developers Archives

AppWizard

August 4, 2026

Google is introducing mandatory identity verification for Android app developers

Google will require mandatory identity verification for all developers creating applications for the Android platform, affecting those from countries under U.S. sanctions, such as Russia, Iran, Cuba, and North Korea, who will be excluded from the verification system and may not distribute their apps internationally. The new regulations apply to developers of apps for Android 7 and later versions.

AppWizard

August 4, 2026

Android app developers may be unwittingly sharing their users’ location data with advertisers

Mobile apps often require precise location data for functionality, but there are concerns about the unintentional sharing of this sensitive information with third parties, such as advertisers and data brokers. The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) found that third-party code in apps may collect location data without users' explicit consent due to default settings in software development kits (SDKs). Unless developers disable this feature, SDKs inherit app permissions, leading to the collection of users' location data. This raises privacy issues, as users' location histories can be sold to data brokers and potentially accessed by military and intelligence agencies. The EFF identified that certain Android apps, downloaded over 60 million times, were sharing location data without user awareness. Currently, there are no SDK-specific location permissions, meaning that consent to share location data with an app also extends to advertisers. The EFF calls for a change in industry standards to prevent default data sharing by advertising SDKs.

AppWizard

August 4, 2026

Xbox Backward Compatibility on PC and Helix will reportedly include Xbox 360 games

Microsoft's Xbox division plans to expand backward compatibility for PC to include Xbox 360 games, allowing developers to make their titles available for PC users. This initiative follows the recent introduction of four original Xbox games to PC. The Xbox 360 games will be playable on various platforms, including the Xbox app on Windows, handheld devices, and the upcoming Project Helix console. Developers will have control over backward compatibility, pricing, and availability on Xbox Game Pass. The rollout for Xbox 360 compatibility is expected between 2027 and 2028, while the full launch for original Xbox games on PC is scheduled for October, with enhancements like 4x resolution scaling and anti-aliasing. Additionally, achievements will be introduced for original Xbox titles on both console and PC.

AppWizard

August 4, 2026

Samsung follows LG in killing Smart TV apps that rent out your internet

Security researchers found that several Samsung Smart TV applications, including Pac-Man, were embedding residential proxy SDKs from data brokers like Bright Data. In response, Samsung has banned the inclusion of residential proxy functionality in new app submissions and is working to remove existing apps with such software. The investigation by Norwegian cybersecurity firm Mnemonic revealed that the Bright Data SDK was integrated into various gaming applications, some promoted by Samsung. While Samsung TVs were not automatically sharing internet connections, the SDK could be activated remotely by developers, requiring user consent. Once consent was granted, the proxy service could operate in the background. Many Samsung TV applications were found to download most of their code from remote servers, complicating verification processes. The issue of residential proxy software is not limited to Samsung, as it has also been identified in various Android apps and devices. Following these findings, LG and Google have also taken measures to address the risks associated with residential proxy networks.

AppWizard

August 4, 2026

Tor launches Snowflake Android app to help users bypass censorship

The Tor Project has launched an Android app called Snowflake Volunteer, allowing users to share their internet bandwidth to help others bypass online censorship. The app enhances the network of volunteer-operated Snowflake proxies while enabling users to manage their device's battery and network usage. Snowflake disguises internet traffic to resemble video calls, making it harder for censors to block connections. Developed by Bloco in collaboration with Tor’s anti-censorship team, the app is built on mobile Tor components and is designed for background operation. Users can configure the app to run on unmetered networks and during charging. Snowflake Volunteer is available for download on Google Play and F-Droid, with its source code accessible for independent compilation. Volunteers are advised to consider their data limits and device performance when using the app.

