developer preview Archives

AppWizard

February 14, 2026

Google launches early Android 17 Beta for Pixel devices targeting app scalability

Google has launched the first Beta of Android 17 for Pixel devices, skipping the traditional Developer Preview. The Android Beta program is available for Pixel devices starting from the Pixel 6 to the Pixel Tablet, allowing users to enroll via the Android Beta website for an Over-The-Air update. Android 17 focuses on app scalability across various devices and includes performance improvements with a new garbage collection method and camera functionality upgrades. The full release timeline is flexible, expected several months after a Platform Stability milestone in March, likely after the Google I/O event in May and possibly coinciding with the Pixel 11 launch in August. Users can enroll in the Beta through the Android Beta website, but may experience instability, and those without a Pixel can use the Emulator in Android Studio.

AppWizard

February 11, 2026

Android 17 Beta 1 is here with major updates for adaptive apps, performance, and media

Google has unveiled Android 17 Beta 1, targeting developers with enhancements for app adaptability and performance. Key features include: - Mandatory app adaptability for devices with a minimum width of 600dp, requiring support for resizing and windowed multitasking. - Introduction of professional-grade camera APIs for smoother mode transitions in camera apps. - Access to metadata from all active physical camera sensors. - Enhanced audio controls for normalizing loudness and support for Versatile Video Coding (VVC). - Performance improvements, privacy and security enhancements, and connectivity updates affecting VoIP calls. - New profiles for “Medical Devices” and “Fitness Tracker” to simplify application setup. - A new engagement mode for extended reality devices. Android 17 is set to follow a release schedule similar to Android 16, with Platform Stability targeted for March 2026 and the first major stable release expected in Q2 2026. Eligible Pixel devices for the Android 17 Beta 1 update include Pixel 6, 6 Pro, 6a, 7, 7 Pro, 7a, Pixel Tablet, Pixel Fold, 8, 8 Pro, 8a, 9, 9 Pro XL, 9 Pro, 9 Pro Fold, 9a, 10, 10 Pro XL, 10 Pro, and 10 Pro Fold.

AppWizard

December 15, 2025

Google Unveils New Tools and Libraries for Building AI Glasses Apps

Google has released Android XR SDK Developer Preview 3, which enhances AI Glasses development with two new libraries: Jetpack Projected and Jetpack Compose Glimmer, and expands ARCore for Jetpack XR to include motion tracking and geospatial capabilities. Jetpack Projected allows apps to project XR experiences from host devices to AI Glasses, enabling interaction with the glasses' hardware. Jetpack Compose Glimmer provides UI components for creating augmented experiences, utilizing optical see-through technology. An AI Glasses emulator is also available in Android Studio for developers to preview UI designs. The expanded ARCore capabilities include retrieving planar data, anchoring content, motion tracking, and geospatial pose support. Developers can access these features through Android Studio Canary with the latest emulator version.

AppWizard

December 8, 2025

I saw the future of Android XR smart glasses, and Google left me stunned at the progress

Last week, a demonstration of Android XR glasses took place at Google's Hudson River office, showcasing features such as visual assistance and gyroscopic navigation. These glasses are part of a developer kit for Android developers. Google aims to integrate these devices with Android phones and smartwatches by 2026. The strategy for AI glasses includes two types: one focusing on audio and camera features, and another incorporating a display for visual cues. Developer Preview 3 of the Android XR SDK is set to launch soon, supporting a wide range of existing third-party Android apps. The glasses can display navigation routes and driver information for Uber rides. Gemini, the assistant, provides contextual information immediately upon wearing the glasses. The Samsung Galaxy XR headset has new features like PC Connect and travel mode, while Xreal's Project Aura glasses offer a 70-degree field of view and access to Android apps. The anticipated price for Project Aura could be around ,000, with a potential late next year launch.

Winsage

November 30, 2025

Microsoft Issues Warning To Windows 11 Users – This AI Feature Can Install Viruses

Microsoft is transitioning to Windows 11 with the introduction of an "agentic OS," featuring experimental components called Agent Workspace, currently available to select Windows Insiders. These agentic features will be disabled by default due to potential security risks, including cross-prompt injection (XPIA) that could allow unauthorized access to user files. When activated, agent accounts can access the user profile directory, which raises concerns about data exfiltration and malware installation. The AI applications, including Copilot, will have visibility into the entire display, prompting users to consider privacy implications. Agent workspaces are designed to provide scoped authorization and runtime isolation, allowing users to manage access to files while using their devices. However, initial user reactions have been mixed, with ongoing concerns about security and functionality.

BetaBeacon

November 18, 2025

Android 17 Might Turn Your Phone Into A True Gaming Beast

Google is working on a dedicated settings section for connected gaming accessories like gamepads in the Android 17 update. Users may be able to program or remap buttons on their controllers, and there could be support for an on-screen gamepad for large-screen Android devices. The update may also bring wider compatibility with external controllers, lower latency connections, and performance boosts in graphics APIs like Vulkan.

Winsage

November 18, 2025

Microsoft just revealed how Windows 11 is evolving into an agentic OS — finally the explanation we’ve all been waiting for

Microsoft has introduced a new support document detailing the transformation of Windows 11 into an agentic operating system, emphasizing AI-native capabilities that allow the PC to autonomously manage tasks. A new experimental feature, agent workspace, will soon be available in a private developer preview for Windows Insiders. This feature enables AI to run applications in parallel with the user, designed to be lightweight and secure, with scalable memory and CPU usage. Microsoft has identified three core security pillars for agentic OS experiences: non-repudiation, confidentiality, and authorization. Additionally, essential security principles for AI agents include autonomy, activity logging, user supervision, least privilege, and defined data processing purposes. Microsoft plans to integrate these capabilities into Windows 11, with applications like Copilot Actions being among the first to utilize them, and third-party developers will also be able to create their own AI agents using the provided framework.

BetaBeacon

October 31, 2025

Android 14 Easter Egg Launches Space Game

- Any phone or tablet that has been updated to Android 14 can access the new Easter egg, which is a space game that works offline and does not require special permissions.

AppWizard

June 11, 2025

Google’s on the right track with desktop mode in Android 16

Android 16 introduces a fully functional desktop mode for Pixel phone users, similar to Samsung's DeX feature, as part of the Android 16 QPR1 Beta 2. This desktop mode is accessible out of the box but is still in Developer Preview. Google collaborated with Samsung on its design, featuring a Dock with an app drawer, open apps, and navigation controls. Users can manage app windows with smooth transitions and can snap windows to the sides of the screen. However, there are issues, such as a persistent toolbar in text fields and app windows disappearing upon reconnection. Future updates may improve these features, and there is potential for a dual-screen setup with the upcoming Pixel 9 Pro Fold.

AppWizard

June 10, 2025

Connected Displays: Android 16’s game-changing multitasking feature lands on select Pixels

Developers and select Pixel devices are currently experiencing the enhanced connected displays feature through the Android 16 QPR1 Beta 2 release. This feature allows users to connect their smartphones to external monitors, transfer apps seamlessly, and enhances productivity. It supports desktop windowing, flexible window tiling, multiple desktop sessions, and a new taskbar for easier app switching. The Android 16 QPR1 Beta 2 is available on the Pixel 8 and Pixel 9 series. The Google Pixel 9 features a Tensor G4 chip, a 6.3-inch Actua Display, a dual-camera system with 50MP wide and 48MP ultrawide lenses, a 4,700 mAh battery, 12GB of RAM, and promises seven years of OS and security updates in an IP68 water-resistant design.