beta version Archives

AppWizard

May 19, 2025

Files by Google is also getting a fresh coat of Material 3 Expressive (APK teardown)

Google is testing its Files app with new Material 3 Expressive components in a beta version. The beta version, Files by Google v1.7528, features repositioned Quick Share and File Scanner floating action buttons to a centralized location, larger thumbnails for recent files, and a redesigned image viewer with updated Edit and Circle to Search FABs. The sidebar has undergone changes in padding and sizing, and the progress bar has been moved to the center of the screen with a new wavy design. These features are still under development and may not appear in the final public release.

TrendTechie

May 16, 2025

Spotify Owned uTorrent Before BitTorrent Inc. Acquired It * TorrentFreak

Spotify is preparing for its listing on the New York Stock Exchange, with connections to Ludvig Strigeus, the developer of uTorrent, who was instrumental in Spotify's early development. Spotify once owned uTorrent, which it acquired in 2006 before selling it to BitTorrent Inc. shortly after. Strigeus's stake in Spotify is reportedly valued at over a billion Kroner, making him a multi-millionaire. Spotify launched its beta version in 2008 as an alternative to music piracy and has since become a billion-dollar enterprise, converting millions of users into paying customers. Initially, Spotify's service included a significant file-sharing aspect, utilizing P2P connections for streaming and incorporating pirate MP3s in its beta release. The acquisition of uTorrent provided crucial funding for Spotify's development.

Winsage

May 14, 2025

WSL is the best feature added to Windows in the last decade

Microsoft introduced the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) in the Windows 10 Anniversary Update in August 2016, initially as a tool for developers. WSL debuted as a beta version with a native-kernel translation layer, allowing Windows to run unmodified Linux ELF binaries. Its early performance was limited, leading users to prefer Linux virtual machines for full compatibility. The launch of WSL2 in May 2020 replaced the translation layer with a lightweight, real Linux kernel running in a Hyper-V utility VM, providing near-native performance and comprehensive syscall coverage. WSL2 has since seen continuous improvements, including GPU-compute and CUDA support in 2021, full GUI support for X11 and Wayland applications in 2022, and systemd support in September 2022. WSL2 approaches the performance of bare-metal Linux while integrating seamlessly with Windows, allowing users to launch a Linux shell easily. It enables developers to access the C drive and interact between Windows and Linux environments without dual-booting. WSL2 enhances productivity for data science workflows, allowing the use of tools like PyTorch with CUDA. It also offers features for non-developers, such as creating aliases for launching Windows applications and running Linux GUI applications. WSL's integration into Windows represents a significant shift, providing opportunities for users across various domains to explore Linux functionalities.

AppWizard

May 13, 2025

Google debuts Material Three Expressive, Android’s most vibrant design yet

The latest iteration of Android 16 features an evolved design language and a revamped Live Updates function that provides real-time notifications for food delivery, navigation, and rideshare applications. Notifications appear on the lock screen, always-on display, status bar, and notification shade, ensuring users stay informed without disruption.

Winsage

May 11, 2025

5 reasons I use File Pilot to manage my files on Windows

Microsoft's File Explorer for Windows 11 is considered adequate but lacks certain features, leading users to seek alternatives like File Pilot, which is currently in beta and expected to have a paid release later this year. File Pilot allows users to adjust file views with a slider for seamless transitions and enhances usability by enabling real-time customization. It offers advanced file preview capabilities, particularly for images and TXT files, and features a command bar for quick navigation and access to various functions. The split view feature allows users to create multiple customizable panels for better organization. File Pilot is lightweight, with a download size of 1.8MB, and provides rapid performance, making it effective for managing large sets of files.

AppWizard

May 6, 2025

‘Intrusion Detection’ might help Android 16 users catch suspicious phone activity

Google is set to introduce a security feature called "Intrusion Detection" in its upcoming Android 16, aimed at enhancing user security against threats. This feature, found in a beta version of the Google Play Services app, will log encrypted entries of essential device information to help users identify suspicious activity. "Intrusion Detection" is expected to be part of the Advanced Protection Program, which includes measures against malicious downloads and supports passkey sign-ins, moving away from traditional passwords. The feature's development has progressed, but it is unclear if it will launch with Android 16 or later. Android 16 Beta 4 was released to testers in mid-April, leading up to the anticipated full launch in May 2025.

AppWizard

April 29, 2025

Gemini preps a ‘Saved info’ rebrand as work on chat history search continues (APK teardown)

- The Gemini name is being phased out from headers, indicating a potential rebranding effort. - The "Saved info" feature may be renamed to "Memory" to enhance its functionality in remembering user preferences. - Improvements are being made for accessing and viewing chat history to enhance user interaction and navigation. - The latest beta version, 16.16.39.sa.arm64, reveals upcoming features, although they are not yet visible to the public. - The removal of the Gemini label from model headers is a prominent change, accompanied by a new blue background effect and a reorganization of model names and descriptions. - A search tool for chat history is being introduced, with various layouts being tested, including one that prioritizes Gems at the top. - Enhancements to the compose box are planned, potentially offering suggestions for research topics and Canvas projects.

BetaBeacon

April 27, 2025

What is Steam: The popular gaming platform explained

Steam is a platform and app for distributing video games online that also has social media features and community message boards.

AppWizard

April 23, 2025

Google Messages update finally adds an important safety tool – and teases a feature I’m surprised the app doesn’t have already

Google Messages is introducing two new features: live location sharing and Sensitive Content Warnings. The live location sharing feature allows users to share their real-time whereabouts, improving coordination for meet-ups. Sensitive Content Warnings aim to protect users, especially minors, from harmful content by notifying them when nude images are sent or received. This feature is automatically enabled for users under 18 and can be managed through the Family Link app for supervised accounts. Users can adjust settings in Google Messages to manage these warnings, which utilize on-device AI to ensure privacy.

AppWizard

April 22, 2025

Google Messages now finally shields you from surprise nudes

Google Messages is introducing smart alerts that automatically blur explicit images before they are viewed by the recipient. This feature is opt-in for adults, while it is enabled by default for teens. Users will receive warnings about potentially explicit images and can choose to view the image, block the sender, or check the reason for the flag. If users send a sensitive image, the app will prompt them with a caution. All processing occurs on the user's device to protect privacy, and the feature currently applies only to still images, not videos.