AppWizard

August 4, 2026

DoubleVerify finds dozens of Android apps a month showing ads after calls

A recent analysis by DoubleVerify engineers has identified a trend in mobile advertising known as AfterCall ads, where applications display advertisements immediately after a phone call ends. This practice generates hundreds of millions of impressions monthly and raises concerns about user experience and brand integrity. AfterCall applications operate using three components: a misleading permission, a Broadcast Receiver to capture end-of-call events, and an Activity to display ads. The SYSTEMALERTWINDOW permission allows these apps to show content over others, often granted under false pretenses. They utilize Android's telephony system to trigger ads post-call and employ tactics to obscure their presence, such as removing themselves from the recent apps list and using innocuous icons. Detection is challenging due to the lack of shared codebases and the obfuscation techniques used. The scale of the issue is significant, with numerous AfterCall applications identified monthly, negatively impacting user experience and raising concerns for advertisers.

AppWizard

August 4, 2026

Steam’s Cyberpunk Fest is live with huge discounts on futuristic PC games

Steam has launched Cyberpunk Fest, a themed event lasting seven days, featuring discounts on various cyberpunk games, free demos, and previews of upcoming titles. Key highlights include Cyberpunk 2077, now priced at .99/€17.99/£14.99 with a 70% discount, and the Ultimate Edition at .10/€33.10/£27.58 with a 60% discount. Indie game Katanaut is available for .63/€5.42/£4.63 at a 69% discount, while Peripeteia is priced at .38/€17.93/£15.38 with a 25% discount. Other notable discounts include RoboCop: Rogue City at 90% off, and both Deus Ex: Human Revolution – Director's Cut and Deus Ex: Mankind Divided at 85% off. The event runs until August 10.

AppWizard

August 4, 2026

Report: Microsoft to bring Xbox 360 games to “Xbox PCs”, handhelds and Project Helix

Microsoft is enhancing backward compatibility for its gaming ecosystem by introducing four original Xbox titles for Windows 11 PCs and plans to integrate Xbox 360 games into Project Helix for next-generation consoles. A leaked document indicates that developers of existing Xbox 360 games can participate in this backward compatibility program, which is expected to roll out between 2027 and 2028. The complete launch of original Xbox titles on PC is scheduled for October 2026. Additionally, Microsoft is developing a disc-to-digital program that allows players to convert physical game discs into digital licenses, facilitating used game sales and disc sharing. The beta testing for this program was initially set for last month, with a full launch anticipated in August, but it has been delayed.

AppWizard

August 4, 2026

Microsoft is working on making Xbox 360 games playable on PC, leaked document reveals

Microsoft plans to expand its gaming ecosystem by introducing Xbox 360 titles to PC platforms, allowing developers to toggle backwards compatibility for their games, set pricing, and decide on inclusion in Game Pass. This feature is expected to roll out between 2027 and 2028. Additionally, Microsoft aims to bring original Xbox games to PC, targeting a launch in October 2026. The document also suggests a feature for digitizing physical game collections, allowing owners of Xbox One and Series game discs to obtain digital copies tied to their accounts. The official launch of this feature has been delayed.

AppWizard

August 4, 2026

Microsoft’s Xbox Emulator on Windows Will Soon Support Xbox 360 Games

Microsoft is testing a new Xbox emulator for Windows 11, allowing select Xbox Insiders to access classic original Xbox games like Fuzion Frenzy, Conker: Live & Reloaded, and Crimson Skies. A broader official launch is expected before the end of the year, with plans to include Xbox 360 games next year. An internal document indicates a full launch of backwards compatibility on PC is scheduled for October 2026, coinciding with the Xbox brand's 25th anniversary, followed by a rollout of the Xbox 360 catalog for next-generation Xbox devices in 2027-2028. The emulator will handle the technical challenges of emulating original Xbox and Xbox 360 games, allowing developers to choose whether to make their titles accessible on Windows 11. Backwards compatible games may be available for purchase through the Microsoft Store or included in Game Pass and Xbox Cloud Gaming. Additionally, a disc-to-digital program is anticipated to launch in August, enabling Xbox console owners to convert physical game discs into digital copies.