public beta Archives

Winsage

February 19, 2025

You can finally try one of the best File Explorer alternatives

File Pilot is a lightweight file manager that has transitioned from a closed beta to public availability as a free public beta. It features multiple tabs for multitasking, the ability to open two folders side by side, an Inspector feature for previewing file contents, batch renaming capabilities, and a GoTo navigation system for quicker access to paths. Users can customize font sizes, disable animations, and change the color scheme. The app includes a unique context menu for integrating third-party app actions and custom commands. After the beta phase, File Pilot will adopt a paid model with two subscription options: the Essential plan and the Pro plan, which offers additional benefits.

AppWizard

December 9, 2024

Surprise! Huawei’s HarmonyOS NEXT can run Android apps

Huawei has introduced HarmonyOS NEXT, an operating system that operates independently of Android and is designed to run only native applications. However, a workaround allows users to access Android apps through an emulator called "EasyAbroad," available in Huawei's AppGallery. All devices launching in 2025, including the Mate 70 series, will come pre-installed with HarmonyOS NEXT, which is currently in public beta testing. The "EasyAbroad" emulator enables users to install popular Android applications such as YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Google Search, Google Maps, Chrome, Gmail, Disney Plus, and Netflix (in SD quality only). The emulator includes its own app store but does not allow users to create individual app icons for the installed apps on their home screens. There may be limitations regarding notifications and alerts for these Android applications. The emulator operates smoothly, aided by microG, an open-source implementation of Google libraries that substitutes Google Play Services. Huawei's shift towards developing HarmonyOS began after being placed on the Entity List in 2019, which cut off its access to U.S. supply chains, including Google.

AppWizard

November 20, 2024

Android 16 has a new trick to put a damper on annoying app pings

Android 16’s first developer preview introduces a feature called "Notification Cooldown," which reduces the volume of repetitive app alerts when multiple notifications are sent in a short time. Alerts will appear quietly in the notification shade instead of making loud sounds, lasting up to two minutes. This feature was initially seen in Android 15 Developer Preview 1 but was not included in the public beta. It reappeared in Android 15 QPR1 Beta 2, suggesting a broader rollout is expected by the second quarter of 2025 with the stable release of Android 16. The feature does not address persistent vibrations. The Google Pixel 9 offers significant value, closely resembling the features of the more expensive Pro and Pro XL models.

AppWizard

November 14, 2024

Your Pixel Can Now Spot Malicious Apps on Your Phone

Google has introduced a live threat detection feature within Google Play Protect for Pixel 6 devices and newer, which analyzes app activity patterns to identify potentially malicious applications, starting with a focus on "stalkerware." When a suspicious app is detected, users receive notifications to assess and take action, including removal of the app. The technology ensures user privacy by processing data without collecting personal information. Additionally, Google has launched a public beta for an AI-powered scam detection feature for Pixel 6 and newer models, which recognizes common scam tactics during phone calls and alerts users, while processing occurs on the device without transmitting personal data to Google.

Winsage

October 31, 2024

GitHub Copilot now available in Apple Xcode and Windows Terminal

Windows Terminal is a host application for command-line shells like Command Prompt, PowerShell, and bash through WSL, featuring multiple tabs and panes, Unicode and UTF-8 support, and customizable themes. GitHub Copilot is now integrated within Windows Terminal, allowing command suggestions and explanations through the Terminal Chat feature in Windows Terminal Canary, accessible to all Copilot users. Additionally, GitHub Copilot for Xcode has entered public preview, offering code completions, multi-language support, multiline suggestions, content filtering, and block suggestions matching public code. Microsoft has also introduced web search capabilities in GitHub Copilot Chat for VS Code, Visual Studio, and GitHub.com, enabling discussions about recent events and technologies for Copilot Business and Enterprise users.

