beta features Archives

AppWizard

April 29, 2026

Dial up the chaos in testing

Geysers are a new feature in Minecraft that create vertical jets of sulfurous water when a magma block generates beneath a sulfur block submerged under one to four blocks of water. Players can experience these geysers by enabling snapshots in Minecraft: Java Edition or activating experimental features in Minecraft: Bedrock Edition. Feedback from players is encouraged to help shape the development of these features.

AppWizard

March 30, 2026

Google Unveils AppFunctions to Connect AI Agents and Android Apps

Google has introduced early beta features for Android aimed at enhancing task-centric capabilities through an "agent-first" operating system. The key component is AppFunctions, a Jetpack API that allows developers to expose self-describing capabilities within their applications for seamless interaction with AI agents while prioritizing user privacy and performance by executing tasks on-device. AppFunctions operates similarly to backend capabilities declared via MCP cloud servers but runs locally on the device. Additionally, a UI automation platform has been introduced to assist users in performing complex tasks without requiring developer input. This platform allows users to complete tasks like placing pizza orders or coordinating rideshares through the Gemini Assistant. Privacy and user control are emphasized, with all interactions designed for on-device execution and mandatory confirmations for sensitive tasks. Currently, these features are in early beta and available exclusively on the Galaxy S26 series, with plans for broader deployment in Android 17.

Winsage

September 20, 2025

With Windows 10 support ending soon, Zorin OS 18 Beta arrives as a the ultimate alternative to Windows 11

Windows 10 support will end on October 14, 2025. Zorin OS 18 is currently in beta and designed for users transitioning from Windows, built on Ubuntu. The beta features a refreshed aesthetic with redesigned applications, a new tiling system for workspace management, and enhanced integration with cloud services, including OneDrive support. Zorin OS can detect over 170 Windows installer files to suggest compatible Linux alternatives. It offers improved performance, better Bluetooth audio, remote desktop login capabilities, and long-term support until 2029. Some features are still in development in the beta version.

Winsage

September 19, 2025

Notepad’s AI writing features will soon run locally on Copilot+ PCs

CoPilot+ PC owners will soon have access to Notepad's AI writing capabilities without needing a subscription. Previously, these tools required a CoPilot Pro or Microsoft 365 subscription. The update is being rolled out to Windows Insider beta testers and is currently available only in English. Additionally, Paint is receiving upgrades, including the ability to save projects as .paint files and an opacity slider for tools. The Snipping Tool is also being updated with a quick markup option for annotating images. These updates are available through the Canary and Dev Insider channels, and anyone with a Microsoft account can sign up for free.

AppWizard

August 14, 2025

Battlefield 6 open beta missing DLSS/DLAA, EA confirms — matchmaking issues also hamper second weekend launch

EA has acknowledged technical challenges in the second weekend of the Battlefield 6 open beta, which started on August 14. Key issues include the absence of DLSS and DLAA, as well as matchmaking difficulties. The beta features all maps from the first weekend and the new Empire State map, with modes like Rush, Squad Deathmatch, and modified Conquest and Breakthrough. EA's communications team stated they have identified the root cause of the issues and expect to resolve them, including reactivating DLSS and DLAA, later that day. Players are advised to ensure they have the latest client update and use the 'Repair' functionality in the EA app for matchmaking issues. Reports of other glitches, including audio problems, have also been noted. The open beta has seen over 600,000 pre-orders on PC and more than 2.7 million wishlists, with a peak of over 521,000 concurrent players. The official launch of Battlefield 6 is scheduled for October 10.

Winsage

August 12, 2025

Office 365 gets new ‘companion apps’ that live in the Windows taskbar

Microsoft has introduced mini-apps called Microsoft 365 companions for Windows 11 users, which include functionalities for People, File Search, and Calendar. Access to these companions is limited to organizations that opt into the beta features. The mini-apps reside in the taskbar, allowing users to access essential functions without launching full applications. The People companion enables quick access to contacts, the File Search companion allows seamless searching through cloud files, and the Calendar companion lets users join Teams calls directly from the taskbar. The status of these mini-apps within the Windows 11 ecosystem is uncertain, and while mobile versions may be forthcoming, there is no official confirmation from Microsoft yet.

AppWizard

July 3, 2025

Minecraft Finally Makes Copper Useful And Revives A Fan-Favorite Golem

Minecraft is set to receive an update that enhances the significance of copper ore, allowing players to craft tools, armor, and weapons from it, with durability between stone and iron. The update also reintroduces the Copper Golem, which can sort items placed in a copper chest and distribute them to nearby standard chests. Players can summon the Copper Golem by placing a carved pumpkin on a copper block. Additionally, copper items will oxidize and change color if not waxed, transitioning to a green hue. Players can test the update through previews and beta features for Minecraft: Bedrock Edition, with a wider rollout expected later this year.

Winsage

June 16, 2025

Windows 11 news and updates in June: Everything I know about Microsoft’s latest tweaks and beta features for Insiders

A glitch in Windows 11 Preview Build 26200.5651 has caused the Windows Vista boot sound to play instead of the standard Windows 11 sound. Microsoft is aware of this issue and is working on a fix. Users have expressed nostalgia for the Vista sound. Additionally, Windows 11 users in the European Economic Area can now export their Windows Recall data using a one-time "export code" during setup, which is necessary for accessing encrypted data. Forgetting this code will result in losing all snapshots.

AppWizard

May 21, 2025

I’ve only spent a few hours with Android 16’s overhauled design, and I already love it

The Android 16 QPR1 Beta was available for download immediately after the Google I/O 2025 Keynote. The beta features a visually appealing font change and a revamped Wallpaper & Style settings interface. Users encountered bugs, including missing Home Screen layout options and issues with selecting wallpapers from Google Photos. Desktop Mode is not yet available, as connecting to an external monitor only allows screen mirroring. The app switcher now displays app labels with a context menu for split-screen mode and other functionalities. Gemini introduced new sharing options, and Quick Tiles in the Notification Shade can now be resized. The overall design emphasizes personalization, aligning with the Material 3 Expressive theme.

AppWizard

May 21, 2025

Google Play adds topic pages, audio previews, and new subscription tools for developers

Google is enhancing its Play Store with upgrades for Android app developers, including a robust toolset for managing subscription-based applications, allowing developers to pause live app releases. New "topic browse" pages will help users discover apps related to over 100,000 media and entertainment titles, and the "Where to Watch" feature will expand to the U.K., Korea, Indonesia, and Mexico. Developers can integrate new visual content options, such as a hero content carousel and audio samples, which have increased app installs for Health & Wellness developers. Curated spaces for user interests will expand, particularly in Japan. The Play Console will feature a new asset library for organizing visual assets and provide new metrics for app listing performance. Subscription management tools will allow multi-product checkout and enhanced reminders about subscription benefits, reducing voluntary churn by 3%. Developers can offer a grace period of up to 30 days or a 60-day account hold for declined payments. The Engage SDK will support additional categories and markets, while the Play Integrity API will improve security with enhanced abuse detection and device security update checks.