Beta Archives

AppWizard

May 5, 2026

New Kaiju Game Beastlink for PC and Console Announced

Beastlink is a multiplayer game where players can embody both monster hunters and kaiju in expansive sandbox environments using Grove Street's SuperDestruction physics system. The game features four kaiju: Horned Lizard, Bull Shark, Vampire Bat, and Mandrill, each with unique abilities. Players engage in vehicular combat and navigate urban landscapes with 250,000 destructible objects, aiming to gather resources to Link with dormant kaiju. Early access begins this summer on console and PC, with closed beta weekends starting on May 8. Grove Street Games, established in 2007, is the developer behind Beastlink, known for titles like the Ark series and Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition.

AppWizard

May 5, 2026

Multiplayer kaiju action game BeastLink announced for PS5, Xbox Series, and PC

Grove Street Games has announced BeastLink, a multiplayer kaiju action game for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, and PC (Steam), with an Early Access release planned for this summer and a closed beta test for PC users starting on May 8. The game features a narrative where humanity survives in fortified strongholds while colossal creatures roam desolate landscapes. Players can engage in battles as humans or Beasts, utilizing vehicles and the game’s “SuperDestruction” technology to create chaos in destructible cities. Key features include collecting serum to form BeastLinks, team-based warfare, a physics-based destruction system, multiplayer gameplay for up to 32 players, and a diverse roster of Beasts with unique abilities.

AppWizard

May 5, 2026

Google Messages may soon solve your dark viewfinder struggles

Google is introducing a feature called Low Light Boost for its messaging platform's in-app camera preview, aimed at improving visibility in dim lighting. This feature brightens the viewfinder in real-time, allowing users to frame their shots better before taking a photo. Low Light Boost adjusts brightness based on surrounding light conditions and operates instantly, unlike traditional Night Mode. There are two methods for implementing Low Light Boost: 1. Low-Light Boost AE Mode, a hardware-level auto-exposure mode available on devices running Android 15 or later, specifically on Pixel 10 devices. 2. Google Low Light Boost, a software-based solution (HDRNet) for devices that do not support AE mode, enhancing brightness through post-processing techniques. The latest beta version of Google Messages, v20260501, includes code hints for the integration of Low Light Boost, although it is not yet fully operational. The feature enhances the viewfinder experience but does not affect the quality of the final image, which requires a separate Night Mode.

AppWizard

May 4, 2026

Free Pokémon PC Game Is Yours To Play Before Wind And Waves

A new PC game called Pokémon Reloaded has been released in beta, offering a nostalgic experience reminiscent of the Game Boy Color era. It features a top-down exploration of Paldea, a real-time combat system, and a Pokedex with 900 Pokémon, including Mega evolutions. Currently in Beta version 1.9, it promises expanded regions and additional content in its full release. Pokémon Reloaded serves as a precursor to the upcoming Pokémon game, Winds and Waves, which will feature one of the largest maps in the series and new starter Pokémon.

AppWizard

May 4, 2026

Circle to Search update lets Google look beyond your screen content

In the Google app beta update (v17.18.24), the Circle to Search feature has been rebranded to "Ask about screen." This update enhances user experience by allowing searches to automatically include URLs, page content, and PDF data, providing richer context for AI-generated results. Users can now see a search box labeled “Ask about screen,” which emphasizes the ability to “Search with more context.” During testing, users have successfully uploaded URLs and PDFs while using this feature in apps like Google Chrome and Files by Google. The update is currently being rolled out to beta users, with potential incorporation into the stable version depending on feedback.

Winsage

May 4, 2026

Microsoft Confirms Critical Windows Update Error Disrupting Global Systems

Microsoft has confirmed a critical bug in its latest cumulative update, affecting millions of Windows 10 and Windows 11 users. The issue leads to a "Restart and Shut Down" loop, preventing users from completing the update and locking them out of their devices. This disruption is particularly severe for corporate IT departments, with reports of entire office networks being paralyzed. The problematic update, identified as KB5037853, was meant to address security vulnerabilities but has caused systems to display an endless "Update and Restart" message. Some users experience a "Blue Screen of Death" (BSOD) and may be forced into "Recovery Mode." Microsoft is working on a "Known Issue Rollback" (KIR) to automatically undo the problematic code for consumer machines, while enterprise users may require manual intervention. The downtime is projected to result in significant financial losses, with large enterprises potentially losing up to ,600 per minute of unplanned downtime. Affected versions include Windows 11 22H2, 23H2, and Windows 10 22H2. Symptoms include failure to shut down, BSOD on boot, and missing Start menu icons. The estimated downtime ranges from 4 to 12 hours, depending on IT response speed. Critics have raised concerns about Microsoft's development process, suggesting it places users in the role of beta testers.

