Beta Program Archives

AppWizard

April 3, 2025

How to uninstall the Android 16 beta

Android 16 is currently in beta testing, with Beta 3 achieving platform stability but still containing imperfections. Users with Google Pixel 6 or newer can join the Android Beta Program. To uninstall the Android 16 beta, users should back up their device as the process typically erases data. Three methods to uninstall include opting out of the beta program for an OTA update that reverts to the latest stable version, waiting for the stable version of the update being tested, or installing a stable version using the Android Flash Tool or ADB, which erases all data. To opt out, users must log into the Android Beta Program website, select their device, and follow the prompts to leave the beta. After opting out, users can revert to a stable version of Android 15 by installing an OTA update, which may take up to 24 hours to appear and will delete data if not backed up. Reasons to uninstall the beta include the presence of bugs and instability compared to the public version of Android.

Winsage

April 3, 2025

Windows 11 tests taskbar icons that scale up and down like on a Mac

Microsoft is enhancing the Start menu and taskbar in Windows 11, with the latest Insider Preview Beta featuring resizable taskbar icons that can shrink or remain small based on user preferences. Beta participants can adjust settings under Taskbar settings > Taskbar behaviors, with options to show smaller taskbar buttons as Always, Never, or When taskbar is full. Additionally, the Start menu update allows for a larger layout, enabling users to hide recommended recent apps and display all installed applications. Users updating to this Insider Build may temporarily lose battery charge status icons, which will be reinstated later.

AppWizard

April 3, 2025

Google’s Android 16 Beta 3.2 brings essential fixes to battery, display, and more

Android 16 Beta 3.2 addresses haptic feedback calibration, excessive battery drain, and screen flickering issues on select Pixel devices. The update is available to beta testers using Pixel 6 and newer models, with Over the Air (OTA) updates expected within 24 hours of release. The version number for this update is BP22.250221.015. It resolves a miscalibration issue affecting haptic feedback, excessive battery drain during idle times, and screen flickering for Pixel 6 Pro users. The update also improves system stability and usability.

BetaBeacon

March 29, 2025

Full mobile games now supported in Android Auto

Google is testing a new feature in Android Auto version 14.1 that allows users to play full mobile games on their car's display.

BetaBeacon

March 27, 2025

Android Auto 14.1 starts rolling out in beta with support for Android games [Video]

Google has released Android Auto 14.1 with support for select Android games that can be played on a car's display.

AppWizard

March 19, 2025

Google rolls out Android 16 Beta 3.1 patch with crucial bug fixes

Google has released the Android 16 Beta 3.1 update, focusing on bug fixes rather than new features. This update addresses a crash issue in the Settings app, particularly when the device's language is set to anything other than English, and resolves performance-related problems, including excessive battery drain due to high CPU load and memory leaks in the system server. The update retains enhancements from the previous Android 16 Beta 3 release, such as Auracast support for wireless hearing aids and improved accessibility options. The update is available for enrolled devices and can be checked in the Settings under System > Software Update.

AppWizard

March 17, 2025

Android Auto 14.0 releases in beta with prep for defrost buttons, Maps alert controls

Google has begun rolling out the Android Auto 14.0 update through its beta program, which includes enhancements related to temperature control functionalities. The update contains code for front and rear defrost toggles, although these features are not yet active. Additionally, it hints at a new option for managing alerts from Maps, specifically for incident reports, which may lead to an "Alerts" section in the settings menu. The broader rollout to the stable track is expected in the coming weeks, but no specific timeline is provided.

BetaBeacon

March 14, 2025

Google wants to make every Android game playable on PC

Google has launched a beta program for playing Android games on PC, which has gradually expanded compatibility to include thousands of titles.

AppWizard

March 7, 2025

Android 16 Beta 2.1 gives us a sneak peek at Live Updates

Android 16 Beta 2.1 introduces Live Updates for Google Maps, allowing users to monitor navigation progress via the status bar, notification panel, and lock screen. This feature is not fully operational, as it appears collapsed on the always-on display. The update also addresses bugs, including one that caused Pixel phones to restart unexpectedly. Live Updates provide time-sensitive notifications similar to iPhone's Live Activities, showing information like rideshare status and journey progress. Currently, these updates are visible in select areas, but support for the always-on display is incomplete. The status bar displays a minimalistic notification indicating the time remaining until arrival, while more detailed information is available on the lock screen and notification panel.

AppWizard

March 5, 2025

There’s a new way to play PlayStation and PC games early

Sony has launched the PlayStation Beta Program, allowing PlayStation and PC gamers to express interest in participating in beta tests for new or unreleased titles and features. Registration is open and free for users with a valid PlayStation Network Account in the 73 countries where the network operates. Participation is by invitation only, and participants must sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) to maintain confidentiality. Earlier this year, there was high demand for access codes to the Elden Ring: Nightreign network test, with some codes selling for hundreds of pounds. Additionally, Sony offered five extra days of PSN membership to users affected by a 24-hour outage of the PlayStation Network.