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AppWizard

August 24, 2026

The best Android weather app isn’t on the Play Store. Here’s how to install it

Breezy Weather is a free, open-source weather app for Android that is not available on the Play Store due to the developers' decision to avoid listing fees and personal identification requirements. To download Breezy Weather, users need to visit its GitHub page, download the APK file, and enable installation permissions on their device. Alternatively, users can download it from F-Droid, which is a Play Store alternative for free and open-source applications. Keeping Breezy Weather updated requires manual checks or enabling notifications for updates, while F-Droid offers a more seamless update process. Obtainium is a sideload manager that can simplify the update process by monitoring apps for new versions. Breezy Weather allows users to customize their experience with 50 different weather data sources and 13 widget options, providing extensive functionality without ads.

Winsage

August 21, 2026

Get Windows 11 Pro for $10.49: a one-time rate, no subscription

Windows 11 Pro is available for .49 for lifetime use, down from its regular price of 9. This version integrates with Parallels Desktop, VMware Fusion, or Boot Camp on Macs, allowing Windows-only applications to run alongside Mac applications. It includes features not found in the Home version, such as BitLocker encryption, Hyper-V, Windows Sandbox, and Azure AD support. Users also benefit from Copilot in the taskbar, Snap Layouts for multitasking, and advanced security measures like biometric login. The offer includes the Windows license without additional monthly fees for Parallels or VMware Fusion users, and Boot Camp users experience full native performance. The promotional code SAVE30 is valid until August 25 at 11 PM PT.

AppWizard

August 21, 2026

Here’s who is eligible for a portion of Google’s $700 million settlement

Google has agreed to a [openai_gpt model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Summarize the content and extract only the fact described in the text bellow. The summary shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. Text: PHOENIX (AZFamily) — In a significant development for the tech industry, Google has agreed to a 0 million settlement regarding its practices in the Android app store market. This resolution comes as a result of a bipartisan coalition of attorneys general, spearheaded by Arizona’s Attorney General Kris Mayes, who have raised concerns about the company's monopolistic control over app distribution and in-app payment systems. Settlement Details Attorney General Mayes articulated the core issue, stating, “Google used its monopoly power over the app market to drive up prices.” The settlement serves as a clear message against anticompetitive behavior, emphasizing the importance of a fair marketplace that fosters lower prices, enhanced quality of goods and services, and increased choices for consumers. Mayes affirmed her commitment to combating illegal and unfair business practices to safeguard the interests of Arizonans. Individuals who made purchases on Google Play between August 2016 and September 2023 will be eligible to receive a portion of the settlement. Most recipients can expect to receive their share without the need to submit a claim form, with payments being processed through platforms like PayPal or Venmo. Changes to Business Practices As part of the settlement agreement, Google is required to implement several changes to its business operations. Over the next five years, app developers will gain the freedom to: Offer alternative payment options to users. Inform users about cheaper prices available outside of Google’s billing platform. Feature their apps on competing app stores without fear of retaliation. Moreover, Android users will have the ability to install applications from sources beyond the Google Play Store for a minimum duration of seven years. Arizona's involvement in this legal action dates back to 2021, when the state joined a coalition of attorneys general in suing Google for its alleged illegal dominance in Android app distribution and for imposing transaction fees of up to 30% on consumers. For those seeking further information about the settlement, additional details can be found on the designated website. See a spelling or grammatical error in our story? Please click here to report it. Do you have a photo or video of a breaking news story? Send it to us here with a brief description. Copyright 2026 KTVK/KPHO. All rights reserved." max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"] million settlement regarding its practices in the Android app store market due to concerns about its monopolistic control over app distribution and in-app payment systems. The settlement allows individuals who made purchases on Google Play between August 2016 and September 2023 to receive a portion of the settlement without needing to submit a claim form. As part of the settlement, Google must implement changes allowing app developers to offer alternative payment options, inform users about cheaper prices outside of Google’s billing platform, and feature their apps on competing app stores without retaliation. Additionally, Android users will be able to install applications from sources beyond the Google Play Store for at least seven years. Arizona's involvement in the legal action began in 2021 when it joined a coalition of attorneys general suing Google for its alleged illegal dominance and high transaction fees.

