Development Archives

AppWizard

May 6, 2026

Michigan among states in $700M Google settlement over app store practices

Michigan and 53 other states have received final approval for 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: In a significant development for consumers and app developers alike, Michigan, along with 53 other states, has secured final approval for a substantial 0 million settlement in a lawsuit against Google. This legal action, initiated in 2021 by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, accused Google of monopolizing in-app payments and stifling competition through its Google Play Store and Android app distribution system. Details of the Settlement The settlement is poised to benefit consumers who made purchases on Google Play between August 2016 and September 2023, as a majority of the funds will be allocated directly to them. Beyond financial restitution, the agreement mandates significant changes to Google's business practices. For a minimum of five years, app developers will gain the freedom to: Utilize alternative payment systems. Inform customers about lower prices available outside of Google’s billing platform. Distribute their apps through competing stores without fear of retaliation. Furthermore, Android users will enjoy the ability to download apps from outside the Play Store for at least the next seven years, enhancing their choices and fostering a more competitive environment. Attorney General Nessel expressed her satisfaction with the outcome, stating, “Google’s anticompetitive practices stifled competition at the expense of its customers. I am glad we are one step closer to having Google update its business practices and ensuring consumers automatically receive the restitution they are owed. My office remains committed to dismantling illegal monopolies and protecting the hard-earned money of Michiganders.” For those seeking additional information regarding the lawsuit and the settlement, resources are available on the dedicated settlement website." max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"] million settlement in a lawsuit against Google, initiated by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel in 2021. The lawsuit accused Google of monopolizing in-app payments and stifling competition through its Google Play Store. The settlement will benefit consumers who made purchases on Google Play between August 2016 and September 2023, with most funds allocated to them. It also requires Google to implement changes, allowing app developers to use alternative payment systems, inform customers about lower prices outside of Google’s billing platform, and distribute apps through competing stores without retaliation. Additionally, Android users will be able to download apps from outside the Play Store for at least the next seven years.

AppWizard

May 6, 2026

Transport Fever 3 dev’s new deal with Cities Skylines 2 publisher Paradox “will have nothing but positive effects”

Urban Games has formed a publishing partnership with Paradox Interactive for the upcoming city-building game Transport Fever 3, set to release in 2026. The collaboration aims to enhance the game's infrastructure focus while maintaining Urban Games' original vision and creative control. Urban Games reassures fans that the game will honor community promises and is on track for release later this year, with closed beta tests and an early access program for modders already in progress. Despite concerns about Paradox's past challenges, Urban Games is committed to delivering a complete experience at launch. Paradox's Chief Business Officer expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, highlighting the game's alignment with their portfolio.

AppWizard

May 6, 2026

Android Apps Get Public Verification System to Stop Supply Chain Attacks

Google has launched an enhanced Binary Transparency initiative for Android to strengthen the ecosystem against supply chain attacks. This initiative builds on the Pixel Binary Transparency framework introduced in October 2021, which ensures Pixel devices operate on verified OS software through a public cryptographic log of factory images. The new initiative aims to address the increasing sophistication of binary supply chain attacks, emphasizing that a binary's digital signature alone is insufficient for guaranteeing its authenticity. Starting May 1, 2026, all production Android applications released by Google will include a cryptographic entry confirming their authenticity. This initiative covers various Google applications and provides a transparent 'Source of Truth' for users to verify the software on their devices. Google is also offering verification tools for users and researchers to confirm the transparency state of supported software types, enhancing user privacy and security.

AppWizard

May 6, 2026

Minecraft Expands Experiences Ahead of Licensing Expo

Minecraft has over 200 global partners across various sectors, including apparel, food, collectibles, and creative play, as it approaches Licensing Expo 2026. Recent collaborations include an apparel line with Cool Shirtz, a partnership with Adidas, and a global fashion collection with OppoSuits. New product categories include Actimel products in Europe, Sticki Rolls, STEM-focused activity kits from Horizon Group USA, and a plush collaboration with Ty. The brand is expanding into location-based entertainment with the upcoming Minecraft Experience: Moonlight Trail and a themed land, Minecraft World, set to open at Chessington World of Adventures in 2027. A sequel to A Minecraft Movie is in development with Legendary Pictures and Warner Bros. Pictures, along with a new animated series for Netflix. Minecraft will be present at Licensing Expo at booth No. J98-J103.

