Tag Archives: app store

Patreon, Epic Games, & Spotify Push Back Against Apple’s App Store Fees

August 13, 2024 Nur Jeevan Leave a comment

Apple’s App Store fee structure has long been a contentious issue for developers. In fact, the company’s App Store Fees have come under intense scrutiny in Europe as the EU Commission has ruled against Apple’s policies and reopened an investigation into the company for malicious compliance. These recent developments have emboldened more developers to voice out their grievances in public. Most recently, Patreon, Epic Games, and Spotify have taken to the internet and this intensified the scrutiny.

Photo by Brett Jordan

EU Commission Takes On Apple’s App Store

Let’s take a look back at how we got here. In a landmark decision, the EU Commission found Apple to be in breach of competition law due to its App Store practices. The Commission ruled that Apple’s requirement for developers to use its in-app purchase system and pay a commission on all digital goods and services sold within their apps was unfair and stifled competition.

This ruling has significant implications for Apple. It has forced the company to change its App Store policies and allow developers to offer alternative payment methods within their apps. Apple has been charging a 30% fee to developers for the use of its App Store platform. Since the landmark ruling, the company has “opened up” more options to developers. However, more recently, it has introduced a yearly 5% “Initial Acquisition Fee” and a 10% “Store Services Fee”.

Growing Push Back from Developers

The European Union’s ruling against Apple’s anti-competitive practices has emboldened developers to challenge the company’s new policies. Spotify, for instance, has been a vocal critic of the App Store’s in-app purchase system. The music streaming giant has devised strategies to direct users towards its website for subscription sign-ups, bypassing Apple’s fee structure.

EU Flag Swaying with the Wind — Photo by Dušan Cvetanović

Epic Games, known for its popular game Fortnite, has also been at odds with Apple over App Store policies. The company famously challenged Apple’s rules by offering in-app purchases outside the App Store, leading to Fortnite’s removal from the platform. While the case garnered significant attention, the outcome ultimately favoured Apple, underscoring the challenges developers face when challenging the company’s policies.

Both developers have been more vocal since Apple introduced these changes. Epic Games has been bolder than others and unphased by Apple’s initial removal of Fortnite from the App Store. However, we don’t see Apple budging from its stance with the new fee structure.

Current Developments: Patreon Faces A Tough Decision

Patreon, a platform for creators to connect with their supporters, is currently facing a similar predicament. Apple has mandated that Patreon use its in-app purchase system, which would result in a substantial portion of its revenue going to Apple. Patreon is facing a difficult decision: comply with Apple’s terms and potentially reduce creator earnings, or risk being removed from the App Store, losing access to a significant portion of its user base.

These developments underscore the power struggle between platform owners like Apple and app developers. While the EU’s ruling marks a significant step towards challenging Apple’s dominance, the company still holds considerable sway over the App Store ecosystem. The coming months will be crucial in determining how this battle unfolds and what impact it will have on the future of app distribution. It’s also worth noting that while Apple’s App Store is in the crosshairs, these practices are used in many app distribution platforms even the Google Play Store.

As the situation evolves, more developers will likely join the chorus of dissent against Apple’s App Store policies. The ultimate outcome of these challenges could have far-reaching implications for the entire app economy.

Lifestyle, News

RapidKL’s My50 & MyCity Passes Now Available for Purchase Online!

November 6, 2023 Sharifah Hanani Leave a comment

RapidKL is finally launching and selling its My50 and MyCity passes making it easier for users to purchase the pass instantly without going through the hassle. The passes can be purchased through The MyRapid Pulse app, which is available on the Apple App Store, the Google Play Store, and the Huawei AppGallery. It is also available for purchase through the online MyRapid Shop. With this system in place, it allows commuters to buy these passes online instead of at customer service counters in RapidKL train stations and bus hubs.

