beta update Archives

AppWizard

February 17, 2025

Google Unveils Car Ready Apps Program in Android Auto 13.8 Update

Google has released the Android Auto 13.8 Beta update, which includes several key features aimed at improving the in-car app experience. - The Car Ready Mobile Apps Program simplifies app integration for developers, increasing the variety of apps available on the car’s display. - A new classification system categorizes apps into three tiers: - Tier 1: Car Differentiated – Designed specifically for in-vehicle use. - Tier 2: Car Optimized – Enhanced apps for a better in-car experience. - Tier 3: Car Ready – Compatible apps needing minimal adjustments when parked. - New accessibility features include reference codes “newappavailable” and “newparkedapp_available,” allowing easier access to apps from the phone to the car’s display, especially when parked. - Fixes in this update include: - Google Maps interface correction for clearer visibility of the location icon. - Resolutions for audio and Bluetooth connectivity issues. The update is available for download through the Google Play Store or via third-party APK links.

Winsage

February 17, 2025

About darn time: Microsoft says it has fixed the annoying lag in Windows Explorer when working with cloud-based files

The recent beta update from Microsoft, identified as KB5052094, aims to improve the sluggish performance of Windows Explorer when managing OneDrive files. This update is currently available only to users in the Review Release Channel of Windows 11. Users on the standard public release have not yet tested these performance claims. The update is anticipated to address the lag experienced during context menu operations, such as right-clicking on cloud files. The delays in these operations have been a source of frustration for users, impacting workflow. There are speculations regarding the delay in addressing this issue, which may involve necessary adjustments to Azure's infrastructure.

Winsage

February 17, 2025

Microsoft is finally working on making PC migration painless with a new app

Microsoft is developing a new migration application to simplify data transfer from old PCs to new ones, as discovered in the Windows 11 Insider Beta build 22635.4945. The app is still in early stages, with only preliminary user interface elements visible. It will assist users in backing up existing data and transferring files, requiring both computers to be close and connected to the same Wi-Fi network. The migration process will involve pairing devices with a one-time password (OTP) and confirming the transfer. While mockups suggest potential design and functionality, the app is not yet fully functional, and there is no timeline for its release, although it is expected to be available to Windows Insiders before a wider public rollout.

Winsage

February 4, 2025

Microsoft Is Clubbing the AI Features in Paint Inside a New Copilot Menu

Microsoft released a new Windows 11 Insider Preview build (version 26120.3073) that includes enhancements to the Paint application and Windows Search functionality, available to Windows Insider users in the Canary and Dev channels. The Paint app now features a Copilot menu that integrates AI functionalities, including Cocreator for generating AI images from sketches, an Image Creator for text-to-image generation, a Generative Erase tool for removing unwanted objects, and a Remove Background function. These features are organized within the Copilot menu, with the Cocreator feature exclusive to Copilot+ PC users. Additionally, Windows Search has improved semantic indexing to support searching for documents, photos, and files in OneDrive, also limited to Copilot+ PC users.

AppWizard

December 16, 2024

Gemini Advanced subscribers can now use Gemini Flash 2.0 Experimental in latest Gemini app beta

Google has announced Gemini 2.0, which includes the Gemini 2.0 Flash Experimental model. This lightweight and fast model is available on the Gemini web client and is being rolled out to the mobile Gemini app in the latest beta update. Users can switch between models easily in version 15.50 of the Gemini app. The Gemini 2.0 Flash Experimental model is accessible only to Gemini Advanced subscribers, available through the Google One AI Premium plan. Users can join the Google app beta or expect future access through the stable channel.

Winsage

December 14, 2024

Want a vertical taskbar in Windows 11? New Start11 update lets you have that

Windows 11's taskbar is fixed at the bottom of the screen with limited customization options, as Microsoft deems repositioning it "not important." Users can either stick with Windows 10 or use third-party applications for customization. Start11 v2.5 Beta allows users to place the taskbar vertically on the left or right side of the screen. To access this feature, users must join the beta program, with a full release expected in January. Start11 v2.5 is a free update for existing license holders, while new users can purchase a license for .99. The update also includes features to improve the Start menu in Windows 11.

Winsage

December 10, 2024

Windows 11’s File Explorer will soon remember your opened tabs

Microsoft has released a new preview build for Windows 11 Insiders on the Beta Channel that includes a feature allowing File Explorer to remember opened tabs. Users can enable the “Restore previous folder windows at logon” option in File Explorer’s settings, which restores all opened tabs upon the next login. This feature is part of the Beta update KB5046733, identified as Build 22635.4580, and its broader rollout timeline is currently uncertain.

Winsage

December 5, 2024

WinRAR on Windows 11 gets faster, 7-Zip and NanaZip receive improvements too

WinRAR has released a beta update (version 7.10 Beta 2) that includes several enhancements and bug fixes. Key improvements include: - Accelerated response time for the Windows 11 context menu when right-clicking on multiple selected archives. - Increased compression speed due to the resolution of a performance bug. - Numerous dark mode improvements and fixes, with "Dark mode" options now referred to as "Color mode." - The "Export settings to file" command no longer triggers User Account Control prompts. - Command line mode now returns a "Bad archive" exit code 13 for non-RAR archives with a .rar file extension. - The "External viewer name" field now recognizes relative path specifications. Bug fixes include: - Compression speed improvements for specific data combinations in non-solid archives. - Resolved an infinite loop issue in console RAR on Windows 7. - Fixed an error preventing execution of files from archive subfolders. - Addressed a reset issue with WinRAR.ini contents when multiple archives were opened in the same window. 7-Zip has also updated to version 24.09, featuring increased default dictionary sizes for LZMA/LZMA2 compression and additional hash checksum calculations (SHA-512, SHA-384, SHA3-256, and MD5). NanaZip has addressed a Zstandard decompression vulnerability (CVE-2024-11477) and includes various updates and optimizations in its 5.0 Preview 0 release.

AppWizard

December 5, 2024

Next Samsung One Hand Operation+ update to add Dual Messenger support

Samsung is set to enhance the folder icon arrangement feature in the upcoming One UI 7 update, addressing user concerns about the resetting of folder arrangements when toggling the Home Up feature in the Good Lock app. A community moderator confirmed this issue is recognized, and a solution is expected in the update. Additionally, Samsung will roll out the One UI 7 Beta update for the Galaxy S24 series, allowing users to experience new features before the official release. One UI 7 will also enhance Samsung Edge Lighting+ functions.

Winsage

November 18, 2024

Windows 11 update improves Snap Layouts usability, adds new features

Microsoft will not release any further feature updates for the test channels of Windows 11 for the remainder of 2024. Windows 11 Insiders recently received a preview update (KB5046716) that includes enhancements to the Snap Layouts feature, such as descriptive text for better user understanding and activation via the Windows key + Z shortcut. Other improvements in the update include direct file sharing from taskbar jump lists, a gamepad layout for the on-screen keyboard, new narrator scan mode features, and enhancements to speech-to-text and text-to-speech functionalities.