Technology

Want to link from Google’s app store to your app? That’ll be $2–4 per install

Published

3 months ago

December 19, 2025

Want to link from Google’s app store to your app? That’ll be –4 per install

Today was the deadline for Google to reveal how it’s complying with Judge James Donato’s order to crack open Android for third-party app stores, stop illegally tying its Google Play Billing system to its app store, and let developers link to ways to download their apps outside the Play Store in the US.

But Google isn’t just letting app developers do things however and whenever they’d like. The company’s quietly updated its support pages with a January 28th deadline to enroll in specific Google programs for “alternative billing” and “external content links” — and these programs will come with large alternative fees of their own, assuming Judge Donato doesn’t opt for Epic and Google’s proposed settlement instead.

While it isn’t collecting fees yet, Google says it will charge developers $2.85 for every app and $3.65 for every game a user installs within 24 hours of clicking a link that takes you outside Google’s app store to download them outside the Google ecosystem.

Plus, it’ll take a 20 percent cut of any in-app purchases and 10 percent of any auto-renewing subscriptions. Apps still need to be submitted to Google for review, use a Google API to track them, and developers have to report all transactions (including $0 free trials) if they want to participate.

Google’s service fees for external links.

Image: Google

Meanwhile, developers who want to offer their own billing solutions will only get a 5 percent discount compared to Google’s current fees, likely making it not worth the effort to try alternative billing at all. Google will charge 25 percent for in-app purchases and 10 percent for auto-renewing subscriptions there; devs will need to integrate a Google API to track those, and report all transactions within 24 hours.

The company will cap some of these fees at 10 percent of a developer’s first $1 million of earnings, making it a bit easier for small developers, but perhaps no easier than it is currently. Google already offers a similar cap at 15 percent, so this too is a 5 percent discount.

How will Judge James Donato react? When Apple told Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers it would require a 27 percent fee for external payments in the parallel Epic v. Apple case, she found Apple in contempt of court, and an appeals court backed up that decision just days ago. However, the appeals court did suggest that Apple may be able to collect some fee, writing that:

Apple should be able to charge a commission on linked-out purchases based on the costs that are genuinely and reasonably necessary for its coordination of external links for linked-out purchases, but no more.

Google currently claims that “the fees associated with the external content links program reflect the value provided by Android and Play and support our continued investments across Android and Play.”

But Google also says it won’t collect any fees quite yet, writing:

In the future, Google intends to apply a service fee on successful transactions and downloads completed via external content links. At this time, however, Google is not assessing these fees and is therefore not requiring developers in this program to report these transactions or downloads to Google.

In their joint progress report today, Epic and Google’s lawyers write that while Epic agrees with the January 28th deadline and other requirements, “Epic has indicated that it opposes the service fees that Google announced it may implement in the future and that Epic will challenge these fees if they come into effect.”

Of course, none of this will come to pass if Judge Donato accepts Google and Epic’s proposed settlement instead, which would generally apply worldwide (instead of just in the US) and comes with lower standard transaction fees.

But Google signaled that settlement, too, would come with fees on alternative billing and external app downloads, and Judge Donato seemed skeptical of the settlement in November. He’s ordered an evidentiary hearing on January 22nd before he makes a decision.

Since Google’s support pages seem to be fluid as Epic v. Google continues, we’ve archived copies of their current text below.

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Sean Hollister

Technology

The US government just banned consumer routers made outside the US

Published

6 hours ago

March 24, 2026

Press Room

The US government just banned consumer routers made outside the US

In December, the Federal Communications Commission banned all future drones made in foreign countries from being imported into the United States, unless or until their maker gets an exemption. Now, the FCC has done the exact same for consumer networking gear, citing “an unacceptable risk to the national security of the United States and to the safety and security of U.S. persons.”

If you already have a Wi-Fi or wired router, you can keep on using it — and companies that have already gotten FCC radio authorization for a specific foreign-made product can continue to import that product.

But since the vast majority — if not all — consumer routers are manufactured outside the United States, the vast majority of future consumer routers are now banned. By adding all foreign-made consumer routers to its Covered List, the FCC is saying it will no longer authorize their radios, which de facto bans new devices from import into the country.

Now, router makers need to A) secure a “conditional approval” that lets them keep getting new products cleared for US entry while they work to convince the government that they’ll open up manufacturing in the US, or B) make the decision to skip selling future products in the US, like dronemaker DJI already did.

Like with the foreign drone ban, the FCC has a National Security Determination that it says justifies these actions, one which claims that “Allowing routers produced abroad to dominate the U.S. market creates unacceptable economic, national security, and cybersecurity risks,” and that “routers produced abroad were directly implicated in the Volt, Flax, and Salt Typhoon cyberattacks which targeted critical American communications, energy, transportation, and water infrastructure.”

