digital commerce Archives

Winsage

April 4, 2025

Microsoft Wants Consumers to Make Friends With its Copilot AI ‘Companion’

During a presentation at Microsoft’s headquarters, CEO of Microsoft AI, Mustafa Suleyman, was interrupted by a protestor criticizing Microsoft for providing AI tools to military forces in Gaza. The protestor accused Microsoft of contributing to the deaths of 50,000 people and urged Suleyman to stop using AI for genocide. Suleyman acknowledged her protest and continued with his presentation about Microsoft's AI companion software, Copilot, which aims to redefine user-technology relationships. Copilot features include memory and personalization, actions for task execution, camera integration, organization tools, personalized podcast generation, shopping assistance, and deep research capabilities. Suleyman emphasized that Copilot is designed around individual needs and values, ensuring user control over data and interactions.

AppWizard

February 21, 2025

Amazon to Discontinue Amazon Coins and Amazon Appstore on Android

Amazon will cease the availability of Amazon Coins on February 20, 2025, and the Amazon Appstore on Android devices will be discontinued on August 20, 2025. Customers must use any remaining Amazon Coins by that date, as unspent balances will be refunded afterward. The Appstore will still be available on Fire TV and Fire Tablet devices. Additionally, the Appstore will not be downloadable from the Microsoft store on Windows 11 devices starting March 6, 2024. Amazon Web Services will stop accepting new customers for Amazon Chime on February 19, 2025, with full support until February 20, 2026. The social commerce feature, Inspire, integrated into the Amazon shopping app in 2022, will also be discontinued.

AppWizard

October 18, 2024

Epic judge lets Google keep its Android app store closed to competitors — for now

Judge James Donato granted Google a temporary administrative stay regarding changes to its Android app store rules, allowing Google to postpone compliance with most aspects of a previous ruling while it appeals. A jury had determined that Google's Play Store was an illegal monopoly, and the stay delays the implementation of this ruling. Starting November 1, 2024, Google must refrain from entering agreements that prevent the preinstallation of rival app stores for three years. Google expressed satisfaction with the stay, while Epic Games criticized it, claiming it highlights the meritlessness of Google's appeal.

AppWizard

October 11, 2024

Valve now warns Steam consumers they are buying license not game

Valve has implemented a new warning for Steam users stating that purchasing a game grants a license to access it, not ownership. This change is in response to California's upcoming legislation, AB 2426, effective in 2025, which aims to clarify the terms of digital purchases. The legislation addresses concerns about consumers losing access to purchased digital items and seeks to enhance consumer protections in the digital marketplace.

AppWizard

September 27, 2024

As California forces stores to admit you don’t own digital games, GOG reminds PC gamers you can keep DRM-free games: “Your gaming legacy is always in your hands”

California has enacted a law requiring digital storefronts to use transparent language, prohibiting terms like "buy" for digital goods. This law, signed by Governor Gavin Newsom, will take effect next year. GOG, a digital storefront known for its DRM-free offerings, emphasizes user autonomy by allowing offline installers for games, enabling players to retain access regardless of licensing issues or server shutdowns. GOG reassured customers that they can still play their games even in adverse circumstances. Unlike platforms like Steam, GOG allows users to download and back up game installers, although it retains the right to revoke access to re-download titles. The gaming community recently gathered 23,000 data dumps to preserve digital content before Nintendo's shutdown of the 3DS and Wii U servers.

AppWizard

August 15, 2024

Judge to Google: Brace for shakeup of Android app store as punishment for running monopoly

A federal judge has indicated plans to implement significant changes to Google’s Android app store following a jury's ruling that it operates as an illegal monopoly. U.S. District Judge James Donato suggested that modifications may require the Play Store to allow users to download alternative app stores, aiming to reduce Google's control over app distribution and billing systems. The jury's verdict highlighted Google's monopolistic practices, which have generated substantial revenue. Google has expressed concerns about potential security risks from third-party app stores. Judge Donato plans to issue an order detailing the required changes within weeks and is skeptical of Google's request for a 12 to 16-month adjustment period, suggesting a faster timeline may be possible. Epic Games, the developer behind the lawsuit, argues that adjustments could be made within three months at a cost of around 0 million, advocating for a six-year duration for the judge's order, while Donato considers five years more appropriate. The judge aims to promote a competitive landscape for app stores.

AppWizard

May 25, 2024

Amazon Now Allowing Book Purchases via Kindle App on Android

Amazon has altered the way Android users can purchase books through the Kindle app by bypassing the traditional Google Play billing system due to high fees associated with Google's service.