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Here’s who is eligible for a portion of Google’s $700 million settlement
AppWizard
August 21, 2026

Here’s who is eligible for a portion of Google’s $700 million settlement

Google has agreed to a [openai_gpt model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Summarize the content and extract only the fact described in the text bellow. The summary shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. Text: PHOENIX (AZFamily) — In a significant development for the tech industry, Google has agreed to a 0 million settlement regarding its practices in the Android app store market. This resolution comes as a result of a bipartisan coalition of attorneys general, spearheaded by Arizona’s Attorney General Kris Mayes, who have raised concerns about the company's monopolistic control over app distribution and in-app payment systems. Settlement Details Attorney General Mayes articulated the core issue, stating, “Google used its monopoly power over the app market to drive up prices.” The settlement serves as a clear message against anticompetitive behavior, emphasizing the importance of a fair marketplace that fosters lower prices, enhanced quality of goods and services, and increased choices for consumers. Mayes affirmed her commitment to combating illegal and unfair business practices to safeguard the interests of Arizonans. Individuals who made purchases on Google Play between August 2016 and September 2023 will be eligible to receive a portion of the settlement. Most recipients can expect to receive their share without the need to submit a claim form, with payments being processed through platforms like PayPal or Venmo. Changes to Business Practices As part of the settlement agreement, Google is required to implement several changes to its business operations. Over the next five years, app developers will gain the freedom to: Offer alternative payment options to users. Inform users about cheaper prices available outside of Google’s billing platform. Feature their apps on competing app stores without fear of retaliation. Moreover, Android users will have the ability to install applications from sources beyond the Google Play Store for a minimum duration of seven years. Arizona's involvement in this legal action dates back to 2021, when the state joined a coalition of attorneys general in suing Google for its alleged illegal dominance in Android app distribution and for imposing transaction fees of up to 30% on consumers. For those seeking further information about the settlement, additional details can be found on the designated website. See a spelling or grammatical error in our story? Please click here to report it. Do you have a photo or video of a breaking news story? Send it to us here with a brief description. Copyright 2026 KTVK/KPHO. All rights reserved." max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"] million settlement regarding its practices in the Android app store market due to concerns about its monopolistic control over app distribution and in-app payment systems. The settlement allows individuals who made purchases on Google Play between August 2016 and September 2023 to receive a portion of the settlement without needing to submit a claim form. As part of the settlement, Google must implement changes allowing app developers to offer alternative payment options, inform users about cheaper prices outside of Google’s billing platform, and feature their apps on competing app stores without retaliation. Additionally, Android users will be able to install applications from sources beyond the Google Play Store for at least seven years. Arizona's involvement in the legal action began in 2021 when it joined a coalition of attorneys general suing Google for its alleged illegal dominance and high transaction fees.
Today’s Android app deals and freebies: SENTINEL 519, NARUTO Ninja STORM, Slime Legends, more
AppWizard
August 20, 2026

Today’s Android app deals and freebies: SENTINEL 519, NARUTO Ninja STORM, Slime Legends, more

9to5Toys is a platform that provides daily updates on the latest deals in technology and lifestyle products. It features a homepage with news and updates, and users can follow it on social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn. The site offers a curated selection of Apple deals and hosts a daily podcast discussing trends and insights. Additionally, there is a YouTube channel that includes reviews, unboxings, and deal highlights.
U.S. court fines Google $700 million over Android app monopoly
AppWizard
August 20, 2026

U.S. court fines Google $700 million over Android app monopoly

The U.S. District Court in California fined Google [openai_gpt model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Summarize the content and extract only the fact described in the text bellow. The summary shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. Text: The U.S. District Court in California has imposed a hefty fine of 0 million on Google, citing its monopolistic practices in the distribution of Android apps and in-app payment processing via the Google Play Store. This ruling follows a comprehensive multistate lawsuit initiated by 53 attorneys general from various states, culminating after nearly five years of legal proceedings. The plaintiffs contended that Google engaged in practices that stifled competition by limiting access to alternative app stores, discouraging developers from creating competing applications, and complicating the process for users wishing to download apps outside of the Google Play Store. Consumer Refunds and Accountability Washington Attorney General Nick Brown announced that approximately million of the settlement will be allocated to refund consumers in the state, with an estimated 2.4 million individuals eligible for reimbursement. “Most of the settlement funds will go directly to people who made purchases on Google Play between August 2016 and September 2023. Most recipients won’t need to fill out a claim form and will receive their payments through PayPal or Venmo,” he explained. Mr. Brown emphasized the importance of his office's role in safeguarding residents from monopolistic practices. “When giant companies gain an illegal stranglehold on a market, we take action and deliver relief for consumers,” he stated. “Fighting monopolies is one of our office’s core responsibilities, and I’m proud that millions of Washingtonians will now get refunds because of our litigation.” Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes also weighed in on the matter, criticizing Google for leveraging its dominant position in the app market to inflate prices. “With this settlement, we’re saying loud and clear that anticompetitive conduct like this will not be tolerated,” she asserted. “A competitive, fair marketplace promotes lower prices, higher quality goods and services, and more options for consumers. My office will continue to go after illegal and unfair business practices to protect Arizonans.”" max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"] million for monopolistic practices related to Android app distribution and in-app payment processing via the Google Play Store, following a multistate lawsuit by 53 attorneys general. Approximately million of the settlement will be used to refund around 2.4 million consumers in Washington who made purchases on Google Play between August 2016 and September 2023, with payments distributed through PayPal or Venmo. Washington Attorney General Nick Brown highlighted the importance of addressing monopolistic practices, while Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes criticized Google's pricing strategies and affirmed the commitment to combat anticompetitive conduct.
Mid-week Android app deals and freebies: Last Day, Siralim, Ninja Hero Cats, Lovecraft’s Untold Stories, more
AppWizard
August 19, 2026