“Given the criticality of routers to the successful functioning of our nation’s economy and defense, the United States can no longer depend on foreign nations for router manufacturing,” reads another passage.

It is true that a great many router vulnerabilities have surfaced over the years, which make them a popular target for hackers and botnets. It is also true that one China-founded company, TP-Link, is dominant in the US consumer market; US authorities had previously considered a specific TP-Link ban due to that dominance and national security concerns. (TP-Link has been attempting to distance itself from China, splitting off from the Chinese entity in 2022, establishing a global headquarters in California in 2024, and suing Netgear in 2025 for suggesting that TP-Link had been infiltrated by the Chinese government.)

It is not clear how simply moving production of routers domestically would make them safer. In the Volt Typhoon hack, Chinese state-sponsored hackers primarily targeted Cisco and Netgear routers, routers designed by US companies, according to the Department of Justice. They were vulnerable because those US companies had stopped providing security updates to the specific targeted routers, which had been discontinued by those companies.

While the FCC’s Covered List makes it sound like the US is banning all “routers produced in a foreign country,” it’s defined a bit more narrowly than that. It’s specifically banning “consumer-grade routers” as defined in NIST Internal Report 8425A, which refers to ones “intended for residential use and can be installed by the customer.”

“Virtually all routers are made outside the United States, including those produced by U.S.-based companies like TP-Link, which manufactures its products in Vietnam,” reads part of a statement from TP-Link via third-party spokesperson Ricca Silverio. “It appears that the entire router industry will be impacted by the FCC’s announcement concerning new devices not previously authorized by the FCC.”

Update, March 23rd: Clarified how TP-Link has distanced itself from China, and added company statement.

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Sean Hollister

Technology

ATM jackpotting attacks surge across the US

Published

6 hours ago

March 24, 2026

Press Room

ATM jackpotting attacks surge across the US

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You swipe your card and enter your PIN. You grab your cash and head out the door. It feels routine and secure. Most of us never give it a second thought. However, some ATMs are quietly being turned into cash machines for criminals.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation recently issued a cybersecurity alert about a rise in malware attacks targeting ATMs. These incidents are known as jackpotting attacks. In simple terms, hackers force machines to spit out money on command.

The numbers are growing. Since 2020, nearly 1,900 attacks have been reported. More than a third occurred just last year. In 2025 alone, losses have already exceeded $20 million. So what is really happening inside these machines, and why is the threat accelerating now?

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HOW DEBIT CARD FRAUD CAN HAPPEN WITHOUT USING THE CARD

The FBI warns of rising ATM “jackpotting” attacks, where hackers force machines to dispense cash using malware. (TIM SLOAN/AFP via Getty Images)

How ATM jackpotting attacks work

This is not a Hollywood hacking scene. In many cases, attackers use generic keys to open the ATM’s maintenance cabinet. Once inside, they remove the storage drive. Then they load malware onto it or swap it with a compromised one.

After rebooting the machine, the malicious software takes control. One of the most widely used tools is a malware strain called Ploutus. It targets software known as XFS, which ATMs use to communicate with bank networks and authorize transactions.

Instead of asking the bank for permission, the malware overrides that process. It sends its own commands to the machine. The result? The ATM dispenses cash without a card, without an account and without a legitimate transaction. That is jackpotting.

Why are so many ATMs vulnerable?

Here is the uncomfortable truth. Many ATMs run on aging versions of Windows. Some machines have even displayed Windows 7 login screens. That operating system was released in 2009 and officially discontinued years ago.

Outdated software creates opportunity. If attackers find a vulnerability in the Windows operating system, they can exploit it across different ATM brands and financial networks. The FBI says these attacks are not tied to one specific bank or ATM manufacturer. Instead, they target common weaknesses shared across systems.

That makes the problem much bigger. And with hundreds of thousands of ATMs deployed across the U.S., upgrading and securing every machine will take time.

FEDS CHARGE 87 INDIVIDUALS IN MASSIVE ATM ‘JACKPOTTING’ OPERATION LINKED TO TREN DE ARAGUA GANG

Nearly 1,900 ATM jackpotting attacks have been reported since 2020, with losses topping $20 million in 2025 alone. (Robert Alexander/Getty Images)

What banks are being told to do

The FBI has outlined several defensive steps for financial institutions:

Monitor ATMs for unauthorized files and suspicious executables
Disable USB ports to prevent malware loading
Replace generic locks with keypad systems
Add secondary alarms and enhanced physical security

These are practical fixes. But rolling them out nationwide is a slow process. Meanwhile, attackers continue to look for weak targets.

Why this still matters to you

You might be thinking this sounds like a bank problem, not a personal one. Technically, consumers are not the direct victims in these cases. Unlike Bitcoin ATM scams that have cost individuals hundreds of millions, jackpotting attacks hit financial institutions. However, there is a ripple effect.

