NewApp Digest
search bot

president

silver Android smartphone
AppWizard
July 17, 2026

EA believes that planning for in-game advertising placement should be done during the development stage

Alexander Dao, Vice President of Advertising and Sponsorship at Electronic Arts (EA), discussed the strategic advantages of integrating advertising into console and PC games from the outset, enhancing monetization and user experience. He emphasized the importance of designing games with advertising in mind for a more organic inclusion, which varies by game genre. Dao cited the collaboration between The Sims 4 and Coach as a successful example of unobtrusive brand integration. He also mentioned EA's launch of EA Advertising, a platform to facilitate brand advertising within its games, reflecting EA's commitment to innovative advertising strategies.
E.U. Orders Google to Open Android Mic, Camera and Screen to Rival AI Assistants
AppWizard
July 17, 2026

E.U. Orders Google to Open Android Mic, Camera and Screen to Rival AI Assistants

The European Commission has mandated that Google must provide equal access to rival AI assistants within its Android ecosystem, allowing them to use the same functionalities as Google's Gemini assistant. This includes access to the camera, microphone, and on-screen content, as well as background operation capabilities. Google is required to implement these changes in the upcoming Android 18 release by August 1, 2027. The directive includes two binding specifications under the Digital Markets Act, one of which requires Google to share anonymized search query, click, and ranking data with competing search engines and AI chatbots for a fee. The Android decision involves 11 operating system features, with five classified as restricted, requiring certification for third-party applications. These restricted features include access to on-device data shared by apps, context-aware intelligence, structured on-device integration, screen automation, and system integration. The remaining six features do not require certification, allowing broader access to ambient data, always-on hotword detection, long-press invocation, system-level on-device models, third-party model implementation, and background execution capabilities. Google must establish a Qualified AI Assistant Programme to facilitate access to gated features, allowing third-party Trusted Certification Authorities to certify assistants at no cost. The certification process must be fair and non-discriminatory, and users can consent to bypass the certification requirement for specific services and devices. By August 2027, both certified and user-approved uncertified assistants will be able to interact with applications on a virtual display. Google is also required to anonymize search data before sharing, ensuring user privacy and limiting data access to recipients who meet specific criteria. Kent Walker, Google's president of global affairs, expressed concerns about the security implications of granting external apps access to sensitive device permissions and criticized the anonymization methods for search data. The final measures reflect significant changes from earlier drafts, introducing more stringent requirements regarding data sharing and certification processes.
EA vice president of advertising says game ads are a 'huge opportunity', but it 'has to make sense for the game'
AppWizard
July 17, 2026

EA vice president of advertising says game ads are a ‘huge opportunity’, but it ‘has to make sense for the game’

Electronic Arts (EA) has announced a new advertising platform aimed at integrating in-game ads in a way that feels organic and beneficial for both players and brands. EA's vice president of advertising, Alexander Dao, highlighted the importance of designing advertising experiences from the outset to create a native feel and allow for greater brand participation. He emphasized the need for standardization in advertising practices, particularly regarding viewability standards and reporting metrics, to ensure consistency and accountability in advertising investments. EA recently collaborated with Coach to offer nine free branded items in The Sims, based on player surveys about brand preferences. Dao expressed a desire to balance commercial interests with player satisfaction, noting concerns about advertising potentially detracting from the gaming experience.
Russia’s Max Messenger Removed From Google Play
AppWizard
July 16, 2026

Russia’s Max Messenger Removed From Google Play

Max, a messaging application launched by VK in 2025 and endorsed by Russian President Vladimir Putin, was removed from Google’s Play marketplace on July 16, 2023. The app does not provide end-to-end encryption, raising concerns about government access to user communications. This removal is part of a trend affecting other VK-owned applications, coinciding with recent EU sanctions targeting VK Company and its subsidiary Communication Platform LLC, which oversees the Max app. The EU characterized Max as having extensive surveillance features used against critics of Russia's military actions in Ukraine. Apple also removed Max from its App Store in June without explanation. Max aims to be an all-encompassing platform for messaging, social media, digital identification, payments, banking, and government services, which critics say could enhance government monitoring of citizens. The Russian government has implemented strict measures against foreign social media platforms and previously enacted a ban on Telegram in 2026, which faced public backlash.
Ramp’s billionaire CEO ignores résumés and Ivy League degrees—he’s more interested in engineers who built Minecraft servers as teens
AppWizard
July 15, 2026

Ramp’s billionaire CEO ignores résumés and Ivy League degrees—he’s more interested in engineers who built Minecraft servers as teens

Eric Glyman, cofounder and CEO of Ramp, advocates for a hiring philosophy that prioritizes "proof of work" and exceptional drive over traditional qualifications and résumés. He believes valuable hires often come from unexpected backgrounds, citing Ramp engineers who demonstrated dedication through their involvement in Minecraft. Ramp actively seeks talent on platforms like GitHub and through referrals from individuals who know candidates well. Glyman emphasizes the economic advantages of hiring younger talent before they accumulate extensive experience, which can inflate their market value. He also focuses on candidates' long-term motivations and alignment with the company's mission. Glyman's approach aligns with other influential CEOs, such as Elon Musk, who also prioritize tangible evidence of a candidate's abilities over résumés.
Epic Games Store boss quits after 8 years to take up new role at Saber Interactive
AppWizard
July 14, 2026

Epic Games Store boss quits after 8 years to take up new role at Saber Interactive

Steve Allison has left his position as vice president and general manager of the Epic Games Store after eight years to become the chief business officer at Saber Interactive. He praised Saber Interactive's founders and their ability to create high-quality games cost-effectively, mentioning upcoming titles like Space Marine 3, Jurassic Park, Turok, Hellraiser, and a new John Wick game, along with several unannounced projects. During his tenure at Epic Games, Allison helped launch the Epic Games Store in 2018, which now has 78 million monthly active users, largely due to the strategy of offering free games. The Epic Games Store competes with Steam, which is estimated to have around 200 million monthly active users. Saber Interactive, founded in 2001, gained recognition for its work on Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary and was acquired by Embracer in 2020, later being sold to a company owned by Karch for 7 million.
EU sanctions target Russian state-backed messaging app
AppWizard
July 13, 2026

EU sanctions target Russian state-backed messaging app

Moscow is promoting Max, a super-app that consolidates various digital services, while cracking down on messaging platforms WhatsApp and Telegram. The Russian government has required civil servants and state-owned enterprises to use Max for communications. The EU has imposed sanctions on VK, the media conglomerate behind Max, due to concerns that the app is monitored by the FSB and has surveillance capabilities that suppress dissent regarding Russia's actions in Ukraine. Max, which is compared to China's WeChat, integrates social media, messaging, and access to government services. President Putin has called Max a "secure" alternative, but EU officials have expressed skepticism, seeing it as part of a strategy to create a "digital iron curtain" in Russia amidst ongoing international sanctions.
Microsoft Details How It’s Using AI to Improve Windows Security
Winsage
July 9, 2026

Microsoft Details How It’s Using AI to Improve Windows Security

Microsoft has reaffirmed its commitment to security, focusing on enhancing protection for Windows users. The company is utilizing a multi-model agentic scanning harness (MDASH) that incorporates various AI models to identify Windows vulnerabilities earlier in the development process. This proactive approach allows security experts to detect potential issues before public releases. Microsoft is also investing in technologies that use AI to streamline the development of fixes while maintaining human oversight during code reviews. The company acknowledges the dual nature of AI in security, as it accelerates both the identification of vulnerabilities and the potential for exploitation. Microsoft aims to strengthen its systems to find vulnerabilities earlier and deliver timely security patches to customers.
Search