global expansion Archives

AppWizard

April 9, 2025

Instagram’s Teen Accounts feature is coming to Facebook and Messenger soon

Meta is expanding its Teen Accounts protections, initially launched on Instagram, to Facebook and Messenger for users aged 13-15. These accounts limit messaging capabilities, filter out inappropriate content, and remind users to take breaks from screen time. Teens under 16 need parental permission to change default settings, with 97% choosing to maintain protections. The rollout of similar Teen Accounts on Facebook and Messenger is happening in the US, UK, Australia, and Canada, with global expansion planned. New features for Instagram Teen Accounts will require parental approval for going Live and disabling a feature that blurs suspected nude images in direct messages. An Ipsos survey indicated that 94% of US parents find Teen Accounts beneficial, and 85% believe they promote positive online experiences. Meta has over 54 million active Teen Accounts globally and is committed to enhancing safety for young users.

AppWizard

April 8, 2025

Teen Accounts Are Coming to Facebook—Parents May Actually Approve

Teens Accounts are being introduced on Facebook and Messenger, allowing users aged 13 to 15 to reconnect with safety features similar to those launched on Instagram. These accounts include parental controls, restrictions on interactions, and content access. Young users can only communicate with contacts they have already engaged with, and parents can monitor usage and settings. Features like reminders for breaks and Quiet Mode are included to promote healthy habits. Restrictions on Instagram Live for users under 16 will also require parental permission. The rollout will begin in select regions, including the USA and Canada, with plans for a broader global expansion.

AppWizard

April 8, 2025

We’re Introducing New Built-In Restrictions for Instagram Teen Accounts, and Expanding to Facebook and Messenger

Last year, Instagram introduced Teen Accounts with built-in protections for users under 16, requiring parental consent for any changes to default strict settings. A survey indicated that 97% of teens aged 13-15 chose to keep these protective measures. New safeguards for Instagram Live and direct messages will require parental approval for teens under 16. Teen Accounts will also be expanded to Facebook and Messenger, initially targeting users in the US, UK, Australia, and Canada. Since their launch, over 54 million teens have used Teen Accounts, which include features like automatic private settings, content controls, and reminder notifications. A survey showed that 94% of parents found Teen Accounts beneficial, with over 90% supporting the default protections.

AppWizard

March 6, 2025

Tencent increases Kadokawa stock holding

Tencent has increased its stake in Kadokawa to 7.97 percent by acquiring an additional 1.11 percent of shares through its subsidiary, SixJoy Hong Kong Limited. Sony has also invested in Kadokawa, securing a 10 percent stake and becoming its largest shareholder. Kadokawa's CEO, Takeshi Natsuno, expressed optimism about the alliance with Sony, highlighting the potential to enhance IP creation capabilities and global expansion.

BetaBeacon

March 5, 2025

Xsolla introduces Offerwall Solution to boost game revenue and player engagement

Xsolla has introduced Xsolla Offerwall, a solution that allows developers to create a balanced monetization strategy by offering players virtual rewards for completing quests or actions from advertisers.

AppWizard

February 3, 2025

Google blocked 2.36 million risky Android apps from Play Store in 2024

Google blocked 2.3 million Android app submissions to the Play Store in 2024 due to policy violations that posed risks to users. The company also banned 158,000 developer accounts for attempting to introduce harmful applications, including malware and spyware. The number of blocked apps increased from 2,280,000 in 2023 and 1,500,000 in 2022, aided by AI assistance in 92% of human reviews. Google prevented 1.3 million apps from gaining excessive permissions and upgraded Google Play Protect, which scanned over 200 billion apps daily and identified over 13 million new malware apps from outside Google Play. The Google Play SDK index added 80 trusted SDKs, and the Play Integrity API adoption led to an 80% reduction in abuse from untrusted sources. Google's untrusted APK installation blocking system expanded to several countries and thwarted 36 million installation attempts of 200,000 unique apps from reaching 10 million Android devices.

AppWizard

February 2, 2025

Google Blocks Over 2 Million Risky Apps to Boost Android Security

In 2024, Google blocked 2.36 million potentially dangerous Android apps from the Play Store, including those that breached policies or were flagged as malicious through AI-assisted reviews. New security features included improved biometric authentication and passkeys. AI-driven threat detection technology automated 92% of human assessments, enhancing the identification of malicious apps. Google expanded its Play SDK database with 80 new reliable SDKs and prevented 1.3 million apps from accessing sensitive user information. The Play Protect system detected over 13 million new malicious apps from outside the Play Store. Google expanded its untrusted APK installation blocking system to Brazil, India, Nigeria, and South Africa. Recommendations for users included installing apps from trusted sources and regularly reviewing app permissions.

AppWizard

December 19, 2024

Sony will shortly own 10% of Kadokawa

Sony will acquire a 10 percent stake in Kadokawa by purchasing 12,054,100 new shares at Y4,146 each for a total investment of Y49.98 billion (approximately 7 million) on January 7, 2025. This will increase Sony's ownership in Kadokawa from 2.01 percent to 9.68 percent, making it Kadokawa's largest shareholder, although still behind Korea Securities Depository - Samsung and The Master Trust Bank of Japan in terms of major shareholders. The partnership aims to enhance collaboration on adapting Kadokawa's intellectual property into live-action films, television shows, and anime projects.

AppWizard

November 22, 2024

Minecraft is coming to life as a new theme park attraction

Merlin Entertainments is collaborating with Mojang Studios to create Minecraft-themed attractions, with the first two set to open in the U.S. and U.K. between 2026 and 2027. The investment exceeds 0 million and will feature themed rides, accommodations, retail options, and dining experiences. This initiative is part of a broader vision for global expansion of Minecraft-themed experiences in various locations. Minecraft recently celebrated its 15th anniversary and has the largest gaming community worldwide.

AppWizard

November 21, 2024

Would you go to a ‘Minecraft’ theme park?

Comcast reported a 12.2% increase in theme park revenue for Q4 2023, attributed to the success of Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios in Hollywood and Japan. “Minecraft” is partnering with Merlin Entertainments for attractions in the UK and US, set to debut in 2026 and 2027, with plans for global expansion. “Minecraft” is the second-best-selling video game of all time, with over 300 million copies sold. Microsoft acquired “Minecraft” for .5 billion in 2014, and it has a franchise that includes various media and merchandise. The investment for the two parks is over 0 million, which is modest compared to other theme park projects, such as Universal Studios Japan's 0 million for Super Nintendo World and 0 million for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter expansion in Hollywood.