AppWizard

May 3, 2026

Everything new in Minecraft Bedrock 26.30.25/26 beta and preview

Mojang has released the Minecraft 26.30.25/26 Beta and preview build, introducing new features such as Geysers that launch players skyward and Sulfur Cubes that can absorb TNT blocks with varying fuse times based on activation methods. The update includes bug fixes, such as correct generation of iron doors and stone buttons in strongholds, crafting adjustments for Sulfur Spikes, and improvements to video settings and user interface. Technical updates feature the transition of four entity components to the 1.26.30 format, the addition of voxel shapes for 46 vanilla blocks, and a new SoundInstance API class for sound playback control.

Winsage

May 2, 2026

New Windows Insider Experience Starts Rolling Out to Some Canary Testers

Microsoft's Windows Insider program has transitioned Dev Channel testers to the new Experimental Channel and is expanding this initiative to include Canary testers on the 28000 series builds, who will also move to the Experimental (26H1) Channel. The new Windows Insider experience introduces feature flags in Windows Update settings, allowing testers to toggle features on and off. Microsoft plans to roll out new features through Controlled Feature Rollouts (CFRs) and has stopped gradual feature rollouts on the updated Beta Channel. Recently, Microsoft released four new builds available via downloadable ISOs. Canary testers on 29500 series builds will soon transition to the "Experimental (Future Platforms)" Channel and can currently download build 29580.1000, which includes a revamped Feedback Hub with a 500 MB file upload limit and design improvements. For Canary testers on the 28000 series, the transition to the "Experimental (26H1) Channel" follows the installation of build 28020.1921, which enhances the Task Manager app. Insiders who moved from the Dev Channel to the Experimental Channel can download build 26300.8346, featuring improvements such as a Widgets board that remains closed by default, a redesigned Run dialog, promotional app recommendations in Windows Share for Microsoft Entra account users, sharper file thumbnails in File Explorer, and enhanced Windows Magnifier functionality. The Beta Channel build 26220.8340 includes similar Windows Share improvements and minor UI enhancements for Task Scheduler. The Beta Channel is set to transition to a new experience that will eliminate Controlled Feature Rollouts.

AppWizard

May 2, 2026

Hit cowboy co-op shooter’s servers are struggling, developer says its service provider ‘is currently drinking mojitos instead of helping’

Progress is being made on the game Far Far West, developed by Evil Raptor, which has launched on Steam. The servers are operational, but some promotional codes are experiencing issues. The studio is working on a fix and exploring a workaround for online gameplay. A patch addressing server challenges is available on the beta branch, and players are encouraged to participate in testing. Far Far West has sold over 250,000 copies within two days of release and has an "overwhelmingly positive" rating on Steam from over 8,900 reviews. The game can be played solo or with friends using session codes or direct invites through Steam. A dedicated Beta Discord channel has been established for player feedback.

Winsage

May 1, 2026

Windows quality update: Progress we’ve made since March

The Windows Insider Program is undergoing changes to improve transparency and user control. Two main channels, Experimental and Beta, are being introduced, with the Beta channel eliminating controlled feature rollouts. Users will have the ability to select features in the Experimental channel and switch between channels more easily. Updates to the Feedback Hub are aimed at enhancing user experience. Windows updates will now be consolidated into a single monthly restart, providing users with more flexibility. AI features are being refined, with a focus on intentional integration. File Explorer is receiving architectural improvements for better performance, and there will be more control over widgets and notification settings. System performance enhancements include memory optimization and improved app launch responsiveness. Upcoming features include Taskbar customization, and the team is engaging with Insiders in various cities for feedback.