market position Archives

AppWizard

March 26, 2025

Why Sensor Tower acquired VG Insights and how consolidation of data sources could hurt games market

Sensor Tower acquired Video Game Insights, marking its third M&A move following the acquisitions of Pathmatics in 2021 and data.ai in 2024. The company aims to consolidate its position in gaming analytics, expanding its services to include PC and console market intelligence. The acquisitions were partially financed by Riverwood Capital and involved credit-based financing from Bain Capital Credit. VG Insights, founded in 2020, aims to provide comprehensive analytics tools for indie PC game developers, addressing a gap in the market compared to mobile game analytics.

Winsage

March 13, 2025

Microsoft isn’t launching its Xbox handheld this year, but Asus might be

Microsoft is developing a next-generation Xbox platform aimed at unifying its Windows and Xbox ecosystems, with a handheld gaming device codenamed Project Kennan in prototype phase, expected to launch in a few years. The goal is to create a universal library of games accessible across devices, with substantial changes anticipated by 2025. Project Kennan will offer a handheld experience powered by Windows, resembling the Xbox interface, as part of a broader strategy called Project Bayside. Microsoft is also focusing on streamlining game development for seamless operation across handhelds, consoles, and PCs. A dedicated team for game preservation and compatibility was established in early 2024, indicating a commitment to maintaining digital libraries. A premium successor to the Xbox Series X is projected for release in 2027. Microsoft is hosting a 50th anniversary event on April 4th to share updates on its Copilot AI and other innovations. Additionally, Copilot will have a new press-to-talk hotkey on Windows, and the Remote Desktop app will be replaced by a new Windows app by May 27th. Forza Horizon 5 will require a Microsoft account on PS5 for online features, and a recent Xbox Alpha update caused some consoles to reset to factory settings. A Windows 11 update has caused issues with USB printers, and Microsoft Edge on Android is receiving six new extensions. Microsoft is reportedly dropping some CoreWeave services ahead of a billion IPO, while Copilot is being integrated into GroupMe.

Tech Optimizer

March 7, 2025

Microsoft cleared in Indian antitrust probe on antivirus bundling | MLex | Specialist news and analysis on legal risk and regulation

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) ruled that there was insufficient evidence to support allegations against Microsoft regarding anticompetitive behavior related to its antivirus software, Microsoft Defender, which has been bundled with Windows since 2015. The CCI emphasized that users can install alternative antivirus solutions, maintaining a competitive market.

Tech Optimizer

March 6, 2025

All about CCI’s Dismissal of Antitrust Plaint against Microsoft

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) concluded its examination of a complaint against Microsoft regarding the bundling of antivirus software with its Windows operating system. The CCI found that users can choose antivirus solutions beyond Microsoft Defender and that there was no substantial evidence of market foreclosure in the antivirus sector. The complaint alleged that Microsoft forces OEMs to include Microsoft Security Essentials, limiting competition for third-party antivirus vendors. Microsoft has bundled Microsoft Defender with Windows since 2015 and argued that it aligns with industry standards. The CCI determined that Microsoft holds a dominant position in the antivirus software market for Windows OS in India but found no coercion compelling users to use both products together. The CCI also noted that multiple antivirus vendors continue to operate in the market without significant barriers. The case highlighted issues of consumer inertia and the implications of default settings in digital markets, suggesting that pre-installed options may restrict consumer choice.

Tech Optimizer

March 6, 2025

CCI dismisses complaint against Microsoft

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has dismissed a complaint against Microsoft regarding the bundling of Microsoft Defender with the Windows operating system, stating there was no prima facie case of contravention of fair competition standards. The CCI's order, dated March 3, indicates that users are not required to use Microsoft Defender exclusively and that OEMs can pre-install alternative antivirus software. The CCI compared Microsoft's practices to those of other operating systems like macOS and ChromeOS, concluding there was no violation of the Competition Act. The regulator noted that the antivirus market remains competitive, with many established players thriving despite Microsoft's software.

Tech Optimizer

March 4, 2025

CCI Rejects Complaint Against Microsoft Over Bundled Antivirus

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) reviewed a complaint regarding Microsoft's bundling of its Defender antivirus software with the Windows operating system. The CCI found insufficient evidence to support claims of market foreclosure or coercion, concluding that there was no prima facie violation of competition norms. The investigation focused on the antivirus software sector for Windows OS in India and the broader desktop and laptop security software market. The CCI noted that users are not required to use Microsoft Defender, as OEMs can install alternative antivirus solutions. Other operating systems also include built-in antivirus features, indicating no compulsion to use Microsoft Defender. The CCI found no breach of Section 4(2)(a)(i) of the Competition Act and determined that the antivirus solutions market remains competitive, with various established players thriving.

