marketplace Archives

AppWizard

July 9, 2025

Dangerous Android malware targets US banking apps – 50,000 people already affected, make sure you’re not next

A PDF reader app for Android, 'Document Viewer – File Reader', has been found to contain a banking trojan called Anatsa, introduced through a patch six weeks after its release. The app, published by 'Hybrid Cars Simulator, Drift & Racing', has over 50,000 downloads and specifically targets North American banking applications. Security researchers have noted a history of similar threats, with previous trojanized apps having significant download numbers. The Anatsa trojan scans for North American banking apps and overlays a deceptive interface to steal user credentials. Google has removed the app from the Play Store and advises users to uninstall it, conduct a system scan, and reset banking credentials. Google Play Protect provides automatic protection against malicious apps.

AppWizard

July 9, 2025

‘Minecraft’ Shares Free ‘Superman’ Movie Skins to Players Featuring Five Characters From the Film

"Minecraft" has released a new skin pack inspired by the upcoming "Superman" movie, featuring five characters: Superman, Lois Lane, Green Lantern (Guy Gardner), Hawkgirl (Kendra Saunders), and Mr. Terrific. The skin pack is available for free to players who own a legitimate copy of the game. The announcement was made via a post on X, and the film is set to premiere on July 11. The pack does not include Lex Luthor, but there are hints of a future appearance. Mojang Studios has also teased an upcoming "Superman" DLC with additional content, though no specific details or release dates have been provided.

AppWizard

July 9, 2025

Minecraft Celebrates James Gunn’s Big DCU Launch With Five Free Superman Skins

A new Superman skin pack is available for Minecraft, featuring characters like Superman, Lois Lane, Green Lantern, Hawkgirl, and Mr. Terrific, accessible for free from the Minecraft Marketplace. This release coincides with the upcoming Superman film by James Gunn, set to premiere on July 11, which stars David Corenswet as Superman and Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane. The film has received positive reviews, with one critic rating it 8/10. Additionally, Minecraft has introduced new features, including copper golems, copper tools, and armor, along with a graphical enhancement called the Vibrant Visuals update.

AppWizard

July 9, 2025

Steam Users Buy Games They’re Never Going to Play, Says Analyst

Steam remains the largest online gaming store for PC users, despite Epic Games' efforts to compete. Valve takes a 30% revenue cut from developers, while Epic takes only 12% after the first million in revenue. Steam's popularity is attributed to its large community of gamers who often buy games they do not play. Analysts note that Valve has successfully marketed to individuals overwhelmed by entertainment options, creating a scenario where gamers feel they might eventually play the games they purchase. A survey indicated that many players add games to their wishlist without trying them. An example is Chris Wray, who owns 6,062 games on Steam but has only played about 20% of them. Steam frequently offers significant discounts, especially during sales events.

AppWizard

July 9, 2025

channelnews : Epic Settles Samsung Antitrust Case Over Android App Store Restrictions

Epic Games has settled its antitrust lawsuit against Samsung Electronics, dismissing allegations of collusion with Google to restrict rival app marketplaces on Android devices. The lawsuit, initiated in September, accused Samsung of working with Google to maintain its market dominance, particularly through Samsung's Auto Blocker feature, which was designed to prevent malicious software but also hindered downloads from competing app stores. The settlement removes Samsung from the broader antitrust case, leaving Google as the sole defendant on remaining claims. Both companies deny wrongdoing, with Google calling the lawsuit "meritless." The settlement comes ahead of Samsung's new Galaxy phone announcements and does not disclose specific terms. Epic's ongoing challenges with its mobile app store highlight the difficulties faced by alternative marketplace operators.

AppWizard

July 9, 2025

Xbox and PC Game Pass might not actually be that profitable for Microsoft

Microsoft is planning layoffs that could affect over 9,000 employees, about four percent of its global workforce of 228,000. These layoffs are impacting various gaming studios and projects. The company is shifting its strategy towards artificial intelligence and reducing focus on hardware sales within the Xbox division. Concerns have been raised about the profitability of Xbox and PC Game Pass, with claims that Game Pass may not be as financially successful as previously thought. Christopher Dring noted that the profitability calculations for Game Pass do not include first-party development costs, which could significantly alter the perception of its financial success. A Microsoft spokesperson stated that the layoffs are part of efforts to align with business demands and improve organizational efficiency.

AppWizard

July 4, 2025

Hundreds of Android apps band together in massive scam campaign targeting millions – here’s what we know

A significant ad fraud operation called the IconAds campaign has been uncovered by security researchers at HUMAN. This scheme involved hundreds of Android applications that displayed advertisements without user consent and concealed their icons on devices. The majority of traffic came from Brazil, Mexico, and the United States. Although Google has removed many of these malicious apps from the Play Store, the threat persists as cybercriminals adapt quickly, introducing new applications and using obfuscation techniques. The IconAds campaign has been active since 2019, highlighting ongoing risks to users. Users are advised to check download counts, read user reviews carefully, and examine reviewer accounts to protect against potential threats.

AppWizard

July 4, 2025

MindsEye maker BARB set to make redundancies

Build A Rocket Boy, the developer of MindsEye, is preparing for potential layoffs, informing its approximately 300 UK employees and those at its subsidiary PlayFusion of possible redundancies. MindsEye, launched in early June, faced a poor reception due to technical difficulties, leading the company to address these issues. Co-CEO Leslie Benzies attributed some challenges to "internal and external saboteurs," a sentiment echoed by co-CEO Mark Gerhard. However, the game's publisher has stated they do not believe any sabotage occurred during development or launch.

AppWizard

July 3, 2025

Marketplace Content: July 2025

The text describes a warden-inspired collection of items for Minecraft, which includes: - Warden Wings by The Craft Stars - Warden Pants by CreatorLabs - Half Warden Face by Venift - Warden Boots by Pixelbiester - Warden Aura Arms by Lua Studios - Warden Shirt by Kreatik Studios It also mentions two subscription services for Minecraft: Realms Plus, which offers a personal server for up to ten friends, and Marketplace Pass, which is designed for solo adventures. Additionally, it notes that some items may leave the catalog and that players must reactivate their Marketplace Pass or purchase add-ons separately if their membership ends.

AppWizard

July 1, 2025

CHARTS: Peak rises to No.3 on Steam

Peak is the third highest-grossing title on Steam, having sold over two million copies in nine days since its launch. Counter-Strike 2 is the top game of the week, while the Steam Deck has moved up to second place. Cyberpunk 2077 has re-entered the Top Ten at fourth place due to a 65 percent price reduction, rising 77 spots. PUBG: Battlegrounds is in sixth place, and Dead by Daylight has dropped to seventh. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is now in eighth place after a ten percent price cut, and Apex Legends has improved its ranking by 13 spots to ninth. Dune: Awakening is in tenth place after slipping seven spots. The Steam Top Ten for the week ending July 1st includes: Counter-Strike 2, Steam Deck, Peak, Cyberpunk 2077, Elden Ring, PUBG: Battlegrounds, Dead by Daylight, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Apex Legends, and Dune: Awakening.