timeline Archives

BetaBeacon

August 28, 2025

NetEase Games launches Destiny: Rising globally on iOS and Android

Destiny: Rising is a free-to-play mobile sci-fi RPG shooter licensed by Bungie, set in an alternate Destiny timeline after the Dark Age. The game supports up to 90fps on select devices and offers single-player, co-op, and competitive modes. A cross-promotion with Destiny 2 allows players to unlock an exclusive emblem through the "Bear the Light" event.

AppWizard

August 28, 2025

Google Search Console Performance Report Search Appearance Android App Bug

There is a reporting anomaly in Google Search Console regarding the Android App search appearance filter, with users reporting a decline in clicks starting from August 12, reaching zero by August 18. A user named San Wilson noted this issue for a client’s website, confirming that the app functions properly in Google Play Console and that visits are still tracked in Google Analytics. Other users have reported similar discrepancies, and Google has not yet acknowledged the issue. The Android App search appearance filter was introduced in 2019 and has typically provided reliable data.

AppWizard

August 27, 2025

By 2026, no more “ghost” apps: Android will only accept verified developers.

Beginning in 2026, only applications from verified developers will be allowed for installation on certified Android devices. This requirement will apply to all certified Android devices equipped with Play Protect and pre-installed Google applications, including apps from third-party app stores and those sideloaded by users. Google will implement a verification process that confirms the developer's identity without scrutinizing the app's content. Apps installed from third-party sources via sideloading have a malware rate 50 times higher than those from the Google Play Store. Developers can still distribute apps through various channels but must verify their identity and register their app's package name and signing keys. The verification system will begin testing in October 2023, with full availability expected by March 2026. The initial rollout will target Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand in September 2026, followed by global implementation in 2027.

AppWizard

August 27, 2025

Google will now verify Android developers in four countries to curb malicious apps

Google will implement a verification process for all Android developers in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand to enhance accountability and security in application distribution. An invitation system will be rolled out in October 2025, with full implementation expected by March 2026, and official adoption by September 2026. All applications on certified devices in these regions will need to be linked to a verified developer, including those from alternative marketplaces or sideloaded. Google is also creating a new account category for independent developers to operate within this verified framework. This initiative is influenced by regulatory pressures and aims to improve user safety while maintaining an open environment for innovation.

AppWizard

August 26, 2025

Google Will Soon Verify Developers or Block Their Android Apps

Google has announced a new developer verification program for Android applications, requiring developers to verify their apps to ensure they can be installed on devices using Google services. This program aims to prevent malicious applications from impersonating legitimate developers. A new Android Developer Console will be introduced for developers distributing apps outside the Google Play Store, and apps from unverified developers will be blocked from installation on most Android devices. The verification requirement will not affect developers already distributing through Google Play. Early access to the verification process is expected in October 2023, with full verification for all developers starting in March 2026. Requirements for apps distributed in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand will begin in September 2026, with global expansion anticipated in 2027 and beyond.

Winsage

August 26, 2025

Windows 11 setup is about to get longer on some devices

Starting in September 2025, Windows 11's Out-of-Box Experience (OOBE) will automatically install quality updates by default for managed Entra/Entra hybrid PCs. This feature applies only to Windows 11 version 22H2 or later devices enrolled via Intune and Autopilot Enrollment Status Page (ESP). The updates during OOBE will provide the latest security fixes before the first sign-in, reducing the need for post-setup patches. Devices must meet specific criteria, including being managed through Microsoft Intune and having an assigned ESP profile. The setting can be enabled in the Microsoft Intune admin center, with existing profiles defaulting to "No" and new profiles set to "Yes."

AppWizard

August 26, 2025

Hollow Knight sees huge Steam player spike following Silksong date

Hollow Knight reached a peak of 40,558 concurrent players on Steam, up from 8,000 the previous week. The game had 20,324 simultaneous users in May 2022, coinciding with the last trailer release for the sequel, Silksong. Hollow Knight has surpassed 15 million copies sold, with increased interest following the announcement of Silksong's release date on September 4th. Team Cherry's co-founder Ari Gibson stated that the game's development is progressing well, emphasizing the creative journey and dispelling concerns about delays.

AppWizard

August 26, 2025

Google to block sideloading of apps from unverified developers

Google plans to restrict the sideloading of applications from unverified developers on certified Android devices, requiring all apps to be registered by verified developers starting next year. This initiative aims to enhance security while allowing sideloading to continue. A new Android Developer Console will be created for developers distributing apps outside of Google Play, with separate accounts for student and hobbyist developers. Developers can still distribute apps directly to users or through any app store. The verification system is expected to begin in October 2023, with full availability for all developers by March 2026, and mandatory registration for apps in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand by September 2024. The goal is to implement the verification system globally by 2027.

AppWizard

August 26, 2025

Google to Block Unverified Android Apps Starting 2026: A Big Push for Safer Sideloading

Google will prohibit the installation of apps from unverified developers on certified Android devices starting September 2026. All developers must verify their identities before their applications can be installed, with requirements including legal name, address, phone number, email, and for organizations, a D-U-N-S number and official website. The verification process involves registering apps by submitting package names and app signing keys. The rollout will begin with early access for selected developers in October 2025, global access in March 2026, and enforcement in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand in September 2026, with expansion to other regions in 2027. Personal data collected during verification will not be made public.

AppWizard

August 26, 2025

Google Will Verify Android App Developers Outside Play Store

Google will implement a comprehensive identity verification system for all app developers on its Android platform starting next year. This system aims to enhance security by ensuring all developers are identifiable, thus reducing risks associated with malware. The verification will apply to all applications, including those distributed outside the Google Play Store, but developers can still use alternative channels. Google will retain developer data for accountability. An internal survey indicated that 50 times more malware comes from sources outside the Play Store. The verification system will have early access in October this year, with a full rollout scheduled for March 2026 and a phased implementation beginning in September 2026 in select countries. Developers will need to submit their official names, addresses, emails, and phone numbers as part of the process.