widely accessible Archives

BetaBeacon

January 21, 2026

Epic Games App Launches Globally on Android

- Players can now send direct messages and group chats that sync across different platforms when logged into Fortnite on console, Epic Games Launcher on PC, or Epic Games mobile apps on iOS and Android. - Epic has integrated its Epic Authenticator into the mobile experience, allowing users to enable two-factor authentication using their phone for added security. - The Epic Games app focuses on communication and security, while the Epic Games Store mobile app centers on content access. - The Epic Games app is available globally on both Google Play Store for Android and Apple App Store for iOS, while the Epic Games Store mobile app is available worldwide through Epic's official website on Android and limited to devices in the European Union on iOS. - Epic's mobile updates prioritize communication, security, and account consistency to provide a unified player experience across PC, console, and mobile devices.

AppWizard

January 19, 2026

Google App Revamps Voice Search Feature on Android

Google has redesigned its voice search feature for Android devices to improve accessibility and user experience. Key features include a modernized design with a centered gradient ‘G’, a back button with a three-dot overflow menu for voice settings, options for language and voice selection, and an updated dark theme. The new interface replaces the previous four-dot waveform design with a prompt stating “Listening…” and a friendly face illustration, along with a vibrant four-color arc beneath the transcribed query. Enhancements include a larger “Search a song” button that leads to a dedicated song search interface, encouraging users to “Play, Sing, Hum,” and a shortcut to Song Search history. The update is being gradually rolled out with version 17.1 (stable) and 17.2 (beta) of the Google app on Android devices, but is not yet widely accessible. There is anticipation for a potential upgrade to the text search interface to align with the new voice search features.

Winsage

January 18, 2026

Windows 11: Why the Start menu is suddenly huge

The January 2026 security updates have made the new Windows 11 Start menu widely accessible, following its initial limited rollout with the November update. The redesigned Start menu is nearly double the size of its predecessor, reflecting a strategic choice by Microsoft to create a single, scrollable interface. It features pinned applications at the top, followed by recommended files and programs, with an integrated "All Apps" section. The expansion is due to increased columns (eight app tiles side by side), categorized app overviews, and additional functional areas for recommended content. Although users can arrange apps in a classic list view, there is no option for manual resizing, as Microsoft prioritizes design over flexibility. The addition of a side-folding phone bar for connected smartphones further exacerbates the space issue, potentially causing the Start menu to occupy nearly the entire screen on smaller displays. Microsoft has no plans to downsize the Start menu, and the only workaround involves adjusting global screen scaling, which affects the entire system.

AppWizard

November 24, 2025

You can finally use Waze on your phone while connected to Android Auto

Waze has introduced a new feature for Android Auto users that allows navigation locations to be selected directly from their phone's screen, enhancing user interaction compared to the previous setup where the app operated independently. This update is now widely accessible following a period of testing, with some users reporting a new pop-up indicating the feature's availability. The functionality is particularly useful for drivers without touchscreens, as it allows navigation through rotary controls. If users do not see the feature, they can try force-stopping and restarting the app to access it.

AppWizard

September 15, 2025

Samsung’s latest Good Lock module could supercharge the Gallery app

Samsung has introduced the Gallery Assistant beta app as part of its Good Lock ecosystem, currently available for testing in South Korea for users with One UI 8 devices, specifically the Galaxy S25 series, Galaxy Z Fold 7, and Galaxy Z Flip 7/FE. Users can sign up for the beta through the Samsung Members app. The app includes features such as advanced cropping and rotation options, media compression capabilities, custom watermark functionality, image comparison tools, PDF conversion, and batch processing for extracting subjects from multiple images. It aims to provide a more streamlined editing experience compared to Samsung's built-in photo editor and complements the Camera Assistant app for enhanced photographic capabilities.

Winsage

September 1, 2025

Microsoft confirms Windows 11 version 25H2 will have no new features — it actually removes some, and will be available soon

Microsoft has begun testing Windows 11 version 25H2 in the Windows Insider Release Preview Channel, indicating it is nearing public release. This version will not introduce new features and will maintain feature parity with version 24H2. The installation process for version 25H2 will be streamlined, requiring only a single restart and promising a faster download experience. Compatibility will remain intact, ensuring all applications and games will function seamlessly after the upgrade. General availability of version 25H2 is expected in late September or early October. Users can opt to install it through the Windows Insider Release Preview Channel, but it will not be automatically downloaded for those on version 24H2. Instead, it will appear as an optional update until version 24H2 reaches the end of its support lifecycle, after which it will be automatically installed.

Winsage

August 27, 2025

Microsoft’s “last-minute snooze button” for Windows 10 is here —sort of

Microsoft will cease support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. Users have expressed dissatisfaction with this decision, preferring Windows 10 over Windows 11 due to design flaws and strict system requirements. The public interest group PIRG has petitioned Microsoft to reconsider, warning of increased electronic waste. Microsoft offers an Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for an additional year of support, with a cost structure that has changed to a flat fee for up to 10 devices and requires a Microsoft Account for payment. Users can also use Microsoft Reward points to cover costs or synchronize settings with the cloud for free updates. The enrollment process for the ESU program began in July, but many users have not yet accessed it. The 'Enroll' button for the program is gradually rolling out, with speculation that it may be widely available around September 9, 2025. Organizations have criticized the ESU program as inadequate for the over 400 million PCs that cannot upgrade to Windows 11. The Restart Project argues that Microsoft's approach is a temporary fix that undermines sustainability efforts. The End of 10 group is advocating for users to switch to Linux as an alternative. Microsoft is encouraging upgrades to Windows 11 through notifications.

AppWizard

August 23, 2025

Minecraft Back-to-School merchandise collection: Price, where to get and more | Esports News

Minecraft has launched a back-to-school merchandise collection featuring practical and stylish items for students, with prices ranging from .95 to .95. The collection includes insulated water bottles, durable backpacks, themed notebooks, clothing, AirPods and laptop sleeves, and various accessories. The merchandise is available through multiple retailers, primarily The Official Shop of Minecraft and Pottery Barn Kids, as well as collaborations with brands like Igloo Coolers and Simple Modern. Official retailer links have been shared on X for easier access.

Winsage

July 20, 2025

Next major Windows 11 update could boost battery life on your laptop with a single click

Microsoft is introducing a new feature called Adaptive Energy Saver for Windows 11, which will automatically toggle Energy Saver mode based on user activity to maximize battery efficiency. Currently, users must manually activate Energy Saver mode, which reduces display brightness and curtails background activities. The Adaptive Energy Saver feature, currently being tested by Windows Insiders, will maintain screen brightness while managing power-intensive components like the CPU and GPU during lighter tasks. This feature is exclusive to devices with built-in batteries and is expected to be rolled out to the wider public later this year. Users can access it through Settings > System > Power & Battery once available.

AppWizard

May 21, 2025

Android Auto gets video and browser apps ‘soon,’ more weather apps finally coming

Google is expanding Android Auto by introducing new app categories, including browser apps and video apps, which will be compatible with phones running Android 16 in select vehicles while parked. Additionally, weather apps have graduated from beta status, allowing developers to publish them without extra approval, as long as they meet quality guidelines.