microtransactions Archives

AppWizard

June 21, 2025

Understanding Android 14 Privacy Changes: Key Insights

The introduction of Android 14 features a sophisticated permissions model that requests app permissions only when needed, allowing users to choose between "approximate" and "precise" location access. Apps handling transactions must justify their need for real-time access. Background location usage must be disclosed in Play Store listings, and developers must complete Data Safety Forms. Android enforces scoped storage, isolating apps in sandboxed environments to reduce data leakage risks. Visual indicators for microphone and camera usage were introduced in Android 12, and Android 14 requires apps to specify the nature of access. In-app transactions in gaming apps must meet elevated security standards, including encryption and biometric logins, and undergo audits under PCI DSS. Background access for location services requires clear justification, and developers must submit a Permission Declaration Form. Google Play mandates disclosure of third-party SDKs and their data practices. User awareness is emphasized through concise permission dialogs and Data Safety summaries in Play Store listings. Secure login protocols like OAuth 2.0 are required for sensitive applications, with stronger encryption mandates. Apps for children must comply with COPPA and GDPR-K regulations, with manual reviews by the Play Store. Google's Privacy Sandbox initiative aims to enhance privacy in advertising practices, with expected rollout in 2024.

AppWizard

June 6, 2025

Activision says COD microtransaction ads were accidental test

Activision clarified that the microtransactions in the Loadout menus of Black Ops 6 and Warzone were not intended for public release and were part of an internal test that accidentally went live during the Season 04 update. The company stated that this UI feature test, which revealed select store content, was published in error and has since been removed from the live game.

AppWizard

May 31, 2025

New Steam Game Just Released Has a 99% Rating and Is Free

Poco is a point-and-click adventure game released on May 20, developed by Whalefall and Micah Boursier. It has received an “Overwhelmingly Positive” rating on Steam, with 99 percent of 774 user reviews being favorable. The game is free to play and contains no microtransactions or hidden costs. Poco features a whimsical narrative where players help a clown named Poco navigate the Below World and construct a rocket. The gameplay lasts around two hours, and its compatibility with the Steam Deck is currently listed as “Unknown.”

AppWizard

May 30, 2025

Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands is free on Epic Games Store

Epic Games and Gearbox are offering a free copy of Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands for PC gamers until June 5th. Players can claim the game from the Epic Games Store, and it will remain in their library permanently. The game features a vibrant world, a multiclass system with six character skill trees, and supports solo or multiplayer modes. It performs well on various PC configurations, though higher resolutions require a robust GPU. Gearbox has removed the Denuvo anti-tamper technology from the game.

BetaBeacon

May 29, 2025

You Can Play Classic Pinball from Windows on Android for Free

The classic Pinball game is now available for free for Android users, thanks to Kyle Sylvestre who ported it there.

AppWizard

May 18, 2025

After raising over $800 million from its community, Star Citizen’s developer delays the release of a new ship upgrade as players baulk at having to pay for it

Cloud Imperium Games has raised over 0 million for Star Citizen through various funding methods over thirteen years. Recently, a new ship upgrade caused significant backlash from the community, with nearly 2,000 forum responses expressing discontent. Players criticized the introduction of purchasable flight blades, with some feeling disillusioned about investing further in the game. Despite the criticism, some players remain excited about the Greycat MTC, a planetary exploration vehicle priced at . In response to the uproar, Cloud Imperium Games announced that flight blades would be available for in-game currency in the upcoming June patch and acknowledged the need for better alignment between store items and in-game availability. The development of Star Citizen and its single-player counterpart, Squadron 42, continues, with Chris Roberts suggesting Squadron 42 may launch in 2026.

BetaBeacon

May 10, 2025

Try these 5 Apps and Games for Android and iOS, tried and tested!

- Delta Force is a popular multiplayer first-person shooter originally released on PC. - Battles in Delta Force take place in 24 vs. 24 with large teams on large maps. - The game has different modes, including an "Operations" mode and a co-op campaign mode. - Delta Force is free to install but contains microtransactions for cosmetic items. - Run&Grow is an app that tracks running sessions and rewards users with virtual garden decorations. - Remember - A Brain Add-On helps users remember where they stored important items by taking photos. - Command Stick is an Android app that adds a floating widget for quick access to commands. - TMNT: Shredder's Revenge is a mobile game where players beat up enemies with different characters from the Ninja Turtles universe.

Winsage

May 8, 2025

6 reasons I want Microsoft Plus back, even though I never had it growing up

Microsoft's evolution of Windows has included various enhancements and features over the years, originally exemplified by the Microsoft Plus! add-on package. Key features that could be included in a modern add-on pack are: - Ad-Free Experience: An option to eliminate advertisements from the Windows experience, addressing user frustration with prompts for subscriptions like Microsoft 365 or Game Pass. - Engaging Games: The potential to reintroduce classic games or develop new titles that provide a more engaging gaming experience without microtransactions and ads. - Dynamic Desktop Themes: The ability to create dynamic themes with animated wallpapers and custom frames, allowing for more personalized desktop experiences. - DVD Playback and Codec Support: Inclusion of DVD playback functionality and enhanced codec support for modern formats like H.265 and AV1, along with a transcoding tool for media conversion. - Enhanced Video Editing: Development of a robust, native video editing application similar to Windows Live Movie Maker, with advanced features and support for 4K exports.

AppWizard

May 5, 2025

The first big REPO update is available to test

REPO's update 0.1.2.21_beta is currently available for players through an open beta on Steam. To access it, players can right-click on the game's title, select properties, and then betas. The update includes a new level and a random matchmaking feature. Semiwork has confirmed that REPO will not become free-to-play and will not include microtransactions, but players can earn cosmetics through gameplay.

AppWizard

April 14, 2025

‘Oh god’: There’s a buried Steam help page that shows how much money you’ve ever spent on the platform, and you may not want to know

A web tool allows gamers to estimate the value of their Steam accounts, but it does not reveal the total financial commitment users have made, particularly regarding microtransactions. Users can find their total spending by navigating to Help > Steam support > My account > Data related to your Steam account > External funds used. One Reddit user reported spending over ,000, while a Counter-Strike streamer estimated that top account holders may have spent upwards of 0,000. The entire Steam purchase history can be accessed through Help > Steam support > My account > Data related to your Steam account > Purchase history. Engaging in PC gaming is costly, especially considering hardware expenses, yet many gamers do not regret their spending. Video games often provide cost-effective entertainment when factoring in total playtime.