Tech Optimizer

February 20, 2025

Magaya enhances performance with Tessell’s PostgreSQL

Magaya Corporation enhanced its database infrastructure by using Tessell's managed PostgreSQL solution, improving database performance and operational efficiency. After being acquired by a private equity firm in 2023, Magaya migrated customers from the Classic system to the Blue Ivory platform but faced initial performance issues with Blue Ivory's database. The original PostgreSQL setup was not optimized for high-volume queries, leading to bottlenecks, and reliance on a single PostgreSQL expert posed operational risks. Tessell's managed PostgreSQL platform transformed Blue Ivory, achieving a tenfold improvement in query execution speeds and enhancing logistics operations to handle tens of thousands of rows per second. The migration to AWS was seamless, with optimizations in partitioning strategies, memory buffers, and disk I/O. Tessell provided 24/7 expert support, reducing dependency on a single in-house DBA. The optimizations prepared Magaya's Blue Ivory platform for sustainable growth, enabling quicker customer onboarding and smoother migrations, and allowing support for both multi-tenant and single-tenant deployments. This transition to a cloud-native solution met ROI expectations for private equity investors, enhancing growth and profitability. The partnership with Tessell modernized Magaya's database infrastructure and strengthened its position in the logistics and supply chain technology sector.

Tech Optimizer

February 11, 2025

Microsoft bolsters PostgreSQL with NoSQL-like extensions

Microsoft introduced two new open-source extensions for PostgreSQL: pg_documentdb_core, which supports BSON, and pg_documentdb_api, which allows MongoDB-compatible commands for CRUD operations. These extensions will operate on the Azure Cosmos DB PostgreSQL database service and can also be used with FerretDB, an open-source alternative to MongoDB. FerretDB's latest version features performance enhancements of up to 20 times for specific workloads. Andrew Pavlo from Carnegie Mellon University noted that the distinction between document databases and relational systems is diminishing. MongoDB expressed skepticism about Microsoft's offerings, stating that adding an API to a relational database is not true innovation. FerretDB aims to provide a solid foundation for users seeking alternatives to MongoDB. Analysts suggest that while Microsoft's extensions may enhance PostgreSQL's market position, they are unlikely to significantly undermine MongoDB's established presence.

AppWizard

February 6, 2025

Top 35 Social Media Platforms (September 2024)

YouTube is the most popular social media platform with 3.9 billion monthly active users, followed by Facebook with 2.1 billion users. Telegram has experienced a 367% search growth with 30.4 million monthly Google searches. TikTok has seen a 733% search growth and has 83.1 million monthly Google searches. Xiaohongshu (RedNote) has a search growth of 99x+, with 450,000 monthly Google searches and reported a profit of million in 2023. Discord has a 188% search growth with 30.4 million monthly Google searches. WhatsApp has a 112% search growth and 151 million monthly Google searches. Reddit has a 140% search growth with 30.4 million monthly Google searches. Douyin, a Chinese video-sharing app, has a 733% search growth and 1 million monthly Google searches.

Winsage

February 3, 2025

Windows 11 turns the tide against Windows 10

Windows 11's market share increased to 36.6 percent in January from 34.12 percent in December, while Windows 10's market share declined to 60.37 percent from 62.7 percent. Microsoft is approaching the end of support for Windows 10, scheduled for October 14, 2025, which has led to renewed interest in Windows 11. Microsoft CFO Amy Hood reported a 4 percent year-on-year revenue increase in the Windows OEM and Devices unit, attributed to preparations for the end of Windows 10 support. TrendForce projects a 4.9 percent increase in shipments in 2025 as businesses transition. CEO Satya Nadella noted that 15 percent of premium-priced laptops sold during the holiday season were Copilot+ PCs, and analysts predict that by 2026, acquiring a PC without AI silicon will be increasingly difficult. Initially, Windows 11's adoption was hindered by strict hardware requirements, but many users now have upgraded hardware that supports it. Microsoft is optimistic about solidifying Windows 11's market position as the transition from Windows 10 progresses.