beta build Archives

Winsage

April 13, 2026

Windows 11 is finally removing the 32GB FAT32 capacity limit

Microsoft has released new test builds for Windows Insiders, specifically Dev Build 26300.8170 and Beta Build 26220.8165, which remove the 32GB limit on FAT32 formatting for external drives. Users can now format external drives up to 2TB using FAT32 through the Command Prompt. This change, which has been anticipated by users, is a shift from the long-standing restriction that required third-party applications or specialized commands for larger drives. The enhancement applies only to the Command Prompt, as the graphical interface remains unchanged, and the 4GB file size limit for individual files on FAT32 drives still applies. This feature is currently available only in preview versions for Windows Insiders, with a broader rollout planned for future standard Windows 11 updates.

Winsage

April 10, 2026

“This is exactly the kind of thing driving me away from Windows”: even Edge users don’t want this new feature

Recent polling data shows that Microsoft Edge users dislike the browser's automatic launch upon logging into Windows 11. Microsoft is testing a feature that would have Edge open automatically at startup, which has sparked significant discussion and frustration among users. A banner notifying select users of this change has been observed, and the behavior has been confirmed in the latest Edge Beta build. User reactions on Reddit include strong negative sentiments, with some users threatening to abandon Windows 11 if this feature is enforced. Despite the backlash, Microsoft Edge is viewed as a competent browser, though its aggressive promotion tactics may alienate potential users.

Winsage

April 2, 2026

Microsoft wants Edge to automatically open by default every time you turn on your Windows 11 PC

Microsoft is testing a new feature for its Edge browser on Windows 11 that allows the browser to launch automatically upon startup. A banner in the latest Edge Beta build informs users that the app "now launches when you sign into Windows." If users do not select "No thanks," Edge will open automatically each time the PC starts. This feature operates on an opt-out basis and may be available even if Edge is not the default browser. Additionally, Edge is increasingly integrated with Copilot, which has transitioned to an Edge-powered web experience.

AppWizard

March 19, 2026

ChatGPT Android App Hints At Sora Video Integration

OpenAI's generative video model, Sora, is likely to be integrated into the ChatGPT Android app, as indicated by discoveries in the beta version 1.2026.076. Testers found in-app text suggesting end-to-end video generation capabilities, allowing users to convert text and images into videos with dialogue, soundtracks, and customizable styles. The language used in the app is polished and consumer-ready, indicating a transition towards user-facing integration. Previous reports have indicated OpenAI's intention to incorporate Sora's video capabilities into ChatGPT, consolidating multimodal creation within a single platform. If integrated, users could transform text prompts and images into short videos, with options for voiceovers and music, facilitating easy sharing on social media. OpenAI's demonstrations have shown Sora's ability to create intricate 1080p videos, potentially redefining ChatGPT into a mobile video studio. The integration would likely handle intensive tasks in the cloud, with possible limitations on file size and resolution for free users. The integration of Sora into ChatGPT's Android app would provide access to a large user base, enhancing the mainstream adoption of AI video creation. The competitive landscape includes rivals like Runway and Google, all developing video capabilities. The introduction of mobile video generation raises challenges such as misinformation and copyright issues, prompting OpenAI to emphasize safety measures and content provenance strategies. While the beta strings do not confirm a launch date, features typically undergo final refinements late in development. Indicators to watch for include a new “Video” option in input modes and prompts for camera roll access. If Sora is launched in ChatGPT for Android, it will mark a significant shift for the app, making video creation an integral part of the user experience.

AppWizard

February 27, 2026

Android 17 Beta 2 gives apps a way to access contacts, display color securely

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 releases first beta for Android 17

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

Android 17 to expand mandatory criteria enabling app resizing for larger screens like tablets

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

Valve’s new Steam Deck update doesn’t promise much, but classic Call of Duty games could see some real performance gains

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

How to Properly Benchmark your PC Games Using CapFrameX

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

Latest Steam Client Beta Unofficially Backported to Windows 7 and Windows 8

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.