you’ve spent playing its games

The Nintendo Store app is now available for Android and iOS, allowing users to browse games, sales, merchandise, and events. Users can also view detailed play history all the way back to the 3DS.

AppWizard

October 2, 2025

Amazon’s new Fire TV OS streams Android apps on worse hardware for the same price… why?

Amazon introduced the Fire TV Stick Select, featuring the new Vega OS, at its fall hardware event. The device will include a mix of Vega-native applications and clients using Amazon Web Services (AWS) for streaming, with existing Fire TV apps adaptable to the new platform. Developers will have nine months of free app streaming to create native Vega applications. The Fire TV Stick Select is priced similarly to the Fire TV Stick 4K Max but has less powerful hardware, including Wi-Fi 5 and limited HDR support. Concerns exist regarding the user experience, particularly if streaming quality is poor, which could affect Amazon's reputation in the market. The Appstore will indicate cloud notices for non-native apps, but user understanding of this feature may vary.