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AppWizard

December 5, 2025

Android Users Are Getting Checks From Google’s $700M App Store Settlement – Here’s How

A coalition of 53 attorneys general has filed a lawsuit against Google, claiming the company has engaged in monopolistic practices by imposing fees up to 30% on app purchases and in-app transactions, which has suppressed competition and raised prices. A settlement fund of [openai_gpt model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Summarize the content and extract only the fact described in the text bellow. The summary shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. Text: A coalition of 53 attorneys general has initiated a lawsuit against Google, alleging that the tech giant has engaged in practices detrimental to consumers over several years. The suit claims that Google has "suppressed competition" and "unfairly raised prices" by imposing fees as high as 30% on app purchases, in-app transactions, and various subscriptions, actions deemed monopolistic in nature. This legal action follows a recent court order mandating Google to allow third-party app stores on its Android platform. According to Attorney General Letitia James, a settlement fund has already accumulated 0 million. If the settlement receives approval, consumers who have made purchases through the Google Play Store may find themselves eligible for a payout without needing to take any action. Those with a PayPal or Venmo account linked to their email address associated with their Google Play account could automatically receive their share. For individuals who do not have these payment options, or who face issues accessing their accounts, a supplemental claims process will be available on the settlement website. As of December 2, some claimants have begun receiving legal notices regarding the settlement. Eligible individuals can expect a minimum payout of at least , with the potential for more based on their spending through the Google Play Store or Google Play Billing during the specified period. While no deadline for payments has been established, a final approval hearing is set for April 30, 2026. Should the settlement be approved, automatic payments will be distributed shortly thereafter, while those who need to file manual claims will experience a longer wait. What else is there to know about the settlement? For the majority of claimants, minimal action will be required, assuming they have a PayPal or Venmo account linked to their primary Google Play email and retain access to all relevant accounts. Those who do not receive automatic payments—expected to commence next year if approved—will have the opportunity to participate in a supplemental claims process afterward. Interested parties can register on the settlement website to receive notifications when this process begins. The website also offers a wealth of information, including a comprehensive FAQ section addressing common inquiries. Individuals wishing to opt out of the settlement entirely can do so by submitting an opt-out form by February 19, 2026. This choice allows them to preserve their right to pursue separate legal action against Google, foregoing any benefits associated with the settlement. This is not the first instance of Google facing financial repercussions for alleged misconduct. The company previously settled for .4 billion in Texas over violations of user data protocols and was involved in a billion lawsuit concerning user tracking in Chrome's Incognito Mode. Given the history of settlements, it seems unlikely that this latest case regarding Google Play will be the last." max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"] million has been established, and eligible consumers may receive payouts without taking action if they have a linked PayPal or Venmo account. Claimants have begun receiving legal notices, with a minimum payout expected, and a final approval hearing is scheduled for April 30, 2026. Automatic payments will be distributed shortly after approval, while a supplemental claims process will be available for those not receiving automatic payments. Individuals can opt out of the settlement by February 19, 2026, to retain the right to pursue separate legal action. Google has a history of financial settlements for alleged misconduct, including a previous [openai_gpt model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Summarize the content and extract only the fact described in the text bellow. The summary shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. Text: A coalition of 53 attorneys general has initiated a lawsuit against Google, alleging that the tech giant has engaged in practices detrimental to consumers over several years. The suit claims that Google has "suppressed competition" and "unfairly raised prices" by imposing fees as high as 30% on app purchases, in-app transactions, and various subscriptions, actions deemed monopolistic in nature. This legal action follows a recent court order mandating Google to allow third-party app stores on its Android platform. According to Attorney General Letitia James, a settlement fund has already accumulated 0 million. If the settlement receives approval, consumers who have made purchases through the Google Play Store may find themselves eligible for a payout without needing to take any action. Those with a PayPal or Venmo account linked to their email address associated with their Google Play account could automatically receive their share. For individuals who do not have these payment options, or who face issues accessing their accounts, a supplemental claims process will be available on the settlement website. As of December 2, some claimants have begun receiving legal notices regarding the settlement. Eligible individuals can expect a minimum payout of at least , with the potential for more based on their spending through the Google Play Store or Google Play Billing during the specified period. While no deadline for payments has been established, a final approval hearing is set for April 30, 2026. Should the settlement be approved, automatic payments will be distributed shortly thereafter, while those who need to file manual claims will experience a longer wait. What else is there to know about the settlement? For the majority of claimants, minimal action will be required, assuming they have a PayPal or Venmo account linked to their primary Google Play email and retain access to all relevant accounts. Those who do not receive automatic payments—expected to commence next year if approved—will have the opportunity to participate in a supplemental claims process afterward. Interested parties can register on the settlement website to receive notifications when this process begins. The website also offers a wealth of information, including a comprehensive FAQ section addressing common inquiries. Individuals wishing to opt out of the settlement entirely can do so by submitting an opt-out form by February 19, 2026. This choice allows them to preserve their right to pursue separate legal action against Google, foregoing any benefits associated with the settlement. This is not the first instance of Google facing financial repercussions for alleged misconduct. The company previously settled for .4 billion in Texas over violations of user data protocols and was involved in a billion lawsuit concerning user tracking in Chrome's Incognito Mode. Given the history of settlements, it seems unlikely that this latest case regarding Google Play will be the last." max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"].4 billion settlement in Texas and a billion lawsuit related to user tracking.

