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МТС начал взимать ежедневную плату за использование VPN
TrendTechie
March 14, 2026

МТС начал взимать ежедневную плату за использование VPN

MTS, a major mobile operator in Russia, has reclassified virtual private networks (VPNs) as equivalent to torrent services, imposing a daily fee of up to 87 rubles for users who wish to engage in private browsing. Traffic routed through VPNs will no longer be included in standard service packages, leading to additional charges for accessing blocked resources or securing connections. The new tariff structure charges users based on their region and plan, with fees ranging from 80 to 87 rubles per day for a quota of five gigabytes of specialized traffic. Users can block this service to avoid charges, resulting in the complete unavailability of VPN connections. This policy is seen as a response to pressures for new monetization strategies and aligns with government efforts to limit internet circumvention. The potential for other major telecom operators to adopt similar practices could impact net neutrality in Russia.
Africa’s monetisation debate: founders weigh in on mobile, PC, and the realities of game revenue
AppWizard
March 14, 2026

Africa’s monetisation debate: founders weigh in on mobile, PC, and the realities of game revenue

African founders view the continent's mobile gaming market as facing significant constraints, including challenges related to payments, purchasing power, and infrastructure, rather than being fundamentally broken. Industry leaders like Hugo Obi and Abdallah Elshabrawy highlight that while monetization is a global challenge, it is particularly exacerbated in Africa due to economic realities. Advertising, especially rewarded video ads, is currently the most reliable revenue model, though lower advertising rates necessitate a larger user base for sustainable revenue. Mobile gaming accounts for about 87% of African gamers and 90% of gaming revenue, emphasizing its reach despite higher spending in PC gaming. Founders stress the importance of targeting global audiences and adapting monetization strategies to the diverse payment ecosystems and cultural dynamics across the continent. A hybrid approach to monetization, combining mobile and PC gaming, is seen as a potential future direction for the industry.
WWE 2K26 Review - More Money, More Problems
AppWizard
March 13, 2026

WWE 2K26 Review – More Money, More Problems

WWE 2K26 features a roster of over 400 wrestlers and presents polished graphics. The gameplay includes minor enhancements, new match types like Inferno and I Quit, and the introduction of thumbtacks as a weapon. The Ringside Pass, a battle pass system with free and premium tiers, allows players to earn XP and unlock new content, but may negatively impact game modes like MyRise by making progression feel grind-heavy. The Island returns with added voice acting but remains focused on cosmetic upgrades. CM Punk’s Showcase mode offers a nostalgic look at his career, though it has limitations. Modes like MyGM and the Creation Suite have expanded, while MyFaction remains VC-heavy. The overall experience is affected by monetization strategies and a sense of redundancy in gameplay.
Windows 12 Rumors Spark Shift Toward Linux
Winsage
March 11, 2026

Windows 12 Rumors Spark Shift Toward Linux

The anticipated arrival of Windows 12 may drive many PC users to consider switching to Linux due to its deeper integration of artificial intelligence, increased monetization strategies, and higher hardware requirements. Microsoft has indicated a shift towards an AI-centric operating system, which could alienate users who prefer a stable desktop experience. As Windows 10 nears the end of its support in 2025, users face the choice of paying for Extended Security Updates, upgrading to Windows 12, or exploring alternatives like Linux, which has reached a 4% global market share in 2024. Recent developments in Windows 11, such as the introduction of ads and telemetry, have caused dissatisfaction among users, while Linux distributions remain ad-free and focus on security and functionality. Windows 11's new hardware requirements may leave many older PCs behind, whereas Linux is compatible with less powerful hardware. The Linux desktop has matured, with improved app distribution and gaming capabilities, and offers extensive support options. If Windows 12 emphasizes AI, advertising, and hardware restrictions, it could lead to a significant migration towards Linux as users seek a more user-friendly and controllable operating system.
Google Announces Registered App Stores For Android
AppWizard
March 4, 2026

Google Announces Registered App Stores For Android

Google is launching a Registered App Stores program for Android, allowing third-party app stores to officially register if they meet specific quality and safety criteria. This program aims to provide a better installation experience for users and will be rolled out in a major Android release later this year, initially targeting markets outside the US. Registration is optional, and stores can continue using the existing sideloading process. Alongside this, Google is unbundling its fee structure, reducing service fees for developers to between 15% and 20%, with an additional 5% fee for using Google Play billing in certain regions. The rollout of the new billing structure is expected by the end of June in the US, UK, and Europe, with global completion by September 30, 2027. The initiative is part of a broader settlement with Epic Games and reflects ongoing legal pressures for greater competition in app distribution.
After its disastrous launch last year, I'm here to tell you that 2025's most promising auto-battler finally lives up to its potential
AppWizard
March 1, 2026

After its disastrous launch last year, I’m here to tell you that 2025’s most promising auto-battler finally lives up to its potential

The Bazaar is an auto-battler game released in March of the previous year, which faced backlash due to its monetization strategies and microtransactions. The game features a whimsical galactic marketplace where players select heroes and acquire items to enhance their boards. Players engage in automatic battles, refining their strategies with various item synergies, such as assembling teams of aquatic and robotic creatures. The current meta favors weapon builds, and players enjoy the randomness of hero selection and item discovery. Developer Tempo has made significant improvements, addressing community concerns, refining the monetization model, and introducing ranked matchmaking to enhance the experience for both newcomers and seasoned players.
Mobile revenue remained flat across 2025, but PC gaming "sees another record year" | Sensor Tower State of Gaming 2026
AppWizard
February 26, 2026

Mobile revenue remained flat across 2025, but PC gaming “sees another record year” | Sensor Tower State of Gaming 2026

Digital intelligence and analytics firm Sensor Tower's State of Gaming 2026 report reveals that mobile game revenue has remained flat, while PC and console gaming revenues have surged by 13%. In 2025, there were 52 billion downloads across all platforms, with mobile games downloaded at a rate of 95,000 per minute, although this represents a decline from 2024. Mobile game revenue increased by only 1%, indicating a shift towards retaining and monetizing existing players. In contrast, PC gaming, particularly on Steam, achieved record gains in units sold and revenue, driven by AA and AAA publishers. The shooter genre performed strongly, with Battlefield 6 as the best-selling game, followed by EA Sports FC 25 and 26. In the free-to-play category, Skate was the most downloaded title. Indie games like R.E.P.O. and Peak were recognized as top sellers. Data trends indicate that PC gamers are generally younger, while hypercasual gamers tend to be female. The strategy genre gained traction in mobile gaming, led by Last War: Survival and Whiteout Survival.
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