beta build

AppWizard
February 27, 2026
Google has released Android 17 Beta 2, which includes features aimed at enhancing user privacy. The update introduces a limited-access contacts picker that allows apps to access specific contacts based on user-selected data fields, employing a temporary, session-based read access model. This reduces the need for broad READ_CONTACTS permissions and allows users to choose which contacts to share. Additionally, the EyeDropper API is introduced, enabling apps to collect display color data without requiring screen capture permissions, thus enhancing security. Both features are designed to give users greater control over their personal information.
AppWizard
February 16, 2026
Google has released the initial beta build of Android 17, now available to developers using Pixel Tablet and Pixel Fold emulators in Android Studio. This version focuses on optimizing third-party applications for larger screen sizes, particularly benefiting tablets and foldable devices, and supports multi-tasking workflows.
AppWizard
February 16, 2026
Google has released the initial beta build of Android 17, now available for developers using the Pixel Tablet and Pixel Fold emulators in Android Studio. The new version mandates the optimization of more third-party applications for larger screen formats, benefiting devices like tablets and foldables. This aims to enhance user experience by allowing apps to utilize modern hardware capabilities effectively. Developers are encouraged to adapt their applications for diverse screen sizes.
AppWizard
January 11, 2026
The January 8 SteamOS beta update introduces a feature called ntsync, which provides kernel-level support for a driver that enhances Windows game performance on Linux systems, particularly for the Steam Deck. This update may improve performance for older titles in the Call of Duty franchise and other classic games. Testing on Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare showed minor frame rate improvements when using the ntsync-enabled Proton-GE fork, stabilizing frame rates around 135-144 FPS compared to 130-140 FPS on the fsync build. Users have reported that issues like framerate drops and graphical glitches in Call of Duty Black Ops have been resolved with the new Proton-GE/ntsync combination. To utilize these improvements, users can opt into the SteamOS 3.7.20 beta branch and install the latest Proton-GE version via the Proton Up-Qt app.
AppWizard
December 27, 2025
Average Frames Per Second (FPS) is a common metric in PC gaming performance, but consistency in gameplay experience is equally important, highlighted by metrics such as 1% low and 0.1% low average FPS. CapFrameX is a tool used for capturing and analyzing detailed performance data, including frametimes, which provide a more accurate assessment of gaming performance than basic FPS counters. Key metrics generated by CapFrameX include: - Average FPS: Overall framerate averaged across the capture session. - 1% low average FPS: Average of the worst 1% of framerates, indicating sustained performance. - 0.1% low average FPS: Average of the worst 0.1% of framerates, highlighting rare but significant performance dips. To ensure accurate benchmarking results with CapFrameX, users should update their UEFI BIOS, operating system, and drivers, clear unnecessary applications, configure power settings for maximum performance, monitor temperatures, and conduct multiple benchmark runs under consistent conditions. The setup process for CapFrameX includes downloading the software, configuring capture options, and verifying the setup through test captures. After capturing benchmark runs, users can analyze the data using the Analysis and Comparison tabs in CapFrameX to evaluate performance metrics and identify potential issues. Common pitfalls in benchmarking include inconsistent scenes, overlooking frametime variance, and not preparing the system properly.
Winsage
December 9, 2025
The latest beta build of the Steam Client, dated December 4th, has been backported for Windows 7 SP1 x64 and Windows 8.x x64 by a developer named "EAZY BLACK." This backport is available as 230 MB packages hosted on w7revived.chefkiss.dev and mirrored by BobPony. A screenshot shows Steam running on Windows 7 with operational features. Users are advised to keep their systems updated due to security risks associated with using unsupported software.
AppWizard
December 6, 2025
Paradox Interactive is developing the next significant update for Stellaris, version 4.3, called 'Cetus,' expected to be released in the first quarter of 2026, depending on open beta testing results. The update will focus on refining the game's economy and naval mechanics, with updates to the beta build every two weeks. The initial phase of the open beta will target economic updates and ship design modifications, resulting in a 7% improvement in overall performance. Economic adjustments will include changes to empire size modifiers, unemployment rates, base technology costs, ethics modifiers, upkeep costs, living standards, happiness levels, planetary ascension, and automation buildings. The update aims to lower economic levels and control non-linear growth, while some threats remain unchanged. The development team plans to address issues such as game performance reporting, desynchronization tracking, and optimizations for various game elements. Fixes for ethics shifts and faction issues, new job swap options, and a streamlined slavery mechanic are also in progress, along with improvements to memory usage and multiplayer stability. The release timeline will depend on the outcomes of the beta testing.
AppWizard
December 3, 2025
Modder 'Luke JC' has released the Just Cause 3 Unlimited Edition mod, which includes significant gameplay enhancements such as a 50% increase in grapple range, longer auto-align time for the wingsuit camera, a new spawn menu, reintroduced police mechanics, and Bavarium wingsuit rockets functioning like those in Just Cause 4. Rico's movement has improved, eliminating accidental grapple firing midair, allowing better vehicle balance, and enhancing wingsuit speed and control. All main characters can now appear outside missions, and the game world has expanded with Black Hand vehicles and accessible mission-exclusive areas during free roam. Visual enhancements include smoother location transitions, better-rendered trees, and improved performance by increasing the game’s model budget. The mod adds over 200 tweaks, 60 new vehicles, and 25 new weapons, making it a comprehensive update for Just Cause 3. The mod is available for download.
Winsage
November 18, 2025
Microsoft has released new preview builds of Windows 11 version 25H2, specifically build 26220.7262, to the Dev and Beta channels within the Windows Insider Program via cumulative update KB5070303. Key updates include: - An experimental toggle for AI components that allows users to enable or disable agentic features. - High-definition voices in Narrator and Magnifier for U.S. English users, featuring one male and one female voice powered by Azure-based text-to-speech models. - An upgrade to the Narrator tool, which can now read mathematical equations in Microsoft 365 desktop applications. - Improvements to the Click to Do context menu for easier access to actions like Copy, Save, Share, and Open, with automatic appearance for large images or tables. - Other adjustments include the temporary disabling of Image Object Selection, minor enhancements to Teaching Tips and Pen Input, and ongoing configuration of the AI Actions feature, along with various bug fixes.
AppWizard
October 29, 2025
The latest beta version of Android Auto (v15.6.154404) suggests the introduction of a multi-card media interface that allows users to navigate audio apps more easily. This feature will enable a horizontal swipeable carousel of media cards, letting users switch between streaming services, podcasts, and audiobooks without needing to re-enter apps. Currently, Android Auto only displays a single "now playing" media card, requiring users to access the app picker to switch applications. The new interface aims to minimize interaction and enhance safety by allowing drivers to switch audio sources with fewer taps and distractions. The update is expected to retain cards for multiple recent or active audio sessions, organized by recency, and will provide controls for the next app without returning to the app itself. This development aligns with Google's initiative to simplify in-car tasks and improve user experience. The feature is still in beta and may take weeks or months before public rollout.
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