AppWizard

December 4, 2025

Google to pay Android users in massive app store settlement. Are you eligible?

A couple from Flagstaff, Arizona, has filed a lawsuit against ByHeart after their daughter was hospitalized due to botulism linked to the infant formula. New York Attorney General Letitia James announced that Google has deposited [openai_gpt model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Summarize the content and extract only the fact described in the text bellow. The summary shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. Text: A couple from Flagstaff, Arizona, has initiated legal proceedings against ByHeart, the manufacturer of infant formula, after their daughter was reportedly hospitalized due to botulism linked to the product. This serious allegation has raised concerns about the safety standards of baby formula in the market. In a separate but equally significant development, New York Attorney General Letitia James has announced that Google has deposited 0 million into a settlement fund as part of a larger 0 million agreement reached in 2023. This settlement follows a lawsuit filed by James and a coalition of 53 attorneys general in 2021, which accused Google of abusing its dominant position in the mobile app marketplace. What is the lawsuit about? The lawsuit centers on claims that Google unlawfully maintained a monopoly over mobile app distribution and in-app payment processing for Android devices. According to the Attorney General's Office, this monopoly allowed Google to impose fees as high as 30% on consumers for app purchases and in-app transactions, ultimately inflating costs for users. While Google denies any wrongdoing, the company has committed to implementing changes aimed at curbing its anticompetitive practices. If the settlement receives court approval, a substantial portion of the funds will be allocated to consumers who were adversely affected by these inflated prices. Am I eligible for a settlement payment? Individuals who made purchases through the Google Play Store or engaged in in-app transactions, including gaming apps, subscriptions, or ad-free versions of applications, between August 16, 2016, and September 30, 2023, may qualify for compensation. Do I have to submit a claim? In most cases, affected consumers will not need to file a claim. Notifications began being sent out on December 2, and the majority of payments will be processed automatically once the court approves the settlement. However, those without a PayPal or Venmo account, or who have lost access to the email or phone number linked to their Google Play account, may need to submit a supplemental claim to receive their payment. How much money will I get through the settlement? Eligible consumers can expect a minimum payment of , although the final amount may vary based on the total spent on apps and in-app content during the specified period. When will my payment be sent? The timeline for payment distribution remains uncertain, with a final approval hearing set for April 30, 2026. Should the settlement be approved, recipients will receive notifications via email or text from PayPal or Venmo, depending on the contact information associated with their Google Play account. For those without an existing PayPal or Venmo account, options to create a new account or redirect payments to a different account will be available. Emily Barnes reports on consumer-related issues for the USA TODAY Network’s New York Connect Team, focusing on scam and recall-related topics. Follow her on X and Instagram @byemilybarnes. Get in touch at ebarnes@gannett.com." max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"] million into a settlement fund as part of a [openai_gpt model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Summarize the content and extract only the fact described in the text bellow. The summary shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. Text: A couple from Flagstaff, Arizona, has initiated legal proceedings against ByHeart, the manufacturer of infant formula, after their daughter was reportedly hospitalized due to botulism linked to the product. This serious allegation has raised concerns about the safety standards of baby formula in the market. In a separate but equally significant development, New York Attorney General Letitia James has announced that Google has deposited 0 million into a settlement fund as part of a larger 0 million agreement reached in 2023. This settlement follows a lawsuit filed by James and a coalition of 53 attorneys general in 2021, which accused Google of abusing its dominant position in the mobile app marketplace. What is the lawsuit about? The lawsuit centers on claims that Google unlawfully maintained a monopoly over mobile app distribution and in-app payment processing for Android devices. According to the Attorney General's Office, this monopoly allowed Google to impose fees as high as 30% on consumers for app purchases and in-app transactions, ultimately inflating costs for users. While Google denies any wrongdoing, the company has committed to implementing changes aimed at curbing its anticompetitive practices. If the settlement receives court approval, a substantial portion of the funds will be allocated to consumers who were adversely affected by these inflated prices. Am I eligible for a settlement payment? Individuals who made purchases through the Google Play Store or engaged in in-app transactions, including gaming apps, subscriptions, or ad-free versions of applications, between August 16, 2016, and September 30, 2023, may qualify for compensation. Do I have to submit a claim? In most cases, affected consumers will not need to file a claim. Notifications began being sent out on December 2, and the majority of payments will be processed automatically once the court approves the settlement. However, those without a PayPal or Venmo account, or who have lost access to the email or phone number linked to their Google Play account, may need to submit a supplemental claim to receive their payment. How much money will I get through the settlement? Eligible consumers can expect a minimum payment of , although the final amount may vary based on the total spent on apps and in-app content during the specified