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Minecraft for Switch 2 has a closed beta available to selected players
AppWizard
August 9, 2026

Minecraft for Switch 2 has a closed beta available to selected players

The enhanced version of Minecraft for the Nintendo Switch 2 is set to launch in October. Mojang and Microsoft are conducting a closed beta test for this version to refine gameplay and address bugs before the official release. The number of beta testers is undisclosed.
Windows 11: Movable and Smaller Taskbar in Beta Test
Winsage
August 2, 2026

Windows 11: Movable and Smaller Taskbar in Beta Test

Microsoft is expanding the testing of its redesigned taskbar for Windows 11 to the Beta Channel of the Windows Insider Program with the release of Beta Build 26220.9022 on July 31, 2026. This update allows selected participants to reposition the taskbar along any edge of the screen—top, left, right, or bottom—and introduces a more compact variant that reduces icon size and overall height. Users can adjust their taskbar position through the Settings menu under Personalization, and Windows will adapt associated flyouts and animations accordingly. The implementation aims to restore flexibility lost when Windows 11 was launched, where the taskbar was fixed to the bottom of the screen. However, some features remain under development, and limitations exist for alternative positions, including incomplete touch gestures and a simplified search box. The compact taskbar feature currently only supports reduced height at the top or bottom positions. Microsoft is also exploring taskbar positioning across multiple monitors but has not guaranteed different positions for each screen. The recent updates include renewed certificates for the Windows Insider Program and additional builds, with the timeline for stable release of these taskbar adjustments still uncertain.
Marvel Tōkon devs vow to fix performance issues for launch day next week: 'To our PC players, message received'
AppWizard
July 30, 2026

Marvel Tōkon devs vow to fix performance issues for launch day next week: ‘To our PC players, message received’

Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls held a beta test for PC players, achieving a peak of 33,233 concurrent players on Steam, surpassing the previous record set by Street Fighter 6's beta. However, players experienced significant performance issues, including stuttering and low frame rates. The official launch is scheduled for August 6, and developer Arc System Works acknowledged the issues, promising community-tested fixes and improvements for day one, including measures to reduce high CPU usage. The game requires a PlayStation Network sign-in, limiting access in over 100 countries.
Marvel Tōkon's developer has apologised to PC players for the beta's performance issues, with only a week until launch
AppWizard
July 28, 2026

Marvel Tōkon’s developer has apologised to PC players for the beta’s performance issues, with only a week until launch

The beta for Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls lasted three days and faced significant challenges, including PlayStation Network outages on launch day and performance issues for PC players, such as severe stuttering and poor optimization. Some players reported a seamless experience, while others criticized the PC port as one of the worst in recent times. Arc System Works acknowledged the issues and is investigating solutions, promising updates and providing troubleshooting options. Speculation about the causes of performance problems included background processes from anti-cheat and PlayStation services. Despite these issues, the beta reached a peak of 33,233 concurrent players on Steam, surpassing previous records set by Street Fighter 6 and Tekken 8. The official release is scheduled for August 6, leaving developers with just over a week to address the feedback and performance issues.
Gravity Game Unite Launches 2nd Open Beta Test for PC MMORPG Ragnarok Zero: Global
AppWizard
July 7, 2026

Gravity Game Unite Launches 2nd Open Beta Test for PC MMORPG Ragnarok Zero: Global

Gravity Game Unite (GGU) has launched the 2nd Open Beta Test (OBT2) for its PC MMORPG, Ragnarok Zero: Global, from July 7, 2026, at 9:00 AM to July 15, 2026, at 7:59 AM (Malaysian Time). The OBT2 is available to players from Southeast Asia, Europe, and Oceania, featuring enhancements based on feedback from the initial OBT. New features include the mini-game Get Poring, the User-Generated Content system RO Factory, and MVP Raid events. Community engagement activities include pre-registration rewards, level milestone rewards, daily attendance checks, and a bug reporting event. Players can register and download the PC client from the official website.
Microsoft’s AI strategy feels like a beta test — at the expense of Windows and Office
Winsage
June 20, 2026

Microsoft’s AI strategy feels like a beta test — at the expense of Windows and Office

Microsoft has shifted its focus towards generative AI, beginning with its investment in OpenAI in 2019. CEO Satya Nadella has indicated a departure from the company's traditional software-centric vision, emphasizing the need for transformation in light of the AI revolution. The adoption of Windows 11 has been slow, with a survey showing that 30% of HP PCs still run Windows 10, which will reach the end of support on October 14, 2025. Organizations like The Restart Project are helping users transition to Windows 11, while critics argue that Microsoft's upgrade requirements lead to premature obsolescence of functional PCs. Microsoft has launched the Windows K2 program to address user feedback and is exploring an agentic AI operating system. In response to potential EU antitrust fines, Microsoft has unbundled Teams from Office 365, offering a lower-cost option without the collaboration tool. This move has led to a lawsuit from Salesforce, alleging anticompetitive practices. Alternatives like LibreOffice and Euro-Office are emerging, but experts believe they pose limited immediate threats. Additionally, the French government plans to shift from Windows to Linux and replace Microsoft Teams with a domestic platform by 2027. Microsoft's AI initiatives have faced challenges, including backlash over the automatic installation of the Copilot AI app, which was temporarily suspended due to user complaints. Shareholders have filed a class action lawsuit, claiming the company overstated Copilot's success and failed to disclose a revenue decline in Azure. Analysts warn that continued investment in AI without meeting expectations may lead to significant challenges for Microsoft. Reports suggest that Azure was rushed to market, resulting in talent loss and performance issues.
From beta test to launch: Clemson students help shape music messaging app, and gain real-world experience in the process
AppWizard
May 25, 2026

From beta test to launch: Clemson students help shape music messaging app, and gain real-world experience in the process

Clemson University students are participating in the beta testing of a music messaging app, initiated by alumnus J.D. Tuminski, a former vice president of digital marketing at Def Jam Recordings. The project involves students from various disciplines who are providing feedback on the app's features while gaining experience in digital marketing and user experience design. This collaboration offers students practical knowledge, enhances their resumes, and helps them build professional networks, while their evaluations will influence the app's final version to meet user needs.
Valve made more than 27 million unique images for Counter-Strike listings as part of its new 'major update' to Steam's Community Market
AppWizard
May 12, 2026

Valve made more than 27 million unique images for Counter-Strike listings as part of its new ‘major update’ to Steam’s Community Market

Valve has initiated a beta test for a significant update to the Steam Community Market, which now includes over 13,000 games and more than 700 with in-game items. The update features a new layout with a full-width grid display to enhance user navigation. Counter-Strike players will be the first to experience these changes, including specially generated images for individual items that showcase their characteristics. Valve has created over 27 million unique images for Counter-Strike listings. The updates are set to go live today, and all marketplace users can access the beta, with an option to opt out.
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