beta build Archives

AppWizard

May 20, 2025

Google tweaks the Pixel Launcher in Android 16 QPR1 to leave more space for your apps

Google has released the first beta build of Android 16 QPR 1 for Pixel devices, introducing Material 3 Expressive design changes. The At a Glance widget has been resized, allowing for an additional row on the home screen for app icons and widgets. Users receive a notification about the new layout upon installation. The lock screen has also seen a similar reduction in the widget size to support new lock screen widget features.

Winsage

April 29, 2025

Even now, Windows Vista is the most hated OS, and here’s why

Windows Vista was developed as a successor to Windows XP and was originally codenamed "Longhorn." The project faced significant challenges, leading Microsoft to abandon the original XP framework in favor of a foundation based on Windows Server. Despite its ambitious goals, Vista struggled to achieve a positive reception in the industry. The video explores Vista's development, its mixed legacy, and the lessons learned from its challenges in software development.

AppWizard

April 23, 2025

Samsung Wallet’s installment payments and tap-to-send features show up in the app

Samsung Wallet is testing two new features: 'Buy Now, Pay Later' (BNPL) and 'Tap to Transfer,' with a potential launch in the U.S. The BNPL feature, powered by Splitit, allows users to split payments for purchases using Visa or Mastercard without a credit check, though activation may require approval and could incur fees. The 'Tap to Transfer' feature enables peer-to-peer money transfers by tapping an NFC-compatible device, allowing immediate fund transfers to the recipient's bank account linked to their debit card. Both features are currently in testing and may prioritize a U.S. launch.

Winsage

April 11, 2025

Windows Weekly 927: Up to Stuff

Leo, Richard, and Paul discussed Microsoft's recent innovations, including the Windows 11 Feature Tracker, insights from Microsoft Build, advancements in consumer AI, and updates from the gaming sector, particularly Xbox. A new free newsletter offers three time-saving tips every Friday, and subscribers receive complimentary copies of Paul Thurrott's Windows 11 and Windows 10 Field Guides. The Windows 11 Feature Tracker aims to be a comprehensive resource and may evolve into a web app or wiki. The Windows Insider Program's Beta build for 23H2 introduces changes to file new tabs and new windows, while a nostalgic taskbar icon scaling feature is returning in the Dev and Beta (24H2) versions. Intel has discontinued its Unison app and service. The Build session catalog emphasizes AI developments, with sessions covering Windows Copilot Runtime and productivity enhancements. Microsoft unveiled new Copilot features at a consumer AI event, including web actions and memory personalization, and integrated Copilot Search into Bing. Concerns about AI's impact on human intelligence were discussed, particularly in relation to a Twitter debate on Microsoft's AI demo of Quake II. Microsoft announced an Xbox Games Showcase for June, with updates to the Edge Game Assist feature and GTA V available on Game Pass starting April 15. The Nintendo Switch 2 will support ray tracing and DLSS, though its release is delayed due to tariff challenges. Apple Music for Windows now supports Dolby Atmos, and notable software includes Notion, Typora/iA Writer, and Proton Pass. This week's RunAs Radio episode focuses on Application Risk in Security Copilot. The Heart Cut #02 from the East London Liquor Company is recommended for a unique tasting experience.

Winsage

April 8, 2025

Back to basics: Microsoft tests overhauled Start menu in Windows 11 beta builds

Microsoft has introduced a feature called "taskbar icon scaling" in a recent beta build of Windows 11, allowing users to reduce the size of taskbar icons to fit more pinned or open applications. This feature is currently being tested in the Windows Insider Beta channel and is expected to be available in the public version of Windows 11 soon. Additionally, changes to the Start menu may be revealed in an upcoming preview build, although there is no guarantee they will be activated.

Winsage

March 30, 2025

Windows 11 gets Quick Recovery to fix computers that cannot boot

Microsoft introduced Quick Machine Recovery at the Ignite conference, a feature within its Windows Resiliency Initiative for Windows 11, aimed at improving user experience during system failures. This tool allows users to recover their systems when boot failures occur by transitioning into recovery mode and connecting to the internet to analyze crash data and retrieve fixes via Windows Update. Quick Machine Recovery is currently being tested in the latest Windows 11 Beta build, with plans for a broader rollout across all Windows 11 editions. IT administrators can enable or disable this feature and customize settings such as network credentials and scanning intervals. The feature is designed to help mitigate the impact of widespread outages and assist users with critical bugs and compatibility issues.

Winsage

March 29, 2025

Windows 11 is closing a loophole that let you skip making a Microsoft account

Microsoft has mandated that every new device running Windows 11 must be set up with an internet-connected account. The company has removed the bypass script that allowed users to circumvent this requirement during the initial setup. This change is aimed at enhancing security and user experience. While the bypass command has been disabled in the latest beta build, users can still reactivate it through a registry edit, although there is no guarantee this workaround will be allowed indefinitely. Microsoft is also tightening the upgrade process to Windows 11, restricting installations on older PCs that do not meet the TPM 2.0 requirement and eliminating the option to install Windows 11 using older product keys.

Winsage

March 28, 2025

Microsoft will force Windows 11 installs to use a Microsoft Account — confirms removal of popular setup bypass

Microsoft has removed the bypassnro command from the setup process of new Windows 11 PCs, which previously allowed users to bypass the requirement for an internet connection and a Microsoft Account. This change affects both Home and Pro editions of Windows 11, which now mandate internet connectivity and a Microsoft Account for setup. Existing users who have already set up their PCs without a Microsoft Account will not be impacted by this change. The removal is currently being tested in the latest Windows 11 beta build and is expected to be rolled out to production versions soon.

Winsage

March 25, 2025

This Windows 11 Beta build may finally make Copilot+ PCs useful

Microsoft has introduced a context-based search engine for Windows 11, allowing users to find files and images using descriptive terms instead of file names. This feature includes semantic indexing and is available on AMD and Intel®-powered Copilot+ PCs. Users can search for documents, photos, and settings by typing phrases that describe their content, such as “bridge at sunset” or “Europe trip budget.” The search functionality works offline due to the integrated 40+ TOPS NPU in Copilot+ PCs. Additionally, the context search feature extends to images stored in OneDrive, enabling users to search both local and cloud storage.

AppWizard

March 24, 2025

Google TV app may be getting a blue makeover and fresh features (APK teardown)

Google is enhancing its Google TV app with aesthetic and functional improvements. The app will feature a new color palette, replacing dark gray accents with a vibrant blue. Enhancements to the search functionality will include a list of recent searches for easier access to previous queries. Additionally, a new feature called the “Hot and New Tab” is in development, which will showcase trending and newly released content.