beta testing Archives

AppWizard

August 15, 2025

Google’s Calling Cards are rolling out now, and this is our first proper look!

Google has launched its Calling Cards feature in the Contacts and Phone apps, allowing users to create personalized profiles for their contacts. This feature, similar to Apple's Contact Posters, enables users to customize how their contacts appear to them rather than just self-customization. The Calling Cards feature is accessible in the Google Contacts app (version 4.61.28.792249534) without additional configuration and is being rolled out to select users. Users can create a Calling Card by selecting an image and choosing a font style and color for the contact's name. All Calling Cards sync across devices linked to the same Google account. The feature is also integrated into the Google Phone app (version 188.0.793710089-publicbeta-pixel2024) and is currently in beta testing, with plans for wider accessibility in the future.

AppWizard

August 15, 2025

Google Messages can now blur nude images on Android

Google is rolling out Sensitive Content Warnings in its Messages app for Android, a feature that detects and blurs images containing nudity. This feature is available only to users signed into a Google Account. When an image is blurred, users can access a resource page, block the sender, return to the main screen, or choose to view the image. A warning will also appear when users attempt to send or forward a nude image, requiring acknowledgment before sending. For supervised users, such as minors, the feature is enabled by default, while unsupervised teens can disable it. Adults must opt in to use it. The feature processes images locally on the device, ensuring no identifiable data is sent to Google servers, although it may misclassify images or fail to detect nudity.

Winsage

August 12, 2025

Microsoft releases lightweight Office taskbar apps for Windows 11

Microsoft is introducing lightweight taskbar apps for Microsoft 365 on Windows 11, which will automatically launch at startup. The People companion app allows users to access an organizational chart and communicate via Teams or email. The File Search companion app enables quick retrieval of Microsoft 365 files by searching for file names, authors, or keywords, and includes a preview feature. The Calendar app provides an overview of upcoming events and allows users to search for appointments or join meetings. These apps are being rolled out to all business users of Microsoft 365 this month, with automatic installation for those who have Microsoft 365 apps on Windows 11, though IT administrators can prevent this, and users can stop the apps from launching at startup.

AppWizard

August 10, 2025

WhatsApp Might Soon Let You Send Motion Photos With Audio and Movements

WhatsApp for Android is testing a new feature called motion photos, which captures audio and movement before and after a snapshot. This feature is available in the beta version 2.25.22.29 for select testers on Google Play. It is indicated by a new icon with a play button in the image selection interface. Motion photos are described as recordings of moments surrounding a photo, enhancing the photo-sharing experience. Users can only send motion photos if their devices support this functionality, but they can view them regardless of their device's capabilities. The feature aims to prevent motion photos from being converted into video files when shared. There is no timeline for its official launch yet.

AppWizard

August 3, 2025

Google Home App Gains Material 3 Media Controller Redesign on Android

Google has rolled out a redesigned media controller in the Google Home app for Android, featuring a Material 3 aesthetic with rounded edges and dynamic color theming. The new interface replaces the previous card-style layout with a streamlined floating panel that activates during media playback on connected devices. Users now see a pill-shaped controller at the bottom of the screen, displaying album artwork, playback controls, and a progress bar, which can be expanded for additional features. The redesign enhances accessibility with larger touch targets and improved contrast ratios. This update is part of a broader initiative to create smarter home experiences, including potential voice-activated media adjustments with upcoming Gemini AI enhancements. The redesign aims to improve user interaction and simplify multi-room audio management, while also positioning Google competitively against Amazon's Alexa and Apple’s HomeKit.

Winsage

July 30, 2025

Adobe brings native Windows on Arm support to Premiere Pro, After Effects, and more — but not all features made it

Adobe has launched native ARM64 versions of its creative applications—Premiere Pro, After Effects, Audition, and Media Encoder—for Windows on Arm devices, currently in public preview. However, these applications have certain limitations: - Premiere Pro will not support the Loudness Radar effect, Export to Wraptor DCP, Import and export of the GoPro CineForm codec, and Export to the P2 Movie format. - Audition lacks support for the GoPro CineForm codec and Loudness Radar effect. - Media Encoder will also not support the Loudness Radar effect, Export to Wraptor DCP, GoPro CineForm, and P2 Movie format. Future updates are expected to integrate support for third-party extensions, ProRes, and additional formats in these applications. After Effects currently has no listed unavailable features for its Arm-native version.

Winsage

July 22, 2025

It’s Week D, So Microsoft (Re)Announces New Features Coming to Windows 11

Microsoft has introduced a suite of new features for Windows 11 and Copilot+ PCs, currently available in preview mode. Users can subscribe to a newsletter offering three time-saving tips every Friday and free copies of Paul Thurrott's Windows 11 and Windows 10 Field Guides. Key features include: - A new agent in Settings for natural language navigation, available for users with Snapdragon X-based Copilot+ PCs in English. - Click to Do (Preview) improvements for Copilot+ PCs, including actions like Practice in Reading Coach and scheduling Teams meetings. - Photo relight in Photos, providing professional lighting controls for Copilot+ PCs with Snapdragon X processors. - Sticker generator and Object select tools in Paint, exclusive to Copilot+ PCs. - Enhancements to the Snipping Tool, including a Perfect screenshot tool and Color picker, available to all Windows 11 users. - Copilot Vision, allowing interaction with screen content via the Copilot app and Microsoft Edge, now accessible in the U.S. - Edge Game Assist, a mini-web browser within the Game Bar for gaming assistance. - Quick machine recovery, reducing reboot wait time from 40 seconds to as little as 2 seconds on most Windows 11 version 24H2 PCs, with an updated Black Screen of Death. These updates are rolling out for Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 23H2, with some minor fixes for Windows 10 users.

AppWizard

July 17, 2025

You Can Now Stream Your Own Xbox Games Directly to Your PC

XBOX has enhanced its Play Anywhere program, allowing users to stream Game Pass titles and select personally owned games across various devices, including smartphones and the Meta Quest, through cloud streaming. This functionality now extends to browsers and consoles, but not to the Xbox app on PC. PC gamers can stream games previously unavailable on PC, provided they have a subscription to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and own the specific game. The "Stream Your Own Game" feature is in beta testing and is being rolled out for around 250 games, with plans for expansion. To access this feature, users must become Xbox Insiders by downloading the Xbox Insider Hub app and completing the setup process.

AppWizard

July 16, 2025

All signal, no substance VK’s Max app aims to replace WhatsApp, but the Russian celebrities paid to promote it have found just one selling point: it works

VK is promoting its new messaging app, Max, by enlisting internet personalities and celebrities to enhance its visibility. The app is currently in beta testing and is positioned as a potential alternative to WhatsApp, especially if Russian authorities restrict access to foreign messaging platforms. Notable figures like Daria Zoteeva and Valentina Karnaukhova have praised Max for its voice call quality, sharing positive personal experiences. As of June 30, VK reported one million registered users within three months, and by early July, user numbers reportedly exceeded two million following the introduction of group video calls.

AppWizard

July 14, 2025

Think you know gaming? Test your knowledge with PC Gamer’s fiendish quizzes

PC Gamer offers weekly quizzes to test knowledge of PC gaming. The quizzes cover various topics, including: 1. Weird currencies in games, such as Mucus-Slick Eggs in Diablo 4 and Delirious Scouting Reports in Path of Exile. 2. Identifying health bars from different games through screenshots. 3. Recalling names of 15 PC games that are no longer available, based on screenshots.