AppWizard

October 23, 2024

Huawei’s HarmonyOS NEXT launch marks a divorce from Android

Huawei unveiled HarmonyOS NEXT, marking a shift away from the Android ecosystem. Public beta testing has started for select smartphones and tablets using Kirin and Kunpeng chips. This version does not support Android applications, emphasizing Huawei's goal of creating a self-sufficient platform. Notable native apps for HarmonyOS NEXT include Meituan, Douyin, Taobao, Xiaohongshu, Alipay, and JD.com, with over 15,000 native applications and meta-services launched. HarmonyOS NEXT features 110 million lines of code, a 30% performance enhancement, and extends battery life by an average of 56 minutes while freeing up about 1.5GB of memory. Currently, Huawei has no plans to introduce HarmonyOS NEXT outside of China. The launch signifies a step towards technological independence, as previous versions relied on the Android Open Source Project due to US sanctions. Huawei aims to extend HarmonyOS to personal computers, planning to phase out Windows, though timelines and adoption by other PC manufacturers are uncertain.

AppWizard

October 16, 2024

Android 16: Eligible devices, release date, and new features

Android 15 has officially transitioned to a stable release and is being rolled out to eligible Pixel devices. Not all features from the beta testing phase have made it to the stable version, with some features like the predictive back gesture being implemented only now. Android 16 is expected to debut in preview builds by the end of February 2025 and will reach a broader range of devices than previous versions, with many brands committing to at least three Android OS updates for budget and mid-range smartphones. The Pixel 7 series will receive Android 16, while older models will continue to receive feature updates and security patches. Google has promised seven years of software updates for devices like the mid-range Pixel 8a. Android 16's internal codename is Baklava. New features in Android 16 include notification cooldown to reduce notification volume from the same app, a native desktop mode, the ability to limit battery charging to 80%, and enhanced audio sharing capabilities for casting music to multiple Bluetooth devices. Google is expected to launch a developer preview in the first quarter of the year, with public beta builds around May and a stable release anticipated in the fourth quarter.

AppWizard

October 2, 2024

Lilbits: Pixel 9a pictures and Apple’s smart display plans leaked, Thunderbird for Android Beta is here, and Adobe adds AI to its entry-level photo and video apps – Liliputing

Leaked renderings of the Google Pixel 9a suggest it may feature dual rear cameras without a camera bar. Adobe has added AI enhancements to Photoshop and Premiere Elements, including object removal and color correction. Apple is rumored to be launching two smart displays, one premium and one affordable. Mozilla released a beta version of Thunderbird for Android, which is a rebranded K-9 Mail app. Amazon launched the Fire TV Stick Max for digital signage, priced at 0. Microsoft announced the discontinuation of the HoloLens 2 headset, with support phasing out by 2028.

Winsage

September 19, 2024

Python in Excel is here, but only for certain Windows users

Office power users can now use Python integration in Excel, available for Windows users with Microsoft 365 Business and Enterprise subscriptions. This feature allows users to execute Python scripts within Excel workbooks, enhancing analytical capabilities. Microsoft released Python in Excel after a public beta, and it includes integration with a large language model for script generation through natural language commands. The feature was developed in collaboration with Anaconda for seamless data transfer. Python processes Excel data securely, operating in an isolated environment with vetted libraries. Currently, only Windows users with the appropriate subscriptions can access this feature; Mac and Android users can view Python code but cannot execute it. Microsoft plans to extend support to Mac and web users in the future. There are no additional costs for using Python in Excel for eligible Windows users, though some features require a premium subscription. Family and Personal Microsoft 365 account users can use Python in its preview form, with no timeline for general release.

Winsage

September 6, 2024

Forget Windows 10 taskbar, you can now have Windows 7 Start menu and taskbar on Windows 11

Explorer7 is a third-party project that allows users to integrate the classic Windows 7 taskbar into modern operating systems, primarily focusing on Windows 8.1, but also compatible with Windows 10 and 11. It is currently available as a public beta, requiring a Windows 7 image file for installation, which adds complexity. A significant limitation is that modern applications, including those from the Microsoft Store and essential stock apps like Settings, cannot run on Windows 8.1, 10, or 11 when using Explorer7. Known issues include the inability to run UWP/Metro UI apps, lack of support for multi-monitor taskbars, potential autoplay functionality issues, missing context menu entries, and limitations in the all programs list functionality. Users may also experience problems with thumbnails, icon badges, accent color changes, notification icon settings, and unusual color behavior on the taskbar. More information is available on its forum page at winclassic.net or its GitHub repository.