platform Archives

AppWizard

September 30, 2026

Google Play Cuts Game Fee to 15%, Day-One Rule [2026]

Starting September 30, 2026, Google will implement changes to the Android game distribution economics through the Google Play Games Level Up program, reducing the commission on game revenue exceeding million annually from 20% to 15%. Developers must launch their games on Android simultaneously with other platforms to qualify for this discount; otherwise, they will be ineligible for six months. The new fee structure includes a baseline rate cut to 10% on the first million and 20% on earnings above that, while the Level Up program allows qualifying titles to pay 15% on revenue beyond the first million. The rollout of the Level Up program will begin in Australia, the European Economic Area, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States on September 30, 2026, followed by South Korea on December 31, 2026, and the rest of the world on September 30, 2027. If a game launches on a non-Android platform first, it will face a six-month waiting period before qualifying for Level Up pricing. Existing games launched before September 30, 2026, are exempt from this penalty.

AppWizard

September 30, 2026

Another Steam page is being turned into an algorithm as Valve aims to show “10x more games to customers”

Steam is transitioning from a manual calendar-based promotional strategy to an algorithm-driven showcase of games, starting in early 2027. The Discounts & Events page will implement this new model to offer a wider array of discounted games tailored to user interests. Valve aims to enhance user experience and increase visibility for game developers through this change.

AppWizard

September 30, 2026

What’s The Difference Between Android Auto And Android Automotive OS?

CarPlay and Android Auto have transformed in-car infotainment by utilizing smartphones. Android Auto was launched by Google in 2015, allowing users to connect Android devices to their vehicle displays. It has evolved to support more applications, compatibility with major automotive brands, and wireless connectivity, focusing on minimizing distractions for drivers. Android Automotive is an operating system that runs directly on vehicle hardware, eliminating the need for a smartphone connection. It is an open-source platform that car manufacturers can customize. Automakers can license Google Automotive Services, which includes Google Maps, Google Play, and Google Assistant, but are not required to do so. Android Automotive OS allows for direct communication with vehicle systems, enhancing user experience by enabling features like voice-activated climate control. Vehicles with Android Automotive OS are marketed as having "Google built-in" and include brands such as Polestar, Volvo, Chevrolet, and Ford. Android Automotive can receive over-the-air updates, while Android Auto is compatible with over 500 car models and requires an Android device running version 9.0 or higher. Android Auto allows seamless transfer of apps and media from smartphones and benefits from automatic updates.

AppWizard

September 30, 2026

Why is Spotify not working? Thousands of users report issues

By 3:20 PM on September 29, over 4,000 users reported issues with the Spotify app, particularly in the UK. Spotify acknowledged the situation on its X page, stating they were checking out the issues. Users expressed confusion and frustration on X, questioning whether the app was down and reporting difficulties in listening to music. Downdetector is a platform that allows users to report service disruptions for various popular services, and it monitors interruptions by collecting problem indicators from social media and other online sources.

AppWizard

September 29, 2026

Your next Google Play subscription could work very differently

Google Play is introducing new subscription features aimed at AI applications and services with variable costs. These include Usage-Based Billing, allowing users to maintain a prepaid balance that replenishes automatically; Multi-Quantity Subscriptions for organizations to purchase multiple subscriptions in one transaction; Mixed Carts for offering auto-renewing subscriptions alongside one-time purchases; and Cross-Developer Bundling for selling complementary subscriptions from different developers as a single package. Additionally, Google is enhancing user retention through a Dynamic Grace Period for payment issues, Retention Offers during cancellation, and personalized winback offers for former subscribers. Many of these features are currently available or being rolled out through Google's Early Access Program.

AppWizard

September 29, 2026

Android 17 QPR2 Beta 6.1 rolling out, including for Pixel 11

Google has begun the rollout of Android 17 QPR2 Beta 6.1 for the Pixel 11 series, which includes two builds: CP41.260831.011 for the Pixel 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro XL, and 11 Pro Fold, and CP41.260831.007.A3 for other compatible devices. Users of the Pixel 11 Pro Fold may need to re-enroll in Face Unlock. System images for this beta are available for various devices, including the Pixel 6a, Pixel 7 series, Pixel Tablet, and the entire Pixel 11 lineup. Users can provide feedback through the Android Beta Feedback app and participate in discussions on the Android Beta community on Reddit.

AppWizard

September 29, 2026

AI-powered app maker Wabi pivots to a messaging experience

Wabi, an AI startup, has launched Wabi 2.0, a platform that serves as a sophisticated AI messenger while maintaining app-building capabilities. The founder, Eugenia Kuyda, describes Wabi 2.0 as a "personal agent" that enhances user experience by integrating conversation and task management. The platform distinguishes itself by targeting AI agents with conversational and productivity features, rather than competing with traditional coding tools. Users can request tasks that the agent fulfills by generating a tailored user interface for specific needs, such as health tracking or family management. Access to Wabi 2.0 is currently limited to invite codes distributed via X.

AppWizard

September 29, 2026

Tempest Rising has just launched an expansion that lets you play as the bad guys

Tempest Rising, developed by Slipgate Ironworks, is a real-time strategy (RTS) game that successfully revives the essence of 90's-style RTS games. Set in an alternate history post-World War III in 1997, players compete for control over a resource called Tempest. The game has received positive reviews, including an 85 score from PC Gamer. The recently released Veti's Wrath expansion introduces a new faction, the Veti, featuring an 11-mission campaign where players can transform fallen enemies into thralls for strategic advantages. The Veti cultivate Tempest through Refinement Altars and possess unique units like flying Caretakers and the Gorgon mech. Tempest Rising will be re-released as a Gold Edition on September 29, including both the base game and the expansion, with the Veti faction available as a free multiplayer option. The base game is currently available on Steam.

Winsage

September 29, 2026

Microsoft Retires Windows PowerShell Support for Graph SDK

Microsoft is initiating a 12-month retirement period for support of Windows PowerShell 5.1 for the Microsoft Graph PowerShell SDK due to maintenance challenges. Organizations using Graph PowerShell automation on Windows PowerShell 5.1 may face disadvantages, as existing scripts will remain operational but will miss platform-specific bug fixes. Microsoft encourages a transition to PowerShell 7.x, which will be the focus of Graph PowerShell v3.0, set to launch in Q4 2026. During the retirement phase, Graph PowerShell v2.x will remain operational and receive security updates. Transitioning to the new SDK version may require migration planning, script validation, and runtime upgrades, especially for organizations with dependencies on older PowerShell runtimes or outdated components.

AppWizard

September 29, 2026

TNS Expands Android Terminal Platform with Bring Your Own App

Transaction Network Services (TNS) has launched a capability called Bring Your Own App (BYOA) for operators in the payment industry, allowing them to create and deploy customer-facing applications on TNS's Android-based unattended payment terminals. BYOA simplifies payment processing, compliance, and certification by managing card capture, PIN collection, encryption, EMV processing, and payment certification. Each operator's application must be approved and signed by TNS before execution on the terminal. This model enables operators to focus on enhancing customer experiences without the usual security and compliance burdens. BYOA is available across TNS's Android-based unattended payment terminal platform, including retail and fuel payment terminals.