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Cozy barista simulator Coffee Talk released on iOS and Android
BetaBeacon
March 22, 2026

Cozy barista simulator Coffee Talk released on iOS and Android

Publisher Chorus Worldwide and studio Toge Productions have released Coffee Talk: Episode 1 for mobile devices, combining visual novel and cafe management elements. Players can shape conversations and influence the story by choosing drinks for customers in an alternate Seattle where humans coexist with fantastical beings. The mobile version includes touch controls and the original PC content, available for free with in-app purchases for the full version. Toge Productions is also preparing to launch Coffee Talk Tokyo on May 21 for various gaming platforms.
Google introduces a new way for users to sideload Android apps that still protects against scams
AppWizard
March 20, 2026

Google introduces a new way for users to sideload Android apps that still protects against scams

Google has announced a new "advanced flow" setting that simplifies the process for Android users to install applications from sources outside the Play Store by allowing them to disable a verification requirement. This change responds to user demand for more flexibility in app installation, despite the associated risks of unverified applications. Previously, Google required all Android apps to be registered by verified developers to prevent malware and fraud. The new setting involves enabling developer mode, followed by a verification check to ensure users are not being scammed, a phone restart, and a protective waiting period of one day before confirming the change. Users can choose to enable the option to install apps from unverified developers for seven days or indefinitely, with a warning provided for unverified apps. Additionally, Google is offering free distribution accounts for students and hobbyists to share apps with a small group without ID verification. These changes follow a legal settlement with Epic Games, resulting in reduced Play Store commissions to 20% on in-app purchases.
Fortnite will return to Google's Play Store globally on March 19
BetaBeacon
March 19, 2026

Fortnite will return to Google’s Play Store globally on March 19

Epic Games and Google have settled their dispute, allowing Fortnite to return to the Play Store on March 19. Google reduced its commission on in-app payments, and Epic Games agreed not to make negative comments about the Play Store publicly until 2032. Fortnite Save the World will become free-to-play in April.
Google ends its 30 percent app store fee and welcomes third-party app stores
BetaBeacon
March 5, 2026

Google ends its 30 percent app store fee and welcomes third-party app stores

Google will reduce its share of Play Store transactions from 30 percent to 20 percent, and in some cases as low as 15 percent for new app installs from developers participating in specific programs. Developers using Google's billing system in certain regions will be charged a five percent fee. Third-party app stores can now apply to Google's "Registered App Stores" program. Google plans to have the new fee structure in place globally by September 30, 2027.
Google changes Play Store policies after settling Epic Games dispute
BetaBeacon
March 5, 2026

Google changes Play Store policies after settling Epic Games dispute

- Developers on Google Play can now use their own billing systems alongside Google Play's payment system - The service fee for in-app purchases tied to new installs will be 20%, but developers in certain programs will pay 15% - Developers using Google Play's billing system will pay a separate 5% billing fee in certain regions - Google is launching a Registered App Stores program to simplify the installation of third-party Android stores
Google Expands Payment Choices and Alternative App Stores on Android
AppWizard
March 5, 2026

Google Expands Payment Choices and Alternative App Stores on Android

Android is introducing updates to enhance app and game distribution, focusing on three areas: expanded payment options, easier installation of alternative app stores, and reduced fees for developers. Developers can now implement their own payment systems alongside Google Play’s billing framework and direct users to their websites for purchases. A Registered App Stores program will streamline the installation of approved alternative app stores. The fee structure is revised to include a 5% billing fee for using Google Play’s payment system, a 20% service fee for in-app purchases on new installs, a 20% service fee for developers in new incentive programs (reduced to 15% on new installs), and a 10% fee for subscription payments. The updates are expected to reach the US, UK, and European Economic Area by the end of June, with plans to extend to Australia by September and to South Korea and Japan before the year ends. The remaining global markets may see these updates by September 2027, and the Registered App Stores program will launch with Android 17 later this year.
Here’s how Google describes its fee-reducing Apps Experience and Games Level Up programs
BetaBeacon
March 5, 2026

Here’s how Google describes its fee-reducing Apps Experience and Games Level Up programs

Google is aiming to expand the presence of apps on a wide range of devices, including tablets, headsets, TVs, and PCs. Starting in July, developers will see a reduction in fees for in-app purchases and subscriptions. Google has introduced new categories of apps and two new programs, Apps Experience and Games Level Up, to help developers optimize their apps for multiple devices beyond phones. Developers are not required to distribute apps on all form factors, providing flexibility in their app deployment strategies.
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