The ACCC granted Google and Epic a six-year authorization covering Google Play service fees and rules governing alternative payment options inside Android apps sold in Australia.
The Play Catalog Access Program was implemented on July 22, 2026, as a result of a court order after Google lost a lawsuit filed by Epic Games for illegally monopolizing Android app distribution and in-app billing. The program allows enrolled stores, such as Aptoide Games, to access Google Play's app catalog and offer users the ability to install apps through Google Play's infrastructure, maintaining security and service fees.
Google has integrated Venmo as a payment option on Google Play, allowing users to purchase apps, games, and digital content more flexibly. Users can link their Venmo accounts to Google Play by following specific steps in the app. Venmo has expanded its services, enabling transactions with PayPal users in over 90 countries. Google Play supports various payment methods, and users must have an active Venmo account to use this feature. Venmo can be used for purchases, including movies, but there have been issues, such as a user losing access to a purchased movie trilogy without a refund option.
Google has integrated Venmo as a payment option within the Google Play ecosystem, allowing users to link their Venmo accounts for seamless transactions. Users can utilize their Venmo balance or associated cards for purchases, joining other payment options like Cash App Pay and PayPal. The integration is now widely available to all users, following early access for some. To link a Venmo account, users can navigate to Payments & subscriptions in the Play Store app and select the option to Add Venmo.
HP reported that 30% of its installed user base is still using Windows 10, which will lose support on October 14, 2025, leaving around 400 million PCs vulnerable. Many of these PCs do not meet the hardware requirements for upgrading to Windows 11. The percentage of Windows 10 users has declined slightly since September 2025, when nearly half of HP and Dell's PCs were still running the older system. Microsoft introduced an Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, allowing users to enroll for free or through a payment option, but later made access free for users in the European Economic Area who do not meet the cloud backup requirement. Critics argue that the end of support for Windows 10 exemplifies programmed obsolescence, potentially forcing many functioning PCs into retirement. Initiatives like End of 10 are encouraging users to consider transitioning to Linux, highlighting its lack of advertisements and telemetry tracking. Microsoft has attempted to persuade users to upgrade to Windows 11 through ads and claims of improved performance. It is unclear if Windows 10 users have enrolled in the ESU program or are operating without security updates.
Microsoft has filed a friend-of-the-court brief urging a federal court to maintain an injunction against Google, which requires the company to dismantle its alleged monopoly in the Android apps market, particularly regarding payment practices. This injunction stems from Epic Games' lawsuit against Google, initiated in 2020. On January 16, Microsoft submitted its brief ahead of a court hearing where Google and Epic are seeking modifications to a permanent injunction issued in October 2024. The proposed changes could allow Google to impose fees between 9% and 20% on app developers, which Microsoft argues would undermine the original intent of the injunction. A recent settlement between Google and Epic includes a partnership valued at 0 million over six years, but details remain confidential. Judge Donato is reviewing the settlement and has requested briefings from the FTC and appointed an expert witness for evaluation. Epic Games has also announced that its games app is now available on Google Play worldwide.
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.
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.
- 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.
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.
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