Latest Software & Apps News
Etsy Sells Depop to eBay for $1.2 Billion
Etsy has sold its secondhand clothing marketplace Depop to eBay for $1.2 billion, announced on February 19, 2026. This acquisition highlights consolidation in digital marketplaces and the critical role of software infrastructure in user engagement. It signals evolving e-commerce software strategies amid consumer trends.
Verizon to Reform Device Unlock Policy
Verizon acknowledged issues with its 35-day unlock wait for paid-off phones on February 18, 2026, and plans immediate unlocks regardless of payment method. This policy shift impacts device software and telecom app integrations. It aims to reduce customer frustration and influence mobile software development.
Germ Launches First E2E Encrypted Messenger on Bluesky
Startup Germ became the first to integrate an end-to-end encrypted messenger directly into Bluesky’s app on February 18, 2026. This pushes boundaries in social media software with scalable backends and AI moderation. It sets new privacy standards for messaging apps.
Microsoft Marketplace Adds 240 New Cloud and AI Offers
On February 19, 2026, Microsoft Marketplace launched 240 new solutions including AI apps, agents, and cloud services for business needs. Highlights include AMPup for easy SaaS launches and Celonis for process intelligence.
These enhance software deployment and efficiency.
Google Play Blocks 1.75 Million Policy-Violating Apps in 2025
Google prevented over 1.75 million harmful apps from publication and banned 80,000 bad developer accounts in 2025, as reported February 19, 2026. AI-driven defenses combat malware, fraud, and privacy threats on Android.
Expansions in Google Play Protect bolster ecosystem safety.
Custom Software Market Projected to Reach $213 Billion by 2035
The custom software industry is expected to grow from $50.6 billion in 2026 to $213.4 billion by 2035, capturing 67% market share. Enterprises are shifting from platforms to bespoke solutions for tailored needs.
This reflects rising demand for specialized software development.
AMPup Enables Easy SaaS Launches on Microsoft Marketplace
AMPup by Cumulus26 allows software publishers to launch SaaS offers without heavy development, featuring lifecycle management and Microsoft API integration. Built by former Microsoft engineers, it supports affordable market entry.
Ideal for rapid software go-to-market strategies.
Celonis Platform Offers AI Process Mining on Marketplace
Celonis creates digital twins of business processes using AI and mining, connecting data for real-time insights and automation. It helps identify value and improve efficiency across systems.
Now available via Microsoft Marketplace for enterprise software users.
Trust ID Provides Privacy-Preserving Identity Verification
Trust ID enables passwordless login, fraud reduction, and AI agent authorization with portable consent credentials compliant with global privacy laws. It enhances security for onboarding and checkouts in digital ecosystems.
A key new offer in Microsoft Marketplace.
Bytello DMS Streamlines Device Management
Bytello DMS offers remote control, monitoring, data analysis, and automatic firmware updates for secure device environments. It supports unified configurations for organizations.
Newly listed in Microsoft Marketplace for software admins.
Software Development Shifts to E-Commerce and AI Innovations
As of February 19, 2026, software trends include AI for startups, cybersecurity, telecom policies, and app integrations. Developers face ethical challenges and opportunities in scalable systems.
Hong Kong firms offer AI services to empower startup ideas.