pre-installation Archives

AppWizard

November 6, 2025

Google’s proposed Android changes won’t save sideloading

Google and Epic Games reached a settlement regarding the lawsuit Epic initiated in 2020, challenging Google's dominance in Android app distribution. The settlement includes changes in the upcoming Android 17 release, such as introducing "Registered App Stores," which are certified third-party app stores that users can install easily. The installation process will be simplified with a "single store install screen" and reduced user intervention for app installations. Google will also allow developers to use alternative payment options for in-app transactions, moving away from the exclusive use of Google Play Billing. Service fees on alternative payment methods may range from up to 20% to 9%. Google has committed to not discouraging OEMs or developers from collaborating with third-party app stores and will not restrict their pre-installation or home screen placement for three years following the agreement.

AppWizard

November 5, 2025

Google wants to reduce Play Store fees and improve third-party app store support in Android 17

Google has proposed modifications to the Play Store following its legal defeat against Epic Games. The proposal includes easier access to third-party app stores, a new tiered service fee structure (9% for general purchases and 20% for certain transactions), reduced Google Play Billing fees (5% for the first million in annual revenue, reverting to 30% thereafter), permission for apps to display alternative payment options, and the ability to install a Registered App Store directly from a website. These changes will be discussed in court on November 6. Certain restrictions remain, such as prohibiting exclusive deals for Play Store access and allowing developers to communicate pricing options outside the Play Store.

AppWizard

September 12, 2025

Meet Max, Russia’s all-in-one app: From messages to spying on Russians

The Russian messaging application Max was first tested in March 2025 and is developed by Communication Platform LLC, a subsidiary of VK. It is marketed as a "national" and "unified" messenger, with significant promotion from the Kremlin. A law signed by President Vladimir Putin in June 2025 established Max as a state-owned entity, mandating its use in school chats and pre-installation on smartphones. Mobile operators are required to offer Max without consuming data traffic. Users in occupied Ukrainian territories are also required to install the app. Restrictions on other messaging services have been implemented, with security services limiting their functionalities. By mid-August 2025, Max had around 18 million users, but it has faced criticism for lacking end-to-end encryption and requesting excessive access to smartphone features. Users have reported performance issues and concerns over surveillance by the Russian government. The Kremlin has acknowledged monitoring through Max, and the app is compared to China's WeChat. Putin has ordered increased control over foreign messaging applications, aiming to restrict the use of foreign software by September 2025.