rollout Archives

AppWizard

August 29, 2025

Spotify Adds Messaging to Boost In-App Interactions

Spotify is introducing an in-app messaging feature to enhance social capabilities on its platform, allowing users to engage with one another without leaving the app. The feature initially supports one-on-one conversations, enabling users to chat with individuals they have previously shared content with or through received Spotify links. It includes options to invite friends via contact links and features such as emoji reactions. Messages are encrypted at rest and in transit but not end-to-end encrypted, with measures in place to scan for guideline violations. The feature is currently available to users over 16 in select Latin and South American markets, with plans for broader availability in the U.S., Canada, Brazil, the EU, the U.K., Australia, and New Zealand in the coming weeks.

AppWizard

August 29, 2025

TRIOOH debuts in Indian OOH market with multi-city messenger app rollout

TRIOOH, an out-of-home advertising agency, executed a large-scale campaign for a leading messenger application across multiple cities in India, including Delhi NCR, Lucknow, Patna, Mumbai, Pune, Chandigarh Tri-City, and Jaipur. The campaign was conducted over 16 days at more than 150 high-impact sites, achieving extensive visibility and citywide coverage. TRIOOH integrated a live campaign dashboard with its proprietary monitoring app, allowing real-time access to site images and audience analytics. Anuj Bhandari, Co-Founder & CEO of TRIOOH, emphasized the agency's focus on transparency and client satisfaction through innovative solutions. The campaign's success positions TRIOOH as a strong competitor in India's OOH advertising market.

AppWizard

August 29, 2025

Google to require identity verification for all Android app developers from next year

Google will require identity verification for all developers distributing apps on Android devices starting in 2026, initially in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand, with a global rollout planned for 2027. Developers must provide personal information such as their legal name, address, email, and phone number, and may need to submit a government ID. This change primarily affects those distributing apps outside the Google Play Store and aims to reduce malware and scams by preventing banned developers from returning under new identities.

Winsage

August 29, 2025

Windows is getting a better em dash keyboard shortcut.

Microsoft is enhancing the keyboard experience for Windows users by introducing a new, simplified shortcut for inserting em dashes and en dashes in Windows 11. Previously, users used Alt+0151 for an em dash (—) and Alt+0150 for an en dash (–). The update is expected to roll out to all Windows 11 users later this year.

AppWizard

August 29, 2025

Specs Don’t Matter Anymore, Play AAA Games on Cheap Hardware

Microsoft has expanded Xbox Cloud Gaming access to subscribers of the Standard and Core plans, allowing them to stream games included in their subscription and access titles in their personal library that support cloud play. This change aims to reduce barriers for gamers without high-end setups. Select PC titles will also be available for play on desktops and handheld devices for Xbox Insiders subscribed to Game Pass Core or Standard. Premium features remain exclusive to Game Pass Ultimate subscribers, and Xbox Cloud Gaming is currently available only in select regions. Microsoft continues to offer PC Game Pass, which does not include cloud gaming or console games, and may introduce a free, ad-supported version of Game Pass in the future. The company is also committed to producing Xbox hardware and hints at a hybrid console launch next year, with a successor to the Xbox Series S/X expected by 2027.

Winsage

August 28, 2025

After 4,500 hours of testing, SSD controller specialist Phison rules out allegations that a Windows 11 update is bricking drives

Phison conducted over 4,500 hours of testing on SSDs reportedly affected by the KB5063878 update for Windows 11 and found no reproducible issues or reports from partners or customers indicating problems. A user on Reddit shared an experience of their SSD not being recognized after the update, but it returned after a restart. The frequency of Windows updates may lead to coincidental drive failures, and caution is still advised for those with potentially impacted drives.

AppWizard

August 28, 2025

The Browser Wasn’t Enough, Google Wants To Control All Your Software

Google announced plans to regulate "sideloaded" Android applications, which are installed from sources outside the official Android repository. This initiative includes a verification system for developers, allowing only applications from verified developers to be sideloaded, aimed at preventing malicious software. Google likened this process to airport security checks, focusing on confirming developer identities rather than inspecting application content. The OSS Rebuild program, introduced earlier, aims to verify authors of open-source libraries and ensure installed versions match published source code. Critics express concern that Google's control over developer verification could lead to exclusion of certain packages, impacting competition and developer recourse. Google has indicated plans to allow students and hobbyists to install self-developed applications, with the rollout of verified sideloading expected by 2027 in most regions.

AppWizard

August 28, 2025

Your Android phone will soon be able to auto-open apps when installation completes

Google is rolling out a new "auto-open when ready" feature for Android users, allowing apps to automatically open after installation. This feature is off by default and can be toggled on a per-app basis during the installation process. Users will see the option only when they hit the Install button. Google's Pixel devices are receiving priority access to this feature, which includes a five-second countdown timer before the app launches, giving users a moment to reconsider their choice. The rollout is ongoing, and further adjustments may occur in the future.

AppWizard

August 28, 2025

Google is setting up a verification process for all Android app developers

Google will introduce a mandatory app verification process for Android developers, requiring them to be registered before deploying applications on Android devices. This rollout will begin in select countries in September 2026, with all developers required to comply by March 2026. The verification aims to protect users from malicious actors and will not involve reviewing app content. Android has already implemented some verification requirements in 2023 and is developing a new Developer Console for apps distributed outside Google Play. Despite concerns about sideloading, Android assures developers they can still distribute apps directly to users. The initial implementation will occur in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand.

AppWizard

August 28, 2025

Xbox Game Pass tiers get better

Members of the Xbox Insider Program who subscribe to Xbox Game Pass Core or Xbox Game Pass Standard can now stream select games through Xbox Cloud Gaming and access PC versions of certain titles. This feature was previously exclusive to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers. Xbox Cloud Gaming is available on various devices, including Xbox consoles, select Smart TVs, Meta Quest 3 headsets, and web browsers. The Xbox Game Pass tier structure includes Xbox Game Pass Core, Xbox Game Pass Standard, PC Game Pass, and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, each offering different features and libraries. The Xbox Ally devices, which run PC versions of games, are set to launch on October 16, 2025, with anticipated pricing of 9 for the higher-end model and 9 for the lower-end variant.