AppWizard

May 6, 2026

Google expands Android Binary Transparency to counter supply chain attacks

Supply chain attacks targeting mobile software have increased due to the reliance on smartphones for essential functions. In response, Google has launched an enhanced Binary Transparency program for Android, which includes a public ledger that records cryptographic entries for production applications. This program initially covers two software layers: Google Applications and Mainline Modules. For Pixel device owners, it complements the Pixel System Image Transparency feature introduced in 2023, allowing users to verify the authenticity of system images and Google applications. The program aims to address the gap in software trust by distinguishing between digital signatures, which confirm the identity of the binary's creator, and binary transparency, which indicates the intent for public release. If a Google-signed application released after May 1, 2026, is not listed in the ledger, it means Google did not authorize it as production software. Verification tools are available on GitHub for assessing software against the ledger. Google employs "defense-in-depth" protocols to mitigate insider risks, ensuring that no single individual can publish a binary without triggering cryptographic verification. The ledger acts as a public record to deter unauthorized modifications. Google is also working to extend Binary Transparency to third-party developers to enhance the security of the global software supply chain.

Winsage

May 6, 2026

Microsoft enables Hotpatching by default: Windows updates without restarts become a reality

Beginning in May 2026, Microsoft will introduce Hotpatching as a default feature for compatible systems, allowing security updates to be applied without requiring a restart. Hotpatching updates code directly in the memory of running processes, enabling selective updates without interrupting the entire system. It does not replace monthly security updates but alters their activation process on eligible systems, categorized as security updates within the monthly B releases. Eligible systems must be running Windows 11 version 24H2 or newer and possess suitable licenses such as Enterprise, Education, Microsoft 365, or Windows 365. Management of these updates will be facilitated through Windows Autopatch or Microsoft Intune. Microsoft will continue to utilize baseline updates that require a restart, which will alternate with Hotpatch months. Hotpatching aims to reduce the frequency of restarts tied to security updates, particularly benefiting environments where uptime is critical. However, planned restarts will still be necessary, and robust telemetry and maintenance practices will be needed to ensure smooth operation.

AppWizard

May 6, 2026

May 2026 Looks Like a Massive Month for the Now Cheaper Xbox Game Pass

Microsoft has announced the Xbox Game Pass lineup for May 2026, featuring several notable titles. The highlight is Forza Horizon 6, releasing on May 19, available on Game Pass from day one for subscribers. Other significant games include Mixtape on May 7, Subnautica 2 on May 14, Outbound on May 11, and Call of the Elder Gods on May 12. The complete lineup includes: - Ben 10 Power Trip (May 6) - Descenders Next (Game Preview) (May 6) - Wheel World (May 6) - Wildgate (May 6) - Wuchang: Fallen Feathers (May 6) - Mixtape (May 7) - Outbound (May 11) - Black Jacket (May 12) - Call of the Elder Gods (May 12) - Elite Dangerous (May 12) - DOOM: The Dark Ages (May 14) - Subnautica 2 (May 14) - Forza Horizon 6 (May 19) Titles leaving Game Pass on May 15 include: - Galacticare - Go Mecha Ball - Kulebra and the Souls of Limbo - Paw Patrol Rescue Wheels: Championship - Planet of Lana

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.

Tech Optimizer

May 5, 2026

Open Source Tamper-Proof Database Adds Immutable Audit Logging and Expands PostgreSQL Compatibility

Codenotary has released immudb 1.11, an open-source database that enhances immutable audit logging and compatibility with PostgreSQL. This version features integrated audit logging that captures database activities in a tamper-proof manner, eliminating the need for external logging systems. It allows organizations to create unalterable audit trails, streamline compliance processes, and maintain a reliable history of data interactions. Immudb 1.11 is compatible with existing PostgreSQL code, enabling seamless integration with various applications and tools. The database is particularly beneficial for sectors requiring trust and accountability, such as finance, software development, cybersecurity, regulated industries, AI systems, and supply chain management. Immudb has over 50 million downloads and supports a zero-trust approach to data management. The open-source version is available on GitHub.

AppWizard

May 5, 2026

New Kaiju Game Beastlink for PC and Console Announced

Beastlink is a multiplayer game where players can embody both monster hunters and kaiju in expansive sandbox environments using Grove Street's SuperDestruction physics system. The game features four kaiju: Horned Lizard, Bull Shark, Vampire Bat, and Mandrill, each with unique abilities. Players engage in vehicular combat and navigate urban landscapes with 250,000 destructible objects, aiming to gather resources to Link with dormant kaiju. Early access begins this summer on console and PC, with closed beta weekends starting on May 8. Grove Street Games, established in 2007, is the developer behind Beastlink, known for titles like the Ark series and Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition.