NewApp Digest
search bot

newsroom

Russia’s state-backed messaging app Max blocks regional chats where users tracked gas availability and shared information about lines at filling stations
AppWizard
June 25, 2026

Russia’s state-backed messaging app Max blocks regional chats where users tracked gas availability and shared information about lines at filling stations

The Max messenger has blocked chat groups in at least four Russian regions—Ivanovo, Vladimir, Tver, Krasnokamsk, and Chita—where users were tracking gas availability and information about filling station queues. The chat group "Benzin 33" in the Vladimir region gained 15,000 subscribers in three days, while "Benzin Ivanovo" had around 8,000 members, and the Tver chat reached 9,000 subscribers. The blocking in Vladimir was due to a technical violation related to subscriber registration with Roskomnadzor, while the reasons for blockings in other regions are unclear. Russia is facing a fuel crisis exacerbated by Ukrainian strikes on oil refineries, leading to restrictions on gasoline sales in over 20 areas and widespread shortages at gas stations. Additionally, the Federal Antimonopoly Service has banned the sale of gasoline on digital platforms, resulting in blocked listings on e-commerce sites like Ozon and Wildberries.
Indie Game Festival 'BIC 2026' Signs MOU with RedForce PC Arena
AppWizard
June 12, 2026

Indie Game Festival ‘BIC 2026’ Signs MOU with RedForce PC Arena

On June 12, the Busan Indie Connect Festival Organizing Committee and RedForce PC Arena signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate on the Busan Indie Connect Festival 2026 (BIC 2026). The partnership includes the creation of a dedicated 'FGT (Focus Group Test) Zone' at the festival, allowing gamers to provide feedback on exhibition titles. RedForce PC Arena will supply high-performance PCs and monitors and manage technical support for the testing environment. The organization will also promote BIC 2026 through its network of PC cafes. BIC 2026 will take place as a hybrid festival from August 7 to 28 online and from August 14 to 16 offline at BEXCO Exhibition Center 1, Hall 2, in Busan.
Minecraft Dungeons 2: Expanding Exploration and Co-op Action
AppWizard
June 10, 2026

Minecraft Dungeons 2: Expanding Exploration and Co-op Action

Minecraft Dungeons 2 was showcased at a private Xbox event in Los Angeles. The game features an interconnected world for exploration, allowing players to pursue objectives in larger environments. It introduces verticality, enabling players to jump and execute jump attacks. The art style has been refined, with concept art used during loading screens. Multiplayer gameplay supports solo play or teaming up with up to three others, both online and locally. The combat system retains exhilarating action while introducing new items and effects, with no distinct character classes. Players can equip four armor slots and utilize new equipment types like artifacts and talismans. A mini-inventory system has been implemented for quick equipment management. The demo took place in the Deep Dark biome, featuring familiar and new mobs, and included a challenging boss fight that emphasized teamwork. Minecraft Dungeons 2 is set to launch on September 29 for PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch 1 and 2.
After Apple yanks Max from App Store, VIPs still toast the Kremlin-linked messenger at SPIEF
AppWizard
June 5, 2026

After Apple yanks Max from App Store, VIPs still toast the Kremlin-linked messenger at SPIEF

A private VK Night party celebrated the launch of the Max messenger during the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, hosted by Ksenia Sobchak and attended by Digital Development Minister Maksut Shadaev and VK CEO Vladimir Kiriyenko. The event featured performances by pop singers Vanya Dmitriyenko and Lolita Milyavskaya. The Max messenger was removed from the App Store on June 3 due to compliance with sanctions, despite previously ranking ninth among the most-downloaded apps in Russia.
Meta Unveils AI Agent for WhatsApp, Instagram, Messenger
AppWizard
June 4, 2026

Meta Unveils AI Agent for WhatsApp, Instagram, Messenger

Meta has introduced the Meta Business Agent, an AI tool that enhances business-client interactions on platforms like WhatsApp, Messenger, and Instagram. It is currently operational for over one million businesses, providing 24/7 customer responses. The AI can answer inquiries, recommend products, book appointments, qualify leads, and close sales. The setup process is quick, and the tool supports local languages while adapting to a brand's tone. Initially free, it will transition to paid subscription tiers soon. Alongside the agent, Meta is launching the Meta Business Agent Platform, allowing companies to customize their own agents and integrate them with systems like Shopify and Zendesk. This platform offers enterprise-grade controls for larger businesses and aims to expand the agent’s capabilities over time.
Russia’s state-backed messaging app Max vanishes from App Store
AppWizard
June 4, 2026

Russia’s state-backed messaging app Max vanishes from App Store

Meduza uses an AI model to assist journalists in translating original Russian texts into English while adhering to strict editorial standards. Each translation is reviewed by a Meduza editor before publication to ensure quality and accuracy. Readers are encouraged to report any discrepancies or errors in the translations. Subscriptions to a newsletter are available for access to exclusive English-language content.
22 of Russia’s 30 most popular Android apps monitor whether users have VPN enabled, study finds
AppWizard
April 10, 2026

22 of Russia’s 30 most popular Android apps monitor whether users have VPN enabled, study finds

Recent research by RKS Global found that 22 out of the top 30 Android apps in Russia monitor users' VPN status. Banking apps like T-Bank, Sberbank, VTB, and Alfa-Bank are leading this trend, along with Yandex and VK applications such as Yandex Browser and VKontakte. Online marketplaces including Wildberries, Ozon, MegaMarket, and Samokat also track VPN usage. In total, 18 of the 30 apps transmit VPN status data to their servers, while 24 send lists of installed applications. Yandex Browser uniquely searches for the Tor browser, and Samokat and MegaMarket retrieve lists of installed VPN apps. The Russian Digital Development Ministry has mandated that major internet platforms restrict access for users with VPNs by April 15.
Valve veteran slams Tim Sweeney and Epic Games for laying off 1000 people while making 'as much money as possible… and hey Tim, Gabe's better at that than you'
AppWizard
March 27, 2026

Valve veteran slams Tim Sweeney and Epic Games for laying off 1000 people while making ‘as much money as possible… and hey Tim, Gabe’s better at that than you’

Chet Faliszek, a former Valve writer, expressed concerns about the recent layoffs at Epic Games, where over 1,000 employees lost their jobs. He questioned the motivation for employees to remain dedicated to their work after such significant layoffs and highlighted the closure of projects like Fortnite Rocket Racing and Ballistic. Faliszek contrasted his experience at Valve, where he felt a sense of ownership and pride, with the current situation at Epic, suggesting that the lack of agency could lead to a diminished work ethic. He warned that the layoffs could negatively impact the gaming industry's culture, resulting in a loss of passion and care among employees. Faliszek criticized Epic's strategic decisions and emphasized the importance of recognizing and rewarding employees' hard work. Epic Games did not provide specific feedback on his comments but referred to a recent post addressing the layoffs. The atmosphere at Epic is tense, with concerns about the future of Fortnite amid the workforce reductions.
Search