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How a Schedule 1 "investigation" kicked off a battle over Drug Dealer Simulator
AppWizard
October 11, 2025

How a Schedule 1 “investigation” kicked off a battle over Drug Dealer Simulator

Byterunners, the developer of the Drug Dealer Simulator series, is in a dispute with its publisher, Movie Games, regarding withheld profits from console sales and contractual obligations. Byterunners claims that Movie Games has not paid them profits from the console versions of Drug Dealer Simulator 1 and 2, while Movie Games argues that Byterunners is not entitled to these profits based on their contract. The disagreement intensified after Byterunners alleged that profits were contingent upon compliance with new production plans, which they believe deviated from their original contract. Byterunners has made attempts to resolve the dispute, including a settlement proposal and a formal demand for compensation, but communication has broken down. Additionally, Movie Games fined Byterunners 4.5 million Polish złoty for alleged failures to address bugs in Drug Dealer Simulator 2. Both parties acknowledge that clearer communication could have potentially alleviated tensions, but neither has taken steps to re-establish dialogue since the public statements were made. Legal confrontation appears likely as the situation remains unresolved.
Mastercard distances itself from Valve and Itch.io NSFW game ban
AppWizard
August 4, 2025

Mastercard distances itself from Valve and Itch.io NSFW game ban

Mastercard clarified that it has not directly influenced the bans on NSFW games on platforms like Steam and Itch.io, attributing the restrictions to its guidelines for consumer purchases. The company stated it has not evaluated any games or required any restrictions, emphasizing adherence to legal standards while requiring merchants to prevent unlawful transactions, including illegal adult content. Valve, the parent company of Steam, confirmed it had not communicated directly with Mastercard regarding NSFW content issues, stating that the concerns arose from interactions with payment processors and banks. Mastercard's Rule 5.12.7, which prohibits the use of its services for illegal activities, has been central to the discussions on content moderation in gaming.
What You Should Know About Jack Dorsey's New Messaging App Bitchat
AppWizard
July 31, 2025

What You Should Know About Jack Dorsey’s New Messaging App Bitchat

Jack Dorsey launched an open-source messaging app called Bitchat Mesh, or Bitchat, on July 28 through Apple's App Store. The app utilizes Bluetooth for data transmission instead of traditional internet connections and does not use contacts or phone numbers for connectivity, instead forming a Bluetooth mesh network among nearby devices. Each device acts as both a client and server, allowing for communication within the network, which is limited to those in proximity. Users can see the number of connected devices and send private messages, while main chat messages are visible to all within the network. Bitchat includes features like blocking users and sending playful notifications. Despite being open-source, the app has not undergone a third-party security audit, and users have been cautioned about potential vulnerabilities. Dorsey implemented the Noise Protocol Framework for end-to-end encryption but advised against using the app for production purposes until it receives an external security review.
MediaDailyNews: Meta Updates Branded DMs On Messenger App
AppWizard
July 8, 2025

MediaDailyNews: Meta Updates Branded DMs On Messenger App

Meta is expanding its marketing capabilities within the Messenger app to enhance direct messaging between businesses and consumers. New features include enhanced product discovery, interactive chat options for customer inquiries, and streamlined checkout processes within the app. This initiative aims to facilitate real-time engagement and transactions, reflecting a shift in consumer behavior towards personalized interactions with businesses.
Chat Without Wi-Fi: Meet Bitchat
AppWizard
July 7, 2025

Chat Without Wi-Fi: Meet Bitchat

Jack Dorsey, co-founder of Twitter, introduced Bitchat, a messaging system using Bluetooth technology for offline, encrypted communication. Bitchat allows peer-to-peer messaging between nearby devices, utilizing Bluetooth Low Energy mesh to facilitate short-range interactions. Messages can be transmitted securely within a range of approximately 30 meters, forming temporary mesh hubs for message relaying. The application features end-to-end encryption, password-protected group rooms, emergency wipes for quick message deletion, and independence from traditional identifiers like phone numbers. Bitchat offers a viable alternative to cloud-dependent apps in situations with limited connectivity.
Threads ups its game with DMs, distancing itself from Instagram's shadow
AppWizard
July 1, 2025

Threads ups its game with DMs, distancing itself from Instagram’s shadow

Threads users can now send Direct Messages (DMs) to their followers or mutual followers, starting today. Messaging is restricted to users who follow each other and mutual followers aged 18 and older for safety and privacy reasons. Additionally, Threads will introduce Group Messaging for conversations among multiple participants and a Highlighter feature to highlight significant discussions in yellow. These features aim to enhance user interaction and engagement on the platform.
Meta found 'covertly tracking' Android users through Instagram and Facebook
AppWizard
June 4, 2025

Meta found ‘covertly tracking’ Android users through Instagram and Facebook

Experts at Radboud University and IMDEA Networks found that Meta and Yandex have been covertly tracking Android users by monitoring browser activity without consent. This tracking was first identified in January and involves apps like Facebook, Instagram, and Yandex Maps operating in the background and loading scripts that transmit data back to their respective apps. These scripts bypass Android's security measures, allowing the companies to track users' web browsing activities. The tracking affects all major Android browsers, including incognito mode. Google confirmed that Meta and Yandex exploited Android's capabilities in violation of security and privacy principles. Meta is investigating the issue and has paused the feature, while Yandex claims to adhere to data protection standards. Meta's tracking has been ongoing for about eight months, while Yandex's practices date back to 2017. Facebook tracked users on around 16,000 websites in the EU, and Yandex was active on 1,300 sites. Google has begun implementing changes to address these tracking techniques and is conducting its own investigation. Browsers like Firefox, Microsoft Edge, and DuckDuckGo are also affected, with efforts underway to prevent future incidents.
WhatsApp may soon bring an in-app call dialer for Android users
AppWizard
December 13, 2024

WhatsApp may soon bring an in-app call dialer for Android users

WhatsApp is introducing a new in-app call dialer that allows users to dial numbers directly from the chat application, eliminating the need to switch to the system dialer. The feature includes a floating button for direct communication with unknown contacts without saving their numbers. The in-app call dialer is currently being rolled out to select Android beta users through version 2.24.26.11. A new "Call a number" feature on the contacts page aims to reduce clutter and improve user experience. Users can enter a phone number in the in-app dialer, which will initiate a verification process before making the call. This feature is still in beta testing but is expected to be available to a wider audience soon.
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