UK Archives

AppWizard

June 16, 2025

WhatsApp to start showing more adverts in messaging app

WhatsApp is launching three new advertising features to enhance user engagement without compromising private conversations. The platform will not use the encrypted content of users' messages for ads but will utilize data such as location, language, and ad interactions. Users linked to Facebook or Instagram will see personalized ads in a section called Updates at the bottom of the app. Businesses can promote their channels, attract followers, and offer subscription-based access, with WhatsApp taking a 10% commission on these fees. Firms can also use status updates for ads that direct users to chats. Concerns exist about potential user backlash if the app becomes cluttered with ads, particularly in regions like the UK and Europe. WhatsApp's head, Will Cathcart, reassured users that those who use the app solely for messaging will not be affected by the ad features. While the Updates section may not be popular in the UK, it has received a better response in other areas.

AppWizard

June 15, 2025

Dark Souls narrator and prolific actor Pik-Sen Lim has died

Malaysian-born British actor Pik-Sen Lim passed away on June 9 at the age of 80. She had a diverse career in theater, film, and television, including notable voice work for the video games Dark Souls and Dark Souls 3. Lim moved to the United Kingdom in 1961 to pursue acting, appearing in various UK television shows such as Dr. Who, and more recently in The Nevers and Vampire Academy. She was remembered by fellow actor Daniel York Loh for her joyous personality, comedic talent, and the depth of her abilities. Lim was also known for her candid discussions about the challenges faced by actors of her heritage in the industry.

AppWizard

June 13, 2025

Lucid Adds Android Auto to Air Sedan in Long-Delayed Software Update

Lucid Motors has integrated Android Auto into its Lucid Air electric sedan as part of the 2.7.0 over-the-air software update. The rollout was initially expected in Fall 2024 but was delayed to June 2025. The integration allows for both wireless and USB connectivity, with specific Android version requirements. Users can activate Android Auto through the vehicle's settings. The upcoming Gravity SUV is also expected to feature Android Auto support, with a launch planned for September 2025. Lucid reported selling 28 vehicles in Europe, an increase from 21 the previous year, and plans to expand into the UK, France, Italy, and Spain within the next 18 months, targeting Belgium and Denmark for future growth.

BetaBeacon

June 9, 2025

Skich Store Launches Android Version, Pioneers Alternative App Store for Mobile Games

- Skich Store uses an intelligent algorithm to recommend games based on user preferences, gameplay habits, and niche genres. - Users can browse game cards in a swipe-based interface inspired by dating apps. - Users can follow friends, influencers, and community-curated gamelists for social game discovery. - Skich Store offers a lower 15% commission rate for developers and is expanding to the UK, Brazil, Japan, and Australia by 2026. - The platform is free to use and offers features such as pre-registration, launch notifications, and tailored updates. - Skich Store has over 120,000 organic monthly visitors and engagement levels 3-5x higher than conventional stores. - Skich Store is backed by GEM Capital and positioning itself as the go-to platform for indie games and transparent discovery.

Winsage

June 9, 2025

Why the ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X have Valve in their sights, not Nintendo

Microsoft has announced its first Xbox co-branded handheld devices, the ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X, in collaboration with Asus, set to launch in the holiday season of 2025. Pricing details are not yet available. The Xbox Ally is designed as a generalist device, while the Xbox Ally X targets high-performance gamers, both powered by AMD processors and equipped with Windows 11. They feature Xbox-branded buttons, a gaming interface, and access to Xbox Game Pass, along with the ability to stream console libraries via Xbox Cloud Gaming and Remote Play. The user interface is similar to that of Xbox consoles, with ergonomic grips inspired by Xbox controllers. Accessibility features from Xbox and Windows will be included, and the Xbox Play Anywhere initiative will allow games to function across PC, console, and cloud platforms. The launch will occur in multiple countries, including the US, UK, Japan, and several European nations, with plans to expand to additional territories. The devices aim to provide a unified gaming library for users with both PC and Xbox consoles, enhancing the existing ecosystem. The introduction of Windows 11 is highlighted as a key feature, offering access to games not available elsewhere. The ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X are positioned to compete with existing handhelds like the Steam Deck, with a focus on appealing to both console and PC gamers. Sales of Windows PC handhelds reached approximately 1.2 million units by the end of 2024.

