digital products Archives

AppWizard

September 29, 2025

Zoho’s messaging app Arattai tops Apple App Store rankings after ministers lend it a boost

Chennai-based Zoho's instant messaging application, Arattai, has risen to the top of Apple's App Store rankings in the social media category in India. Launched in 2021, Arattai gained popularity due to endorsements from union minister Dharmendra Pradhan and IT minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, who praised its attributes and aligned it with the Swadeshi initiative. The app offers features similar to WhatsApp, such as text messaging, voice and video calls, media sharing, group chats for up to 1,000 members, stories, and broadcast channels. It is designed for users with low-end devices and those in areas with poor connectivity. Although it initially attracted users amid WhatsApp's privacy policy controversies, Arattai faces security challenges, as its text messages do not currently have end-to-end encryption, unlike WhatsApp. The app is also experiencing infrastructure issues due to an influx of new users, resulting in delays and functionality problems.

AppWizard

September 4, 2025

Russian lawmaker says new mandatory messenger app will not use AI to report users to authorities

Anton Nemkin, a member of the Russian State Duma’s Information Policy Committee, has refuted claims that the national messenger app, Max, will use artificial intelligence for surveillance, calling it “pure science fiction.” He clarified that Max functions like other messaging apps, allowing users to send messages, make calls, and share files. Nemkin noted that there have been no instances of AI being used for monitoring in similar apps. He expressed concern that rumors about AI surveillance are intended to undermine trust in domestic digital products. Since September 1, the Russian government has mandated that Max be pre-installed on all smartphones sold in the country, although brands like Apple and Samsung still sell devices without it. The Kremlin's promotion of Max comes as it blocks calling features on popular apps like WhatsApp and Telegram, but there is skepticism regarding Max's acceptance and viability.

BetaBeacon

August 15, 2025

What Do the Epic Games’ Lawsuits Against Apple and Google Say About the DOJ’s Apple Case?

Epic Games filed lawsuits against Apple and Google in 2020 for restricting users' access to Epic's offerings through third-party app stores. The Ninth Circuit ruled in favor of Epic against Google, finding antitrust violations, while Epic lost the federal antitrust case against Apple. The Department of Justice also filed a lawsuit against Apple under Section 2 of the Sherman Act for monopolization. Apple's closed system was found to be successful, while Google's open-source system faced legal challenges. The court in the Google Play case issued remedies targeting exclusivity, which could lead to better user experiences and lower prices.

Winsage

May 27, 2025

Is adding SteamOS enough to ‘fix’ the Legion Go S?

A leading tech company plans to expand its operations into emerging markets to enhance its global footprint and tap into a growing consumer base. Key factors driving this expansion include increased internet penetration and smartphone usage, a young tech-savvy population, and the competitive advantage of early market entry. The company will invest in local partnerships and talent development to tailor its offerings to each market. Industry analysts are optimistic about potential revenue and market share growth from this initiative.

Winsage

May 12, 2025

Microsoft is now squeezing Copilot AI into its app store

Microsoft has integrated the Copilot AI assistant into the Microsoft Store, enhancing the shopping experience for apps and games. Users can access the Copilot feature via a dedicated button on product pages, which presents suggested queries related to the product. When a query is selected, users can interact with a chat interface to receive responses and ask additional questions. The responses are primarily based on information from the product listing page. This feature will be rolled out to all users in the coming weeks, and it cannot be disabled.

AppWizard

October 15, 2024

Steam now confirms you’re buying a license, not a game — here’s why that sucks

Valve's update to the Steam storefront clarifies that purchasing a game on Steam grants a license rather than ownership, stating that "The Content and Services are licensed, not sold." This change has raised concerns among Steam's 123 million active users, especially in light of California's “AB 2426,” which requires digital storefronts to inform consumers that they are acquiring a license instead of outright ownership. The law affects various digital products, and non-compliance could lead to fines. An example of the implications of this shift is seen with Ubisoft's The Crew, which was delisted from Steam, resulting in users losing access to the game. This situation has prompted some users to reconsider their purchasing habits and consider physical copies for true ownership.

AppWizard

October 12, 2024

Steam checkout banner clarifies you don’t own the game you buy — GOG takes a jab at Steam, saying it gives users offline installers that cannot be taken away | Tom’s Hardware

Steam has updated its shopping cart page to include a banner stating, “A purchase of a digital product grants a license for the product on Steam,” in response to California's AB 2426 legislation, which requires sellers of digital goods to clarify consumer rights regarding ownership. Steam operates on a licensing model, meaning users do not have outright ownership of games, and if a developer removes a title, it disappears from the user's library, although downloaded games remain accessible. In contrast, GOG allows users to retain purchased games indefinitely, regardless of developer actions, and has hinted at introducing a similar message emphasizing permanent access. The debate over licensing versus purchasing reflects broader concerns about digital ownership in the gaming industry.