beta testing 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

March 27, 2025

10 pesky Windows 11 24H2 bugs still haunting PCs despite several patches

In October, Microsoft released the 2024 update for Windows 11, known as Windows 11 24H2, which enhances Copilot AI, refines File Explorer, and improves performance and stability. The update is available for users of Windows 11 23H2 and 22H2 through the Windows Update screen or Microsoft's official Download Windows 11 page. However, various bugs have been reported, leading Microsoft to temporarily pause the update for certain problematic PCs. Notable issues include: 1. AutoCAD 2022 may not open on some systems. 2. PCs with Citrix components may struggle with installation due to a glitch from the January Patch Tuesday update. 3. Compatibility issues with the Easy Anti-Cheat program can result in Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) errors, particularly on Intel Alder Lake+ processors. 4. Users report internet connectivity problems after the update, with some unable to receive a valid IP address. 5. Network sharing issues prevent devices from appearing in the network list. 6. Printer setup issues affect users of Copilot+ PCs from various manufacturers. 7. Audio output problems occur on PCs with Dirac Audio technology. 8. Outlook may fail to launch if Google Workspace Sync is installed. 9. Integrated camera issues affect the Windows camera app and Windows Hello facial recognition. 10. Compatibility problems with Intel Smart Sound Technology drivers may trigger blue screens on certain PCs. Microsoft has issued several patches to address these bugs since the update's launch, but some patches have introduced new issues.

Winsage

March 24, 2025

Google Drive for Windows on Arm PCs is now widely available

Google has launched its Google Drive app for Arm-compatible Windows PCs powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon processors, now available as a general release after being in beta. The Arm64 version offers the same functionalities as the traditional app and is exclusively available for Windows 11, requiring Microsoft WebView 2. Beta testers will receive an upgrade prompt, while new users can download the app from Google’s website. This release aligns with the increasing support for Arm64 architecture in applications, including Google Chrome, NordVPN, and ExpressVPN. Microsoft is also working on updates to improve software and gaming experiences through its Prism emulator.

Winsage

March 19, 2025

Windows 11 now lets you easily type with an Xbox controller

Microsoft has introduced a gamepad keyboard for Windows 11 that allows users to type using an Xbox controller. This new feature enhances the on-screen keyboard and includes shortcuts for Xbox controllers, such as using the X button for backspace and the Y button for the spacebar. The gamepad keyboard is part of Microsoft's initiative to improve the handheld experience for gamers and is currently available in the Release Preview version of Windows 11, with wider access expected soon. Additionally, Microsoft has updated the Game Bar for better usability on smaller screens and improved controller navigation in the Xbox app for PC.

Winsage

March 16, 2025

7 forgotten Windows apps that somehow still exist

WinAmp, foobar2000, and RealPlayer were once essential media players but have seen a decline in popularity due to improvements in Windows Media Player and the rise of streaming services. Foobar2000 and RealPlayer still appeal to a niche audience. Napster, originally a peer-to-peer file sharing service, has transformed into a legitimate music streaming service after facing legal challenges. TeamSpeak, once favored in the gaming community for voice chat, has been overshadowed by Discord but remains operational with ongoing updates. Netscape Navigator was a leading web browser that declined with the rise of Internet Explorer and was discontinued in 2008, but has been reintroduced as a Chromium-based browser by AOL. WordPerfect was a dominant word processing software in the late 80s and early 90s but lost market share to Microsoft Word; it continues to exist as an office suite. WinZip, once the preferred file compression tool, has seen its relevance decline due to native ZIP support in Windows and free alternatives like 7-Zip; it is now owned by Corel. WindowBlinds, a customization tool for Windows, has been updated for Windows 11 but lacks the popularity it once had, reflecting a trend towards less customizable operating systems.

Winsage

March 8, 2025

This hidden Windows 11 Beta feature makes sharing images a breeze

Windows 11 23H2 Beta introduces an image sharing tool integrated into the Windows Share sheet, allowing users to edit images and compress them before sharing. This feature is still in development and may have inconsistencies or bugs.

AppWizard

February 28, 2025

‘The point is to be generous’: This $20 FPS releasing next month is trying something new—giving away a full version of the game

Midnight Murder Club is a multiplayer party shooter developed by Velan Studios, known for Knockout City. The game features six players in a dark mansion, focusing on fun and memorable moments rather than competitive rankings. Players earn unlocks through gameplay without seasonal updates or battle passes. The game includes a Guest Pass Edition, allowing non-purchasing friends to join games hosted by owners of the full version. Midnight Murder Club is scheduled for early access on March 13, available on Steam and PS5.

AppWizard

February 27, 2025

Google Pixel prepares official Scam Detection roll out for Phone and Messages

Google is introducing Scam Detection features for the Phone app on Pixel devices, powered by Gemini Nano, with a rollout anticipated for March 2025. A beta phase began in November, allowing users to test the Scam Detection capabilities, which include background monitoring of incoming calls and warning notifications for potential scams. Users will receive a red pop-up notification stating "likely scam" if a potential threat is detected, with options to end the call or report it as not a scam. The feature will be disabled by default to prioritize user privacy, but can be enabled in the app's settings. Additionally, the Messages app has been testing alerts for hazardous links since October. This update may coincide with the feature drop for Android 15 in March 2025, with ongoing testing for Android 15 QPR2 Beta 1 and plans for an early Android 16 update in the second quarter of 2025.

Winsage

February 21, 2025

The Windows 11 Snipping Tool is about to get a killer new feature

Microsoft is adding an advanced optical character recognition (OCR) feature to the Snipping Tool, improving text extraction from images. This feature was discovered by PhantomOfEarth during Windows beta testing and will allow users to extract text with just a couple of clicks, eliminating the need for preliminary screenshots. The Snipping Tool is pre-installed on all Windows 11 devices, making the OCR functionality readily accessible without additional downloads.

AppWizard

February 19, 2025

Tencent’s messaging app Weixin launches beta testing with DeepSeek

Tencent Holdings Limited generates its net sales primarily from the following activities: - Development of mobile applications (54.8%), which includes online gaming platforms, instant messaging systems (notably QQ), gaming software, photo downloading applications, and online payment systems. - Development of electronic payment solutions and services (26.5%). - Online advertising services (17.1%). - Other ancillary services (1.6%). China accounts for 93% of Tencent's net sales.