Latest News
Glacial Pace of Change: Web Notifications Coming Soon to Apple Devices?
Apple’s dragging its feet in response to Anti-Trust Pressure; Bob Lawson, Optimove’s Director of Mobile offering, looks at what that actually means
Operators and mobile app developers love Apple’s App Store. Specifically, those who have a high percentage of their players on iPhones. They love the reach the stores give them to acquire new players.
Operators and mobile app developers dislike Apple’s App Store. They are tired of the hoops they need to jump through to get their app listed. Not to mention Apple’s 13,000-word “guidelines,” which include restrictions for types of apps they will accept, and where, AND the slice that the App Stores take on every dollar spent through the app, kicking a big hole in potential revenue operators can earn from their players.
It’s fair to say operators and mobile app developers alike have a love-hate relationship with the App Stores and Apple in particular.
Recently Apple has come under increasing pressure from Anti-Competition lobbyists to offer other ways for users to utilize their apps on iPhones. But a business with over 745 million software subscribers, grossing over $70bn in direct app revenue a year, isn’t going to give that up easily. Add to this their slowing revenue from hardware sales, and some commentators see Apple increasingly as a software company rather than a vendor of high-end devices. What are we to make of these somewhat conflicting messages? Consider the following:
- Apple is under pressure from antitrust regulators to show opportunities for companies that don’t, or can’t, have apps in the App Store. The ruling from their very public lawsuit with Epic Games in the US, and the EU ruling in favor of Spotify, also means that Apple needs to show tangible proof that the Apple ecosystem isn’t closed to competition.
- Apple is doing everything it can to hold onto its dominant position while appearing to listen to software makers’ concerns. They continue to make only minor tweaks to App Store terms in response to class actions and slowly introduce small, frequent changes. Those Changes make it very difficult for developers to stay on top of what would make Apple block their new app listing.
So how do the recent announcements at the June 22 WWDC event give us a clue to Apple’s response to pressures? First, it continues to show Apple’s strategy for the glacial pace of change.
- Apple has for years been reluctant, to say the least to allow applications other than approved apps on its store, accessing phone and browser functionality. Push notifications, for example, have been possible on Apple mobile apps since June 17, 2009. Just 11 months after it introduced the App Store in July 2008. They have always seen the Apple Push Notifications service (APNs) as a critical part of the iPhone experience.
And in the meantime, next door, Google has allowed much more extensive options for delivering notifications on Android devices. For example, since 2013, it has been possible to deliver notifications on an Android phone to users who don’t have the mobile app installed but have subscribed for notifications from a mobile responsive website or progressive web app (PWA).
But there’s a big difference here and it is that neither websites nor PWAs are downloaded from the Google Play Store, so they aren’t governed by the submission rules or delivering a revenue cut for the Play Store.
- Apple’s resistance to following Google’s lead could easily be seen as an attempt to restrict the popularity of Web-Based Applications over mobile apps published through its stores. After all, in the past it did follow Google’s lead when it first introduced notifications to mobile apps published through the Google Play Store.
- Apple argues that it’s about maximizing users’ customer experience, but increasingly it has been seen as anti-competitive. It’s strongly suspected that the recent announcement at WWDC 22 to introduce web push notifications to Apple devices is a way to demonstrate that they have no platform bias. They will soon introduce web notifications to browsers running on mobile devices, closing the gap between Mobile Apps and Web Apps.
- The technology has been available as a developer test build for months. At their developer conferences, Apple often announces features well into the future to get their community excited about what’s to come. Rarely do they announce something that will be available up to a year later. So why announce now, and why so far in advance?
- Antitrust pressure may have led to the announcement this year. And maybe, just maybe, by kicking the can down the road, the heat will come off. They have built it, but will they come? Only time will tell.
What does this mean for the industry?
Marketing automation tolls will relish the prospect of allowing more freedom around mobile devices. CRM Marketing Platforms have many customers who don’t, and won’t, have apps in the store for one reason or another. So being able to offer an experience that is on a par with that of a Native Mobile app is a compelling idea. The power of push notifications to re-engage with lapsed players and send reminders to Apple users, as has been possible with Android, is undoubtedly a good thing.
Is Apple ready to truly embrace customer experience across mobile and web applications? It’s anyone’s guess, well anyone not named Tim Cook, anyway. We’ll be watching this space closely over the coming months.
