beta software Archives

AppWizard

December 19, 2025

Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1 quietly upgrades Pixel phones where it counts

Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1 has been released, likely serving as the final refinement before Android 17. Users can disable the "At a Glance" widget on their home screens. The Quick Settings tile now includes a slider for beam intensity control. Users can rearrange the back and recent keys in the three-button navigation bar. The beta version is available for Pixel devices from the Pixel 6 onward, with a stable version expected around March 2026. The update introduces an expandable location indicator in the status bar for app location access. It also includes support for over 160 new emoji from Unicode 17.0. Users should be aware of potential bugs and performance issues while using the beta software.

AppWizard

November 12, 2025

Android 16 QPR2 Beta 3.3 fixes annoying Pixel lock-screen freezes

Android 16 QPR2 Beta 3.3 has begun rolling out for Pixel 6 and newer devices, including the Pixel 10 lineup and foldable models. The update addresses a lock-screen freeze bug and carries the build number BP41.250916.015 for the Pixel 6 series and BP41.250916.015.A1 for newer models, while maintaining the October 2025 security patch. The update focuses on stability and does not introduce new features. It is available to those enrolled in the Android Beta Program, with a gradual rollout to all eligible Pixel phones. Users can manually check for the update in Settings > System > Software update. The full release is expected later this year, likely in December.

Winsage

October 14, 2025

My favorite way to run Windows apps on Linux just got even better

Winboat is a software solution for Linux users that allows Windows applications to run in a native Windows environment. The latest version, Winboat 0.8.7, includes features such as a custom installation path, support for sharing the /home folder, a save state feature, multi-monitor support, auto-start containers, disk space warnings, inclusion of noVNC for web access, and experimental dynamic USB pass-through. Users should be cautious about sharing their home folder due to potential exposure to Windows-specific malware. The multi-monitor functionality has inconsistencies, particularly with monitors of different orientations, and maximized windows may exhibit bugs. Community feedback indicates a desire for a one-click installation option as a Flatpak app. Future developments may include the integration of LookingGlass's indirect display driver for GPU passthrough, enhancing performance for demanding applications. Installation files for Winboat are available in .deb, .rpm, or AppImage formats on the official download page.

AppWizard

September 29, 2025

Pixel QPR Beta issue breaks key native, default Android app

Google has released Android 16 QPR1 Beta 3.1, concluding the September Quarterly Platform Release (QPR). Pixel users can revert to the stable version without a software wipe, but some did not receive the stable update. Users on Android 16 QPR1 Beta 3.1 are facing issues with Google Wallet and VPN functionalities. Complaints are particularly noted among Pixel 9 series users. QPR updates are quarterly updates for Pixel devices, and the following devices are set to receive Pixel Feature Drops this year: Pixel 10 series, Pixel 9 series, Pixel 8 series, Pixel Fold, Pixel Tablet, and Pixel 7 series. QPR2 is expected in December, and QPR3 in March 2026. Android 16 was introduced in June, with Android 17 expected next June.

AppWizard

September 10, 2025

Tor Project Launches Experimental Beta VPN App for Android

The Tor Project has released a VPN app for Android, allowing users to route their internet traffic through the Tor network. This app, labeled as a beta version on the Google Play Store, is intended for feedback and development rather than for critical privacy needs. The app's development started in January 2022 and is open source under the BSD 3-Clause license. It utilizes Arti, a Rust-based implementation of the Tor protocol, and offers features such as IP and location obfuscation, per-app routing, censorship resistance, and support for .onion domains. However, users are cautioned that the app is not production-ready and may leak identifying information, making it unsuitable for sensitive activities. The Tor Project, a nonprofit organization founded in the early 2000s, aims to enhance mobile privacy with this new offering.

AppWizard

September 9, 2025

Android 16 QPR1 made my Pixel 9 Pro feel just like a Pixel 10 Pro

The Android 16 QPR1 beta has attracted interest from users, including those who typically avoid beta software, due to its new features. The update introduces Google’s Material 3 Expressive design language, enhancing navigation and customization on devices like the Pixel 9 Pro XL. Key changes include a revamped, colorful Settings app that categorizes options, a new Wallpaper & style menu with Live effects for weather conditions, and a smaller At a Glance widget. The My Pixel app has also been updated with a support tab and tips. However, some features, such as the Pixel Journal, remain exclusive to newer models like the Pixel 10 Pro, and there are concerns about the availability of features like Magic Cue for older devices.

AppWizard

August 14, 2025

Galaxy S25 Ultra users report mysterious purple tint on moon photos with One UI 8 Beta

A bug has emerged among some Galaxy S25 Ultra users after installing the One UI 8 Beta 4 update, causing a purple tint in moon photographs at zoom levels of 30x, 50x, and 100x. This issue is linked to the Intelligent Optimization setting, with some users reporting persistence of the problem despite adjustments. Not all Galaxy S25 Ultra users are affected, and users of the base Galaxy S25 or S25 Plus models have not reported this issue. Samsung encourages users to report the bug through the Samsung Members app, including system log data.

AppWizard

August 8, 2025

Does your Google Messages app keep crashing? This could be the reason why

The latest beta version of the Google Messages app (version 2025080500RC00) crashes upon opening for some users, affecting various Android devices including Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy, and is not linked to any specific service provider. Users can still respond to incoming messages via notifications as a temporary workaround. Traditional fixes like restarting the device or clearing the app's cache have not worked for many, though some users have successfully resolved the issue by uninstalling and reinstalling the beta update. There are ongoing efforts to get a comment from Google regarding a timeline for a resolution.

BetaBeacon

July 24, 2025

My search for a great Android emulator for my new Mac took me down a rabbit hole

The fact described in the text is that Mumuplayer is the first Android emulator for Macs fully optimized for M1-based computers, offering customization options and a smooth experience for basic Android games, but with limitations for more demanding games and apps.

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.