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Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7271 (Dev & Beta Channels)
Winsage
November 22, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7271 (Dev & Beta Channels)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7271 (KB5070307) has been released for both the Dev and Beta Channels. Insiders can switch from the Dev Channel to the Beta Channel while both channels have the same updates. The Xbox full screen experience is now available for additional Windows 11 PC form factors, accessible through Task View, Game Bar settings, or the Win + F11 hotkey. Point-in-time restore is introduced for both channels, allowing users to revert their devices to a previous state. Fluid dictation is now available for voice typing users on NPU devices, enhancing the dictation experience. Vivo Android phone users can resume browsing activity from their phone to their PC, and users of Honor, Huawei, Oppo, Samsung, and Vivo can continue working on M365 Copilot app files across devices. The context menu in File Explorer is being refined, and users can now uninstall Store-managed apps directly from the Microsoft Store. Fixes include resolving taskbar issues, internet connectivity problems, and crashes in Settings. Known issues include the virtual keyboard not being visible for controller users and some applications exhibiting unexpected behavior with the Xbox full screen experience.
Google Phone app may soon make your urgent calls hard to ignore
AppWizard
November 21, 2025

Google Phone app may soon make your urgent calls hard to ignore

Google is exploring an upgrade to its Phone app that may allow Android users to label calls as “urgent” through a feature called Expressive Calling. This feature would enable users to select a specific “call reason” while dialing, such as “It’s urgent!” or “Quick question.” The urgent tag could potentially bypass Do Not Disturb settings for saved contacts, reducing the risk of spam calls. Recipients may receive notifications like “Missed an Urgent Call” to ensure important messages are noticed. Both parties may need compatible apps or settings for the feature to work properly. The rollout timeline is uncertain, and early versions are not yet available, but the feature may launch first on Pixel devices before expanding to other Android smartphones.
Bad battery life? Google will name-and-shame Android apps that drain your phone faster than expected
AppWizard
November 21, 2025

Bad battery life? Google will name-and-shame Android apps that drain your phone faster than expected

Google is overhauling the Google Play Store to address Android apps that excessively drain device batteries. New regulations require developers to minimize unnecessary background activities and adhere to stricter guidelines on how often their apps can wake devices or access system resources. Non-compliant apps will receive warnings on their Play Store listings, and their visibility may be reduced. A new measurement system, developed with Samsung, tracks "excessive partial wake locks," which monitor how long apps keep devices awake while the screen is off. If an app exceeds a threshold of 5% of total user sessions with excessive wake locks over a 28-day period, it will trigger notifications on the developers' dashboard. Developers must rectify these issues by March 1, 2026, to keep their apps on the Play Store. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance transparency regarding app resource utilization and improve battery performance across Android devices.
Your Android phone is getting a new AI detector for photos
AppWizard
November 21, 2025

Your Android phone is getting a new AI detector for photos

Gemini can identify AI-generated images that contain Google's SynthID watermark and confirm their origins if created using Google's AI. This feature will soon be expanded to include audio, video, and search results. The update simplifies the detection of AI-generated content compared to the earlier SynthID Detector. However, Gemini cannot detect images generated by AI tools from other companies, and its effectiveness relies on widespread adoption and collaboration across platforms.
Android 17 is getting serious about physical controllers
BetaBeacon
November 17, 2025

Android 17 is getting serious about physical controllers

Android 17 is expected to include gaming-centric upgrades such as native gamepad remapping, deeper support for external controllers, and graphics API improvements. These changes aim to make Android devices more like proper gaming machines with better controller support. The update may lead to more console-style games being brought to Android and higher performance expectations. Android 17 is still in development, and more information will be revealed as Google refines the depth of controller support.
"Experienced" Android phone owners might still be able to sideload unverified apps
AppWizard
November 15, 2025

“Experienced” Android phone owners might still be able to sideload unverified apps

Google is tightening restrictions on sideloading applications on Android devices to enhance security by allowing only verified creators to install apps. However, experienced users will still be permitted to sideload unverified applications. This policy aims to protect users from financial scams associated with insecure apps while providing flexibility for seasoned users. Notifications about the risks of sideloading will be provided to help users make informed decisions. The enforced verification process is set to be implemented in 2026, and developers can seek verification to distribute their apps outside the Play Store in the meantime. This announcement coincides with ongoing discussions between Google and Epic Games regarding app distribution and payment mechanisms, potentially leading to a more open Android ecosystem.
Minimal AF: This app rids your Android phone of all distractions
AppWizard
November 14, 2025

Minimal AF: This app rids your Android phone of all distractions

The Olauncher app has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars from over 60,000 reviews on the Google Play Store. It features a minimalist interface that displays applications as plain text in a vertical list, allowing users to add only eight apps to their home screen. The app minimizes distractions by showing only the date, time, and total screen time, with a daily-changing background wallpaper. Users can lock the screen with a double-tap and access a settings menu by long-pressing an empty area. Olauncher integrates with Android’s Digital Wellbeing settings, allowing users to set daily time limits for specific applications. It is open-source, ad-free, and available for free download on the Play Store and F-Droid store, with a commitment to user privacy and no data collection.
The easiest way to send and receive Android texts on your Windows PC
Winsage
November 11, 2025

The easiest way to send and receive Android texts on your Windows PC

The integration of an Android smartphone with a Windows PC can be achieved using Microsoft's Phone Link app, which enhances productivity by allowing users to manage text messages, make or take calls, access photos, view notifications, and manage settings directly from their PC. To connect the devices, users launch the Phone Link app on their PC, scan a QR code with their phone to download the Link to Windows app, and enter a code to establish the connection. Users can read and respond to text messages, initiate calls, view recent calls, access recent photos, and receive notifications on their PC. The app also allows for settings management, including clipboard sharing and device linking.
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