Key Visual RapidKL My50 & MyCity Pass online purchase — Source: RapidKL/Prasarana

However, like many of its other “advancements”, the transition to an online system seems like two steps forward and a step back. As mentioned in its own FAQs, while the passes are being sold online, they will not be able to be activated on the MyKad or Touch ‘n Go card after the purchase. Instead, users must activate the pass at customer service counters at public transport stations like KL Sentral.

There is, however, a good reason why users must activate it at customer service counters. As of current My50 and MyCity passes are only available to Malaysians. That said, it doesn’t look like RapidKL has implemented a KYC (Know Your Client) protocol in place. Hence, proving nationality through the Pulse app or MyRapid Shop will be difficult. According to them, this is also due to the Touch n’ Go system that needs the passes to be physically activated.

That said, the new implementation is a step forward. However, it would be a big benefit to users if these passes are available via platforms like ewallets, Samsung Wallet, Apple Wallet and Google Wallet. Users will then be able to simply tap in or out with their cellphones. It is worth noting though, that, recently, Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced that RapidKL’s parent firm, Prasarana, is working on an open payment system for 2024. We’ll have to wait and see if the process changes when that is launched.

Accessories, Health, iOS, Lifestyle, Mobile, News

The Oceanic+ App is Live! Meet Your New Dive Computer, the Apple Watch Ultra.

November 29, 2022 Darwin Sucipto Leave a comment

Apple launched their most expensive wearable item back in September alongside their Apple iPhone 14 devices. They launched the new Apple Watch Ultra, which was made with space age technology and is built to endure the most extreme conditions you can subject your body to. One of them is to go down to depths you will only go as a scuba diver.

According to Apple, the Watch Ultra can go in depths up to 40 meters. While there are dive watches and computers that can go deeper than that, you want to remember that the Apple Watch Ultra is no bigger than the regular watch and is also built as a watch and fitness tracker you can take anywhere with you. In that sense, the Apple Watch Ultra is a feat on its own.

While it was able to go down to 40 meters under water, and into the ocean for that matter, you could only get basic information from it like a regular watch. It did not have the right tools to record your depth, or how much air you have left, or how long you’ve dived. Until now, that is, with the Oceanic+ app.

Apple Watch Ultra Oceanic Plus Complications — Source: Apple

The app was also announced when they launched the Apple Watch Ultra, so it should not come as a surprise. The app is not an in-house developed one (developed by Huish Outdoors in collaboration with Apple), that could also be why it launched later than the Watch Ultra itself. It is still 2022 though, so it is not like we had to wait years for it.

The Oceanic+ app basically turns your Apple Watch Ultra into a rather comprehensive dive computer. They say that the app allows the Watch Ultra to act as an advanced dive computer and robust dive planner. Of course, you can review all information post-dive as well.

Apple Watch Ultra Oceanic Plus Scuba Slow Down — Source: Apple

The dive computer on the Apple Watch Ultra may not be similar to other dive computers you might have come across. They say that they have built the interface to be as intuitive as possible to be used on the Apple Watch platform. The interface is designed to allow users to quickly get information from the watch and dive stress free without making mental calculations during their dive. That also means that they need to cram and simplify as much information as they can into the tiny display that is the Apple Watch Ultra. It even gives users some form of directive to ensure their safety during the dive with “Stop”, “Go Up”, and even “Go Down”.

They have managed to integrate things like surface time, depth, and gas capacity into an interface that would be familiar to any Apple Watch user. On top of that, the dive planner gives you extra information like tides, water temperatures, weather updates, currents, and updated information uploaded by other users. It even tracks your GPS location, so you know where you are in your dives. You can even tell if you have a notification from the Apple Watch Ultra in the water with the Watch vibrating. They say you can even feel the vibration through a 7mm thick wetsuit. Haptic feedback, according to the developers, is a better way for your watch to communicate with you under water.

Source: Apple
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The Oceanic+ app is now available for the Apple Watch Ultra via the App Store. Of course, there is a companion app for your iPhone as well where you can view all sorts of information from your Apple Watch post-dive. The Apple Watch Ultra will set you back from MYR 3,799 onward, which is a lot of money for an Apple Watch. Then again, a dive computer will set you back just as much or more.

