beta build Archives

AppWizard

June 30, 2025

Gemini Live looks like it’s getting ready to work with all your favorite apps (APK teardown)

In May, Google launched the first wave of Gemini Live extension support, initially including extensions for Google Maps, Calendar, Keep, and Tasks. A recent beta build of the Google Android app has revealed a more extensive list of Live extensions in development. Google is working to integrate existing Gemini extensions for services like Spotify and YouTube Music into the Live environment. Users can currently access the four rolling out extensions, while many upcoming features remain undisclosed.

AppWizard

June 26, 2025

10 years after it launched, one of the best roguelikes of all time gets a surprise update on Steam with quality of life improvements and a new controls menu

In 2015, Nuclear Throne was recognized as a top action-roguelike, receiving a 90% review score. By 2022, it was still considered the best roguelike. In 2025, Vlambeer announced an updated beta build available on Steam after an eight-year hiatus, featuring 120fps support, various aspect ratios, and a revamped controls menu. Vlambeer, after a four-year hiatus, returned with Jan Nijman continuing the project after Rami Ismail sold his share. The studio plans to extend the update to console versions after ensuring a solid PC experience. Players can access the beta by selecting "openbeta_win64" in the Steam library.

Winsage

June 20, 2025

The Windows 11 beta build adds a new UI effect, and people already hate it

The recent beta update for Windows 11 introduced a new touchscreen effect where a trail of bubbles follows the user's finger movement. User feedback has been largely negative, with many comparing the effect to "defect monitor ghosting" and expressing a preference for the previous design. Some users have suggested that Microsoft should allow an option to revert to the old touch input visuals. There is also a growing concern among users about the overall direction of Windows 11, with some feeling that certain aspects are not improving.

Winsage

June 16, 2025

Windows Vista’s startup sound suddenly reappears in Windows 11’s beta build, and no, it’s not a joke

The latest beta builds of Windows 11 have a glitch that swaps the startup sound with that of Windows Vista. This issue was reported by tester XenoPanther, who found that the .WAV file for the startup sound had been replaced. Brandon LeBlanc from the Windows Insider Program confirmed the bug, humorously suggesting it was a response to user nostalgia for Vista, but clarified it was not intentional. The cause of the sound swap is unclear, with speculation about it being a playful act by an employee. Microsoft is working to fix the glitch.

Winsage

June 16, 2025

Microsoft Weekly: redesigned Windows 11 Start menu, Xbox handheld is here, and more

Microsoft has released Patch Tuesday updates for June 2025, with Windows 10 receiving KB5060533 and Windows 11 receiving KB5060842 and KB5060999. The Windows Insider Program has unveiled several new builds, including a redesigned Start menu in build 26200.5641 and various enhancements in other builds. Microsoft has introduced Copilot Vision with Highlights for Windows, currently available in the U.S. for two applications. A quirky bug in the latest builds causes Windows 11 to play the Windows Vista startup sound. Microsoft Edge received an update in the Dev Channel, while Firefox rolled out version 139.0.4. Microsoft announced enhancements to Outlook and OneDrive for Mac. New Xbox handhelds, the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X, were unveiled, optimized for gaming. Steam's Next Fest allows free trials of hundreds of games until June 16, 2025, and the Epic Games Store is offering Two Point Hospital for free.

Winsage

May 25, 2025

This essential setting is leaving Control Panel soon, marking the latest nail in the legacy tool’s coffin

Microsoft is planning to deprecate the Control Panel in favor of the Settings app, as stated in an August 2024 support document. The transition includes moving the time server setting, which allows users to synchronize their PC’s clock with an internet time server, from the Control Panel to the Settings app. Currently, accessing this setting involves multiple steps in the Control Panel, but soon users will be able to adjust their time server directly through the Settings app by navigating to Time & language > Date & time and clicking the Change button next to Additional settings. This feature is still in development, with the Change button present but not yet functional, indicating that full functionality will be available soon.

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.