period. When will my payment be sent? The timeline for payment distribution remains uncertain, with a final approval hearing set for April 30, 2026. Should the settlement be approved, recipients will receive notifications via email or text from PayPal or Venmo, depending on the contact information associated with their Google Play account. For those without an existing PayPal or Venmo account, options to create a new account or redirect payments to a different account will be available. Emily Barnes reports on consumer-related issues for the USA TODAY Network’s New York Connect Team, focusing on scam and recall-related topics. Follow her on X and Instagram @byemilybarnes. Get in touch at ebarnes@gannett.com." max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"] million agreement reached in 2023, following a lawsuit that accused Google of maintaining a monopoly over mobile app distribution and in-app payment processing for Android devices. Eligible consumers who made purchases through the Google Play Store or engaged in in-app transactions between August 16, 2016, and September 30, 2023, may qualify for compensation. Affected consumers will generally not need to file a claim, as notifications began being sent out on December 2, and payments will be processed automatically once the court approves the settlement. Eligible consumers can expect a minimum payment of [openai_gpt model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Summarize the content and extract only the fact described in the text bellow. The summary shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. Text: A couple from Flagstaff, Arizona, has initiated legal proceedings against ByHeart, the manufacturer of infant formula, after their daughter was reportedly hospitalized due to botulism linked to the product. This serious allegation has raised concerns about the safety standards of baby formula in the market. In a separate but equally significant development, New York Attorney General Letitia James has announced that Google has deposited 0 million into a settlement fund as part of a larger 0 million agreement reached in 2023. This settlement follows a lawsuit filed by James and a coalition of 53 attorneys general in 2021, which accused Google of abusing its dominant position in the mobile app marketplace. What is the lawsuit about? The lawsuit centers on claims that Google unlawfully maintained a monopoly over mobile app distribution and in-app payment processing for Android devices. According to the Attorney General's Office, this monopoly allowed Google to impose fees as high as 30% on consumers for app purchases and in-app transactions, ultimately inflating costs for users. While Google denies any wrongdoing, the company has committed to implementing changes aimed at curbing its anticompetitive practices. If the settlement receives court approval, a substantial portion of the funds will be allocated to consumers who were adversely affected by these inflated prices. Am I eligible for a settlement payment? Individuals who made purchases through the Google Play Store or engaged in in-app transactions, including gaming apps, subscriptions, or ad-free versions of applications, between August 16, 2016, and September 30, 2023, may qualify for compensation. Do I have to submit a claim? In most cases, affected consumers will not need to file a claim. Notifications began being sent out on December 2, and the majority of payments will be processed automatically once the court approves the settlement. However, those without a PayPal or Venmo account, or who have lost access to the email or phone number linked to their Google Play account, may need to submit a supplemental claim to receive their payment. How much money will I get through the settlement? Eligible consumers can expect a minimum payment of , although the final amount may vary based on the total spent on apps and in-app content during the specified period. When will my payment be sent? The timeline for payment distribution remains uncertain, with a final approval hearing set for April 30, 2026. Should the settlement be approved, recipients will receive notifications via email or text from PayPal or Venmo, depending on the contact information associated with their Google Play account. For those without an existing PayPal or Venmo account, options to create a new account or redirect payments to a different account will be available. Emily Barnes reports on consumer-related issues for the USA TODAY Network’s New York Connect Team, focusing on scam and recall-related topics. Follow her on X and Instagram @byemilybarnes. Get in touch at ebarnes@gannett.com." max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"], with the final amount varying based on total spending during the specified period. The final approval hearing for the settlement is set for April 30, 2026. Recipients will receive notifications via email or text from PayPal or Venmo, and options will be available for those without existing accounts.

AppWizard

December 4, 2025

Take my money: These are the 7 apps I gladly pay for every month

The subscription model for digital services is becoming more common, eliciting mixed feelings among users. Many are willing to invest in apps that enhance their daily lives. A recent poll showed varied monthly spending on app subscriptions, with most users balancing free and premium options. Balance is a popular meditation app with a yearly subscription cost of around , appreciated for its guided sessions. Todoist, a task management app, faces scrutiny due to recent price hikes, leading users to reconsider its value. YNAB (You Need A Budget) costs monthly or annually and is valued for its financial planning capabilities. Gemini, a versatile tool for content creation, has a monthly subscription price of , which users find justified by its features. Spotify, a leading music streaming service, costs .99 per month and is favored for its extensive library. Netflix is a preferred video streaming service, though users often switch between platforms like HBO and Prime Video based on content preferences. Niagara Launcher, a minimalist smartphone customization app, costs annually and is valued for its clean interface and accessibility features.