News

Tower of Fantasy Major 2.1 Update Brings Exciting New Content

November 24, 2022 Thina Hareesh Leave a comment

Tower of Fantasy is getting more exciting, fresh content with the release of the major 2.1 update, dubbed Confounding Labyrinth.

New terrains and challenges await in the 2.1 update

Publisher Level Infinite and developer Hotta Studio have released the 2.1 update on the 22nd of November. With it comes a brand-new map, Confounding abyss with new challenges, bosses and the new simulacrum, Lin. Players can find the new location just beneath Mirroria and explore the diverse, underground terrain in the ruins of the Third City.

Explore the Prism Pillar (top) and Deepsoul Industrial Zone (bottom) in the Confounding Abyss

Explore the Prism Pillar (top) and Deepsoul Industrial Zone (bottom) in the Confounding Abyss

While exploring, players will encounter new challenges with enemies that have mutated under the effects of the Confounding Abyss. One such encounter is with the new enemy Crystal Hoof, where a Culton’s body has fused with a mysterious crystal, resulting in a strong, rock-like body. Experience the unique terrain of the Confounding Abyss with the official 2.1 update trailer.

Tower of Fantasy 2 2 — Face new enemies like the Crystal Hoof in the Confounding Abyss

Rise against the new challenges with the debuting simulacrum Lin, the successor to MIrroria. Lin thrives in the frontlines of battle and has a unique alteration ability. While other simulacrums are equipped with one element each such as flame or frost, Lin can use all elements and construct weapons of any element genre. Find out more on Lin with the simulacrum release trailer.

Experience this exciting free-to-play MMORPG

With such exciting content in the 2.1 update, it’s no surprise Tower of Fantasy has been nominated for Best Mobile Game at The Game Awards and the Google Play User’s Choice Game. Players can also show their support by voting at The Game Awards.

Tower of Fantasy 5 — Tower of Fantasy nominated for Best Mobile Game at The Game Awards

Play Tower of Fantasy for free today at the official site and on the App Store, Google Play and Steam.

News

Messi Roars on the Battlegrounds with PUBG Mobile

November 24, 2022 Thina Hareesh Leave a comment

PUBG Mobile has announced a collaboration with Lionel Messi, featuring 20 in-game items themed after the football star.

Lionel Messi new in game items themed — Get Messi-themed in game items in PUBG Mobile

Fans can outfit their characters to look like the Argentina star with Captain Messi outfits and themed accessories. Improve your in-game gear further with the Messi Football Icon range which includes a new themed set, cover, backpack, helmet, pan, PP-19 Bizon, Mini14, MK47, AKM, ornament and grenade. More themed gear is available with the Messi Super Legend items which includes a themed set, hat, mask and parachute. To complete the collection, fans can get the Messi Collaboration items which include a set, plane finish, hoverboard, dacia and ornament.

For a limited time only, fans can get the exclusive “PUBG MOBILE X Messi” Collaboration Jersey. To win one, simply participate in the invitation sharing event, and be quick as this is a limited time event.

“Unleash your Roar” with Messi by downloading PUBG MOBILE for free on the App Store and Google Play Store.

iOS, Lifestyle, Mobile, News

Apple is Cracking Down on Outdated Apps from App Store!

April 25, 2022 Darwin Sucipto Leave a comment

Quite recently Google has updated their Play Store policy and practices to start removing apps that has been sitting idle without updates. When they say remove though, it will still sit in the database, but will not appear to users while users who are already using the app will still get access to the apps. It is a good way, in our opinions, to clean up their app databases while giving users the flexibility to choose the apps they use on their devices.

