exclusivity Archives

AppWizard

December 2, 2025

WhatsApp Launches EU Interoperability for Encrypted Cross-App Messaging

Meta Platforms Inc.’s WhatsApp is rolling out interoperability features across Europe, allowing users to send messages to individuals on third-party applications starting in November 2024. This initiative is in response to the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), which requires dominant tech companies to enhance competition by opening their platforms. Users will be able to communicate while maintaining end-to-end encryption, a process that has taken over three years to develop. Users must opt-in to receive messages from third-party applications, and the initial rollout is limited to specific partners. The interoperability allows for sharing text, images, voice messages, videos, and files. Meta's engineering team adapted WhatsApp's infrastructure to accommodate external services while upholding encryption standards. Concerns have been raised about potential security vulnerabilities and the implications of proposed regulations like "Chat Control" that could conflict with encryption efforts. This development could influence competitive dynamics in the messaging sector, providing smaller applications like BirdyChat and Haiket visibility by integrating with WhatsApp’s large user base. Compliance with the DMA helps Meta avoid fines while risking dilution of WhatsApp's market dominance. Privacy implications are a significant concern, with discussions around how interoperability could facilitate surveillance or compromise user security. Meta's journey involved regulatory oversight to ensure compliance with DMA objectives, and the success of this initiative could set a precedent for global standards in digital communication.

AppWizard

November 27, 2025

It took a full 10 years but one of Ubisoft’s most popular games finally has achievements on Steam

Ubisoft has announced that Steam achievements are now available for Rainbow Six Siege, a feature that took ten years to implement since the game's launch in 2015. Achievements previously unlocked through Ubisoft Connect will automatically be recognized on Steam during the next login, eliminating the need for players to replay challenges. This update aligns with Ubisoft's trend of returning to Steam and enhancing older titles with new features.

AppWizard

November 27, 2025

‘Death Stranding 2: On the Beach’ May Come To PC Sooner Than You Think

Death Stranding 2: On The Beach is anticipated to transition to PC soon, as suggested by a now-removed ESRB listing. This marks a significant shift for a first-party PlayStation exclusive, indicating a potential change in strategy for PlayStation regarding PC releases. The game has received seven nominations at this year's Game Awards and has been praised by critics. It is currently available on PlayStation 5.

AppWizard

November 23, 2025

PlayStation’s Best-Selling PC Game Revealed (and It’s on Xbox, Too)

Helldivers 2 has sold approximately 12.7 million copies on PC since its release in February 2024, making it the best-selling PlayStation first-party game on that platform. It has also contributed to a total of around 20 million copies sold across platforms, with 12.6 million on Steam, 5.4 million on PS5, and 1.4 million on Xbox. The game is noted as the fastest-selling PlayStation game of all time. Other notable sales figures include Horizon Zero Dawn at around 4.5 million units on Steam, God of War at approximately 4.2 million copies, Days Gone at around 3.4 million, and Marvel’s Spider-Man at an estimated 2.7 million copies sold. Collectively, these five titles account for about 27.5 million units sold, contributing to an estimated 43 million copies of PlayStation-published games sold on Steam, generating around .5 billion in gross revenue for PlayStation. Alinea's analysis indicates a decline in sales velocity for newer titles compared to their predecessors, highlighting the importance of timing game releases on PC to balance PS5 software sales and growing PC audience demand.

AppWizard

November 17, 2025

PlayStation May ‘Pull Back’ on Massive Games Releasing on PC—What Does This Mean?

PlayStation is reportedly reconsidering its strategy regarding the release of major titles on PC, potentially tightening exclusivity for future game releases. This shift may be influenced by the resurgence of Valve's Steam Machine, which targets the console market and has increased the popularity of the Steam Deck. Speculation suggests that Sony may keep first-party games exclusive to its consoles, similar to Nintendo's approach, which encourages investment in their hardware. PlayStation has historically delayed PC ports of its titles, such as God of War and Marvel's Spider-Man, while Microsoft favors simultaneous releases on consoles and PCs.

AppWizard

November 15, 2025

Fortnite Hits Xbox PC Store with Game Pass Crew Bundle

Fortnite will be available through the Xbox on PC app starting November 18th, ending its exclusivity on the Epic Games Launcher. It will be part of Microsoft's Xbox Play Anywhere program, allowing seamless progression across Xbox consoles, PCs, and supported handheld devices. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers will receive a complimentary Fortnite Crew subscription, valued at .99 per month, which includes exclusive skins, 1,000 V-Bucks, and access to all battle passes. This partnership indicates a shift towards collaboration between Epic Games and Microsoft in the PC gaming market. The integration raises questions about account management and in-game purchases. Epic aims to leverage Microsoft's Game Pass ecosystem, which has over 25 million subscribers, to grow its audience while diversifying Fortnite's offerings.

AppWizard

November 13, 2025

Google Ends Pixel 10 Exclusivity for Journal App in New Feature Drop

Google has extended the availability of its Journal app to users of the Pixel 8 and Pixel 9 series, in addition to the Pixel 10, as announced during the November 2025 Feature Drop. The app is currently exclusive to these devices and will not be available on non-Pixel smartphones. The Journal app functions as a personal digital diary and utilizes Google's advanced AI technology, Gemini Nano. Older models like the Pixel 7 cannot access the app due to hardware limitations. The November 2025 Feature Drop also includes notification summaries, Scam Detection for Pixel 6 and newer models in the U.S., and a “Wicked: For Good” theme with custom design elements.

Winsage

November 7, 2025

You can now install multiple apps simultaneously from the Microsoft Store

Microsoft has introduced a multi-app installer feature for its Microsoft Store, allowing users to compile a "shopping list" of applications for simultaneous installation. This feature is currently available only to select users of the web-based version of the Microsoft Store and has not been widely announced. Users can choose from 48 apps categorized into six groups, with a limit of adding up to 16 apps to their installation list at once. The installation process begins on the web interface and transitions to the Microsoft Store app.

BetaBeacon

November 6, 2025

Google and Epic Games reach settlement in Google Play case, ask court to approve Android changes

Google and Epic Games have reached an agreement in their antitrust dispute, proposing new rules for Android and Google Play. The plan allows developers to accept payments through their own systems within apps, sets maximum fees for transactions, and establishes fair criteria for third-party app store access. The agreement aims to provide developers with more options and lower fees while ensuring user safety. The proposed changes will primarily apply to new app installations.

BetaBeacon

November 6, 2025

Epic Games and Google settle Android app store dispute with new competition framework

Epic Games and Google have reached a settlement to end their long-running dispute over app distribution and in-app billing on the Android platform. The settlement includes the introduction of "Registered App Stores" and allows developers to direct users toward alternative payment systems. The agreement aims to make Android more open and competitive for developers and consumers.