AppWizard

November 30, 2025

After 13 years, Euro Truck Simulator 2 smashes its all-time concurrent player peak on Steam by dropping two DLCs with, let me check my notes here, more Europe and more trucks

Euro Truck Simulator 2 has surpassed its all-time peak player count on Steam with over 72,678 concurrent players, more than 13 years after its release in 2012. Recent expansions, including Nordic Horizons and the Forest Machinery add-on, have enhanced gameplay. The game offers a meditative quality, allowing players to experience tranquility while driving through scenic routes, serving as a form of escapism from daily life.

AppWizard

November 30, 2025

It’s 2025’s most notorious flop, but you can now try this would-be GTA rival for free, and it really can only get better

Mindseye, launched in June 2025 by Build a Rocket Boy, is an action game that received poor reviews and faced significant issues at launch, leading to employee layoffs. Founder Leslie Benzies attributed the game's failure to external sabotage. Despite ongoing turmoil, the team is working on updates, including a free demo released with Update 6, which offers a portion of the campaign and player-created content. The free starter pack weighs under 50GB and includes a 15-minute main quest and 14 additional challenges, although the free-roam feature has been removed. The complete game is currently available at a 50% discount, priced at .99 / £27.49.

AppWizard

November 29, 2025

I take my game library with me when I travel and there’s no reason to miss out with these Black Friday handheld gaming PC deals

Handheld gaming devices have rapidly evolved, and it's a misconception that one must always buy the latest model for portable PC gaming. Many budget-friendly options provide a great gaming experience, especially with Black Friday discounts. The most enjoyable handheld PC games are often casual titles rather than high-end triple-A games. The Steam Deck, released in 2022, remains relevant in 2025. Newer models like the ROG Xbox Ally may not significantly outperform older models, as they often use similar components. The ROG Xbox Ally X offers some improvements but at a high price. The Legion Go S has impressive specs but comes with a hefty price tag. Accessories like ergonomic grips and quality headphones enhance the gaming experience, and shoppers should look for deals during the holiday season. It is possible to enjoy gaming without spending excessively, thanks to various budget options available.

BetaBeacon

November 26, 2025

A Complete Guide to Working With an Android and NFT Game Development Partner – That is where the collaboration with an experienced Android Game Development Company or a pioneering NFT Game Development Company will become the game-changer. by SM

The success of a project can depend on the availability of a team with the required special knowledge in Android and NFT game development.

AppWizard

November 23, 2025

The Witcher 4 might be miles away, but Geralt and Ciri are honing their blades for some turn-based tactics this month

Sword of Convallaria will feature a crossover event with characters from The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, starting on November 28. The event will introduce at least four iconic characters, including Geralt, Yennefer, Triss, and Ciri, with Ciri expected to be available for free. The game is a grid-based strategy title reminiscent of Final Fantasy Tactics, and players can access it without upfront costs. Each character has unique abilities, and the crossover does not have a predetermined end date. The game has received mixed reviews, with some praising its gameplay and narrative, while others criticize its gacha mechanics.

AppWizard

November 21, 2025

Four | Buy Now, Pay Later For Android

Four Technologies, Inc has launched the Four app, which allows online shoppers to buy now and pay later by splitting purchases into four payments made every two weeks. The app has a rating of 4.5 stars from over 500,000 users and offers features such as clear payment schedules, flexible payment plans, and a consolidated platform for browsing, order tracking, and payment management. Users can shop at various partner retailers, complete a quick sign-up process, and must be 18 or older, U.S. residents, and meet additional eligibility requirements. Availability may vary by state.

AppWizard

November 20, 2025

Like going to the office in Animal Crossing: my most productive work-from-home experience this year was spending all day online in this virtual co-working game

The game On-Together has emerged as a social platform for remote workers, allowing up to 16 players to create avatars and engage in mini-games while working. It incorporates the Pomodoro Technique to encourage productivity through 25-minute work sprints followed by breaks. The game fosters a sense of community by allowing friends to join in, enhancing focus and efficiency compared to traditional task management tools. Co-developer Ilgın Saçan draws inspiration from early 2000s online chatrooms and emphasizes that remote work can be fulfilling without the loneliness often associated with it. On-Together is currently available as a free demo on Steam and will launch its full version on January 19, featuring new customization options and group areas.