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TikTok is back in US app stores for Apple and Android
AppWizard
February 14, 2025

TikTok is back in US app stores for Apple and Android

TikTok has returned to the app stores of both Apple and Android in the United States after being removed due to a divest-or-ban law enacted by former President Joe Biden, which raised national security concerns about its parent company, ByteDance. The app was inaccessible since late January, despite its service remaining operational. A Supreme Court ruling on January 17 upheld the ban, leading to TikTok's reinstatement by Apple and Android shortly thereafter. During TikTok's removal, there was a surge in secondhand sales of used iPhones pre-installed with the app, and competitors like Meta-owned Instagram announced new applications to rival TikTok. Users also explored alternative platforms like Clapper and RedNote during TikTok's absence.
Microsoft accuses Google of blocking direct game purchases on Xbox Android app
AppWizard
December 3, 2024

Microsoft accuses Google of blocking direct game purchases on Xbox Android app

Microsoft has delayed the launch of its Android app portal for purchasing and playing Xbox games following a court ruling against Google's policies on Android applications. The Xbox app aims to allow users to purchase games for streaming via Xbox Cloud Gaming, taking advantage of a recent court order requiring Google to stop blocking third-party storefronts on Android. Xbox President Sarah Bond stated the company's commitment to providing players with more options, initially through the Google Play Store in the U.S. Microsoft has also enhanced the experience for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers, allowing them to stream games outside of the subscription service, while currently directing mobile users to purchase titles via a web interface to avoid commissions from app stores. The announcement came after a U.S. judge ruled against Google in an antitrust case, although Google received a temporary stay on the enforcement of the ruling. Tim Sweeney, CEO of Epic Games, criticized Google's 30 percent commission as detrimental to game streaming profits. The situation has attracted regulatory scrutiny, with Apple beginning to allow mobile cloud gaming apps on its app store due to legislative changes in the EU. Microsoft's app represents a strategic effort to expand the Xbox brand beyond traditional console gaming, supported by a new advertising campaign.
Xbox Vs Android: Can Games Be Sold Through The Xbox App
AppWizard
November 28, 2024

Xbox Vs Android: Can Games Be Sold Through The Xbox App

Microsoft and Google are in conflict over the sale of Xbox games via the Xbox Games app on Android devices. Sarah Bond from Xbox confirmed that the functionality for in-app purchases is developed but stalled due to a court-issued administrative stay. Microsoft wants Google to allow direct game sales through the app, while Google claims such capabilities have always existed. Currently, game purchases go through the Google Play Store, which incurs fees that Microsoft wants to avoid. The court ruling prevents Google from requiring developers to use Google Play Billing but does not stop them from directing users to other payment methods. Google argues that its restrictions are to maintain a secure environment for users, although this concern may be less relevant for established companies like Xbox and Microsoft.
Xbox forced to delay game purchasing feature for Android Xbox app
AppWizard
November 28, 2024

Xbox forced to delay game purchasing feature for Android Xbox app

Microsoft's plans to enhance its Android Xbox app with a feature allowing US players to purchase and play Xbox games directly from their mobile devices have been delayed due to a "temporary administrative stay" granted by a court. This feature was initially set to launch this month, following a court ruling that required Google to open its Play Store to competitors for three years. Despite the feature being fully developed, Microsoft is unable to launch it until the court reaches a final decision. Xbox president Sarah Bond stated the team is ready to activate the feature as soon as possible. Google spokesperson Dan Jackson claimed that Microsoft has always had the ability to allow purchases through its app but chose not to. The court ruling also identified Google as operating a monopoly and deemed the mandatory use of Google Play Billing illegal.
Hitman maker IO cuts ties with Conor McGregor
AppWizard
November 27, 2024

Hitman maker IO cuts ties with Conor McGregor

IO Interactive has terminated its partnership with Conor McGregor following a civil court ruling in which a woman who accused him of rape was awarded a favorable verdict. The studio will remove all content featuring McGregor from its digital storefronts, including his involvement in the Hitman DLC titled The Disruptor.
A Single Korean-Speaking Intern Saved Valve From Going Bankrupt
AppWizard
November 18, 2024

A Single Korean-Speaking Intern Saved Valve From Going Bankrupt

In 2002, Valve sued Sierra Entertainment to clarify licensing terms for Counter-Strike distribution in cyber cafes. The lawsuit escalated as Vivendi counterclaimed against Valve, attempting to financially undermine the small developer. Gabe Newell, Valve's co-founder, faced significant personal financial strain due to the legal battle. Vivendi overwhelmed Valve with legal documents, many in Korean, requiring additional resources to manage. An intern named Andrew, a native Korean speaker, discovered evidence that Vivendi was destroying pertinent evidence. This finding shifted the case in Valve's favor, leading to a court ruling that granted Valve rights to the Half-Life and Counter-Strike franchises, reimbursed their legal expenses, and terminated Vivendi's cyber cafe agreement. This outcome allowed Valve to launch Steam, which grew into the largest digital distribution platform in gaming.
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