competition

AppWizard
October 2, 2026
Google has begun allowing rival, third-party app stores to be included within the Google Play Store, providing developers with more options for billing and app distribution. This change follows a court order resulting from Epic Games' antitrust lawsuit against Google, which challenged the company's restrictions on alternative app stores and in-app payment rules. The inclusion of these third-party stores enhances competition within the Android ecosystem, reducing Google's dominance and empowering users and developers with more choices. Users can now opt for alternative app stores if they are dissatisfied with Google's services, improving opportunities for privacy and security.
BetaBeacon
October 1, 2026
Football Manager 27 features a cleaner, more intuitive interface with new and returning features to enhance immersion and decision-making. The game offers smarter navigation, better scaling, and greater personalization options for players. The football world beyond the player's club has been reawakened with returning and reimagined features, such as cup draws and an overhauled news feed. Players can stay ahead of the competition with improved stats and data reporting. Fans can follow @FootballManager on social media for more gameplay reveals and updates leading up to the game's launch.
AppWizard
September 30, 2026
Starting September 30, 2026, Google will implement changes to the Android game distribution economics through the Google Play Games Level Up program, reducing the commission on game revenue exceeding million annually from 20% to 15%. Developers must launch their games on Android simultaneously with other platforms to qualify for this discount; otherwise, they will be ineligible for six months. The new fee structure includes a baseline rate cut to 10% on the first million and 20% on earnings above that, while the Level Up program allows qualifying titles to pay 15% on revenue beyond the first million. The rollout of the Level Up program will begin in Australia, the European Economic Area, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States on September 30, 2026, followed by South Korea on December 31, 2026, and the rest of the world on September 30, 2027. If a game launches on a non-Android platform first, it will face a six-month waiting period before qualifying for Level Up pricing. Existing games launched before September 30, 2026, are exempt from this penalty.
Winsage
September 29, 2026
AMD and Perplexity have launched Portable Computer, a software solution for Windows PCs with Ryzen AI Max Series processors, enabling local AI tasks and workflow management for Pro and Max subscribers. This allows users to run extensive AI models on their devices without relying on cloud processing, enhancing privacy and conserving Perplexity Computer credits. The software integrates local models with agent orchestration, scheduling, and security controls, and connects with popular workplace applications like Gmail and Slack. AMD's AI PCs, introduced in 2023, feature a neural processing unit that allows local AI operations alongside standard applications. This collaboration signifies a shift towards more AI processing on personal devices, aiming to automate tasks and improve user experience. Jack Huynh from AMD highlighted the transformation of PCs into intelligent partners, emphasizing the coexistence of local and cloud AI in their strategy.
BetaBeacon
September 29, 2026
- Kartboard Dash is a free-to-play arcade kart-racing game available on PC, Android, and iOS. - The game features a handcrafted cardboard world with unique tracks, scenery, and vehicles. - Players can collect and deploy power-ups to gain an advantage in races. - Global modifiers can change race conditions in the final laps. - Kartboard Dash is designed for competition and replayability, with dynamic power-ups and close finishes.
AppWizard
September 28, 2026
Lego Racers has been reintroduced as "Step On It," a free online game accessible through web browsers. This remake retains the original's essence while adding features like online multiplayer for up to six players. All content from the original game is available from the start, and enhancements such as rebalanced items and adjusted AI can be toggled. The project was developed by isledecomp, known for the Lego Island browser remake.
AppWizard
September 27, 2026
Samsung's Galaxy S26 Ultra has a maximum charging speed of 60W, while the Pixel 11 Pro family reaches up to 45W. The OnePlus 15 offered 80W charging, and brands like HUAWEI and Xiaomi have devices capable of 120W charging or more. IR blasters are now rare in flagship devices, with the OnePlus 15 being an exception, while Xiaomi's Second Space allows for a separate user profile at the OS level. Motorola's Moto Actions use hardware sensors for gesture-based controls, enabling actions without waking the display. The Nothing Phone's Glyph system features a dot-matrix display for app-specific alerts, contrasting with Google's HiLight LED indicator.
AppWizard
September 26, 2026
YouTube essayist Majuular has released a new video focused on Ultima Online, part of a series that took six months to produce. The video explores the game's origins under Richard Garriott and Starr Long, its development by Raph Koster and his team, and its impact on the gaming landscape. Ultima Online has adapted to competition and remains accessible through official and fan-operated servers, including the In Mani Ylem server. Majuular's efforts to document the making of Richard Garriott's series have gained him over 200,000 followers on YouTube. His retrospective highlights Ultima's influence on role-playing games and includes personal stories and historical context.
Search