mobile ecosystem Archives

AppWizard

September 9, 2025

Google is working on making it easier than ever to find your Call Notes (APK teardown)

Google is enhancing its Phone app with a new filter that allows users to separate calls with Call Notes from their call history. This feature, which is part of the app's updates, will help users access important information from past conversations more easily. The Call Notes feature, launched in 2024, transcribes conversations and generates summaries, but finding these notes in a long call history can be difficult. The new "Notes" filter will provide a dedicated space for accessing Call Notes. This feature is currently exclusive to Pixel 9 and Pixel 10 series devices in the United States, and Pixel 9a users will not have access to it.

AppWizard

August 4, 2025

US court mandates Android app competition, loosens billing rules

The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that Google's dominance in Android app distribution is illegal, reinforcing a previous jury verdict in favor of Epic Games. Google is now subject to a three-year injunction from 2024 to 2027, requiring the inclusion of rival app stores and alternative billing systems in the Google Play Store. A technical compliance committee, appointed by Epic and Google, will oversee the implementation, ensuring competitors access Google’s app catalog while minimizing security risks. Developers will no longer be required to use Google’s billing system for in-app purchases. Market analysts predict that this could lead to a decline in Google’s app revenue by .5 billion annually. Google plans to appeal the decision and seek delays to prevent rapid changes. Advocates for the ruling, including Microsoft and regulators, view it as a significant step toward a more competitive mobile market.

BetaBeacon

December 13, 2024

Epic Games Store will be pre-installed on Telefónica phones running Android

The Epic Games Store will come pre-installed on compatible Android phones from the Telefónica network in Spain, the United Kingdom, Germany, Mexico, and all Spanish-speaking countries in Latin America as part of a new partnership between the service provider and Epic Games.

AppWizard

November 28, 2024

Xbox’s plan to see games via Android app delayed by court order

Microsoft's initiative to enable Android users to purchase and play console games through the Xbox app is currently delayed due to a "temporary administrative stay" from the courts, linked to the ongoing legal dispute between Google and Epic Games. Xbox president Sarah Bond indicated that the feature was expected to launch in November for Android devices in the U.S., but the legal situation has hindered this rollout. The delay follows a favorable jury verdict for Epic Games, which led to a court order requiring Google to open its marketplace and eliminate its billing requirements, set to take effect on November 1. However, Google has appealed and received a stay on these changes. Google spokesperson Dan Jackson claimed that Microsoft has always had the ability to offer this functionality but chose not to, citing security concerns over a rushed implementation. Despite the setback, Microsoft is continuing to expand its mobile offerings, including a beta for game streaming on various devices and plans for a dedicated mobile store, which has been postponed for further research.

AppWizard

October 11, 2024

Microsoft to Allow Direct Xbox Game Purchases and Play in Android App Following U.S. Court Ruling Against Google –

Microsoft will enable direct purchases and gameplay of Xbox titles through its Xbox App on Android devices starting in November. This decision follows a U.S. court ruling that requires Google to allow alternative payment methods, giving developers more flexibility and potentially lowering transaction fees. The integration of direct purchases aims to enhance user experience and accessibility for gamers, allowing them to buy Xbox games directly from the app.

BetaBeacon

September 30, 2024

Epic Games sues Google and Samsung: demands them to change a feature of their devices that affects Fortnite and its game store on Android | LevelUp

Epic Games has filed a lawsuit against Samsung over the Auto Blocker feature on Samsung devices, which prevents the installation of third-party stores and applications by default. Epic Games claims that this feature is anti-competitive and unfair, and is seeking compensation for damages and legal expenses.

AppWizard

September 23, 2024

Huawei announces 10,000 apps support ‘HarmonyOS Next’ after blocking Android apps

Huawei has fully transitioned to its proprietary operating system, HarmonyOS, eliminating the ability to install Android applications. The company has developed over 10,000 applications for HarmonyOS, addressing 99.9% of consumers' usage needs. Huawei is set to officially launch this new platform on September 24, alongside new products, including the Mate XT, the world's first tri-fold smartphone.

AppWizard

September 1, 2024

Average app price

As of August 2024, the Apple App Store has over 2 million applications, while the Google Play Store has approximately 3 million apps.

BetaBeacon

August 17, 2024

‘Fortnite’ Returns to Apple Devices in Europe and Android Globally; Epic Games Still Fighting ‘Anticompetitive’ Block in U.S.

Epic Games has successfully relaunched "Fortnite" in Europe on Apple devices and globally on Android platforms after legal battles with Apple.

BetaBeacon

August 17, 2024

Epic Games launches mobile store, bringing Fortnite and Fall Guys to iOS and Android

The Epic Games Store has launched on mobile devices, starting with Android worldwide and iOS in the European Union. The initial mobile catalogue includes Fortnite, Rocket League Sideswipe, and Fall Guys Mobile. Epic aims to achieve 100 million new net installs across iOS and Android by 2024. Detailed guides and incentives are provided to encourage users to switch to the Epic Games Store. The launch also marks a milestone in Epic's legal battles with Apple and Google.