European Union Archives

BetaBeacon

August 14, 2025

Cyprus-based Skich Store launches Android alternative after Epic Games victory

Skich Store has launched its own Android platform following Epic Games' legal victory against Google, offering developers a direct path to their target audience by bypassing Google Play's regulations and payment systems.

BetaBeacon

August 14, 2025

Alternative app store Skich launches on Android

Skich, an alternative app store known for its developer-friendly revenue share model, has expanded to Android. Over 100 studios have expressed interest in joining the platform. The decision to expand was strategic, aiming to provide a real alternative for mobile games to rise on their own merit, not marketing spend. This move comes after a court ruling in the Epic vs Google case, which highlighted the need for alternative app stores like Skich due to Google Play being deemed an illegal monopoly.

AppWizard

August 13, 2025

Google Gemini will now learn from your chats—unless you tell it not to

Google has integrated its AI chatbot, Gemini, into its ecosystem and announced updates to enhance personalization. The new "Personal Context" feature allows Gemini to remember details from past interactions to improve response relevance, particularly for recommendations. This feature is distinct from the previous personalization approach that used search histories, which was discontinued due to user dissatisfaction. The Personal Context feature will initially be available with the Gemini 2.5 Pro model, but users in the EU, UK, and Switzerland will not have access. It is restricted to users aged 18 and older, with plans for future expansion and support for the Gemini 2.5 Flash model. Users can enable or disable the feature through the settings.

Winsage

August 7, 2025

Microsoft sneakily disguises Windows 11 Start menu ad as a warning

Microsoft has introduced a notification in the Start menu of Windows 11, urging users to back up their PCs with OneDrive. The alert, which reads “Action advised — back up your PC,” suggests users may risk losing access to files, apps, settings, and passwords. Users can either engage with the prompt to access OneDrive backup options or dismiss it, but there is no straightforward way to permanently disable the notification. OneDrive offers 5GB of free storage, with additional space requiring a Microsoft 365 subscription starting at .99 per month for 100GB or .99 per month for 1TB. Users in the European Union are exempt from this notification due to regulations that restrict Microsoft's promotional practices.

BetaBeacon

July 31, 2025

Epic’s Game Store is bringing Fortnite back to Google Play

Epic Games Store will be available on Google Play Store after a court ruling deemed Google's app store and payment system as illegal monopolies.

AppWizard

July 31, 2025

EU may block Android apps based on age verification

The European Union is developing an age verification application to enhance online safety for children and teenagers, utilizing the Google Play Integrity API to verify the integrity of Android applications. This system will prevent users from installing applications from third-party sources, and while it is still in development, no final decision has been made. The EU assures that users will retain control over their personal data. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to improve digital security and protect minors online, but it may face resistance from the Android community.

Winsage

July 31, 2025

Opera complains over Microsoft Edge persuasion tactics

Opera has filed a complaint with Brazil's Administrative Council for Economic Defense (CADE) against Microsoft, alleging anti-competitive practices that favor the Edge browser. The complaint claims that Microsoft uses "all-or-nothing" bundled rebates to ensure PC manufacturers pre-install Edge as the default browser and employs "dark pattern tactics" that disregard users' browser choices and restrict switching from Edge in Windows "S mode." In Brazil, Opera's market share is 6.78%, compared to Edge's 11.52% and Chrome's 74.95%. Opera's General Counsel, Aaron McParlan, advocates for a browser choice screen similar to one previously mandated by the EU. Additionally, Opera has filed an appeal with the EU General Court regarding the European Commission's decision not to classify Edge as a gatekeeper under the Digital Markets Act. Microsoft has not yet commented on the complaint.

Winsage

July 30, 2025

Opera takes its browser beef with Microsoft to Brazil in antitrust complaint

Opera has filed an antitrust complaint against Microsoft in Brazil, claiming that Microsoft's agreements to make Edge the sole pre-installed browser on Windows devices hinder competition for alternative browsers. Opera alleges that Microsoft uses design strategies and "dark patterns" to discourage users from downloading rival browsers, limiting consumer choice and undermining competition. Opera's general counsel stated that Microsoft restricts browser competition on Windows and has a history of legal disputes with Microsoft dating back to 2007. Opera is urging Brazil's Administrative Council for Economic Defense (CADE) to take action against Microsoft to create a more equitable environment for browser developers.

Winsage

July 30, 2025

Opera files complaint against Microsoft’s tricks to make you use Edge

Opera has filed a complaint against Microsoft in Brazil, accusing the company of using "manipulative design tactics" to dominate the browser market and hinder competition. Opera's general counsel, Aaron McParlan, stated that Microsoft creates barriers for other browsers, such as excluding them from preinstallation opportunities and complicating the download process. The complaint highlights Microsoft's practices of overriding users' default browser preferences and using Windows features to promote Edge. Opera seeks remedies to allow PC manufacturers to preload alternative browsers and stop blocking downloads. Additionally, the complaint criticizes Microsoft's requirement for OEMs to deliver devices in S mode to receive rebates on Windows OS licenses. This action is part of Opera's broader strategy to challenge Microsoft's practices globally, including an appeal to EU courts regarding the classification of Edge under the Digital Markets Act. Opera has a history of raising concerns about Microsoft's browser practices, including a 2007 antitrust complaint that led to the creation of a browser ballot screen.

AppWizard

July 28, 2025

EU Age Verification App to Ban Android Apps Not Licensed by Google

The European Union is enhancing its age verification system for social media by incorporating an Android app integrity check to ensure users are 18 or older before accessing adult content. This involves a white-label application to authenticate the legitimacy of the age verification app, which must be licensed by Google and downloaded from the Google Play Store. Users of custom ROMs may face restrictions, as the integrity check will not allow sideloaded or self-compiled applications. The age verification framework is still in planning, but the EU assures that user data will remain private and not monitored after verification.