Update Functionality?

I can't find any information on how the core Grav system updates. I've been getting the notice to upgrade to 1.7.0-beta, and I'm on 1.6.9. However, a changelog shows that there is a 1.6.10 available also? But there doesn't appear to be a 1.7.0-beta changelog list. Are these beta releases stable for use (I assume not since they're beta) Is there an easier way to find changelogs? Is there a chance we could start linking to those releases and notice pages from the update notice in the Admin panel?