When banks lose money, insurance companies pay claims. Eventually, those costs show up somewhere. Higher fees. Increased service charges. Stricter policies. In the end, everyday customers absorb the impact. Cybercrime rarely stays contained.

HOW TO SAFELY VIEW YOUR BANK AND RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS ONLINE

Cybercriminals are exploiting outdated ATM software to override bank controls and trigger unauthorized cash withdrawals. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

How to protect yourself when using ATMs

While ATM jackpotting attacks primarily target banks, you can still take smart steps to protect yourself when using cash machines.

1) Use ATMs in well-lit, secure locations

Choose machines inside bank branches or in busy areas with foot traffic. These locations are more likely to be monitored and maintained.

2) Avoid late-night or isolated ATMs

Criminals need physical access to tamper with machines. High traffic areas during regular business hours reduce that risk.

3) Watch for unusual ATM behavior

If a machine suddenly reboots, freezes or behaves strangely, stop immediately. Do not insert your card. Report the issue to the bank right away.

4) Look for signs of tampering

Check for loose panels, exposed wiring or unusual attachments near the card slot or keypad. If something looks off, use a different machine.

5) Cover the keypad when entering your PIN

Shield your PIN with your hand as you type. This protects you from hidden cameras and shoulder surfers who may try to capture your code.

6) Set up real-time transaction alerts

Enable text or app notifications for withdrawals and account activity. Instant alerts help you act quickly if anything unexpected appears.

7) Check your bank statements regularly

Even though jackpotting bypasses customer accounts, fraud tactics evolve. Review your transactions often so you can catch unauthorized charges early.

8) Consider identity theft monitoring

Identity theft protection services can provide alerts about unusual financial activity across your accounts. Think of it as an added layer of awareness rather than a fix for ATM malware. See my tips and best picks on Best Identity Theft Protection at Cyberguy.com.

9) Use contactless or in-app ATM withdrawals

Many banks offer cardless access through secure mobile apps. This reduces exposure to skimming devices and physical tampering.

10) Keep your banking app updated

Install updates promptly to ensure you have the latest security patches and protections.

Staying alert lowers your risk and reinforces good habits, even when attackers are targeting financial institutions rather than individual customers.

Kurt’s key takeaways

ATM jackpotting attacks reveal something important. Even familiar machines can hide modern vulnerabilities. Most of us rarely think about the software running inside a cash dispenser. Yet those systems rely on the same operating foundations as home and office computers. When they fall behind on updates, criminals notice. The FBI alert is not a reason to panic. It is a reminder that digital security touches nearly every part of daily life, even the simple act of withdrawing cash.

How much trust do you place in the technology you use every day without ever seeing how it works? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

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Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

Technology

Two of my favorite color e-book readers are the cheapest they’ve been in months

Published

18 hours ago

March 23, 2026

Press Room

Two of my favorite color e-book readers are the cheapest they’ve been in months

Color isn’t essential in an e-reader, but let’s be honest, it’s a nice perk that can bring digital books, magazines, comics, cookbooks, and other publications to life. The catch is that color ebook readers tend to be substantially pricier, which makes today’s deals stand out. Right now, the Kindle Colorsoft (16GB) and Kobo Libra Colour are matching their lowest prices to date, with the Amazon e-reader going for $169.99 ($80 off) at Amazon and Best Buy, and the Libra Colour going for $199.99 ($30 off) via Rakuten’s online storefront.

At their core, both are excellent e-readers with 7-inch, 300ppi E Ink displays, which drop to 150ppi when viewing color. The Colorsoft’s display is slightly more vibrant in most instances, but the difference isn’t dramatic. Each also offers IPX8 water resistance, so you don’t need to worry about spills and can comfortably read in the bath or by the pool.

Which one makes more sense for you largely depends on where you buy your books, how much storage you need, and whether you like to take notes. The Colorsoft is great if you’re heavily embedded in Amazon’s ecosystem, as buying and accessing Kindle books is intuitive and doesn’t require any sideloading. As the more affordable option in Amazon’s lineup, the standard Colorsoft delivers a nearly identical reading experience to the Signature Edition, and it supports Amazon’s “Send to Alexa Plus” feature, which lets you send notes or documents to Amazon’s AI-powered assistant for summaries, to-do lists, reminders, and more. The downside is that it lacks wireless charging and an auto-adjusting front light — which are standard on the step-up model — and comes with 16GB of storage instead of 32GB.

That said, if I didn’t already own so many Kindle books, the Libra Colour would be my pick. It offers double the storage at 32GB and includes intuitive physical page-turn buttons. You can also write notes while reading, given that it offers stylus support, and it includes built-in notebook templates, as well as the ability to convert handwriting to typed text. It also supports EPUB and a wider range of file formats, and lets you save articles for offline reading with Instapaper. And it also offers adjustable warm lighting, which makes reading at night a little easier on the eyes.