beta version Archives

AppWizard

September 23, 2026

WhatsApp Plus lets you customise emoji reactions on Android

WhatsApp is rolling out customizable emoji reactions for Plus subscribers on Android devices, allowing users to replace any or all of the six standard emoji reactions with their chosen emojis. This feature is part of the WhatsApp beta 2.26.38.4 update and can be accessed through the Settings menu or directly from chat. While all users can see the Default Reactions tab, only Plus subscribers can utilize the customization feature. Currently, it is available to a select group of beta testers, with no timeline for broader availability.

AppWizard

September 23, 2026

Spotify could soon fix a major storage issue that users have complained about for years

Spotify is developing a "Cache Limit" feature for Android users that will allow them to manage the local storage used by temporary files. This feature aims to give users control over the app's caching behavior, which currently operates automatically and can accumulate several gigabytes of data over time. Users can manually clear the cache but may find it tedious. The new feature will enable users to set a cap on storage for temporary files, with notifications about the implications of their choices, such as increased data usage or potential effects on playback quality. The feature will not affect downloaded music or podcasts and is expected to first appear in the beta version of the app before being rolled out to all users.

AppWizard

September 22, 2026

Google Messages is preparing its biggest search overhaul yet

Google Messages is testing a redesign of its search functionality to improve user experience. The search bar will move to the bottom of the home screen, featuring a dynamic visual overview of shared content, including preview rows for images, videos, links, and places. Users will be able to search within specific conversations from the main search page without opening each chat. The search results will display all matching messages on a dedicated results page instead of grouping them by conversation. Links and places will have larger, visually appealing cards, although timestamps and sender names will not be visible. A new media viewer will allow users to swipe through images and videos, enhancing the overall experience.

AppWizard

September 18, 2026

Android 17 QPR2 Beta 5: key changes

Android 17 QPR2 Beta 5 was released on September 15, 2026, with a public rollout for Pixel devices starting the next day. This beta version enhances the Proactive Assistance feature on Pixel 10 and Pixel 11 devices, allowing users more control over personalized suggestions and addressing various bugs. It is a development build for supported Pixel devices and Android Emulator images, with identified builds CP41.260828.004.A8 and CP41.260828.005.A6, and a security patch level dated August 5, 2026. The update package size for the Pixel 10 Pro XL is approximately 667 MB. The notable change in Beta 5 is the introduction of two Proactive Assistance entries in the Settings menu, allowing users to manage proactive suggestions more effectively. The updated settings page includes a "Use app content for suggestions" option, enabling users to control which applications can share screen content and notifications. Google's release notes list several fixes, including issues with Bluetooth device icons, unexpected reboots, missing volume controls, search-field highlight rendering, unlocking Private Space, HDR behavior, Google Wallet touchscreen unresponsiveness, camera crashes, and distorted Bluetooth call audio. The stable release of Android 17 QPR2 is expected in December 2026, and users are advised that Beta 5 is a developmental tool that may contain errors. Additionally, new restrictions on programmatic USSD requests for call forwarding have been introduced to reduce potential fraud.

AppWizard

September 17, 2026

Google Pixel: Android 17 QPR2 Beta 5 Released

On September 15, 2026, Google released the beta OS update "Android 17 QPR2 Beta 5" for Google Pixel devices in the Android Beta Program. This update includes support for new Pixel devices: "Pixel 11," "Pixel 11 Pro," "Pixel 11 Pro XL," and "Pixel 11 Pro Fold," while excluding "Pixel 6" and "Pixel 6 Pro." The update is distributed via Over-the-Air (OTA) to 23 models, including "Pixel 6a," "Pixel 7," and "Pixel 8 Pro." Key features include "Call Forwarding Hardening," which restricts access to call-forwarding USSD codes to enhance security against scams. The update also includes eight bug fixes, addressing issues with Bluetooth device type display, unexpected reboots, volume slider UI, text rendering, Private Space unlocking, HDR mode, Camera app crashes, and Bluetooth audio distortion. The build number changes to "CP41.260828.004.A8" or "CP41.260828.005.A6," with the Android security patch level updated to "August 5, 2026," and "Google Play services" upgraded to version 26.28.33 or later.