Bob Lawson is Director of Mobile Offerings at Optimove. He joined Optimove early in 2022, when it acquired Kumulos, the company he co-founded. Kumulos was a market-leading Mobile and Web Messaging Platform serving a broad range of industries. Bob has spent more than 18 years in technology, particularly Mobile MarTech. He has held commercially facing roles in start-ups, scale-ups, and large enterprise businesses, particularly in Mobile Technology. Before working in the Tech space, he spent 15 years in Financial Services, most recently as Marketing Director of one of Europe’s largest Fund Management Companies.
Latest News
In, Out, Shake It All About: Groove Technologies and InOut Games Partner to Rattle the iGaming Cage
Reading Time: 2 minutes
Groove Technologies, the powerhouse aggregator renowned for its elite content portfolio, today announced a strategic distribution partnership with breakout studio InOut Games, the creative force behind the viral sensation Chicken Road. This move integrates InOut Games’ innovative content directly into Groove’s vast ecosystem, providing its global operator network with access to one of the industry’s most talked-about new providers.
This partnership arrives as InOut Games makes its highly anticipated leap into the slot market with Chicken Royal. Inspired by the iconic crash game that captivated a global audience, this new slot transports the beloved chicken into a dynamic, feature-rich format. Designed to engage both seasoned slot players and fans of the original, Chicken Royal marks a pivotal “in” for the studio, expanding its portfolio beyond crash mechanics and signaling its commitment to versatile, high-impact entertainment.
With the addition of InOut Games, Groove’s entertainment ecosystem now blankets over 150 top-tier game providers. Operators worldwide, connected via Groove’s single, streamlined API, will gain immediate access to a catalogue renowned for its fast-paced thrills and unmatched player engagement.
This partnership is a direct reflection of Groove’s strategy to identify and distribute the content that defines the next wave of player preferences.
Rachel Tourgeman, Head of Partnerships at Groove, said: “Our mission is to keep our partners on the cutting edge, and InOut Games represents exactly the kind of innovative talent that moves the needle. This partnership isn’t just about adding games; it’s about injecting our ecosystem with a unique energy that drives retention and revenue.”
Groove’s enterprise-grade platform, equipped with advanced player engagement tools and real-time analytics, ensures that titles from studios like InOut Games achieve maximum visibility and profitability from day one.
“We are confident this partnership will catapult us to an entirely new level of distribution,” said Vladislav Snak, CEO of InOut Games. “Groove’s reach and technological prowess are the perfect accelerants for our growth as we roll out our expanded portfolio.”
Yahale Meltzer, Co-Founder and COO at Groove, added: “The ‘In’ and ‘Out’ of success in this industry is having the right content with the right partners. With InOut Games, we’re not just bringing a studio in; we’re helping to phase out the ordinary. Their bold transition into slots is a game-changer, and through our platform, that change will resonate across the entire operator landscape.”
The post In, Out, Shake It All About: Groove Technologies and InOut Games Partner to Rattle the iGaming Cage appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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EvenBet Gaming Presents Spins Poker: A Revolution in Online Poker
EvenBet Gaming, a well-known developer of online gaming software, has announced the launch of its new innovative product – EvenBet Spins. This project promises to completely redefine the perception of poker by combining elements of classic poker games with the dynamics of slot mechanics. Even in the online gambling world, where genuine innovations are rare, EvenBet Spins stands out as a genuine breakthrough poised to attract a broad audience of players.
What is EvenBet Spins?
EvenBet Spins is a unique solution that blends poker mechanics and casino game experience into a single product. Unlike traditional poker, which involves long sessions and deep strategies, Spins Poker offers fast-paced and thrilling rounds that last only a few minutes. It is a perfect choice for players who prefer quick games where the outcome can change in a matter of seconds.
In addition, the inclusion of random win multipliers and hyper-turbo rounds adds an extra layer of excitement reminiscent of slot and jackpot games. This means every round can deliver a surprise, making the gameplay even more engaging. EvenBet Spins opens new horizons for those seeking shorter, more dynamic, and visually exciting poker experiences – without losing the familiar core mechanics of the game.
Integration with Casino and Sportsbook Platforms
Spins Poker offers a streamlined integration process tailored for casino and sportsbook operators seeking to expand their product offerings without the operational complexity of a traditional poker environment. The system integrates seamlessly with existing platforms, enabling operators to introduce poker-style gameplay to audiences accustomed to slots or sports betting, while minimizing the management overhead typically associated with a full poker room.
