Fortnite is returning to the Google Play Store after Epic Games and Google settled their legal disputes. The settlement allows for support for other digital stores and payment options on Android, marking a significant shift in the Android ecosystem.
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.
Fortnite will return to Android devices and the Google Play Store worldwide after Google introduced major changes to how apps and payments work on the platform.
Android is introducing updates to enhance app and game distribution, focusing on three areas: expanded payment options, easier installation of alternative app stores, and reduced fees for developers.
Developers can now implement their own payment systems alongside Google Play’s billing framework and direct users to their websites for purchases. A Registered App Stores program will streamline the installation of approved alternative app stores. The fee structure is revised to include a 5% billing fee for using Google Play’s payment system, a 20% service fee for in-app purchases on new installs, a 20% service fee for developers in new incentive programs (reduced to 15% on new installs), and a 10% fee for subscription payments.
The updates are expected to reach the US, UK, and European Economic Area by the end of June, with plans to extend to Australia by September and to South Korea and Japan before the year ends. The remaining global markets may see these updates by September 2027, and the Registered App Stores program will launch with Android 17 later this year.
GameNative 0.8.0 pre-release update introduces major improvements, including a major UI overhaul, support for Amazon Games, improvements to Steam, GOG, and Epic integrations, and an offline mode for Steam games.
Google is aiming to expand the presence of apps on a wide range of devices, including tablets, headsets, TVs, and PCs. Starting in July, developers will see a reduction in fees for in-app purchases and subscriptions. Google has introduced new categories of apps and two new programs, Apps Experience and Games Level Up, to help developers optimize their apps for multiple devices beyond phones. Developers are not required to distribute apps on all form factors, providing flexibility in their app deployment strategies.
Bitwarden has introduced a feature that allows Windows 11 users to log in using passkeys stored in their vaults, enhancing security by enabling phishing-resistant authentication at the operating system's login screen. Users can authenticate by scanning a QR code displayed on the Windows screen with the Bitwarden app on their mobile device, which verifies access to the stored passkey. This feature requires the Windows device to be joined to Microsoft Entra ID and for the organization to enable FIDO2 security key sign-in. Users must also register a passkey for their Entra ID profile stored in Bitwarden. The integration aims to improve security against cyber attacks targeting operating system authentication. Microsoft plans to roll out this passkey-based Windows login feature in March, depending on the organization's Microsoft Entra ID configuration, and it will be available across all Bitwarden plans, including the free tier.
Everwind will launch in early access on 17 March on PC via Steam. It is a survival RPG developed by Enjoy Studio S.A. and published by Bohemia Interactive, featuring a voxel-based world and elements inspired by Minecraft, The Legend of Zelda, and Skyrim. Players can explore islands from a first-person perspective, using a flying ship as a base, and engage in crafting, looting, and combat. The game includes an engaging combat system with various weapons, alchemy for unlocking spells, and a procedurally generated world with a destructible environment. Character customization is also available.
Windows 11 LTSC (Long-Term Servicing Channel) is a specialized edition of Windows 11 designed for organizations that prioritize stability over the latest features. It allows users to defer feature updates for up to ten years, receiving only monthly quality updates and optional feature updates every three years. LTSC includes only Microsoft Edge as a modern app, with classic versions of Calculator, Notepad, and Paint, and lacks Copilot integration, the Microsoft Store, and Widgets. Users can operate LTSC without signing into a Microsoft account. The version was officially announced in April 2023, with Enterprise and IoT editions set to launch in late 2024. It is suitable for large organizations, industrial systems, IT departments, and IoT devices needing long-term support. General users can download a 90-day trial of LTSC, but a clean installation is required for transitioning from Windows 11 Pro or Home. The minimum system requirements include a 1 GHz processor, 4 GB RAM, and 64 GB storage. LTSC offers advantages such as no bloatware, a stable environment, and a lower storage footprint, but it does not receive new Windows features and lacks access to the Microsoft Store by default.
Google Play Store has welcomed Fortnite back after Epic Games resolved its dispute with Google. Google has made changes to allow competing app stores, payment processes, and reduced fees for developers. The updates will be official worldwide by September 30, 2027.