Music

BetaBeacon
May 1, 2026
A majority of respondents in a reader poll feel that performance deficits in Google's Pixel devices are not enough to deter them from buying one. Many value the "Pixel experience" and cohesive software over raw horsepower. Some users prioritize better power efficiency and less overheating over raw performance. However, a third of readers are deterred by Google's inability to match the competition at flagship price points, fearing for the device's longevity and performance in the future.
AppWizard
May 1, 2026
Six months ago, ASUS and AMD launched the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X in 45 countries, combining Xbox capabilities with Windows 11 in a portable format. Player feedback has led to continual updates, optimizing hundreds of games for handheld play and introducing features like Default Game Profiles and expanded Xbox mode. Recent updates include automatic gameplay transition to TV when docked, support for HDR10 and Variable Refresh Rate on certain docks, a Display Widget for adjusting settings via the Game Bar, improved controller pairing, and the Gamepad Cursor feature for non-controller supported applications. Automatic Super Resolution is now in preview for Xbox Insiders on the ROG Xbox Ally X, enhancing visual quality. The Xbox Wireless Headset now supports Bluetooth LE Audio for reduced latency and improved battery life. The Xbox PC app has been revamped to consolidate games from various storefronts into one library. Over 1,000 PC games are now compatible with handheld play, and features like Default Game Profiles and Advanced Shader Delivery have been introduced. Popular games supporting these features include Ninja Gaiden 4, Grounded 2, and others, with more titles expected in the future.
AppWizard
May 1, 2026
Users can now customize console colors by adjusting sliders for a unique hue, which will accentuate elements of the console interface. Quick Resume has been enhanced to allow disabling on a per-game basis. The Play History feature has been revamped with a new tab for easier access. A User Selected Resolution feature lets players choose streaming resolution, while a Network Quality Indicator provides real-time network health insights. PC gamers can manually add any installed game or app to their Xbox library. Users can pin up to three favorite games for quick access. A Gamepad Cursor feature allows navigation in non-controller apps. Xbox notifications can be repositioned on the Game Bar. The Xbox mobile app now includes wishlist alerts for game changes. Recent updates for the ROG Xbox Ally improve external display experiences. Microsoft Rewards is hosting a Total Prize Drop event with prizes up to ,000,000. The Handheld Compatibility Program has expanded, adding titles like Hades II as handheld optimized. Xbox Cloud Gaming now includes over 1,000 games for streaming.
AppWizard
April 30, 2026
MindsEye's game, Blacklisted, has been released, alleging sabotage against Build a Rocket Boy (BARB) by co-CEOs Leslie Benzies and Mark Gerhard. The game, originally intended as a crossover with the Hitman franchise, was reimagined after IO Interactive ended its publishing agreement. Players can complete Blacklisted in under an hour, and it features a flawed checkpoint system that does not save progress. The promotional material lacks quality, and gameplay inconsistencies detract from the experience. The narrative hints at a conspiracy but fails to provide clarity or engagement, leaving players with unanswered questions. The game's execution raises doubts about the claims of sabotage it presents. Blacklisted is free for existing MindsEye owners, but the experience may not justify the time investment.
Winsage
April 30, 2026
Intel has started rolling out new drivers for Windows 11 to resolve Wi-Fi and Bluetooth issues that have been affecting users. These updates aim to improve connection speeds and reduce interference with wireless headphones. Users have faced conflicts between Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections, leading to Bluetooth devices disappearing from the Quick Settings menu and causing delays in Bluetooth audio transmission when Wi-Fi is in use. The new drivers can be installed via the Intel Graphics Software app or Intel's support website. Microsoft plans to integrate these drivers into Windows Update, but the timeline is uncertain.
Winsage
April 29, 2026
The upcoming Focus feature in the Windows Clock app includes enhancements aimed at improving user productivity, such as integration with Tasks, a visually appealing interface, analytics on focus sessions, and customization options. It will leverage the Neural Processing Unit (NPU) in newer Windows PCs, particularly enhancing the Insights feature, although the NPU page in the test version is mainly for debugging. The current test version lacks traditional elements like the clock and timer, featuring a modernized aesthetic with rounded corners. Users can customize their experience with music playback, volume adjustments, and background images. The redesigned tasks pane allows sorting by various criteria and includes options for AI-generated suggestions. Integration with Microsoft To Do is seamless, and a feature called Reflection prompts users to evaluate their focus sessions. An Insights page for focus sessions is under development, and initial tests show the new app consumes nearly double the RAM of its predecessor. The Settings page offers extensive customization options, including focus and break durations, and hints at future integration with e-learning platforms. Users can enable Focus insights to monitor concentration levels and pause sessions when needed. The timeline for the rollout of the new features remains unclear.
Winsage
April 28, 2026
Windows 11 does not have a built-in option to record internal audio directly from PC speakers. The Stereo Mix feature, which allowed easy recording of audio output, has been phased out on many modern devices. Microsoft's Voice Recorder app only captures microphone audio. Audacity, a free and open-source audio editor, can be used to record internal audio by configuring it to use the Windows WASAPI audio API with a loopback function. This method captures the digital audio stream without quality loss. To record internal audio with Audacity, users need to download and install the software, set the audio host to Windows WASAPI, select the appropriate loopback device, set recording channels to stereo, and then hit record while playing the desired audio. The recorded audio can be exported in various formats such as WAV, MP3, or FLAC. If the WASAPI loopback does not work, users can try enabling Stereo Mix if available or using a virtual audio cable like VB-CABLE. Tips for cleaner recordings include setting the project rate to 44100 Hz or 48000 Hz, disabling audio enhancements, and closing distracting applications. Common issues include no audio recorded, loopback devices not showing up, distorted sound, low volume, and microphone access denial, which can usually be resolved through settings adjustments or driver updates.
AppWizard
April 27, 2026
Sony will discontinue its Music Pro app, with all services ending on October 27, 2026. Key dates in the transition include: - New purchases and subscription renewals will stop on July 27, 2026. - Paid services will end on August 26, 2026. - All app functionalities will be terminated by October 27, 2026. Users are advised to export their video or audio data before the deadlines to avoid losing their work. The discontinuation is attributed to "various circumstances."
AppWizard
April 27, 2026
Spotify is expanding into fitness by launching a dedicated hub for both free and Premium users, featuring guided workouts from established wellness creators, including yoga classes. Premium users will also benefit from a partnership with Peloton in select markets. Nearly 70% of Spotify's Premium users work out monthly, and the platform has over 150 million active fitness playlists worldwide. The new fitness hub aims to enhance users' workout experiences with curated guided sessions.
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