Development Archives

AppWizard

March 6, 2026

Google Proposes Android App Store Changes Following Epic Games Legal Dispute

Google has submitted proposed modifications to its Android app store operations to a federal court in San Francisco in response to Epic Games' antitrust lawsuit from August 2020. The proposed changes include a revised fee structure that lowers baseline commissions on subscriptions and e-commerce transactions, offers app developers an alternative payment processing option, and allows developers to use payment systems outside of Google's ecosystem. Consumers will be able to download applications from alternative app stores that meet a certification process. These changes require judicial approval and are part of a broader overhaul mandated by a federal judge in October 2024. Google has requested a hearing on April 9 to clarify questions regarding the proposed changes and plans for a global rollout, initially focusing on the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union, pending regulatory approvals.

AppWizard

March 6, 2026

Xbox Just Announced The Next Xbox, Confirms It Will Play PC Games

Asha Sharma has been introduced as the new CEO of Xbox through a tweet, revealing the codename for the next-generation console: Project Helix. The console will function as a hybrid device, capable of running both Xbox and PC games. There is speculation that it may support platforms like Steam, potentially allowing access to a wider library of games. Sharma's announcement indicates a shift towards a more dynamic engagement with the Xbox community.

AppWizard

March 5, 2026

Two Borderlands Games Now Available for Free for Some

Two titles from the Borderlands franchise are available for free for PC gamers with an Epic Games Store account and an Amazon Prime subscription. The titles are: 1. Tiny Tina’s Assault on Dragon Keep: A Wonderlands One-shot Adventure - Available until June 3 2. Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands - Available until May 6 An Amazon Prime subscription is required to download the games, but it is not needed to maintain access once claimed. Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands was released in 2022 and has a Metacritic score of 77, offering 15 to 55 hours of gameplay. Tiny Tina’s Assault on Dragon Keep: A Wonderlands One-shot Adventure was originally launched in 2012, has a Metacritic score of 87, and offers 6 to 40 hours of gameplay.

AppWizard

March 5, 2026

Disguise Renews Global Rights to Minecraft Costumes

Disguise, Inc. has renewed its global licensing agreement for costumes and accessories related to the Minecraft franchise, strengthening its partnership with the brand. The renewal follows the successful launch of A Minecraft Movie in April 2025, which has increased fan engagement and demand for character costumes. Disguise plans to continue innovating in the design and distribution of Minecraft products globally. Additionally, a sequel to A Minecraft Movie is confirmed for release in 2027, indicating sustained demand for the franchise.

AppWizard

March 5, 2026

Minecraft fans get more costumes as Disguise extends deal, second film 2027

Disguise, Inc., a division of JAKKS Pacific, Inc., has renewed its global licensing agreement for Minecraft costumes and accessories for multiple years. This renewal follows a strong growth year for Minecraft in 2025, driven by the release of A Minecraft Movie. The partnership allows Disguise to continue distributing Minecraft-themed products globally. A second Minecraft film is scheduled for release in 2027, which is expected to sustain demand for related merchandise. JAKKS shares recently closed at .82, with a modest gain of 0.68%. The company is also navigating its capital strategy under an S-3 shelf registration for up to 0 million in securities.

AppWizard

March 5, 2026

Google cuts Play Store fees as Epic settlement reshapes Android app payments

Google has updated the Play Console with several enhancements aimed at improving the developer experience. Key features of the update include: - Improved User Interface: A more intuitive layout for smoother navigation. - Enhanced Analytics Tools: Deeper insights into app performance for better data-driven decisions. - New Testing Features: Advanced capabilities for conducting A/B tests effectively. - Streamlined Publishing Process: Updates to reduce the time required to publish apps.

Tech Optimizer

March 5, 2026

Databricks Lakehouse Gets Postgres Boost on Azure

Databricks has launched the Azure Databricks Lakebase, a serverless PostgreSQL service that integrates operational data into the lakehouse architecture. Key features include a serverless architecture that eliminates the need for server management, operational data integration for a comprehensive data view, and enhanced analytics capabilities for deeper insights.

BetaBeacon

March 5, 2026

Resident Evil Requiem runs at up to 100 FPS on an Android flagship via PC emulation

The Red Magic 11 Pro smartphone showed smooth performance in indoor areas of Resident Evil Requiem, reaching 60-70 FPS and even up to 100 FPS in enclosed spaces. However, outdoor sections with more action and detail dropped to 40-45 FPS. The device's 16 GB of RAM was crucial for running modern PC titles through emulation. The Red Magic 11 Pro is not a replacement for handheld PCs but highlights advancements in ARM-based devices and potential for future gaming platforms.

AppWizard

March 5, 2026

PlayStation’s strategy of releasing its single-player games on PC is reportedly stopping

Sony is recalibrating its strategy regarding the release of single-player PlayStation 5 games on PC, with upcoming titles being exclusive to the PS5 platform. The sequel to Ghost of Tsushima, titled Ghost of Yotei, will not have a PC port, and the PS5 exclusive Saros will also remain a console-exclusive title. Multiplayer games like Marathon and Marvel Tokon will retain their multi-platform status, while titles such as Death Stranding 2 and Kena: Scars of Kosmora will still see PC releases. Sony's shift away from PC ports for single-player games may be influenced by the capabilities of Microsoft's next Xbox console and reflects a strategic move to strengthen its console ecosystem.

AppWizard

March 5, 2026

After planning 2 more paid acts, narrative scifi power-washer Ambrosia Sky is instead finishing its story in one free update to ‘maximize’ its focus on what players loved: ‘People got in on that sapphic yearning right away’

Ambrosia Sky: Act One was released in November 2025, featuring Dalia, a researcher in a decaying space station. Developer Soft Rains initially planned a trilogy but will now conclude Dalia's story in a free update, Ambrosia Sky: Act Two, set for release later this year. Act Two will resolve the mysteries from Act One and introduce new mission locations, exo-fungus to harvest, and an updated progression system. The decision to streamline the narrative was influenced by player feedback. Act One is available on Steam, and owners will receive Act Two for free. After Act Two's release, the game's price will increase for new players. A 15% discount on Act One is available until March 13.