It seems like Apple wants to also do the same, except they are making the implementation more immediate in nature. This was not an announcement from Apple really, just a social media posting captured by The Verge mentioning an email received from Apple. The email is for an independent developer for a free game sitting in the Apple App Store. The email pointed out that the app has not been updated for over two years and Apple will remove the app from the App Store if the app is not updated in the next 30 days.

That is not the only developer to receive a warning email from Apple though. From The Verge’s coverage, it seems like there are more than just a few developers that received an email just because they have not updated their app for two years or so. To be fair, there is a good reason why Apple wants to ensure that apps featured on their App Store is up to date. The way Apple has been implementing it though, is a little odd.

Apple and Google, both largest app ecosystem platforms in the world, work very hard to keep their marketplaces as safe as they can be. The update security features all the time, and within their updates, they would require developers to also comply to their newer guidelines set within their updates. Understandably, most of the updates would require developers to patch their apps to match the guidelines set by both Google and Apple, in the name of protecting their users too. In that case it can be understandable for both Google and Apple to start enforcing a stricter “outdated” regulation for their app stores.

This is not technically the first time that Apple removes apps from their App Store. They had a similar exercise back in 2016 where they removed apps that has been sitting without updates for over two years in the App Store giving developers only 30 days to submit an update for the App Store. While the practice seems to have gone on for a while, Apple has made no attempts in reporting or documenting their attempts so far other than the emails sent to developers. There are currently no clear guidelines as well on what Apple considers to be “outdated” in their App Store.

As we mentioned, Google is sort of doing the same thing; they are trying to ensure that their developers keep their apps up to date to meet the security requirements set by Google. Google is giving developers until the end of October 2022 to at least submit an update for their apps. Google will also grant six-month extension requests if developers cannot meet the deadline.

iOS, Lifestyle, Mobile, News

Switching From iOS to Android Made Easier with Google’s Switch to Android App on Apple App Store

April 14, 2022 Darwin Sucipto Leave a comment

Smartphones are great. Since the introduction of the first Apple iPhone and its App Store, the growth of this tiny handheld device has been quite exponential. We now live in a world where having a smartphone is not just a luxury, it is a requirement to getting most things done. We also live in a world where this piece of handheld electronics has become the most important personal equipment of ours.

Apple may be the first to introduce a smartphone ecosystem the world has never seen before. Their early dominance in the space inspired some lookalike products that were quite unsuccessful. But it also brought competition from some of the biggest players in the industry. It brought Android to the world as well and the battle for smartphone supremacy ensued to this day.

Being the two biggest players in the industry currently gives you two choices when you want to upgrade your smartphone. You can choose between an iPhone or pick from the sea of Android smartphones available to you. It sounds simpler than it is though.

If you are an Android user looking to upgrade your device, you are given plenty of choices. Swapping between one brand to another, while not without a small learning curve, is entirely possible and made very simple. It goes without saying, swapping from an Android system into the iOS ecosystem is also not very difficult. In fact, Apple introduced a “Switch to iOS” app into the Google Play Store back in 2015 to make their transition much easier.

The reverse is hardly true though. While swapping between one iOS device to the next can be made seamless with iTunes, there is still a small level of complexity involved. Everything is proprietary as well; you need to have an Apple account to backup and restore everything. In concept, it is very similar to what you already have in Android’s Google account requirements. It locks you into the system, making it difficult for you to port out of iOS and into Android.

There are plenty of apps and service providers that have attempted to make switching out of iOS much simpler than before. You have developers who specifically developed apps to help you transfer WhatsApp data from an iOS device to an Android device. Samsung themselves also developed the Smart Switch that can recover most of the data from your old iPhone when you switch to a Samsung device specifically. Now Google is also in that fight to bring more iOS users out of Apple’s ecosystem and into Google’s Android world.

The app is called ‘Switch to Android’, and it is available in Apple’s App Store in certain regions currently. Of course, the app will be made available globally as time passes, but for now a few regions is what we get. It also seems like the app is not a complete app just yet with limited access, something Google will be rectifying as well in future iterations, we assume.

