monetization Archives

AppWizard

May 6, 2025

Revenge of the Savage Planet review

The game is a comedy co-op metroidvania titled "Revenge of the Savage Planet," developed and published by Raccoon Logic Studios, set to release on May 8, 2025, priced at £33. It features a whimsical gait for characters, a vibrant ecosystem, and elements of survival and exploration across four distinct planets. The game includes color-coded goo that affects gameplay, allowing for creative interactions and traps in co-op play. It shifts from a first-person to a third-person perspective and emphasizes player expression and fun over grindy mechanics. The game is designed for cooperative enjoyment rather than solitary play, although solo players will still find engaging elements.

AppWizard

May 6, 2025

I’m the Private Messaging App Signal, and the Trump Administration Is Ruining My Brand

Signal, known for its commitment to privacy and end-to-end encryption, is facing controversy due to a breach involving an unofficial version used by Mike Waltz, a former National Security Adviser. This incident has raised questions about the app's reputation and its ability to maintain secure communications. The app's founder, Moxie Marlinspike, emphasizes privacy, but the association with political figures has complicated its image. Signal has recently released version 7.34.0, which improved compatibility with Arm64 processors, but the media focus has shifted to the political controversy. This breach raises concerns for potential users who value anonymity, and Signal's open-source design allows for public scrutiny, contrasting with competitors. The company faces challenges in restoring user trust while competing with alternatives that prioritize data monetization and advertising. Signal's commitment to privacy and technology remains, but it must work to distance itself from political narratives to recover its trusted status.

BetaBeacon

May 5, 2025

Star Wars Day: Why it’s May 4th, Andor and the best series i Android games

The date May 4th is based on a pun "May the Fourth Be With You" which refers to the popular phrase "May the Force be with you".

BetaBeacon

April 30, 2025

Epic Games for Android is bringing Flappy Bird back

Flappy Bird, a classic mobile game, is making a comeback on Android devices through the Epic Games Store app. The game will be available for free with in-game ads and ongoing support and updates. Players can access the Epic Games app on Android by downloading it directly from the company's website, bypassing the Google Play Store.

Winsage

April 29, 2025

Windows isn’t an OS, it’s a bad habit bordering on addiction

Microsoft's Windows operating system has approximately 1.5 billion users globally, but faces stagnation as many users find Windows 10 satisfactory and are reluctant to upgrade to Windows 11. Microsoft is pushing Windows 11 aggressively, incorporating AI features and nudging users toward paid services, which raises concerns about user experience. The company is uncertain about its future direction, with Project Hudson Valley fading away and the potential for a subscription-based licensing model. In corporate environments, IT departments often prioritize compliance over user needs, leaving employees with limited choices. Some users are exploring alternatives like macOS or Linux, seeking better alignment with their values. Resources are available to help users transition gradually from Windows 10 to alternatives, and maintaining a dual-system approach can ease this process.

AppWizard

April 27, 2025

I miss old PopCap like you miss old BioWare

From 2000 to 2010, PopCap Games dominated the casual gaming market, influencing the design of many subsequent mobile games. The studio's notable titles included Peggle Extreme, featured in Valve's The Orange Box, and Gyromancer, a collaboration with Square Enix. PopCap's games often drew inspiration from earlier concepts, such as Zuma from Puzz Loop and Bejeweled from the Russian game Shariki. After being acquired by Electronic Arts, PopCap shifted towards mobile and free-to-play models, leading to the decline of its original PC titles. Despite this change, the spirit of PopCap's creativity persists in the indie gaming scene, with games like Donut County and Peglin reflecting its innovative approach. Bookworm Adventures remains accessible through the Internet Archive, contributing to PopCap's lasting legacy.

AppWizard

April 23, 2025

Here’s why Snapseed is still my favorite app for editing photos

Megan Ellis from Android Authority highlights Snapseed as a standout free image editing application on Android, known for its simplicity and powerful tools. Despite infrequent updates, the app offers an intuitive interface, various preset filters, and selective editing options without overwhelming users. Snapseed is completely ad-free and does not require subscription fees, prioritizing user privacy by collecting minimal data. Ellis continues to rely on Snapseed for enhancing images and preparing photos for printing, appreciating its straightforward functionality compared to other apps that often have aggressive monetization strategies.

AppWizard

April 11, 2025

PC Players Spend More On Microtransactions Than Actual Games

Newzoo's report reveals that in 2024, microtransactions account for over 58 percent of spending in the PC gaming sector, while only 28 percent is allocated to full game purchases, reflecting a 2.6 percent decline from the previous year. Players dedicated only 8 percent of their gaming time to new releases, with over 60 percent spent on titles released more than six years ago. In contrast, console gaming shows microtransactions at 32 percent of player spending, a 4.5 percent increase year-over-year, while full game purchases still dominate. Subscription services like Xbox Game Pass and PS Plus Extra capture about 16 percent of the console market.

AppWizard

April 10, 2025

How Gaming Is Regulated On Android’s App Store

The Google Play Store offers millions of mobile games and enforces strict regulations to ensure user safety and legal compliance. These regulations cover content policies, monetization practices, data protection, technical requirements, and regional compliance. Games must adhere to content policies that prohibit hate speech, excessive violence, and misrepresentation, and must be rated by the International Age Rating Coalition (IARC). Monetization strategies require developers to use Google’s payment system for in-app purchases and disclose pricing and refund policies. Gambling games must have the necessary licenses and disclose odds for loot boxes. Data privacy guidelines mandate clear communication about data collection and user consent. Technical standards require games to function well across devices and be free from security threats. Google employs automated and manual reviews to enforce compliance, with consequences for violations ranging from warnings to permanent bans. Regional compliance is necessary, particularly in areas with strict regulations like China and the EU.

AppWizard

April 4, 2025

The Best PC Games to Play Right Now (Spring 2025)

PC gaming in 2025 features advanced GPUs enabling ray tracing and AI-enhanced upscaling, with tools like Unreal Engine 5 facilitating diverse game development. Platforms such as Steam and Epic Games Store host tens of thousands of titles, with over 13,000 new games launched on Steam in 2024. Notable games include Baldur’s Gate 3, Elden Ring, Disco Elysium: The Final Cut, Cyberpunk 2077, Valorant, Overwatch 2, Dota 2, League of Legends, Warframe, and Apex Legends. Key trends include cross-platform compatibility, free-to-play models, and game subscription services. Optimal gaming setups typically require a mid-range processor, a GTX 1070 or better graphics card, and at least 16GB of RAM. Popular multiplayer games include Valorant and Apex Legends, while highly rated titles include Baldur’s Gate 3, Elden Ring, and Disco Elysium. Classics worth playing today include The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and Portal 2.