Mid-week Android app deals and freebies: Last Day, Siralim, Ninja Hero Cats, Lovecraft’s Untold Stories, more

Best Buy is celebrating its 60th Anniversary with various offers, particularly for Android users. Notable game and app deals include titles like Last Day Survivors Zombie TDS, Isurvivor Premium, Siralim Ultimate, Rotaeno, Ninja Hero Cats Premium, Wreckfest – Demolition Racing, and Lovecraft’s Untold Stories. Today is the last chance for pre-order deals on the Pixel 11 series, with deliveries starting tomorrow. Amazon has reduced the price of the Olive Google Pixel Buds Pro 2, and Best Buy is offering discounts on laptops, including up to 0 off the 2026 Copilot+ PC and gaming models, as well as a 0 reduction on LG's latest OLED TV. Chromebook deals start at 9.
Survey says this fundamental Play Store change has many readers excited
AppWizard
August 19, 2026

Survey says this fundamental Play Store change has many readers excited

Google is implementing significant changes to the Play Store, including stricter controls on sideloading apps from outside its official Store and allowing apps from various third-party stores. A poll conducted with nearly 2,000 votes showed that about 47% of respondents are enthusiastic about the increased options, while 34% expressed concerns about potential complications from navigating these new offerings. Just under 20% were uncertain about the impact of these changes. Some commenters believe the shift may primarily benefit developers rather than consumers, while others see it as a simplification of the app installation process.
Windows 11 24H2 Home and Pro reach end of support in 2 months
Winsage
August 19, 2026

Windows 11 24H2 Home and Pro reach end of support in 2 months

As of October 13, 2026, updates for Windows 11 Home and Pro editions, version 24H2, and Windows 10 Enterprise LTSB 2016 will end. The Enterprise and Education editions of Windows 11 24H2 will continue to receive support until October 2027. Customers are encouraged to upgrade to Windows 11 25H2, which became available in September 2024. Devices running Windows 11 24H2 Home and Pro editions will automatically upgrade to Windows 11 25H2, with users able to choose when to restart the update. Microsoft has stopped security updates for Windows 11 23H2 Home and Pro editions as of November 2025. The free Windows 10 Extended Security Updates program for consumers has been extended until October 2027. Windows Server 2022 will enter extended support in October 2026, continuing to receive security updates until October 14, 2031.
Grand Theft Auto 6 leaker says they won't stop until Rockstar and Take-Two apologize for 'anti-consumerism' and make a 'concrete commitment to do better'
AppWizard
August 19, 2026

Grand Theft Auto 6 leaker says they won’t stop until Rockstar and Take-Two apologize for ‘anti-consumerism’ and make a ‘concrete commitment to do better’

Cyberleek has claimed responsibility for the leak of Grand Theft Auto 6 and issued a manifesto criticizing various practices in the gaming industry. The manifesto argues that publishers mislead consumers by selling licenses instead of actual ownership, releasing unfinished games as "living services," and locking content on physical discs that is sold as downloadable content (DLC). Cyberleek aims to challenge what they see as a decline in consumer value in the gaming industry. The release of Grand Theft Auto 6 is anticipated in three months, and efforts are being made to obtain responses from Take-Two Interactive and Rockstar Games regarding the situation.
Today’s Android app deals and freebies: Easy Delivery, Kingdom Rush Vengeance, Front Armies, more
AppWizard
August 18, 2026

Today’s Android app deals and freebies: Easy Delivery, Kingdom Rush Vengeance, Front Armies, more

The latest Android game and app deals include titles such as Easy Delivery Co., Front Armies [RTS], Wall Of Insanity 2, 9th Dawn Remake RPG, and Kingdom Rush Vengeance TD Game. Best Buy is celebrating its 60th Anniversary with a sale and pre-order options for the Pixel 11 series, featuring discounts on select models at Amazon. The Olive Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 are on sale, and there is a 0 price drop on Samsung’s 16-inch Snapdragon X Elite touchscreen Galaxy Book. There is a current wave of price reductions on Android applications, with many options available for users. Additionally, a variety of other Android app price drops remain active, reflecting a competitive market.
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