beta release Archives

AppWizard

February 3, 2025

Google Phone app gets an unexpected Android 16-inspired redesign (APK teardown)

Google is refining the Settings page for its Phone app in preparation for the segmented Settings menu design expected with Android 16. The update features a visually appealing layout with backgrounds for menu items organized under headers, enhancing visibility and usability. Rectangular sections for each menu item improve touch targets and overall user experience. This redesign was initially seen in the Android 15 Beta 3 update but was removed, only to be reinstated in the Android 15 QPR1 Beta 2 release, suggesting integration into Android 16. Screenshots show a light gray background in light theme and dark gray in dark mode, with support for dynamic theming based on user wallpaper. The redesign is not yet active in the current beta but is anticipated in future updates. Other Google applications may also receive similar enhancements as Android 16 approaches.

Winsage

December 21, 2024

Best Windows apps this week

Microsoft has identified new issues affecting the upgrade to Windows 11's version 24H2, including a glitch with Auto HDR that may cause game freezes and color distortions. Start11 has been updated to reintroduce vertical taskbars, allowing users to position the taskbar on the left or right side of the screen, with a beta release expected to become final soon. USBCopy is a new tool that allows users to copy files from a designated folder to up to 20 USB devices simultaneously, ensuring data integrity by verifying correct file copying.

AppWizard

December 17, 2024

Android 15 QPR2 Beta 2 is here with our first look at the working Linux Terminal app

Google has released Android 15 QPR2 Beta 2 for testers in the Android Beta Program, which includes bug fixes and new features. The update is available for devices such as Pixel 6, Pixel 7, Pixel 8, Pixel 9, Pixel Fold, and Pixel Tablet, with a build number of BP11.241121.010. Notable bug fixes include resolving access issues in developer settings, fixing connectivity problems with glucose sensors, addressing call placement delays, enabling charging optimization settings, correcting null pointer issues, improving responsiveness on the Pixel Fold, enhancing audio transitions, and resolving Bluetooth connection failures. The Linux Terminal app is now functional, allowing users to run Linux instances, and features like notification cooldowns have been introduced. Users can provide feedback through the Android Beta Feedback app or the official subreddit.

BetaBeacon

December 16, 2024

BlueStacks Air is a new Android emulator that natively runs mobile games on Mac

BlueStacks Systems has released BlueStacks Air, a specialized version of the BlueStacks App Player emulator designed for Apple Silicon-powered Mac devices. This new emulator is optimized for Apple's M-series chips, promising swift performance and responsive gameplay for an authentic Android gaming experience on Mac.

Winsage

December 14, 2024

Windows 11 introduces a hidden system tray feature nobody asked for – could it actually be useful?

Microsoft is rolling out the Windows 11 24H2 update, which includes a new battery indicator and an emoji panel feature integrated into the system tray. This feature, discovered in beta build 22635.4655, allows users to access an emoji panel with a single click from the taskbar. To enable the emoji panel, users must use ViveTool with the command for id:48504539, as it is not visible by default and is still in testing.

AppWizard

November 21, 2024

Google is giving Windows on Arm some more love with a native Drive app

Google Drive for Desktop has introduced a beta version that supports Windows on Arm, optimized for Arm64 architecture. Users need a Windows 11 PC with an Arm processor and the WebView2 runtime from Microsoft to use the app. The beta version lacks the Outlook Meet plugin, which may be a drawback for some users. Google Drive is now the second major application optimized for Windows on Arm, following Google Chrome. The Quick Share app is compatible but runs through emulation, potentially causing performance issues. Users are advised to use the beta with non-essential data or ensure backups.

Winsage

November 21, 2024

Google Drive for desktop adds beta support for Windows 11 ARM64

Google has released a beta version of its Drive for Desktop application for ARM64 devices running on Windows 11, featuring native ARM64 binaries for improved compatibility and performance. The Outlook Meet plugin is not supported in this version. Users are advised to use the beta cautiously, preferably with non-production data and to ensure backups are available. Installation requires a Windows 11 device and Microsoft WebView2, which may need to be downloaded if not already present. Google is seeking user feedback to enhance the application and troubleshoot any issues. This move may lead to better support for ARM-based Windows PCs.

Winsage

November 20, 2024

Google Drive for Windows gets ARM support in beta for Snapdragon laptops and more

The Google Drive app for Windows has launched its beta version, now supporting ARM architecture for the first time. This version includes native ARM64 binaries, providing the same functionality as on other platforms, except for the unavailable Outlook Meet plugin. Users are advised to use this beta version with non-production data only, as it may contain bugs. This release follows previous hints of ARM support and coincides with the expansion of Quick Share for Windows to ARM devices.

AppWizard

November 18, 2024

Android Auto beta teases the long-awaited radio station support again

Google is developing new radio station features for Android Auto, including categories for radio stations and a selection of music genres, as indicated by the latest beta version of the app. The Android Auto 13.3 beta includes a new media control for switching between radio stations, although the feature is not yet available to beta testers. There are plans for a "Car Media" application that will incorporate these categories, along with updated icons.

AppWizard

November 15, 2024

The Google Glass companion app might find a new life with Android XR

Google has introduced the Android Glasses Core app as part of its latest Android beta update, which shares the same package name as the companion application for the Google Glass Enterprise Edition 2. Samsung is expected to launch a new extended reality (XR) product in 2025, powered by a Qualcomm chipset, with a collaborative effort between Samsung, Qualcomm, and Google to develop a new version of Android for XR devices called Android XR. The recent beta release of Android 15 includes the Android Glasses Core app, categorized as a privileged system app, which has not been publicly available before. The app was previously associated with the Google Glass Enterprise Edition 2, launched in 2019, and facilitated streaming applications when paired with an Android phone. The version in the beta is newer and features a refreshed icon, suggesting a potential shift in purpose. Speculation arises that Google may be repurposing the Android Glasses Core app for upcoming Android XR products. Additionally, the Google Play Store is preparing for applications designed for Android XR headsets, indicating a seamless installation process, while Samsung aims to enhance connectivity among its products, including XR devices.