sector Archives

AppWizard

October 11, 2026

What’s the difference between Android Automotive and Google Built-In?

Car manufacturers are moving away from phone mirroring applications like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to adopt native infotainment systems, supported by Google's Android Automotive and Google Built-in software. General Motors (GM) has chosen Google Built-in since 2023, abandoning Android Auto. Google Built-in allows access to applications like Google Maps and the Google Play Store, and is used by sixteen automotive brands including Honda, Volvo, Chevy, Nissan, Ford, BYD, and Renault. Android Automotive is a customizable software solution for managing vehicle functions, while Google Built-in consists of licensed applications. Google is integrating advanced AI features, such as the Gemini chatbot, into its infotainment systems, enhancing capabilities like real-time traffic updates and voice-activated assistance. GM is also developing a proprietary AI assistant alongside integrating Gemini.

AppWizard

October 11, 2026

Two Steam games generated $560,000 across 135,000 sales in five years, but the co-creator only took home $15,000 annually, leaving him driving a 2012 Mazda — high Chinese refund rates, Steam’s 30% fee, and publisher cuts eat most of the profit

Omer Develioğlu, co-founder of Northend Games, reported that his indie titles, Northend Tower Defense and Deepstone Rift (Early Access), generated a gross income of 0,000 from approximately 135,000 units sold on Steam over five years. After expenses and revenue sharing, he and his co-founder received only ,000 to split, resulting in an annual income of about ,000 each. A significant portion of their sales, around 53.3%, came from China. Steam charges a standard fee of 30% on sales, which deducted ,000 from their earnings. Additionally, U.S. withholding taxes reduced their total earnings further, leaving them with ,300.

AppWizard

October 8, 2026

Google Faces £1.2bn UK Class-Action Over Android Fees

A class action lawsuit seeking £1.2 billion in damages from Google has been initiated in London on behalf of approximately 20 million consumers and businesses in the UK. The case focuses on purchases made through the Google Play store or via Android devices between October 1, 2015, and July 31, 2026, including paid applications, subscription services, upgrades, and in-game purchases. Plaintiffs argue that Google's standard fee of around 30 percent has unfairly inflated costs for consumers. Google claims it has some of the lowest fees in the industry and denies having excessive market power. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) described Google and Apple as operating an "effective duopoly" in the mobile operating systems market. In a related case, Apple was found to have abused its dominant position, resulting in potential damages of around £1.5 billion for an estimated 36 million consumers.

Winsage

October 3, 2026

Microsoft confirms big Windows 11 announcement, as it keeps ripping out Windows 95-era UI and chasing speed

Microsoft's event on October 7 will showcase advancements in Windows, Surface devices, and NVIDIA RTX Spark technology. The event is set for 10:00 AM PT, with a focus on innovations for builders and creators. Key highlights include the Surface Laptop Ultra, which features RTX Spark technology, and enhancements to Windows 11 aimed at supporting AI-driven hardware. Microsoft will introduce Project Zenith, a specialized version of Windows 11 for high-performance PCs. The event will also cover Microsoft Execution Containers for secure AI agent operation, improvements to Windows task scheduling, and enhancements to the Prism emulator for running x86 applications on Arm architecture. The Surface Laptop Ultra, featuring up to 128GB of unified memory and a 15-inch mini-LED display, is expected to be priced at the higher end of the market, with various configurations available.

AppWizard

October 2, 2026

Zoho launches Arattai-for-Business app; offers free messaging for healthcare, education

Sridhar Vembu, founder of Zoho, has launched the Arattai-for-Business app to improve business communications. This app is part of the Arattai Business Platform, which connects existing business software with the Arattai messaging service and is offered for free to government and public services, including the Railways. Zoho is also providing healthcare and educational institutions with a complimentary messaging allowance of up to one million messages per month. The Arattai-for-Business app is now live, but details on pricing for other businesses and a timeline for integrations with public services were not provided.

AppWizard

September 27, 2026

Gears of War story director laid off mere days after E-Day went gold

The development team behind Gears of War: E-Day is experiencing layoffs due to corporate restructuring at Microsoft’s Xbox division. Story director Juan Vaca announced on LinkedIn that he is seeking new opportunities after being laid off. Gears of War: E-Day has gone gold and is set for release on October 6, having sold over one million copies.

AppWizard

September 25, 2026

Experimental RPG developer Summer Eternal: ‘We’re giving away 5% of our studio to you, the Players’ in order to ‘mend the trust broken in this industry a thousand times over’

Aleksandar Gavrilović has introduced a governance model at Summer Eternal that incorporates the interests of all stakeholders, including a player cooperative within a non-profit organization. Players will not profit personally but will have a say in how the organization’s income is allocated, aiming to rebuild trust in the gaming industry. Summer Eternal is pioneering a model that provides ownership stakes and profit-sharing to freelancers and customers, with players having a democratic influence supported by 5% of the profits. The studio will launch the Summer Eternal Anthology Vol. 1, featuring essays from notable contributors, available for preorder for one more day.

Tech Optimizer

September 24, 2026

GoDaddy jumps on report of takeover offer from Gen Digital

Shares of GoDaddy (GDDY) increased by 14% following reports of a potential takeover bid from Gen Digital (GEN), which saw a decline of 7.6% in its stock. Discussions about the acquisition are in early stages, with no certainty of a deal, and specific terms remain undisclosed. GoDaddy has a market capitalization of .2 billion, while Gen Digital is valued at .7 billion. Shares of GoDaddy's competitor, Wix (WIX), rose by 6.5% in response to the news. Both companies have not commented on the situation.

Tech Optimizer

September 24, 2026

Godaddy Receives Takeover Offer From Gen Digital, Maker Of Norton Antivirus Software -FT

The collaboration between ICE Data Services and FactSet provides users with access to extensive market data and reference data, enhancing analytical capabilities and decision-making processes for financial professionals. ICE Data Services offers real-time market insights, while FactSet supplies comprehensive coverage of securities and financial instruments. This partnership is supported by organizations like the American Bankers Association, ensuring the credibility and legal compliance of the data provided. The alliance aims to meet the increasing demand for high-quality data in the evolving financial sector.

AppWizard

September 23, 2026

Optimus Gen 3 Leaked: 5 Details From the APK Images

Images of Tesla's next-generation Optimus robot, Gen 3, were leaked from the Tesla Android app APK by researcher @wholemars, showcasing design assets of both Gen 2.5 and Gen 3. The leak reveals significant design evolution, suggesting enhancements in aesthetics and functionality. Preliminary observations indicate that Gen 3 may feature advanced sensors and improved mobility, along with a more intuitive user interface. This model could position Tesla as a leader in the humanoid robot market and enable diverse applications, from personal assistance to industrial automation.