update 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

BetaBeacon

September 18, 2026

Pokémon Infinite Fusion on Android: JoiPlay Setup [2026]

- Pokémon Infinite Fusion is a standalone game built in RPG Maker XP, using the RGSS scripting layer. - The game is not a ROM, cartridge dump, or console to emulate, but rather a folder of Ruby scripts, tileset graphics, and audio files. - The mainline build of the game reached version 6.7.2 on October 2, 2025, and was updated to version 6.8.2 by August 2026. - The game combines two Pokémon into a single custom sprite and blended stat line, generating the combined artwork procedurally. - The Android-specific performance complaints come from the CPU doing image layering work in real time when compositing fusion sprites on lower-end devices.

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

Hideo Kojima announces Bill Skarsgård will star in stealth-action Physint, legendary designer Yoji Shinkawa also confirmed for character design

Hideo Kojima announced that Bill Skarsgård will star as the lead in his stealth-action game, Physint, which has transitioned from PlayStation to Xbox. The cast includes Charlee Fraser, Don Lee, and Minami Hambe. Kojima shared a new poster featuring Skarsgård and Fraser with the tagline, "The Next Cold War Begins." Yoji Shinkawa is part of the production team. Initially, there was speculation about Robert Pattinson being cast. Concerns exist regarding the game's development due to the shift to Xbox, which may affect the release timeline. Kojima is also working on another project titled O.D. under Xbox.

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

Microsoft Confirms Windows 11 Speed Fixes Are Coming to All Users

Windows 11 users have experienced delays in File Explorer and the Start menu since the operating system's launch in 2021. Recent reports from Windows Insiders indicate significant improvements in system responsiveness, confirmed by Marcus Ash from Microsoft, who stated that these enhancements will be rolled out to all users by fall 2026. Recent cumulative updates have addressed issues like File Explorer lag and Start menu stuttering, with specific updates (KB5120998, KB5095093, and KB5089573) improving responsiveness and reducing micro-stutters. Enhancements to the taskbar, Start menu, and context menus are also being developed, including taskbar repositioning and streamlined context menus. Users on the 25H2 version can expect these improvements through cumulative updates before the 26H2 update this fall. Keeping Windows Update active will ensure access to these enhancements.

Winsage

September 17, 2026

Windows 11 24H2 Home and Pro reach end of support in October

Devices operating on Windows 11 24H2 Home and Pro editions will stop receiving updates starting October 13, 2026. The Enterprise and Education editions of Windows 11 24H2 will continue to receive mainstream support until October 2027. Microsoft encourages users to upgrade to Windows 11 25H2, which became available in September 2024. Systems running Windows 11 24H2 Home and Pro that are not managed by IT will automatically upgrade to Windows 11 25H2. Users can check for eligibility for the update by navigating to Settings > Windows Update. Windows Server 2022 will transition to extended support on October 13, 2026, lasting until October 14, 2031. Microsoft has extended the free Windows 10 Extended Security Updates program for home users until October 2027 and will halt security updates for Windows 11 Home and Pro 23H2 in November 2025.

AppWizard

September 17, 2026

I use Waze every day, and the latest Android Auto update completely changed how I drive

Gemini's integration into Waze enhances the app's capabilities by introducing personalized navigation features that adapt to individual driving preferences, allowing Waze to analyze past routes and suggest options based on user habits. Users can report road conditions using natural language, making it easier to share important information without distraction. The app also allows for a conversational approach to searching for destinations, enabling drivers to find stops along their route without specifying exact locations. Additionally, features like a "less chatty" mode and a motorcycle mode cater to different user preferences and needs.