Winsage

June 9, 2025

The First Xbox Handheld Has Been Revealed

Microsoft has announced its entry into the handheld gaming market with the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X, developed in collaboration with Asus. The devices support native gaming and cloud streaming. Key features include a larger battery, ergonomic grips, a dedicated Xbox button, and an optimized operating system that reduces Windows 11's idle power consumption by about two-thirds, enhancing battery life and freeing up to 2GB of RAM for gaming performance. Exclusive Windows 11 features will initially be available only on these devices, with plans to extend them to standard ROG Allys by late 2025 and to other handheld gaming PCs in 2026. Specifications: - ROG Xbox Ally: AMD Ryzen Z2 A processor, 1080p 7” touchscreen, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD (upgradeable), 60Wh battery, 670g weight. - ROG Xbox Ally X: AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme processor, 1080p 7” touchscreen, 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD (upgradeable), 80Wh battery, 715g weight. Both devices can run Windows games from platforms like Xbox, Battle.net, GoG, Ubisoft Connect, and Steam. They are expected to launch during the Holiday season of 2025 in markets including Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, the UK, and the US.

AppWizard

June 6, 2025

NatWest mobile app down with customers locked out of accounts

NatWest is experiencing issues with its mobile banking app, leading to over 3,000 outages reported around 10 am on a Friday. Customers have expressed frustration on social media due to their inability to send or receive money, pay bills, or transfer funds. The bank has stated that the problem is related to an update made to the app. Recent scrutiny has arisen for high street banks due to a series of outages, particularly at the end of the month when many receive paychecks. Data from the Treasury Committee revealed that nine of the UK’s largest banks and building societies faced over 33 days of unplanned outages in the past two years. NatWest reported 13 "material" incidents between 2023 and 2025, resulting in nearly £350,000 in compensation paid to affected customers. Barclays also indicated it could allocate up to £12.5 million in compensation for affected customers during the same period. Common reasons for these outages include issues with third-party suppliers, system changes, and internal software malfunctions.

AppWizard

June 6, 2025

How to watch the Summer Game Fest livestream

The Summer Game Fest will be live on Friday, June 6, 2025, at 2 PM Pacific Time, 5 PM Eastern, and 10 PM in the UK. It will be streamed on YouTube, Twitch, and Steam. The event will feature sponsors like 2K Games, Bandai Namco, Capcom, CD Projekt, Xbox, PlayStation, and Epic Games, with Hideo Kojima expected to appear. There will also be an in-person event for media representatives. Content related to SGF will be organized under the Summer Game Fest 2025 tag, with additional video content on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube.

AppWizard

June 6, 2025

A Minecraft Movie makes it two weeks atop Official Film Chart

Steve, a struggling salesman, accidentally breaks into a mine and discovers the Orb of Dominance and the Earth Crystal, which opens a portal to the Overworld. Jack Black's song "Steve’s Lava Chicken" from the Minecraft Movie has entered the UK Top 40 as the shortest song ever at 34 seconds. The film "Marching Powder" has climbed to number 4 in the Film Chart, while "Mickey 17" has risen to fifth place.

AppWizard

June 5, 2025

Google’s Android redesign is available to some already – just check your Messages

Google's Material 3 Expressive design initiative is being introduced in the Google Messages beta, with a broader rollout expected with Android 16 or shortly thereafter. The design features lozenge-shaped buttons replacing round buttons, larger sizes for a refined aesthetic, and a redesigned “+” menu for adding emojis and stickers. The updates are currently mixed in visibility among users, particularly in the UK. The adoption of Material 3 Expressive may vary among manufacturers, with brands like Motorola likely to embrace it fully, while Samsung may implement it less comprehensively. In markets like China, brands such as Xiaomi and Honor may continue using their existing design languages, potentially leading to inconsistencies with Google apps.