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A Potential Lawsuit Against Valve Might Have You Rethinking The Value Of Steam Sales
AppWizard
July 3, 2026

A Potential Lawsuit Against Valve Might Have You Rethinking The Value Of Steam Sales

The Consumer Competition Claims Foundation (CCC), a Dutch nonprofit organization, has filed a class action claim against Valve, alleging that the company's practices are stifling competition in the PC gaming market and inflating game prices. The CCC claims that Valve enforces price-parity agreements through contracts and peer pressure, preventing game developers from offering lower prices on competing platforms. They argue that Valve's 30% commission on sales restricts studios from setting their own prices, leading to higher costs for consumers. The CCC is also concerned about Valve's requirement for microtransactions to go through the Steam Wallet, which incurs an additional 30% commission, and the practice of region-locking keys. They are seeking €220 million in damages for affected Dutch players. The CCC is currently exploring an amicable resolution with Valve and is encouraging individuals to support their cause by signing up on the GameClaim website. The CCC's claims extend beyond direct Steam purchases, affecting the entire market. The likelihood of a successful lawsuit is uncertain, as the CCC has a mixed track record in previous cases. Valve has faced legal challenges in the past, including a penalty in 2016 for misleading consumer representations, and ongoing lawsuits regarding its market dominance.
From casual hobby to luxury investment: memory costs hit PC gaming hard
AppWizard
June 28, 2026

From casual hobby to luxury investment: memory costs hit PC gaming hard

Two years ago, the gaming landscape was improving with affordable video games and devices like the Steam Deck making PC gaming more user-friendly. However, demand for AI data centers has disrupted manufacturing, causing component prices to rise significantly. Microsoft reported a 2.5 times increase in costs for memory and storage, leading to a 20% price hike for the Xbox Series S in the U.S. starting in August. Apple also announced a similar 20% increase on its hardware. The MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ has been launched at a price of ,499 in Australia, offering advanced gaming performance but at a steep cost. The Steam Deck remains a popular option at 9, while the ASUS ROG Ally provides alternatives for Windows users. The Nintendo Switch 2 offers a 1080p, 120Hz screen at a lower cost but lacks many major releases. Valve's Steam Machine was initially expected to start at 9, but due to the component crisis, it now starts at 9 for a 512GB model. DIY PC builds are becoming more accessible, with a recent build costing just over ,000. Consoles from Sony and Microsoft may offer better pricing for components despite recent increases. Cloud streaming services like Nvidia GeForce NOW and Xbox Game Pass are also emerging as cost-effective options.
Microsoft Shares Bounce From 52-Week Low as Italian Probe and Windows 10 Extension Create Crosscurre
Winsage
June 28, 2026

Microsoft Shares Bounce From 52-Week Low as Italian Probe and Windows 10 Extension Create Crosscurre

The Italian antitrust authority, AGCM, has launched an investigation into Microsoft 365 for allegedly guiding users toward pricier subscription tiers by integrating AI tools like Copilot and Designer without explicit user consent. Microsoft has stated it will cooperate with the investigation. Last year, Australia’s consumer watchdog made a similar complaint regarding hidden costs related to Copilot during contract renewals. Despite this scrutiny, Microsoft shares rose to €327.90, a 5.71% increase, following a shift in investor sentiment towards AI-software firms. Microsoft also extended its Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for Windows 10 until October 2027, allowing users to delay transitioning to Windows 11, which could hinder hardware sales. The stock remains down nearly 19% year-to-date and is trading below key moving averages. The ongoing regulatory investigation and sluggish Windows upgrade cycle present challenges for Microsoft’s growth.
Minecraft mod hides malware sweeping Australian gaming communities
AppWizard
June 24, 2026

Minecraft mod hides malware sweeping Australian gaming communities

A new US price point in cybersecurity has made advanced cyber capabilities accessible to a wider audience, including individuals who may want to cause harm for personal reasons rather than financial gain. In Australia, personal cyber insurance products have traditionally focused on risks like identity theft and financial fraud, driven by economic incentives. As the nature of cyber threats evolves, existing insurance products may not adequately cover risks from individuals motivated by personal grievances, prompting a need for insurers to reevaluate coverage, risk assessment, and customer education.
Android app purchases are changing as Google Play opens up billing options
AppWizard
June 24, 2026

Android app purchases are changing as Google Play opens up billing options

Google is enhancing the payment landscape of its Play Store by allowing developers to implement their own billing systems alongside the existing Google Play Billing, initially available in the US, UK, and EEA. Starting June 30, 2026, the Play Store commission will be divided into a 10% service fee for the first million in annual revenue and a 5% billing fee for transactions through Google Play Billing, with no extra charge for alternative billing systems. The phased implementation will first affect the US, UK, and EEA, followed by Australia on September 30, 2026, and Japan and South Korea on December 31, 2026, with global access expected by September 30, 2027.
Simplify your routine with the new Google Home Speaker
AppWizard
June 18, 2026

Simplify your routine with the new Google Home Speaker

The Google Home Speaker features a sustainable design with a custom 3D-knit textile and is available in Hazel and Porcelain colors. It includes a light ring underglow to indicate its status and a microphone mute toggle for privacy. The device assists with planning trips, providing kitchen help, and recommending entertainment. It is available for pre-order in Australia and New Zealand through various retailers. A purchase includes a 6-month trial of the Google Home Premium subscription, which is required for certain features. The device requires a Google Home app, Wi-Fi, and an internet connection.
Facebook and Instagram suffer global outage
AppWizard
June 12, 2026

Facebook and Instagram suffer global outage

On June 12, users of Facebook and Instagram faced significant access issues, with over 62,000 incidents reported for Facebook and more than 8,000 for Instagram by Downdetector.com as of 2:10 PM GMT. The problems began around 1 PM GMT in Singapore, with users receiving error messages on both Facebook Messenger and the main app. Meta's spokesperson acknowledged the disruptions, stating they were working on resolving the issues. Users from various countries, including the Philippines, India, Australia, Canada, and the United States, reported difficulties, highlighting the global impact of the outage.
Samsung Wallet now holds your passport: Where it works (and where it doesn’t)
AppWizard
June 10, 2026

Samsung Wallet now holds your passport: Where it works (and where it doesn’t)

Samsung Wallet now allows users to store a TSA-approved digital passport for use at TSA checkpoints in the U.S., thanks to a collaboration with CLEAR. The wallet is available in multiple countries, including Australia, Canada, Germany, India, the U.K., and the U.S., and supports various features such as storing debit, credit, and loyalty cards, passwords, and digital keys. However, the digital ID feature is only valid for domestic travel within the U.S., and travelers must carry their physical passports for international trips.
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