payment option Archives

BetaBeacon

December 8, 2025

Google and Fortnite make peace after legal fight that went on for more than five years: What it means for Android users – The Times of India

Google and Epic Games have reached a settlement in their 5-year-long antitrust dispute, marking the end of Google's control over the Android app ecosystem. Under the new terms, Google will allow users to download and install third-party app stores that meet security standards, providing more choice for consumers. This change may lead to lower prices for users and lower costs for developers, as well as the launch of major rival stores within the Android system. However, the user experience may become more fragmented with multiple app stores, raising concerns about privacy and security.

AppWizard

December 6, 2025

How to Buy a Digital Game as a Gift This Holiday

The Microsoft Store allows users to gift digital games across various platforms, including Xbox consoles, Windows PCs, and handheld devices like the Xbox ROG Ally. To gift a game through a console, users navigate to the Microsoft Store, select the game, and click the gift wrap icon to access “Buy as gift” options. The recipient must be in the same country for the transaction to proceed. After selecting the recipient and payment option, the friend receives a notification to redeem the game. Users can also gift add-ons and subscriptions like Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. For gifting through the Xbox app on PC or Xbox ROG Ally, the process is similar: search for the game, click the “…” button, and select “Buy as Gift.” Gifting via a web browser involves visiting the Microsoft Store Online, selecting the game, and choosing “Buy as a gift” after logging into a Microsoft Account. The gifting process on the Microsoft Store for Windows is also straightforward, with only the email option available for sending gifts.

BetaBeacon

October 30, 2025

Google Play injunction can “transform Android game economics”

- An injunction placed on Google Play in the US allows for alternative payments and anti-steering measures until November 1st, 2027. - This ruling follows the Epic Games vs. Google case and enables developers to use their own payment systems with lower fees. - The change is seen as a major shift for mobile developers in the US, empowering them to deepen relationships with players and experiment with new monetization models. - Google may be making business model changes to preserve user trust and safety in the ecosystem.

Tech Optimizer

October 10, 2025

McAfee+ Ultimate identity theft protection review: Everything you need to stay safe online

McAfee+ Ultimate offers a comprehensive suite for identity protection and credit monitoring, integrating McAfee's antivirus capabilities with services from TransUnion. The yearly cost is for individuals and 9 for families, with no monthly payment option. It includes monitoring across three credit bureaus (TransUnion, Equifax, Experian), daily credit reports from TransUnion, and annual reports from the others, utilizing the VantageScore 3.0 model. Features include a credit-improvement simulator, a credit-lock button, antivirus software, a VPN, and a password manager. Identity theft coverage is up to million, with an additional 0,000 for ransomware. The service provides data breach alerts and monitoring for payday loans and medical records but does not cover alerts for sex offenders or cyberbullying. McAfee+ Ultimate has a user-friendly interface, allowing easy access to credit scores and reports, and demonstrated a 99.96% success rate in malware detection during testing. Alerts are sent via text, email, and the service interface for potential breaches and significant credit changes, but it lacks alerts for property title changes or cyberbullying incidents.

AppWizard

October 6, 2025

5 journaling apps you should use instead of Pixel Journal

Google has introduced a suite of exclusive applications for the Pixel 10 smartphone series, including the Pixel Journal, an AI-enhanced diary that offers contextual writing prompts and the ability to attach images and maps. Alternatives to Pixel Journal include: 1. Daily You: An open-source, free app that allows users to upload images, track their mood, and visualize mood trends alongside activities. It features a Flashbacks section for past entries and offers customizable storage folders and password protection. 2. Daily Diary: A minimalist journaling app focused on text without image uploads, automatically saving daily entries to a text file. It allows users to view previous entries and includes essential settings. 3. Day One: A comprehensive journaling app that allows multiple journals, text formatting, image embeds, and location tagging for entries. It offers daily prompts and a premium subscription for additional features. 4. Diarium: A feature-rich app with a seven-day trial of its Pro version, offering a timeline view, map view, and a search function. It highlights past entries and the premium version includes unlimited attachments and third-party service integration. 5. Journey: An app with standard diary functionalities and advanced AI features, including the Journey Odyssey AI for searching diary content and a tutorial feature called “Coach” for seasonal prompts. It offers a one-time payment option to unlock all features.

Winsage

September 24, 2025

Own your apps with Microsoft Office Pro for Windows at $50 (Reg. $240).

Microsoft Office Pro 2021 for Windows is available for .99, reduced from its regular price of 9.99. The suite includes MS Word, Excel, OneNote, PowerPoint, Outlook, Publisher, Access, and Teams, along with a complimentary Microsoft Training bundle featuring 42 lectures and 25 hours of content. It offers a one-time payment option for installation on Windows, maintaining familiar functionality while introducing a modern aesthetic. Prices are subject to change.

Winsage

August 28, 2025

Your Windows 10 PC Will Lose Security Updates Soon — Here’s What to Do Before It’s Too Late

Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, leaving users of older computers without security updates, bug fixes, or technical assistance. Users can enroll in the Extended Security Update (ESU) program to extend protection until October 2026 by installing the free update KB5063709. The ESU program offers two payment methods: 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points for local accounts or a payment option for up to ten PCs under a single Microsoft account. This program does not include new features, bug fixes, or technical support. For alternatives, various Linux distributions like Ubuntu, Linux Mint, and Zorin OS are available for older machines, as well as ChromeOS Flex for a browser-based experience. Users can also access Windows 11 through cloud services like Windows 365 or Azure Virtual Desktop, which requires a reliable internet connection and subscription costs. Microsoft 365 applications will continue to receive security updates on Windows 10 devices for three more years. The approaching end of Windows 10 support may prompt users with aging devices to consider upgrading to new computers that come with Windows 11 pre-installed, offering better performance, security features, and longer battery life.

AppWizard

August 15, 2025

PayPal pulls Steam support for most currencies

Valve has announced that PayPal is no longer facilitating transactions on its Steam platform in numerous countries due to its acquiring bank ceasing to process Steam transactions in various currencies. Currently, Valve can only accept PayPal payments in Euros, Canadian Dollars, British Pounds, Japanese Yen, Australian Dollars, and US Dollars. Valve hopes to reinstate PayPal for additional currencies in the future and is exploring alternative payment methods. The withdrawal of PayPal's support is linked to content available on the platform and follows a campaign by the anti-pornography group Collective Shout, which has targeted platforms like Steam over their NSFW game content.

AppWizard

August 14, 2025

Steam games no longer purchasable with PayPal in most countries — Valve offers no timeline for a potential fix

Steam's payment system has faced a significant disruption, affecting millions of players globally. The PayPal payment option is unavailable for users in many regions, except for transactions in Euros, British Pounds, Japanese Yen, Australian Dollars, Canadian Dollars, or U.S. Dollars. This issue began in early July 2025 and was confirmed by Valve to be due to a decision by one of PayPal's acquiring banks to stop processing Steam transactions for certain currencies. Users are now advised to use alternative payment methods or Steam Wallet codes. Valve has stated that the problem is related to currency issues and not tied to recent controversies regarding adult content. The timeline for restoring PayPal support remains uncertain.

Winsage

June 22, 2025

Get Office 2021 for Mac without the monthly fee nonsense

A one-time payment option is available for Microsoft Office Home & Business 2021 for Mac at a price of .97, reduced from the regular price of 9.99. This offer provides a lifetime license, eliminating the need for monthly payments or renewals. The package includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams (Basic), and OneNote. The license is connected to a Microsoft account, allowing redownload on a new device. The deal is available for a limited time.