feature Archives

BetaBeacon

September 18, 2026

LDPlayer vs MEmu vs GameLoop: 10% FPS Gap [2026]

- LDPlayer is a general-purpose performance emulator - MEmu is a multi-instance workhorse for players juggling several accounts - GameLoop is Tencent's first-party tool built almost exclusively around its own mobile titles - LDPlayer, MEmu, and GameLoop are all designed around mobile gaming rather than general Android app testing - LDPlayer is actively patching graphics driver bugs, MEmu is quietly polishing quality-of-life features, and GameLoop's update cadence has slowed - GameLoop is specifically tuned for Tencent-published titles like PUBG Mobile - LDPlayer runs two branches, with LDPlayer 14 being the most actively patched version - MEmu's defining feature is multi-instance management for running multiple Android sessions - MEmu's release cadence has been steady in 2026, with the latest build adding a toggle to disable Android system sounds

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.

AppWizard

September 18, 2026

Sharing Google Photos albums via QR codes may soon become way easier

Google Photos is set to release version 7.93.0, which will enhance album-sharing by allowing users to copy and download QR codes directly, eliminating the need for screenshots. The update will include buttons labeled "Copy" and "Download" below the QR code for easier sharing. Additionally, an updated Collections tab will allow users to pin items and reorder folders, with a new bottom sheet to improve organization and accessibility. The timeline for the QR code update is uncertain, but the revamped Collections tab is expected to launch soon.

AppWizard

September 18, 2026

Google continues to fix Android 17 issues with a QPR2 Beta 5 release for Pixels

Google has begun rolling out Android 17 QPR2 Beta 5 for Pixel testers, addressing issues such as unexpected reboots and a Bluetooth bug related to switching device types. The previous Beta 4 marked the start of the Platform Stability phase, locking in the operating system's APIs. Testers with Pixel 6a, Pixel 7, 7 Pro, 7a, Pixel Fold, or Pixel Tablet will receive build number vCP41.260828.005.A6, while other eligible devices will download vCP41.260828.004.A8. The update also fixes a feature that remains enabled despite being disabled in user settings and addresses various bugs, including Bluetooth audio routing issues, a malfunctioning gesture feature, and UI freezing problems.

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

Wardogs is the only FPS where I actually expect to get revived

Players achieved 123 million kills and 61 million revives during the inaugural weekend of Wardogs, resulting in a resurrection rate of nearly 50%. Medics can be incentivized with bribes of up to for a revive. Wardogs does not provide respawn beacons; players can only rejoin the game by using a team's sole APC with a cooldown or walking 3km back from headquarters. This setup encourages players to wait for revives rather than giving up. The game promotes cooperation and teamwork, particularly within the medic role.

Winsage

September 17, 2026

Microsoft Azure CTO used AI to port 20-year-old Windows tool to macOS in two days: “I was flabbergasted”

Mark Russinovich, the Chief Technology Officer of Microsoft Azure, transitioned ZoomIt, a Windows tool for screen zooming, recording, and annotation, to macOS using artificial intelligence. Originally developed to aid in teaching Windows Internals, ZoomIt has been enhanced over the years with features like screen recording and webcam overlays. Despite initial reluctance due to time constraints, Russinovich utilized AI to create a functional macOS version in just two days, significantly faster than anticipated. The AI model leveraged the original Windows code, allowing for a high-fidelity clone of ZoomIt that includes essential features. ZoomIt for macOS is now available as a free and open-source tool, requiring macOS 14 Sonoma or newer, and can be installed via Homebrew or from Microsoft’s GitHub repository. Users can access its functionalities through keyboard shortcuts and a menu bar icon.

Winsage

September 17, 2026

Microsoft patch gives domain-joined Windows PCs trust issues

Microsoft acknowledged a significant issue affecting Windows 11 versions 24H2, 25H2, and 26H1 related to Active Directory domain logins as of September 16. This issue stems from changes made to Machine Identity Isolation in the September 2026 security update (KB5124008), which may cause Credential Guard-protected machine accounts to lose their secure channel with an on-premises Active Directory domain, preventing users from signing in with valid domain credentials. The update activates Machine Identity Isolation but does not enforce it immediately, and it is only compatible with environments linked to domain controllers operating at the Windows Server 2025 Domain Functional Level (DFL) or higher. Microsoft advised that devices not connected to Windows Server 2025 domain controllers will need to disable Machine Identity Isolation. A workaround involves disabling the feature through Intune, Group Policy, or the Windows Registry, followed by a device restart and repairing the secure channel using the Test-ComputerSecureChannel PowerShell command. Microsoft plans to address this issue in a future update by temporarily halting Machine Identity Isolation enforcement while enhancements are made.

Winsage

September 17, 2026

The real reason your Windows 11 taskbar couldn’t move for 5 years

Tali Roth, overseeing Windows core user experience, revealed that Windows 11 did not inherit significant portions of the legacy Win32 code, particularly affecting the taskbar's customization and repositioning features. Microsoft had to rebuild the taskbar from scratch, which complicated the ability to allow users to move it, as each application would need to adapt to such changes. Initially, the demand for a movable taskbar was low, but user feedback prompted Microsoft to reconsider. Similarly, the Start menu in Windows 11 offered fewer customization options compared to Windows 10 due to a design shift towards a minimalist aesthetic, making it difficult to reintegrate previous features. Microsoft is balancing user feedback with its design vision as it evolves the Windows experience.

AppWizard

September 17, 2026

M-I to launch app for mobile devices

The Messenger-Inquirer is launching a mobile application to enhance reader experience by providing access to its content. The app will feature comprehensive content access, a user-friendly interface, real-time notifications for breaking news, and a personalized news feed option.