AppWizard

August 17, 2026

These Are The Best Android Launchers You Must Try In 2026

Smart Launcher 6 automatically categorizes apps into groups such as games, messaging, and tools, has over 50 million downloads, and offers features like a customizable news reader and font changes. Niagara Launcher features a minimalist design with an alphabetical list of apps optimized for one-handed use, fluid animations, and extensive customization options without ads. Octopi Launcher uses tags for app organization, offers auto-scrolling widget stacks, and allows for tailored layouts for portrait and landscape orientations, with a one-time payment for additional functionalities. Lawnchair replicates the Google Pixel launcher experience, supports Material You theming, is open-source, free of ads, and actively maintained on GitHub. Kvaesitso focuses on search functionality for quick access to apps, contacts, and files, is ad-free, operates independently of Google Play services, and is designed for a streamlined, productivity-focused experience.

Winsage

August 16, 2026

Windows 11 Pro license deal: Get it for $9.97

The Microsoft Windows 11 Pro license is currently available for .97 if purchased before August 20. It includes features such as Snap Layouts for multitasking, DirectX 12 Ultimate for enhanced gaming, biometric login for security, and Copilot for assistance. Windows 11 Pro offers significant advantages over Windows 11 Home, including BitLocker Device Encryption, Hyper-V for virtual machines, Windows Sandbox for testing applications, and Azure AD for identity management. This is a lifetime license for a single PC, and users should check compatibility with the Microsoft PC Health Check app. If a system cannot upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 via Windows Update, the license will not be applicable.

Winsage

August 13, 2026

Windows License Price Hike: Microsoft Raises OEM Fees

Microsoft will increase licensing fees for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) by an average of 7% to 10% starting in July 2026. This increase will particularly affect larger manufacturers with significant volume orders and is expected to lead to a price hike of approximately 3% to 5% for pre-built systems. The licensing fee structure varies based on hardware tiering, volume discounts, and pre-installed software agreements. Individual builders purchasing standalone retail licenses for Windows 11 will not see any price changes. Consumers buying new laptops or pre-built desktops may notice subtle price adjustments as manufacturers adjust to the increased costs.

Winsage

August 12, 2026

Windows license price hikes could make PC even more expensive: Report

Windows laptops are facing challenges due to a persistent memory chip shortage and significant increases in Windows 11 licensing fees announced by Microsoft. These fees are rising by 7% to 10% starting in July, with higher-end devices seeing larger increases. As a result, the prices of current PC models are expected to rise, affecting consumers who purchase laptops and desktops with pre-installed operating systems. Individual Windows 11 licenses remain unchanged for DIY users. The ongoing AI boom has intensified the shortage of essential components like RAM and SSD storage chips, leading companies such as Dell and Microsoft to raise laptop prices. Experts warn that the situation, referred to as "RAMageddon," may worsen as the year progresses.

BetaBeacon

August 11, 2026

Aptoide Games Joins Google Play: First Rival Android Store in Over Decade

The Play Catalog Access Program was implemented on July 22, 2026, as a result of a court order after Google lost a lawsuit filed by Epic Games for illegally monopolizing Android app distribution and in-app billing. The program allows enrolled stores, such as Aptoide Games, to access Google Play's app catalog and offer users the ability to install apps through Google Play's infrastructure, maintaining security and service fees.

AppWizard

August 11, 2026

Google Play Now Offers Third-Party App Stores in the U.S.

The Google Play Store has begun allowing third-party app stores in the United States, starting with Aptoide Games. This change follows a legal victory for Epic Games in the case of Epic v. Google, leading to a revised settlement that enables easier access to these app stores without the need for side-loading. Users can find and install these new app stores directly from the Play Store. Google plans to expand this initiative globally later in the year. Third-party app stores will have access to the Google Play catalog but will still be subject to Google Play's fees. Epic Games has not yet launched its own app store under this new framework, but it is expected to do so soon.

Winsage

August 10, 2026

Microsoft reportedly pours fuel on PC pricing flames as it implements a ‘significant increase’ for Windows 11 licenses

Microsoft has increased the price of Windows 11 licenses for PC manufacturers by approximately 7% to 10% as of last month, affecting companies like Acer and Asus. This price hike occurs amidst rising costs in the PC market, particularly for RAM and other components, but has not elicited significant reactions from consumers or businesses.