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US Judge says Google Play Store isn't doing enough to help users find rival app stores
AppWizard
August 14, 2026

US Judge says Google Play Store isn’t doing enough to help users find rival app stores

A recent court session involving Epic Games and Google highlighted issues with the Play Store's app search functionality. Judge Donato expressed dissatisfaction with the current search process and instructed Google to improve it, specifically by removing the third-party app store-specific page under the "Are you looking?" banner. Aptoide has returned to the Play Store due to Google's Play Catalogue Access Program, which allows qualifying third-party stores to publish their apps. Epic Games continues to challenge Google’s practices, arguing that the Play Store complicates the installation process for rival app stores. Judge Donato noted the unnecessary friction caused by the "Are you looking for?" banner, questioning its utility and instructing Google to eliminate it. The ongoing legal battle has also led to the Epic Games Store being allowed on the Play Store in 2025.
‘That is not acceptable’: Judge orders Google to make rival app store installs easier
AppWizard
August 14, 2026

‘That is not acceptable’: Judge orders Google to make rival app store installs easier

Judge James Donato criticized Google's "anticompetitive friction" in Android app distribution during a courtroom session. This follows a jury's ruling nearly three years ago that Google held an illegal monopoly over Android apps. Judge Donato previously mandated changes to promote a more open app distribution environment, including requiring Google to feature rival app stores and grant them access to its app catalog. Epic Games argued that Google complicates the installation process for alternative app stores, which Judge Donato agreed was unacceptable. He questioned the search results for "store for apps" yielding physical stores instead of third-party app stores and insisted on improving search result comprehensiveness. He also expressed dissatisfaction with the requirement for users to click a “view” button before installing a third-party app store, ordering a streamlined installation process. Epic noted that searches for "app store" or specific names led to banners instead of direct app lists, which could hinder new app stores' visibility. Judge Donato agreed and demanded the removal of unnecessary screens, urging Google to implement these changes within a week.
Amazon drops Lost Ark and Throne and Liberty
AppWizard
August 12, 2026

Amazon drops Lost Ark and Throne and Liberty

Amazon is ending its publishing agreements for the games Throne and Liberty and Lost Ark. NCSoft will take over publishing Throne and Liberty for Western markets by late 2026, while Smilegate will assume control of Lost Ark in early 2027. Some user data for Lost Ark, such as in-game mail and friends list memos, will not transfer to the new platform. Amazon is postponing its own MMO, New World, until 2025, and has experienced layoffs affecting the Lost Ark team. The company is shifting its focus to new projects, including Courtroom Chaos Starring Snoop Dogg.
Today in Apple history: Windows scores big victory over Mac
Winsage
July 25, 2026

Today in Apple history: Windows scores big victory over Mac

On July 25, 1989, Apple faced a legal defeat against Microsoft in a copyright infringement lawsuit concerning the "look and feel" of the Macintosh and Windows operating system. Apple filed 189 counts of infringement related to Windows 2.0.3, but the judge dismissed 179 of these claims, allowing Windows to grow rapidly. The origins of the conflict began when Microsoft proposed a licensing agreement to Apple in 1985, which was rejected. Following this, Microsoft launched Windows 1.0 in November 1985, leading to tensions as Windows 2.0 more closely resembled the Macintosh interface. Apple filed a lawsuit on March 17, 1988, claiming copyright violations. The judge ruled that the existing licensing agreement covered many elements of Windows, contributing to a long-standing rivalry between the two companies and establishing a legal foundation for Windows' dominance in the 1990s.
PC Gamers Can Claim 9 Free Games This Month, Including 2025 Award Winner Dispatch
AppWizard
July 5, 2026

PC Gamers Can Claim 9 Free Games This Month, Including 2025 Award Winner Dispatch

PC gamers can claim the free game Dispatch, which won the Steam Awards 2025 Game of the Year. Amazon Luna, a gaming service that allows streaming on various devices, is offering Dispatch along with other titles for July 2026. The game is developed by AdHoc Studio, whose team includes former members of Telltale Games. Dispatch features engaging storytelling, humor, and animation, and is available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch 2. Other games available on Amazon Luna this month include Sonic Mania Plus, Courtroom Chaos: Starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Centipede Swarm, LEGO: Indiana Jones: The Original Adventures, YouTuber’s Life, Arcade Paradise, Jackbox Party Pack 8, and Angry Birds Mystery Island.
'The team has weathered a lot': Subnautica 2 design lead says the community kept the dev team going 'when it was at its hardest'
AppWizard
May 6, 2026

‘The team has weathered a lot’: Subnautica 2 design lead says the community kept the dev team going ‘when it was at its hardest’

Subnautica 2 is set to launch into early access on May 14. The development team has faced challenges due to a legal battle between publisher Krafton and the founders of developer Unknown Worlds. Team member Gallegos acknowledged the difficulties of working during this period, although he did not provide specifics about the lawsuits. The developers remain committed to delivering an engaging undersea survival experience.
Amazon's Luna cloud gaming service is ending support for game purchases and subscriptions from third-party stores, and users will lose streaming access to purchased third-party games in June
AppWizard
April 11, 2026

Amazon’s Luna cloud gaming service is ending support for game purchases and subscriptions from third-party stores, and users will lose streaming access to purchased third-party games in June

Amazon announced a reduction of 14,000 jobs in October 2025, with significant cuts to its gaming division as part of a strategic shift away from competing with platforms like Steam. The focus will now be on enhancing the Luna cloud gaming service, which will no longer support the purchase of games from third-party stores such as EA, Ubisoft, and GOG. Subscriptions for Ubisoft+ and Jackbox Games will be discontinued, although users who previously purchased games from these developers can stream them until June 10, 2026. The decision to eliminate third-party game access was based on feedback from players seeking easier access to games and more social experiences. This change raises concerns about Luna's appeal in comparison to competing services like Xbox Game Pass. Some suggest this may encourage users to transition to Luna Premium, which requires an additional monthly fee.
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