quality standards Archives

AppWizard

May 1, 2025

Google Play shrinks by 47 percent following policy overhaul

The Google Play Store has seen a 47 percent decline in app offerings, dropping from 3.4 million to 1.8 million apps since early 2024. This reduction is a result of Google's efforts to enhance app quality and security, including a policy overhaul that introduced stricter minimum requirements and targeted low-quality applications. In 2024, Google blocked 2.36 million policy-violating apps and banned over 158,000 developer accounts. Despite the decline in app numbers, developer activity remains strong, with over 10,400 new apps released in early 2025, a 7.1 percent increase from the previous year. The European Union's "trader status" rule did not significantly impact the decline in app numbers, as Apple's app count remained stable under similar regulations.

AppWizard

April 30, 2025

Google’s Play Store App Deletion—What You Do Now On Your Phone

Google's Play Store has undergone a significant overhaul, resulting in a reduction of apps from approximately 3.4 million to around 1.8 million, a decline of nearly 47% since the beginning of 2024. This change was prompted by an increase in threats to mobile devices and stricter criteria for app inclusion and retention. Google is targeting the removal of static apps without specific functionalities, apps with minimal content, and applications that lack functional value. Removed apps will no longer be available for download, but users with the app already installed can continue to use it without updates. If uninstalled, users cannot redownload the app unless republished by the developer. Users are advised to manage their app collections to mitigate risks associated with low-quality apps. Subscriptions linked to removed apps will also be terminated.

AppWizard

April 30, 2025

Your Android Can Download Fewer Apps Than in 2023, Here’s Why That’s Good

The Google Play Store has seen a decline in available apps, dropping from 3.4 million at the beginning of 2024 to approximately 1.8 million by April, a 47% reduction compared to the end of 2023. In contrast, Apple’s App Store increased its app count from 1.6 million to 1.64 million during the same period. Google has implemented stricter quality control measures, which contributed to the reduction in app numbers, alongside enhanced human review processes and new verification requirements for developers. Despite the overall decrease, there was a 7.1% increase in the release of new apps in April 2025 compared to April 2024.

AppWizard

March 14, 2025

Google Play Games on PC Gets Major Upgrades, More Games, New Play…

Google Play Games on PC will transition from beta to general availability later this year, allowing access to a wide range of Android mobile games unless developers opt-out. Google is expanding compatibility to include AMD laptops and desktops, with plans for integration into the start menu of new devices. Upcoming features include multi-account access, multi-instance support, and a revamped game sidebar. Exclusive PC titles like “Game of Thrones: Kingsroad,” “Sonic Rumble,” and “ODIN: VALHALLA RISING” will be introduced. Games will be labeled as “Optimized” or “Playable” based on performance standards. Google Play Points will have improved tracking and bonuses on PC. Enhanced graphics capabilities will be provided through Vulkan technology. On mobile, new titles such as “DREDGE,” “TABS Mobile,” and “Disco Elysium” will be launched, ensuring PC games are optimized for mobile play.

AppWizard

March 14, 2025

Google Play Games Announces Major Expansion on PC

Google has expanded its Google Play Games on PC platform to support native PC games in addition to mobile offerings. This initiative aims to help developers connect with a larger player base. The expansion includes a Play Games PC SDK for native PC games, featuring in-app purchase integration, enhanced security, simplified game packaging, and an earnback bonus of up to 15 percent. Mobile games will now be available on PC by default, with developers able to opt out. A “playable” badge will indicate games that meet performance requirements, while an “optimized” badge will show adherence to Google’s quality standards. The platform now supports AMD desktop PCs and laptops, and introduces new features like controls customization and a game sidebar for quick adjustments.

BetaBeacon

March 14, 2025

PC games coming to Android, Google Play Games on Windows exiting beta soon

Google is launching a pilot program to simplify bringing PC games to mobile on Android.

BetaBeacon

March 14, 2025

Google is bringing a lot more Android games to PCs

Google Play Games is expanding to include PC games, with all mobile Android games automatically available on the platform unless developers choose to opt out. Google is introducing a new "playability badge" system to highlight game performance on PC, with plans to open up the program to all PC developers later this year.

Tech Optimizer

March 6, 2025

All about CCI’s Dismissal of Antitrust Plaint against Microsoft

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) concluded its examination of a complaint against Microsoft regarding the bundling of antivirus software with its Windows operating system. The CCI found that users can choose antivirus solutions beyond Microsoft Defender and that there was no substantial evidence of market foreclosure in the antivirus sector. The complaint alleged that Microsoft forces OEMs to include Microsoft Security Essentials, limiting competition for third-party antivirus vendors. Microsoft has bundled Microsoft Defender with Windows since 2015 and argued that it aligns with industry standards. The CCI determined that Microsoft holds a dominant position in the antivirus software market for Windows OS in India but found no coercion compelling users to use both products together. The CCI also noted that multiple antivirus vendors continue to operate in the market without significant barriers. The case highlighted issues of consumer inertia and the implications of default settings in digital markets, suggesting that pre-installed options may restrict consumer choice.

AppWizard

November 25, 2024

Google Play Store may soon start warning about low quality apps

Google Play Store is set to introduce warnings for low-quality apps, identified through a teardown of version 43.7.19-31. The warnings will indicate if an app is frequently uninstalled compared to similar apps, has limited user data, or has few active users. These warnings will appear on the app's details page, not as pop-up alerts during download. The feature aims to assist users, particularly those less tech-savvy, in navigating the app selection process. The timeline for the rollout of this feature is currently uncertain.

Winsage

October 19, 2024

Qualcomm just squashed its own desktop ambitions

Qualcomm has canceled its Snapdragon Dev Kit for Windows, offering refunds to developers who had placed orders. The kit was introduced in May alongside the Copilot+ laptops as part of Qualcomm's strategy to enter the desktop Windows PC market. It allowed developers to experiment with the Snapdragon X Elite CPU, specifically the X1E-00-1DE model, which is not available in consumer devices. Orders for the kit became available in July, but after delays, users received notifications of the cancellation due to the product not meeting quality standards. The reasons for the cancellation remain unclear, but it poses challenges for Qualcomm in expanding its product offerings.