AppWizard

September 14, 2026

This keyboard app brings Pixel 11’s best feature to all Android phones

SwiftKey is introducing a new AI-driven voice typing feature in its beta version, inspired by Google's Rambler feature. This tool cleans up and formats speech but does not provide live transcription. The AI model is about 163MB and allows offline functionality on Android devices. Unlike Google's Rambler, which is exclusive to Pixel devices, SwiftKey's feature is available on a wider range of Android smartphones. Testing on a Galaxy Z Fold 8 showed efficient offline processing and transcription. However, it lacks features like tone adjustments, advanced text formatting, and emoji insertion through voice commands. The SwiftKey Beta app can be installed on any Android device and is available for download on the Google Play Store.

AppWizard

September 14, 2026

10 big World of Warcraft Forever details from BlizzCon: No separate realms, optional transmog, and massively improved items

World of Warcraft Forever will offer a reimagined experience that honors its roots while introducing innovative features. Key features include the ability to select a ruleset instead of a realm, a global transmog feature, automatic granting of transmog appearances from looted gear, the establishment of campfires for crafting and resting, over 600 new recipes for each profession, new race/class combinations, the earning of Legacy points for perks, reworked items for class benefits, enhanced boss encounters, and improved racial abilities. The game aims to encourage exploration and experimentation. WoW Forever is set to launch on November 4, with a beta version available starting September 17 for early purchasers.

AppWizard

September 10, 2026

Tor VPN Beta brings isolated app-by-app Tor routing to Android

The Tor Project has launched Tor VPN Beta for Android, allowing mobile applications to route traffic through the Tor network, expanding beyond web browsing. This development was driven by user demand for privacy tools to bypass internet censorship, particularly in restrictive regions. The concept originated in 2021, and after initial testing and user feedback, the beta was announced on September 9. Tor VPN creates a separate Tor circuit for each application, enhancing privacy by complicating activity correlation across apps. Users can select which applications use Tor, and the interface has been improved for easier management. The beta version 1.4.0 includes support for WebTunnel bridges to disguise Tor connections as standard encrypted traffic. Usability testing revealed issues with exit-node selection, leading to a design change that requires users to connect to Tor before choosing an exit. Tor VPN is built on the Arti implementation of the Tor protocol and the Onionmasq networking layer, ensuring stability and component sharing. The software supports reproducible builds and is available via F-Droid and APK downloads. A security review in June 2025 found no major flaws but identified some issues being addressed. Tor VPN is currently in beta and focuses on enhancing circumvention capabilities and usability rather than competing with commercial VPNs on speed. Users in censored areas are advised to configure bridges for access.

AppWizard

September 9, 2026

Android Auto Users Lose the Google Maps Feature They’ve Been Drooling Over for Years

Android Auto users are experiencing issues with Google Maps, particularly the disappearance of the speedometer feature after its recent integration. Some users report that the speedometer vanishes when navigation is disabled, while others find it completely absent. Additionally, critical navigation data, such as traffic light indicators, may also be missing. A persistent bug affecting traffic colors in Google Maps further complicates navigation. Users have shared varying experiences, with some finding that exiting beta versions of the apps resolves the issue. Google has not yet addressed these concerns, and an upcoming update for Google Maps is expected to enhance navigation features, including detailed maps and improved turn-by-turn instructions. The update is currently rolling out in the U.S. and Canada, with no timeline for other regions.

AppWizard

September 6, 2026

I spent months testing the top Android keyboards; one easily replaced Gboard for good

The author initially favored Google Gboard but began exploring alternatives due to declining typing accuracy and clipboard management issues. They found Microsoft SwiftKey's stable version effective for swiping, predictive text, and multi-language support, but were disappointed with its voice input feature. Transitioning to SwiftKey Beta improved voice typing significantly, though it still lacks support for some niche languages and font scaling options. FUTO Keyboard is noted for its privacy and offline functionality but has limited language support and clipboard management. Samsung Keyboard, now the author's primary choice on their Galaxy Tab, offers deep integration with One UI and improved text prediction, though voice input still needs work. Gboard remains competent, especially in voice typing, but the author feels it is becoming less appealing due to data harvesting concerns and limited customization. Currently, the author plans to continue using Microsoft SwiftKey Beta, which meets most of their typing needs.