beta update Archives

Winsage

April 10, 2026

Improving your Windows Insider experience

The Windows Insider Program is undergoing changes to improve user experience based on feedback from the community. The channel structure will be simplified into two main options: Experimental and Beta. The Experimental channel will provide early access to features under development, while the Beta channel will showcase features planned for near-term release without gradual rollouts. Users will have the option to select specific Windows core versions and enable or disable features through a new Feature flags page. Additionally, transitioning between channels will now allow for in-place upgrades, preserving apps and settings, except when moving from Experimental Future Platforms. All Insiders will be transitioned to either the new Beta or Experimental channel, with specific transitions outlined for current users in the Beta, Dev, and Canary channels. Commercial customers will see similar changes, while those in the Windows Server Insider Program will not experience alterations.

Winsage

April 10, 2026

Microsoft is Simplifying its Windows Insider Program With Just Two Channels

Microsoft is revamping the Windows Insider Program, introducing a new Experimental Channel to replace the existing Dev and Canary channels. This change aims to simplify the channel structure and enhance user experience by allowing Insiders to toggle new features on and off via a Feature Flags page. The Experimental Channel will also include a 'Future Platforms' option for testing upcoming platform changes. The Beta Channel will continue to provide features intended for Windows 11 users, with the discontinuation of Controlled Feature Rollouts, ensuring that announced features are available upon update. The Release Preview Channel will remain for those wanting to preview the next monthly update. Microsoft is implementing enhancements for smoother transitions between channels, allowing Insiders to switch without a clean install. Beta Channel testers will stay in their current channel, while Dev Channel testers will be automatically transitioned to the Experimental Channel. Canary testers on 28000 series builds will move to the Experimental Channel, and those on 29500 series builds will shift to the Experimental (Future Platforms) Channel.

AppWizard

April 2, 2026

Instead of making a joke, Valve celebrates April Fool’s Day by rolling out a Steam storefront ‘refresh’ that makes it look much nicer

Valve is testing updates to the Steam store home page aimed at enhancing user experience. The redesign includes a more cohesive feel across the platform, with a "Featured and Recommended" section providing in-depth insights and user reviews. Hovering over a game's cover art triggers a micro-trailer, which can be disabled. The "Discounts and Events" section features larger artwork, and the Discovery Queue opens as a transparent overlay. New sections for wishlists and downloadable content (DLC) have been added, along with an infinite scroll feature. The storefront now showcases higher-resolution game art, improving the visual experience for users with high-resolution monitors. The updates result in a layout that utilizes screen space more effectively. Valve has not announced when these changes will be available to all users, as it depends on beta testing outcomes. Users can join the beta program through the Steam client settings.

Winsage

February 26, 2026

Windows 11 25H2: When Release Preview suddenly plays beta

Users of Windows 11 25H2 in the Release Preview channel experienced an unexpected transition to the Beta channel after installing Build 26200.7921, as the Release Preview option disappeared from the selection menu due to a server configuration issue. This change forced Windows Update to download version 26220.7872 without user consent. The distinction between the channels is significant, with Release Preview operating within the 26200 band and Beta in the 26220 band. On February 25, 2026, Microsoft restored the Release Preview channel, allowing users to revert to it through a manual update. The Insider Program has evolved into a complex system involving build bands, server-side feature gates, telemetry evaluation, and dynamic channel assignment, which can lead to misconfigurations. Best practices for participants include regularly checking for updates, managing automatic installations, and maintaining recovery snapshots.

AppWizard

February 16, 2026

Google Signals Android Auto Video Apps Are Imminent

Google is advancing its initiative to enable video applications on Android Auto while vehicles are parked, as indicated by the recent beta update (version 16.3.160744) that includes a configuration flag labeled “CradleFeatureallowvideoapps.” This flag suggests that Google is preparing for approved video experiences on car displays when stationary, although end-user functionality is not yet available. The infrastructure for compatible streaming or playback apps is being established, with safety protocols ensuring that playback will be restricted to parked conditions. Google is likely to introduce a new curated category for video within Android Auto, initially limited to select partners and focusing on content optimized for touch-first interfaces. The beta update also hints at a broader Android Auto UI refresh, including new network icons and driving avatar selection. A staggered rollout of the video feature is anticipated, influenced by content licensing, regional regulations, and automaker collaborations.

AppWizard

February 14, 2026

What Spec Is Your PC? Steam Asks Gamers to Add Detail to User Reviews

Steam is introducing a feature in its latest beta version that allows gamers to share their hardware specifications in user reviews. This feature includes a checkbox labeled "Attach PC specs to this review" and enables users to create a reusable profile for their hardware. Additionally, SteamOS users can anonymously share frame rate data to help assess game compatibility. Users can also provide written feedback if they disagree with a Deck Verified rating. The update addresses issues like a glitch affecting game installations due to library size.

AppWizard

February 14, 2026

The latest Steam beta lets users add their PC specs to reviews

Valve has introduced a feature in the latest Steam Client Beta update that allows users to attach their hardware specifications to game reviews. This feature enables users to share their hardware details easily, which can help clarify whether performance issues are due to the game or the user's hardware. Additionally, the update allows users to share anonymized framerate data with Valve, collected without linking to individual accounts, primarily focused on devices running SteamOS.

AppWizard

February 14, 2026

Valve’s latest Steam beta lets you add your PC’s specs to game reviews

Valve has introduced a significant update to the Steam Client Beta on February 12, allowing users to attach their hardware specifications when posting or updating game reviews. This feature aims to provide context to performance critiques, making it easier for prospective buyers to assess feedback relevance. Additionally, Valve is piloting a feature that collects anonymized framerate data associated with hardware types, particularly for devices operating on SteamOS. The update also includes bug fixes and a refined feedback process regarding a game's Deck Verified status, enabling users to provide reasons if they disagree with a game's rating.

AppWizard

January 11, 2026

Valve’s new Steam Deck update doesn’t promise much, but classic Call of Duty games could see some real performance gains

The January 8 SteamOS beta update introduces a feature called ntsync, which provides kernel-level support for a driver that enhances Windows game performance on Linux systems, particularly for the Steam Deck. This update may improve performance for older titles in the Call of Duty franchise and other classic games. Testing on Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare showed minor frame rate improvements when using the ntsync-enabled Proton-GE fork, stabilizing frame rates around 135-144 FPS compared to 130-140 FPS on the fsync build. Users have reported that issues like framerate drops and graphical glitches in Call of Duty Black Ops have been resolved with the new Proton-GE/ntsync combination. To utilize these improvements, users can opt into the SteamOS 3.7.20 beta branch and install the latest Proton-GE version via the Proton Up-Qt app.

AppWizard

December 24, 2025

Google releases Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1.1 to fix app crashes on Pixel phones

Google has released a patch called Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1.1 to address app crashes affecting Pixel devices in the Android 16 QPR3 beta. This update focuses on restoring app stability rather than introducing new features. The issues arose after the rollout of Android 16 QPR2, which introduced system-level instability. The patch aims to prevent apps from crashing at startup and is approximately 58 MB in size. It is available to devices enrolled in the Android Beta Program, including the Pixel 6 series and newer, Pixel Fold, Pixel Tablet, and Pixel 8, 9, and 10 lineups. Users can install the update through the standard over-the-air process or manually using OTA images and ADB tools.