platform release Archives

AppWizard

June 29, 2026

Android 17 ‘sneak peek’ at a foldable gaming mode has my attention—and then some

Mishaal Rahman, an employee at Google, revealed that Android 17 will feature a new foldable gaming mode designed to enhance gameplay on foldable devices. This mode will split the screen, displaying the game on the top half and a customizable virtual gamepad on the lower half, equipped with buttons similar to those on PlayStation or Nintendo controllers. The gaming mode is set to launch with the Android 17 platform release in the coming months. Additionally, Android 17 includes a multitasking tool called "Bubbles" and is currently undergoing testing with QPR1 Beta 5, which addresses various fixes.

AppWizard

June 21, 2026

PC Hand-Drawn 2D Survival Horror Game Announced for Consoles

Moonlight Pale is an indie survival horror game that has transitioned from a PC-exclusive project to a multi-platform release due to high pre-order demand. The developers plan to release the game on consoles, including Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S. Initially crowdfunded, the game surpassed its Kickstarter goal of ,566, raising over 0,000, which allowed the team to unlock stretch goals, including console ports and a physical edition for PS5 and Nintendo Switch. The game is set in a late 1800s female seminary, where players control Juliette, who follows the ghost of her deceased cat. Development began in December 2025, with foundational systems programmed, the full script completed, and voice lines recorded for the first two chapters. The launch window is targeted between Q4 2026 and Q1 2027, with the Kickstarter campaign ending on July 4, 2026.

AppWizard

May 4, 2026

Take-Two CEO Explains Why GTA 6 Isn’t Coming to PC on Day One

Grand Theft Auto VI is scheduled for release on November 19, 2026. PC gamers will have to wait longer for the game, as Rockstar Games prioritizes console releases first. Take-Two Interactive's CEO, Strauss Zelnick, indicated that this strategy aims to serve the core audience. The game was initially announced in December 2023, delayed from Fall 2025 to May 2026, and then confirmed for its current release date. Zelnick's comments suggest a potential future PC release, following a pattern seen with previous titles like Grand Theft Auto V, which had its PC version released later. He also addressed concerns about the game's pricing but did not provide specific figures.

AppWizard

April 1, 2026

Google just announced Wear OS 6.1, and it adds a time zone feature I’ve wanted for years

Google has introduced Wear OS 6.1, which includes location-based time zone detection, allowing smartwatches to update time settings automatically based on the user's location without needing a paired smartphone. The update is based on Android 16 QPR2 and does not feature major visual changes. Additional features include a "Kids graduation" option for children's accounts and improved re-authentication processes. Wear OS 6.1 has not yet been rolled out but is expected to debut on the Pixel Watch 4 and later on older Pixel Watch models and Samsung's Galaxy Watch lineup.

AppWizard

March 17, 2026

Android 16 brings desktop windowing to Pixel and Samsung phones

Google has announced that connected display support for Android has reached general availability with the release of Android 16 QPR3. This feature allows compatible Android phones and foldable devices to initiate a new desktop session on an external display while maintaining the phone's independent state. Supported devices include the Pixel 8, 9, and 10 series, as well as various Samsung devices like the Galaxy S26, Fold7, Flip7, and Tab S11. The collaboration between Google and Samsung has been crucial in developing this feature. The Android 16 QPR3 release has refined windowing behaviors, taskbar interactions, and input compatibility for mouse and keyboard usage. It introduced two new width window size classes: Large (1200dp to 1600dp) and Extra-large (1600dp and above) to assist developers in creating adaptive layouts. Navigation 3 has also been released, providing a system for managing UI flow based on Scenes. Design principles for desktop contexts have been updated, emphasizing the importance of multitasking, efficient use of screen space, and accommodating various input types. The Android Design Gallery has been launched to showcase design examples across different categories and input types. The announcement has implications for mobile advertising and app measurement, as the distinction between mobile and desktop ad inventory becomes more complex. Developers are advised to ensure their apps can adapt to changes in display configurations to maintain ad performance and measurement accuracy. Key dates include the announcement of connected display general availability on March 3, 2026, and the launch of the Android Design Gallery on March 16, 2026.

Winsage

February 20, 2026

Hands on with Windows 11 26H1 and why this update is not meant for your PC

Microsoft has announced Windows 11 26H1, a release intended exclusively for new ARM devices launching in 2026, specifically those powered by the Snapdragon X2 series. This version is not a feature update for existing PCs and will not appear in Windows Update notifications for users on Intel or AMD hardware. Windows 11 26H1 is based on a new internal core designed for ARM silicon, referred to as a "hardware-optimized release," and may carry the codename Bromine. The OS Build number for 26H1 is 28020.1611, distinguishing it from previous updates. Key enhancements include full integration of semantic natural-language search within Settings, an increase in the FAT32 format limit from 32 GB to 2 TB, and UI refinements. Notable omissions include the removal of .NET Framework 3.5 as an optional feature and a safeguard preventing the System Preparation Tool from running in Safe Mode. Windows 11 26H2 is expected later in 2026 for existing PCs.

Winsage

February 20, 2026

Microsoft splits Windows 11’s most experimental preview channel in two as it begins testing next major OS platform release

Microsoft has divided the Windows Insider Canary Channel into two segments, initiating a new testing phase for the upcoming platform release with new build numbers beyond 25H2, 26H1, and 26H2. This change is the first step towards a series of preview builds for the anticipated 27H2 release next year, which will be based on a new platform referred to as Windows "core." The split of the Canary Channel is similar to the previous "Skip Ahead" feature that allowed users to access the next major Windows platform release.

Winsage

February 18, 2026

Microsoft details Windows 11 26H1 support cycle, CPU requirements (just Snapdragon X2 for now), and more

Microsoft announced that Windows 11 26H1 will be supported for consumers until March 2028, with rollout starting for PCs with eligible CPUs, specifically the Snapdragon X2 family, which includes Snapdragon X2 Plus, Snapdragon X2 Elite, and Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme. The official launch occurred on February 10, 2026, alongside its first cumulative update. Users with first-generation Snapdragon Copilot+ PCs cannot upgrade to this version. Windows 11 26H1 is described as a "hardware-optimized release" aimed at enhancing performance and efficiency for Arm-based chips, though it does not promise significant enhancements over version 25H2 or the upcoming 26H2. Enterprise and Education editions will be supported until March 13, 2029, while Home and Pro editions will be supported until March 14, 2028. Windows 11 SE is not supported in 26H1. A new release, Windows 11 26H2, is expected to be available for all users, including those with first-generation Arm-based PCs, and will be the recommended update for broader deployment. Upgrades from version 25H1 to 26H1 are not possible, and all upgrade paths are currently closed, with plans to transition to version 27H2 in the latter half of 2027.

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

February 11, 2026

Google confirms the first Android 17 beta is coming soon — just as Android 16 QPR3 cycle ends

Google has released the final Android 16 QPR3 build, completing its testing phase. Enrolled beta users will automatically transition to the upcoming Android 17 beta program. The final build, Android 16 QPR3 Beta 2.1, has the build number CP11.251209.009.A1 and is compatible with all Pixel phones, including the Pixel 10 series. Google confirmed the end of testing for Android 16 QPR3 and is preparing for the Android 17 Platform Release, designated as 26Q2. A specific start date for the Android 17 beta has not been announced. The stable rollout of Android 16 QPR3 is anticipated in early March 2026.