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Gemini’s new Google Play Store integration lets you chat to find Android apps, games
AppWizard
June 26, 2026

Gemini’s new Google Play Store integration lets you chat to find Android apps, games

The Gemini app for Android has integrated with the Google Play Store, enabling users to engage in conversational browsing to discover apps and games. Users can ask Gemini for recommendations on various types of apps, and it responds with curated results, including Play Store cards with ratings and download counts. Users can initiate app installations directly from these cards or follow up with commands to install apps. Additionally, Gemini allows users to search for and purchase in-app items, subscriptions, or digital gift cards, but can only recommend items for apps already installed on the user's device. The integration requires users to enter specific prompts to connect to the Play Store, and its availability may vary across devices.
Don't Tell Anyone But Windows 10 Will Get Another Year Of Updates
Winsage
June 26, 2026

Don’t Tell Anyone But Windows 10 Will Get Another Year Of Updates

Microsoft has extended its Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for Windows 10 by an additional year, allowing users to continue receiving critical updates without the immediate need to transition to Windows 11. Users already enrolled in the ESU program can maintain their current operating system without additional steps, while those not yet signed up can access the updates by purchasing an ESU license through a Microsoft partner, enrolling in a volume licensing agreement that includes ESU, or utilizing a Microsoft Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) for subscription-based access.
Eric Barone gives players a small update on Haunted Chocolatier's progress: 'It’s not a simple task, as I torture myself over every last detail'
AppWizard
June 26, 2026

Eric Barone gives players a small update on Haunted Chocolatier’s progress: ‘It’s not a simple task, as I torture myself over every last detail’

Eric "ConcernedApe" Barone has been developing Haunted Chocolatier for five years, focusing on refining every aspect of the game. He aims for it to be larger and more complex than Stardew Valley, with a bigger map, more characters, and intricate systems. Barone has dedicated significant time to the chocolate-making mechanics and is committed to creating an engaging user interface that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. He emphasizes the importance of balancing information presentation to avoid overwhelming players and aims to replicate and enhance the intuitive design of Stardew Valley. Barone prioritizes quality over speed, indicating that the game may take additional years to complete.
Google Finance Debuts App and Investment Tracking Capabilities
AppWizard
June 26, 2026

Google Finance Debuts App and Investment Tracking Capabilities

Google has introduced new investing features and an Android app for Google Finance as of June 25. The updated portfolios tool allows users to monitor investments from a single dashboard, with existing portfolios automatically integrated and new users able to create portfolios by uploading files or describing investments. Users can utilize a research tool to analyze their investment strategies and customize notifications on specific topics. The new Google Finance app provides access to watchlists, real-time data, financial news, and AI-powered insights. This development aligns with a trend where 62% of Generation Z consumers are open to using AI for financial planning, with over 60% engaging with AI tools through smartphone apps. Google Finance was initially launched in the U.S. last year and expanded to Europe last month.
New York Has a Gamer Mayor Now — and a $2.6 Billion Game Industry to Match
AppWizard
June 26, 2026

New York Has a Gamer Mayor Now — and a $2.6 Billion Game Industry to Match

In June, New York City celebrated the NYC Battle of the Boroughs Champions at a press conference on June 10, recognizing the winners of the 2026 Minecraft Education Battle of the Boroughs. Among the winners was Team Hyper Pigmentation, an all-girl squad that won back-to-back titles. The city's digital games sector supports approximately 7,600 jobs, contributing billion in wages and generating a total economic output of billion. The NYC Mayor’s Office of Media & Entertainment (MOME) has established the Game Development Industry Council, launched the NYC Summer of Games campaign, and funded grants for developers. New York City's digital gaming ecosystem has an annual economic impact of .6 billion, with around 380 digital gaming firms, 65 percent of which are small or indie studios. The share of open roles in the gaming industry increased from 15.1 percent to 29.2 percent between Q3 2024 and Q1 2026. The Summer of Games features events from May through September, including the NYC Video Game Festival and the Tribeca Games Gallery. Mayor Zohran Mamdani is recognized as the first "Gamer Mayor," engaging with gaming culture and platforms like Twitch. Jones-Harvey emphasizes the importance of addressing affordability issues to retain talent in the gaming industry. She advocates for recognizing video games as a vital part of New York City's cultural landscape, alongside music, film, and theater.
Video Games Are Changing, And Meccha Chameleon’s Absurd Popularity Is Proof
AppWizard
June 26, 2026

Video Games Are Changing, And Meccha Chameleon’s Absurd Popularity Is Proof

Meccha Chameleon, a multiplayer hide-and-seek game launched on Steam, has sold seven million copies shortly after its release, achieving this milestone just two days after announcing five million sales. In comparison, Resident Evil Requiem took two months to reach the same figure. The game allows players to disguise themselves as objects in their environment, fostering quick thinking and creativity. It is priced at .99 and does not include microtransactions, offering a full experience reminiscent of earlier gaming eras. The success of Meccha Chameleon highlights a trend towards smaller, accessible games in a market increasingly dominated by larger titles.
It's not layoffs, but you can see them from here: Numerous Compulsion Games employees are looking for new jobs
AppWizard
June 25, 2026

It’s not layoffs, but you can see them from here: Numerous Compulsion Games employees are looking for new jobs

Developers at Compulsion Games, the studio behind South of Midnight, are signaling their intent to seek new job opportunities amid impending layoffs. Many employees have updated their LinkedIn profiles to indicate they are "open to work," and studio leadership has allowed them to explore external job prospects. Reports indicate that at least a dozen employees, out of a workforce of approximately 90, are actively seeking new roles. This trend is occurring alongside broader concerns within the Xbox gaming division, where other studios may also face closures as part of an initiative acknowledging that Microsoft has overextended itself through acquisitions, potentially leading to significant layoffs and canceled projects.
1 year after launch, spaceship shooter Wildgate will end development after its next update
AppWizard
June 25, 2026

1 year after launch, spaceship shooter Wildgate will end development after its next update

Game director Dustin Browder announced that the PvPvE game Wildgate will halt further updates due to an insufficient player base, despite ongoing occasional updates for bug fixes and events. The game will remain available for purchase on all platforms, and the Discord server will be managed by community members. There are currently no plans for layoffs at Moonshot Games. Critics noted the game's potential but highlighted inconsistencies in gameplay experience. Wildgate received a "mostly positive" user rating on Steam, but its audience declined after launch, even with updates and a free trial version. Moonshot Games hopes their next project will resonate better with gamers.
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