beta testing Archives

AppWizard

July 1, 2025

Steam just got a new performance overlay — you can now view real FPS alongside DLSS/FRS-generated frames

Steam has introduced a new performance monitor that tracks frames per second (FPS) and differentiates between genuine frames and those generated by upscaling technologies like DLSS and FSR. This feature, part of a recent client update following a successful beta test, provides insights into CPU, GPU, and RAM usage, including processor clock speeds, graphics card temperatures, and available system memory. The overlay is currently limited to Windows users and aims to enhance understanding of PC performance amidst rising hardware demands. Users can activate the overlay by navigating to Settings > In Game and selecting the Show performance monitor option.

AppWizard

June 30, 2025

WhatsApp Tests New In-App Document Scanner for Android Beta Users

WhatsApp has introduced a built-in document scanning tool for Android devices, currently available only to beta testers. This feature is located in the attachment section and allows users to capture physical documents directly within the app. It offers both manual and automatic modes for capturing images, which are then processed locally into PDF format and can be shared. All scanned files are protected with end-to-end encryption. The feature is currently limited to specific Android beta versions, with plans for a broader rollout in the future.

AppWizard

June 26, 2025

Google’s Phone App Gets a Makeover in Android 16

Google is redesigning its default Phone app for Android 16, adopting the Material 3 Expressive design language. The updated interface will feature a streamlined layout with three primary tabs: Home, Keypad, and Voicemail, replacing the previous five tabs. The Home tab will now include favorite contacts and recent calls, along with filters for missed calls and spam. The floating action button for the dialer has been removed, and the Keypad will have its own dedicated tab. Calls from the same contact will be displayed individually instead of grouped, and a new swipe gesture for answering or rejecting calls is in beta testing. The update is currently live in beta for some users, indicating cautious testing before the official rollout with Android 16.

AppWizard

June 25, 2025

Google Phone App Gets A Major Redesign With Android 16: Here’s What’s New

Google is redesigning its default Phone app as part of Android 16, focusing on a minimalistic, Windows-centered design inspired by Material 3 Expressive. The update includes simplified bottom navigation with a Home tab that integrates missed calls, spam, and contacts, and displays recent call logs and favorite contacts. The Contacts tab has been removed from the bottom navigation, and the Keypad has been repositioned to the center. Google is also experimenting with new swipe gestures for answering and rejecting calls to reduce accidental handling. The beta version of the Phone app is currently available to testers, with a potential public rollout before the official launch of Android 16.

AppWizard

June 25, 2025

Inside Former Minecraft Boss Jonas Mårtensson’s Cleeks Culture Play

Jonas Mårtensson is the general manager of Cleeks Golf Club, a LIV Golf team, after previously leading Mojang Studios, the company behind Minecraft, which Microsoft acquired for .5 billion in 2014. He enjoys his current role more than his time with Minecraft, appreciating the smaller team dynamic and the opportunity to refresh the Cleeks brand. Mårtensson has initiated a brand revamp with design firm AKQA and adopted the tagline “tradition refreshed” to honor golf’s heritage while appealing to new fans. Collaborations with Public Drip and designer Martin Key are part of this strategy, along with a future partnership with The Rookies, a platform for emerging digital artists. Mårtensson aims for the Cleeks logo to achieve cultural significance similar to iconic logos in sports and emphasizes the importance of building a community around the brand. The team currently ranks 12th in standings, but Mårtensson focuses on long-term brand development and consistency. He engages with fans through events, akin to beta testing in gaming, to gather insights for brand building. The team recently added Frederik Kjettrup to the roster, prioritizing personality compatibility alongside performance. Mårtensson envisions achieving cultural relevance and winning trophies in the next five years.

AppWizard

June 24, 2025

Riot Games cancels its response to Minecraft, Hytale is cancelled

Riot Games has officially announced the cancellation of Hytale, a highly anticipated project developed in collaboration with Hypixel Studios. The game's development faced significant challenges, leading to the decision to halt its progress, as stated by Hypixel Studios CEO Aaron “Noxy” Donaghey. The studio is also set to close in the coming months. This cancellation adds to Riot Games' history of discontinuing various projects, including Pool Party, which was a crossover fighting game, and Project F, a proposed MMO with no recent updates. Additionally, 2XKO, which had undergone beta testing, remains uncertain regarding its future release.

AppWizard

June 23, 2025

Google app is now home to your Pinterest-like personalized image feed

Google is rolling out a new "Images" tab in the beta version of its app, designed to create a personalized visual feed based on user-selected topics such as Fashion, Home Decor, and Travel. Users can interact with images by sharing, saving, or searching with Google Lens, and can hide images that do not interest them. The feature is currently in beta testing with a select group of users for feedback, and adjustments will be made before a broader release.

Winsage

June 16, 2025

Windows Vista’s startup sound suddenly reappears in Windows 11’s beta build, and no, it’s not a joke

The latest beta builds of Windows 11 have a glitch that swaps the startup sound with that of Windows Vista. This issue was reported by tester XenoPanther, who found that the .WAV file for the startup sound had been replaced. Brandon LeBlanc from the Windows Insider Program confirmed the bug, humorously suggesting it was a response to user nostalgia for Vista, but clarified it was not intentional. The cause of the sound swap is unclear, with speculation about it being a playful act by an employee. Microsoft is working to fix the glitch.

Winsage

June 15, 2025

Windows 11 is finally getting a smarter energy saver plan

The Energy Saver mode on Windows 11 helps extend battery life but has limited customization options. Microsoft is currently beta testing a new Adaptive Energy Saver mode that adapts to user behavior and device usage patterns. This feature, discovered by a user named PhantomOfEarth, is functional and reportedly reduces battery usage effectively in the Dev and Beta environments. It suggests that Microsoft may roll out this feature in future updates, enhancing users' control over energy management.

AppWizard

June 10, 2025

Google details its future Android 16 plans this year, and highlights new features

Google's developer blog details the upcoming Android 16 SDK release, set for a significant update in Q4 2025, with a Q3 update introducing the Material 3 Expressive redesign. The official launch of Android 16 on June 10 includes features such as "outline text" for Accessibility settings, Adaptive Apps for foldable devices, and consistent progress notifications. Beta testers can opt out of the program to receive the stable version if they haven't joined the Android 16 QPR1 Beta. Key enhancements focus on app experiences on larger displays, including adaptive functionality and real-time tracking for activities. Improvements in mobile photography include night mode scene detection and UltraHDR capabilities. Accessibility is improved with the new "outline text," and privacy features include defenses against intent redirection attacks and location masking when pairing devices. Additional performance optimizations involve 16KB pages and updates to JobScheduler and Android Runtime. The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL features a 6.8-inch display, advanced AI software, and a larger battery.