market position Archives

AppWizard

February 1, 2026

Epic Games Store quietly offers two PC free games ahead of usual gieaway schedule

The Epic Games Store has established itself as a strong competitor in digital distribution by securing exclusive deals with developers, enhancing its library with titles like Fortnite and Control. The platform engages users through regular giveaways of popular titles and seasonal events, fostering community interaction. It continues to grow its user base and library while investing in technology and user experience to maintain its market position.

AppWizard

January 27, 2026

Valves faces $900 million lawsuit, accused of abusing its dominance in PC gaming to over-charge for games and DLC, as UK court says the case can continue

The UK Competition Appeal Tribunal has allowed a lawsuit against Valve, alleging that the company has used its market dominance to charge inflated prices for games and downloadable content (DLC). The lawsuit, set for 2024, seeks £656 million in damages, claiming that up to 14 million UK gamers may have overpaid between £22 and £44 since June 5, 2018. Vicki Shotbolt, an advocate for children's digital rights, is the proposed class representative for the case, which is part of her campaign "Steam You Owe Us." A judgment on January 26 confirmed the case can proceed to trial, but it does not indicate the merits of the claims. The tribunal's decision suggests there may be grounds to explore allegations of unfair pricing practices by Valve. Additionally, a UK court has ruled that in-game gold can be classified as "property," making it subject to theft laws.

Winsage

January 22, 2026

This Android phone could double as your next Windows PC, but you won’t want it to

The NexPhone is developed by the team behind the NexDock and aims to transform smartphones into versatile computing devices. It features a 6.58-inch FHD+ 120Hz display, a 64MP Sony IMX787 camera, and 12GB of RAM. The device runs on Android 16 and supports multi-boot capabilities, allowing users to run Linux (Debian) and Windows 11. It is powered by Qualcomm’s QCM6490 SoC, which is designed for IoT applications and may not provide optimal performance for Windows. The NexPhone has a 5,000mAh battery and is priced at 9, with a launch scheduled for Q3 2026.

AppWizard

December 11, 2025

Google Launches First-party ‘PC Connect’ Virtual Desktop App for PC Productivity & Gaming on Android XR

Google has launched a beta version of PC Connect, a virtual desktop application for Android XR users that allows streaming content from Windows PCs. The app is optimized for low latency and high frame rates, enabling responsive gameplay and crossover input control between the headset and traditional keyboard and mouse setups. A notable feature is the Gemini assistant, which recognizes streamed applications, and the auto-stereo feature that converts flat content into stereoscopic 3D in real-time. PC Connect is free, unlike its competitor Virtual Desktop, but currently does not support streaming PC VR content. There are questions about whether it uses a direct Wi-Fi link or requires an intermediary network for connectivity. At launch, there is no support for Mac users, but future updates may include it.

AppWizard

December 1, 2025

Google Pixel Ghost Apps Bug Plagues Models 7-10 in Android 16 Update

In late November 2025, Google Pixel users reported a "ghost app" issue where apps reopen without user intervention, affecting multiple models from Pixel 9 to Pixel 10. This problem has been linked to recent software updates and has been described as a systemic glitch. Users also reported "ghost touches" on older models like the Pixel 7, where screens register inputs without contact. Complaints include apps struggling to stay closed, overheating, and inconsistent performance, with theories suggesting bugs in Android 16 and issues with the Pixel's Tensor chips. A botched privacy update may have exacerbated the problem by throttling background processes. The ongoing reliability challenges have led to a significant erosion of user trust in the Pixel brand.

AppWizard

November 27, 2025

If you love Minecraft, this new Thermaltake CPU cooler is absolutely perfect for you

The Thermaltake Minecube 360 Ultra ARGB Sync CPU cooler is an all-in-one liquid cooler featuring four LCD displays arranged in a cube design. Each display measures 3.95 inches square with a resolution of 720 x 720, and the cooler supports various image and video formats through its TT LCD Screen Software. Users can customize visuals and monitor system information like memory usage and CPU temperature. The cooler has a copper base, a 27mm thick radiator, and three 120mm Swafan EX ARGB Sync fans. It is priced at 9, making it one of the more expensive coolers on the market.

AppWizard

November 4, 2025

Study says only 72% of game developers reckon that Steam has a monopoly on PC games, and even with some big caveats, it makes me wonder what the other 28% are thinking

Steam has been the leading platform for purchasing and selling PC video games for over a decade, with a large user base and superior user experience. A recent whitepaper titled 'The State of PC Game Distribution' indicates that 72% of game developers believe Steam has a monopoly in the PC gaming market. This research was conducted by Atomik Research, which surveyed 306 executives in the UK and US from May 18 to May 22. A new distribution platform called Rokky has emerged, aiming to connect publishers with various digital storefronts globally, potentially providing alternatives to Steam.

AppWizard

November 2, 2025

Does Dole’s (DOLE) Minecraft Partnership Signal a Shift in Digital Brand Strategy for the Long Term?

Dole Food Company is launching a global campaign called “Make the World a Healthier Place” in collaboration with Minecraft, running from October 2025 to March 2026, aimed at promoting healthier lifestyles and nutrition awareness among families in North America and Europe. This marks Dole's first simultaneous marketing effort across these regions using a major digital platform. The company recently completed a .9 million follow-on equity offering to improve its balance sheet flexibility. Dole projects revenue of .1 billion and earnings of million by 2028, with an expected annual revenue growth rate of 1.4%. Current fair value estimates for Dole range from .41 to .34, reflecting varied analyst outlooks amid ongoing margin pressures and earnings volatility.

AppWizard

October 28, 2025

AMD Ryzen 5 7500X3D leak hints at new budget AM5 Zen 4 gaming CPU

AMD is expected to introduce the Ryzen 5 7500X3D, a new six-core CPU from the Zen 4 family, which may offer strong gaming performance at a lower price point. A listing on UK retailer Westcoast.co.uk indicates the availability of trays containing five Ryzen 7500X3D chips, with product code 100-000001904. Speculation suggests the 7500X3D will feature six cores, potentially lower clock speeds than the 7600X3D, and maintain 96MB of 3D V-Cache. The X3D architecture provides enhanced gaming capabilities due to its additional L3 cache, which totals 96MB compared to the standard 32MB in the Ryzen 5 7600. Pricing for the 7500X3D is uncertain, but if set around 0, it could appeal to budget-conscious gamers. All current 7000 series AMD CPUs are compatible with the AM5 motherboard platform, facilitating upgrades to higher-end models.

AppWizard

October 16, 2025

My favorite survival game remains underrated, and now you can grab this 2025 hit at its cheapest price ever

The Alters is a survival game released in 2025 that prompts players to reflect on self-identity while engaging in resource management and guiding survivors. Players assume the role of Jan Dolski, the sole survivor of a damaged mining ship, who can create clones with unique memories and skills to enhance survival. The game features strategic gameplay elements and an unfolding narrative as players research new technologies. Currently, The Alters is priced at .51 / £18.14, reflecting a 39% discount, making it a recommended purchase.