A simplified product structure eliminates the need for a dedicated poker operations team, extensive onboarding, or continuous oversight. Fraud monitoring and AML workloads remain significantly lower when compared to comprehensive poker solutions. As a result, Spins Poker becomes an accessible addition for operators aiming to diversify engagement tools with minimal resource commitment.
According to Dmitry Starostenkov, CEO of EvenBet Gaming, the concept behind Spins Poker focuses on reducing operational barriers for operators. He highlighted several key advantages:
- Straightforward integration into websites or applications;
- No requirement for an internal poker management team, since the product only needs initial setup with periodic adjustments of buy-ins and multipliers;
- Lower operational effort compared to full-scale poker platforms, which typically demand more preparation, configuration, and ongoing optimization;
- The ability for operators to test poker demand among casino and sportsbook audiences without investing in dedicated staff, lengthy integrations, or extensive marketing campaigns.
In essence, Spins Poker serves as a low-risk, low-maintenance entry point into poker verticals. Its simplified mechanics, flexible configuration, and compatibility with casino and sportsbook platforms make it an efficient tool for testing audience interest and expanding engagement without the commitment required for traditional poker solutions.
Design and Mobile Optimization
Special attention has been given to design and mobile optimization in EvenBet Spins. Considering the growing popularity of mobile gaming, the product was developed with a mobile-first approach to ensure maximum user comfort and convenience. The simple interface, intuitive navigation, and fast loading times make the game accessible to players of all experience levels.
The overall design emphasizes minimalism and functionality, ensuring a smooth and comfortable gaming experience. The product also adheres to the latest UX design trends, making it equally convenient on smartphones, tablets, and desktop devices. The mobile version of the game is ideal for players who enjoy gaming anytime and anywhere, making EvenBet Spins accessible to a wide range of audiences.
How EvenBet Spins is Changing the Online Poker Market
EvenBet Spins is not just another poker format – it’s a true revolution in the world of online gambling. It transforms the perception of online poker from a niche game to a new level, where speed and excitement become central to the gameplay.
This product opens new opportunities for both players and operators. The integration of random multipliers, hyper-turbo rounds, and other innovations within poker mechanics not only makes the game more appealing to newcomers but also introduces new engagement tools for experienced players. EvenBet Spins has the potential to set a new standard in the online poker industry and open up new perspectives for online casinos and sportsbooks.
Latest News
TCSJOHNHUXLEY Acquires GPI Dice Business, Becomes Global Dice Industry Leader.
Reading Time: 2 minutes
TCSJOHNHUXLEY, the leading global supplier of world-class casino equipment and services, today announced the strategic acquisition of the dice manufacturing business from Gaming Partners International (GPI).
This landmark acquisition provides TCSJOHNHUXLEY with immediate ownership of GPI’s dice manufacturing capabilities, significantly expanding the company’s production footprint and product portfolio.
With this purchase, TCSJOHNHUXLEY is reinforcing its position as the definitive industry leader. The company will now offer three premier dice brands: TK, Paulson, and TCSJOHNHUXLEY. Crucially, operations will be maintained in both Mexico and Missouri, USA, providing customers with dual supply capabilities for enhanced supply chain resilience and flexibility across all global markets.
This acquisition is a strategic move that enhances TCSJOHNHUXLEY’s core offering, secures its dominance in the dice sector, and ensures the continued delivery of the highest quality and most secure gaming dice to casinos worldwide.
The combined capabilities solidify the company’s commitment to producing the highest standard of precision gaming dice. TCSJOHNHUXLEY’s own “Certified Perfects” Dice are globally acknowledged as the world-wide industry standard for casino gaming dice and are trusted globally for accuracy, quality, and security. Available for Craps, Sic Bo, and Pai Gow, the dice can be specified with razor edge or ball corner profiles, come in various sizes, and are manufactured with dots flush to the surface before being wrapped in the signature gold foil, with options for monogramming or serialization to a casino’s specifications, ensuring complete security.
Tristan Sjoberg, Executive Chairman of TCSJOHNHUXLEY, commented “The acquisition of the GPI dice business is a truly transformative step for TCSJOHNHUXLEY. By immediately securing the renowned TK and Paulson brands, we are fundamentally consolidating our position as the definitive global leader in casino dice manufacturing. Leveraging this increased scale and our dual production capabilities, we can provide customers with unmatched supply security and sustained access to the world’s most precise, trusted, and high-quality gaming dice.”
The post TCSJOHNHUXLEY Acquires GPI Dice Business, Becomes Global Dice Industry Leader. appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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