beta users Archives

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 24, 2025

Android’s youthful new design will change the way you make and answer calls

The latest iteration of the Phone by Google app features a refreshed design aimed at enhancing user experience, currently being rolled out to select public beta users. The update includes a simplified bottom menu bar with three options: “Home,” “Keypad,” and “Voicemail.” The Home tab displays favorite contacts in bubbles and a straightforward call log that lists each call as a distinct entry. A new gesture feature allows users to swipe horizontally to answer or decline incoming calls. The incoming call screen has a playful design with contacts in a lumpy circular frame. The update is expected to roll out in September and includes a new “Pixel VIP” widget for Pixel devices, offering enhanced details about favorite contacts.

AppWizard

June 6, 2025

Latest Google Messages beta brings its Expressive redesign to more users

A Reddit user with a Galaxy Z Fold 6 has reported the new M3 Expressive redesign for Google Messages, which includes a reworked plus icon menu and a "connected button group" for emojis and GIFs. The beta update features a solid-color background for conversations, distinguishing texts from contact options. The redesign is not yet available in the stable version of Google Messages but is gradually being rolled out to beta users. The conversation field now has a rounded-corner container, separating it from calling and menu buttons. Not all beta users have received the update, indicating it is still being distributed. The Material 3 Expressive design philosophy aims to enhance the Android experience with vibrant colors and dynamic shapes. Similar updates have been noted in other Google applications, such as Gmail.

BetaBeacon

April 17, 2025

Buy Your Xbox Games Directly in Android App

Microsoft has made it easier for Xbox users to purchase games through the official Xbox app, allowing them to buy games, join Game Pass, redeem rewards, and buy in-game items directly through the app. Ultimate members can now redeem perks directly from the app with a saved payment method on their Xbox account, making the purchase process quick and easy with only two in-app clicks.

BetaBeacon

March 27, 2025

Android Auto 14.1 starts rolling out in beta with support for Android games [Video]

Google has released Android Auto 14.1 with support for select Android games that can be played on a car's display.

Winsage

March 24, 2025

Google ships Drive for Arm PCs, removing a compatibility concern

Google has released a stable version of Google Drive for Arm PCs, addressing app compatibility concerns for users. This follows a successful beta launch and requires the Microsoft WebView2 runtime with Windows 11. The update is available to all users with personal Google accounts and Google Workspace. Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite Arm processors have received positive feedback, but initial tests showed performance issues with several applications, including Google Drive. While many productivity applications are now optimized for Arm, gaming remains a challenge, with many titles not running natively or performing poorly. Reports indicated higher-than-average consumer return rates for the Surface Laptop, highlighting ongoing challenges for Qualcomm, Arm, Microsoft, and developers in improving Windows on Arm PCs.

AppWizard

December 17, 2024

You can now try out the latest Gemini 2.0 Flash model on your phone

Google's Gemini AI has integrated seamlessly into Android devices and Google Search, with the recent release of the Gemini 2.0 Flash model, which offers improved performance over the 1.5 Pro model. The Google app version 15.49.42 beta introduces a feature allowing users to select from different Gemini models on Android, including Gemini 1.5 Pro, Gemini 1.5 Flash, and Gemini 2.0 Flash Experimental. The 2.0 Flash Experimental model was initially unavailable but is now part of the testing options in version 15.50.37 beta. The "Experimental" label suggests potential instability, and users are advised to use the 1.5 Flash for routine inquiries and the 1.5 Pro for in-depth research. The rollout for stable branch users is expected soon.

AppWizard

December 13, 2024

WhatsApp may soon bring an in-app call dialer for Android users

WhatsApp is introducing a new in-app call dialer that allows users to dial numbers directly from the chat application, eliminating the need to switch to the system dialer. The feature includes a floating button for direct communication with unknown contacts without saving their numbers. The in-app call dialer is currently being rolled out to select Android beta users through version 2.24.26.11. A new "Call a number" feature on the contacts page aims to reduce clutter and improve user experience. Users can enter a phone number in the in-app dialer, which will initiate a verification process before making the call. This feature is still in beta testing but is expected to be available to a wider audience soon.

Winsage

October 23, 2024

Windows 11 has released a new update, Microsoft promises changes for the better iDevice.ro

Microsoft has released Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22635.4371 (KB504498) on the beta channel, introducing several enhancements. Key updates include a refinement of suggested applications in snapshot mockups, a new shortcut for the Narrator ("Narrator Key + Control + X") to copy the last spoken phrase, and automatic reading of email content in the updated Outlook application. Performance issues with the Narrator have been addressed, particularly a slowdown after 15 minutes of use. The Snipping Tool has been updated to version 11.2409.23.0, featuring a "Copy as Table" function for extracting structured data from screenshots. Additionally, several issues in File Explorer have been resolved, including a glitch with the search bar and an incorrect announcement by the Narrator regarding text style attributes.

Winsage

October 13, 2024

Windows Insider Program is 10 years old, here are five things I want Microsoft to change

The Windows Insider Program was launched on September 30, 2014, allowing users to test and provide feedback on preview builds of Windows. Initially, it offered a simple choice between Fast Ring and Slow Ring, but has since expanded to four channels: Canary, Dev, Beta, and Release Preview, creating confusion for users. The deployment of features has become inconsistent, with some features appearing in unexpected channels, leading to dissatisfaction. The program now includes a toggle for updates that complicates the experience, and the trend of gradual rollouts contrasts with its original intent of bold experimentation. Communication about changes and bugs has been lacking, leaving insiders uninformed. The excitement of new builds has diminished, and the recent 10th anniversary celebration was seen as underwhelming. Suggestions for improvement include simplifying the channel structure, enhancing communication, and reintroducing incentives to engage users.