move Archives

Winsage

February 22, 2025

Windows upgrades to Start, Search, and Share might arrive sooner than you expect

A new Drag Tray feature allows users to share files by dragging them to a tray at the top of the screen, simplifying the sharing process. The Start menu can now be customized with a Grid view or a Category view for easier navigation. Windows Search has been updated to allow users to find images by typing a description instead of the file name, including images stored in the cloud. This search enhancement is currently available on Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs, with support for AMD and Intel models expected soon.

AppWizard

February 21, 2025

Amazon Appstore on Android to be discontinued this summer

Amazon will close its Android Appstore on August 20, 2025, ending access for users on Android devices and discontinuing the Amazon Coins program. The Appstore, launched in 2011, struggled to gain a substantial user base despite various innovations. Users will be warned that apps downloaded from the Appstore may stop functioning after the closure, but they can migrate purchased apps to Amazon devices like the Kindle. Amazon has already stopped selling Amazon Coins as of February 20, 2025, and unused balances will be refunded after the closure. Users are advised to disable auto-renewals for subscriptions. The closure reflects the Appstore's failure to resonate with users and diminishing relevance in the market.

BetaBeacon

February 21, 2025

Epic Games Store mobile brings Bioware classic Knights of the Old Republic to iOS and Android

Bioware's Knights of the Old Republic Duology is now free on the Epic Games Store for mobile.

AppWizard

February 21, 2025

Amazon Is Shutting Down Its Android App Store For Users: Does It Really Matter?

Amazon will close its App Store for Android devices on August 20, 2025, due to low user engagement compared to the Google Play Store. Developers have been notified to stop submissions to the App Store. Additionally, Amazon is discontinuing its Amazon Coins program and will process refunds for any unused coins. The company is shifting its focus to enhancing app experiences on its own devices, such as Fire TV and Fire HD tablets.

AppWizard

February 21, 2025

PlayStation games on PC is “almost like printing money”, says former exec Shuhei Yoshida

Shuhei Yoshida, a former PlayStation executive, discussed the financial benefits of porting PlayStation-exclusive titles to PC, describing it as "almost like printing money." He expressed a desire to transition first-party games to PC earlier but noted that the previous business model did not support this vision. Porting games allows Sony to reach a broader audience, particularly in regions with low console ownership, and is cost-effective compared to creating original titles. Yoshida emphasized the importance of tapping into emerging markets like China, where the PC gaming landscape is strong. Since 2020, Sony has gradually transitioned its exclusive titles to PC, with recent releases including Marvel's Spider-Man 2 and the upcoming The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered. The release of Helldivers 2 was noted as a significant success for Sony. Yoshida also mentioned future plans for live service games, including insights on Naughty Dog's The Last of Us Online.

AppWizard

February 21, 2025

Amazon Shuts Down Appstore for Android Phones After 14 Years: No More Apps Coming to the Platform

Amazon will close its Appstore for Android smartphones on August 20, marking the end of its mobile app initiatives after over a decade of challenges. The Appstore, launched in 2011, struggled to compete with Google Play Store and had only 0.1% installation on Android devices by its shutdown announcement. Existing users can continue to use downloaded apps until at least August 2025, but Amazon has stopped selling Amazon Coins. The closure coincides with ongoing antitrust scrutiny of Google. Amazon will still operate its Appstore for Fire devices, which use a modified version of Android.

AppWizard

February 21, 2025

Amazon app store for Android to discontinue operations this year

Amazon will close its Android app store on August 20, 2025. Developers can submit updates for existing apps until the closure but cannot introduce new applications. The app store will remain functional on Amazon's Fire tablets and Fire TV. In Japan, in-app purchases will be discontinued, and users are advised to seek alternative marketplaces. Amazon will also end its Amazon Coins program, refunding any unused Coins by the closure date, with the last purchase opportunity on February 20, 2025. Additionally, Amazon's app store support for Windows devices will cease on March 5, 2025.

AppWizard

February 21, 2025

Amazon to Discontinue Amazon Coins and Amazon Appstore on Android

Amazon will cease the availability of Amazon Coins on February 20, 2025, and the Amazon Appstore on Android devices will be discontinued on August 20, 2025. Customers must use any remaining Amazon Coins by that date, as unspent balances will be refunded afterward. The Appstore will still be available on Fire TV and Fire Tablet devices. Additionally, the Appstore will not be downloadable from the Microsoft store on Windows 11 devices starting March 6, 2024. Amazon Web Services will stop accepting new customers for Amazon Chime on February 19, 2025, with full support until February 20, 2026. The social commerce feature, Inspire, integrated into the Amazon shopping app in 2022, will also be discontinued.

AppWizard

February 21, 2025

Payday 3 sales dropped off hard in 2024, but Starbreeze has hope for the future

Payday 3's financial performance has significantly declined, with sales dropping to million in the 2024 financial year, compared to million in its inaugural year. In contrast, Payday 2 generated million during the same period. The game's disappointing performance led to the departure of the CEO in early 2024 and the game director in September 2023. A lead producer described the 2023 launch as 'disastrous.' Starbreeze is collaborating with platforms like PUBG and Roblox and is offering Payday 3 for free on PlayStation Plus in February to attract new players. The company is also developing a co-op Dungeons & Dragons game, currently in internal playtesting, which has received positive feedback from potential business partners.

BetaBeacon

February 21, 2025

A Pair Of Great Star Wars RPGs Are Free For Android Owners Right Now

The Epic Games Store is offering free games on mobile, with Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic and Knights of the Old Republic II available until March 20. Epic Games Store has been adding new games each month and plans to move to a weekly schedule later this year. Epic Games has been expanding its cross-platform accounts and is trying to attract users with free games on mobile.