NewApp Digest
search bot

bug fixes

Google’s Android Bench 2.0 tests AI agents on week-long app builds
AppWizard
September 19, 2026

Google’s Android Bench 2.0 tests AI agents on week-long app builds

Google has launched Android Bench 2.0, an upgraded benchmark for evaluating AI coding agents, which now includes 30 long-horizon tasks that can take human engineers days or weeks to complete. The best pass rate for these tasks is around 28%, down from approximately 91% in the previous version. The benchmark measures both pass rates and completion rates, acknowledging partial progress rather than just failures. It assesses various challenges, including app creation and feature integration, using a comprehensive scoring methodology that evaluates functionality, regression checks, and visual fidelity. AI models perform better with new code than with modifications to existing systems, facing challenges in runtime validation and cross-platform conversions. The current leaderboard shows OpenAI’s GPT-6 Astra leading with a 28% pass rate, while Gemini 3.8 Flash has an 8% pass rate. Developers using AI agents should be aware that while AI can generate significant portions of applications, further refinements will require human input. The benchmark is available on Google’s Android Bench leaderboard.
Android Bench 2.0 focuses on long-horizon tasks, agent evaluations
AppWizard
September 18, 2026

Android Bench 2.0 focuses on long-horizon tasks, agent evaluations

Google has released version 2.0 of Android Bench, which focuses on managing complex development tasks rather than minor adjustments. The new version evaluates tasks that may take engineers days or weeks to complete, such as adding features and building applications. A continuous scoring method has replaced the previous pass or fail system, assessing completion rates based on functionality, visual fidelity, and adherence to instructions. Various AI models have been tested, with GPT-6 Astra achieving a 28% pass rate, significantly lower than the previous scores around 90%. No model has achieved a 100% pass rate in porting cross-platform applications, with the best reaching 80%. AI performs better in writing new code than in refactoring existing code, facing challenges with architectural complexity and runtime validation. Android Bench utilized agents from model providers for evaluations and plans to incorporate various model combinations in future updates.
Google Pixel: Android 17 QPR2 Beta 5 Released
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.
Valve has ported Half-Life: Alyx to ARM, and it’s free with Steam Frame
AppWizard
September 14, 2026

Valve has ported Half-Life: Alyx to ARM, and it’s free with Steam Frame

Valve has released the Steam Frame, its first VR headset since 2019, priced at ,059, bundled with Half-Life: Alyx. The game has been ported to run natively on the Qualcomm Snapdragon Gen 3 chip, allowing it to operate without a traditional desktop PC. The Steam Frame features eye-tracking technology and foveated rendering, enhancing performance by focusing on areas where the user is looking. Valve invested a year in software development for the headset, benefiting not only Half-Life: Alyx but also other games on the platform. The Steam Frame supports various games without extensive porting and can run Windows games through translation and emulation layers. Valve has not been developing new VR content since 2025, though speculation about Half-Life 3 persists.
Warcraft 3: Reforged adds always-online requirement, removes LAN mode
AppWizard
September 14, 2026

Warcraft 3: Reforged adds always-online requirement, removes LAN mode

The 3.0 patch for Warcraft 3: Reforged has introduced the Forsaken Kingdom expansion, which includes bug fixes and new features. A significant change is the requirement for an internet connection to play, even in single-player mode, which removes local area network (LAN) functionality. Blizzard has provided access to the legacy Warcraft 3 client with the purchase of Reforged, allowing offline play and LAN support. The patch also adds a new graphics mode for improved visual fidelity and doubles the unit selection cap from 12 to 24. Full patch notes are available on the Blizzard forums.
Microsoft is finally tackling Windows 11's annoying Bluetooth problem
Winsage
September 13, 2026

Microsoft is finally tackling Windows 11’s annoying Bluetooth problem

Microsoft has released updates to enhance Bluetooth functionality in Windows 11, specifically in the Insider Release Preview Build 26100.9539/26200.9539 for versions 24H2 and 25H2. Key improvements include: - Improved connection stability to minimize disruptions. - Enhanced device compatibility for a broader range of devices. - A streamlined pairing process for quicker and more intuitive connections. - Bug fixes addressing previous performance issues.
Search