Screenshot 2022 04 14 at 12 26 17 Switch To Android — Source: Apple App Store

Screenshot 2022 04 14 at 12 26 31 Switch To Android — Source: Apple App Store

It is a relatively straightforward app to work with. It is essentially a porting tool on an iOS device meant to transfer as much data as possible from the iOS device to any Android device of the user’s choice. How the app ports the data off to an Android device is by first establishing a connection between the iOS device and the Android device of choice. After the network is made, the app is supposed to allow you to transfer things like contacts, messages, photos, and even videos from your iOS device. Some early preview also shows that the app will prompt you to turn off iMessage to ensure you get text messages on your Android device since it is one of the most common issues plaguing users switching out of Apple’s platform. Of course, all the data that is to be copied must be stored on the device itself. Anything within Apple Cloud will not be copied over.

While the app is now available for iOS device on the Apple App Store, you want to keep in mind that there are still plenty of missing features. The app is also sitting as an unlisted app in the App Store currently, which might also mean that you might not be able to simply find the app via search. Google will be sure to update the app with more complete features in the coming iterations. For now though, if you are planning to switch from an iOS device to an Android device, the Samsung Galaxy devices with Smart Switch are still your best bet of retaining most of your data.

Android, Mobile, News

Soon, Every App on Google Play Store Will Be New Updated Apps

April 7, 2022 Darwin Sucipto Leave a comment

Updating your apps is a hassle, so is finding the right app to do specific things you want for your Android or iOS machines. We live in an age where there is an app for everything, and it all started with the iPhone and then later expanded by Google’s Android ecosystem. To think that we almost do not get ecosystem with open-sourced apps is an odd one today.

Android’s foray into the app ecosystem game marks the start of a war between iOS and Android. The war of the app store, we call it. Who had better app support, who had better apps, and who had the biggest app store? We have reached a breaking point, however.

The world today, while still revolves around apps, cares more about the quality of contents each app delivers than how many apps you have on your smartphone. I, for one, want as little apps as possible on my smartphone but enough apps to perform everything I need from my smartphone. We do not need a million apps to do a million things. We want 10 apps that does 1,000 things well, and that is a problem for the app stores with millions upon millions of apps.

While choices are good, Google deems that not all choices may be suitable for users. Of course, apps need to comply to Google’s security guidelines that changes with every new iteration of Android. That also means that apps that are on the Play Store should be updated to match the new security standards set by Google.

The problem is, while that is something that should be, it is not how it is in the current app stores. There are millions of apps in the ecosystem that has gone silent for years. These apps do not get updated and yet they still sit in the App Store. Granted, there are plenty of apps like these that are still being used by users. Developers of the app could have either given up on the project or have closed shop for a while. They still pose security risks for Android though.

In that case, Google is taking a step up in preventing users from downloading or coming across apps that have not been updated for longer than at least one generation of Android. That also means that if the apps on Google Play Store have not been updated for Android 11 currently, they app will be taken down from the Play Store, even if the ratings for the apps are high. When we say take down, they are not completely removed from the app store, more like downranked. If the app has not been updated for more than two generations, Play Store will not allow the app to be installed on your device at all.

This system is completely dependent on the update cycle and age of your smartphone or tablet as well though. For example, if your device is still on Android 9, you will still be able to see apps that have been updated for Android 9, even if the said app has not been updated for Android 11 or Android 12. Once you update your device to Android 11 or 12 though, you may not see the app on the Play Store. However, if you already have the said app on your device, it will note affect your experience with the app at all. It will only affect new users to the said app.

The changes that are teased by Google is just that for now, a tease. It is expected that changes on the Play Store will start taking place on the 1^st of November 2022 onward. It does give some time for developers who has not updated their apps for a year or two to prepare and update their apps before the implementation date. While it may seem odd that Google may be phasing out some of the higher rated apps just because they are old, it is also a good security measure for Android users with better compliance. It could also help new apps shine and get into the spotlight a little bit.

techENT