influence Archives

AppWizard

July 28, 2025

EU’s upcoming age verification system may block sideloaded Android apps

The European Union's new app verification framework requires that apps be downloaded from the Google Play Store, licensed by Google, and installed on devices meeting specific security criteria to pass verification. Apps that are sideloaded, compiled from source, or installed from alternative app stores will not qualify for the EU's age verification system. If adopted without modifications, this framework will bar any non-compliant Android apps from operating within the EU, potentially excluding many third-party or custom-built applications. The system aims to enhance protections for minors while prioritizing user privacy by not collecting further usage data after a one-time age verification. Similar age verification initiatives are also emerging in the United States. The EU's approach may limit user autonomy and the openness of the Android platform, and Android users in Europe should prepare for potential restrictions.

AppWizard

July 26, 2025

Kaysville woman sentenced to 6 years to life in prison for sexually abusing boy

Racquel Couch, a 39-year-old woman from Kaysville, has been sentenced to a prison term ranging from six years to life for her involvement in the sexual abuse of a 13-year-old boy in 2020. Initially charged with multiple serious offenses, including four counts of child rape and one count of sodomy, she entered a guilty plea to a single count of aggravated sexual abuse of a child as part of a plea agreement. This agreement resulted in a continuous protective order for the victim and a lifetime requirement for Couch to register as a sex offender. The abuse occurred between January and March 2020, during which Couch allegedly took the boy to secluded locations and instructed him to keep the incidents secret. She also sent nude photographs and engaged in inappropriate texting with the victim. Although she initially denied the allegations, Couch later admitted to inappropriate touching and acknowledged her position of "special trust" and "undue influence" over the boy.

AppWizard

July 26, 2025

Grab 13 retro DnD games on PC for 90% off in this Humble Bundle deal!

The D&D Classics Bundle is currently available at a 90% discount, offering a selection of retro campaigns for early PC gaming. It includes titles such as Forgotten Realms: The Archives - Collection One, Dark Sun series, and Spelljammer: Pirates of Realmspace. The sale ends on August 7, 2025, with proceeds benefiting Covenant House, a non-profit organization supporting homeless youth in the U.S. Other titles in the bundle include Silver Box Classics, Krynn, Ravenloft, Fantasy Empires, and DragonStrike.

AppWizard

July 25, 2025

If you loved Baldur’s Gate 3 then you probably shouldn’t pick up this $10 bundle of incredibly crusty D&D games, but if you’re cool you should

Humble has released the Dungeons and Dragons: Classic Collection, featuring a selection of early '90s RPGs for £7.40, which includes around 30 titles. The collection consists of games such as Forgotten Realms: The Archives, Dungeons & Dragons: Krynn Series, and DragonStrike. A £3.70 option is available for access to select titles. The games may feel outdated and differ from modern RPGs like Baldur's Gate 3, leaning more towards dungeon crawler elements and kingdom management.

AppWizard

July 25, 2025

In honor of Ozzy Osbourne, Double Fine is giving its heavy metal action game Brutal Legend away for free for 666 minutes

Double Fine Productions is offering its game Brutal Legend as a free download for 666 minutes, starting at 4 PM PT on July 23, 2025, and ending at 3 AM PT on July 24, 2025. The game features Jack Black and voice performances from heavy metal artists, including Ozzy Osbourne, who voices the Guardian of Metal. Players can access the game on itch.io. If missed, the game has been known to go on sale, with its lowest price recorded at .49.

AppWizard

July 25, 2025

Google faces new EU antitrust complaint over restrictions on removing pre-installed Android apps

A coalition of five digital rights and privacy organizations has filed a complaint against Google under the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), alleging that the company restricts user autonomy on Android devices by making it difficult to remove or disable pre-installed applications like Google Search, Chrome, and Maps. The complaint claims that Google, designated as a ‘gatekeeper’ under the DMA, fails to comply with legal obligations to allow users to uninstall default services easily. Users reportedly face hidden settings, complicated instructions, and misleading warnings when trying to disable Google apps, which the coalition argues are designed to keep users reliant on Google's services. The European Commission has received the complaint and will review it as part of its enforcement process for the DMA, which allows for fines up to 10% of a company's global annual revenue and mandates changes in business practices for compliance.

AppWizard

July 24, 2025

Itch.io pulls NSFW games after payment processor pressure

Itch.io has decided to remove all adult NSFW titles in response to pressure from payment providers and a campaign by the anti-porn group Collective Shout. The platform is conducting a comprehensive content audit to ensure compliance with payment provider requirements. Founder Leaf Corcoran emphasized the importance of maintaining a robust payment processing system for creators and acknowledged the abrupt nature of the changes, apologizing for the lack of advance notice. Similarly, Valve has introduced new guidelines regarding content on Steam, influenced by the same campaign.

AppWizard

July 24, 2025

Brütal Legend is free in honor of Ozzy Osbourne, but only for 666 minutes

Double Fine Productions has made the game Brütal Legend available for free on Itch.io for a limited time of 666 minutes. The game features a cameo by the late Ozzy Osbourne, who passed away at the age of 76. The promotion is exclusive to Itch.io due to Steam's restrictions on short promotional events.

AppWizard

July 23, 2025

Google Play, Android fuel Rs 4 lakh crore app revenue, economy boost in India during 2024: Report

A report by Public First estimates that Google Play and Android generated Rs 4 lakh crore in revenue for app publishers and the Indian economy in 2024. The digital economy in India is one of the largest and fastest-growing globally, driven by smartphone adoption, affordable data, and a vibrant developer ecosystem. The combined ecosystem of Google Play and Android contributed to the creation of over 35 lakh jobs in 2024. India has over 10 lakh developer jobs, with nearly 79% of Indian app developers serving overseas users. Indian developers achieved a total of 720 crore app downloads from the Play Store, including 600 crore from domestic users and 120 crore from international users.

AppWizard

July 23, 2025

Abiotic Factor review

Abiotic Factor is a survival crafting game developed by Deep Field Games and published by Playstack, scheduled for release on July 22, 2025, priced at £25. The game features a narrative about scientists trapped in a secret underground facility, combining humor and survival elements. Players use office supplies and academic skills to fend off interdimensional threats while exploring the GATE facility and establishing a home base that evolves over time. The game includes interactive mechanics for sleeping and eating, character creation with trait selection, and diverse combat options. Players can craft unique weapons and engage in cooperative gameplay, exploring new sectors and alternate dimensions for resources and lore.