AI Archives

Winsage

December 28, 2024

I’ve been a Windows on Arm user for years — Snapdragon X Elite has changed everything

The author has been using Arm-based computers, specifically an M1 Mac Mini and a Qualcomm Snapdragon-powered Windows two-in-one PC, and has found Apple's silicon consistently impressive while Microsoft's offerings have lagged. In April 2024, Microsoft introduced the Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus chipsets, enhancing the compatibility layer for applications on Windows on Arm through a new emulator called Prism, which matches the efficiency of Apple's Rosetta 2. Testing the Honor MagicBook 14 Art, powered by the Snapdragon X Elite, revealed significant improvements, including native support for previously struggling applications like Google Drive and ExpressVPN. The MagicBook features a 12-core Snapdragon X Elite, offering seamless application launch and multitasking without the random freezes seen in earlier models. Its thermal performance is commendable, achieving around ten hours of usage in "Balanced" mode. The device also includes a Neural Processing Unit for enhanced AI capabilities. Compatibility advancements allow mainstream applications to run natively, and upcoming Windows updates promise to expand this further. The MagicBook 14 Art is priced at approximately ,750, featuring 32GB of RAM, a 1TB SSD, and a detachable webcam for privacy. Despite the progress, the market for Snapdragon X computers remains niche, and Qualcomm's disputes with Arm could impact future sales.

AppWizard

December 28, 2024

Most Useful 8 Android Apps for Architects

Mobile technology is increasingly important in architecture, providing architects with applications that enhance design capabilities, streamline project management, and facilitate collaboration. Key Android apps for architects include: - AutoCAD Mobile: Allows viewing, creating, and editing DWG files on mobile devices, enabling real-time adjustments to designs. - SketchUp Viewer: Offers augmented reality features for presenting 3D models in the field, improving client interactions. - Sketchbook: A digital drawing tool for quick concept sketches, supporting easy sharing of ideas. - Construction Master Pro Calculator: Simplifies complex calculations for accurate measurements and layout dimensions. - RoomScan Pro: Uses augmented reality for quick room measurements and floor plan creation. - BIMx: Provides an interactive 3D model interface for exploring Building Information Modeling (BIM) projects. - MagicPlan: Allows creation of detailed floor plans and project management directly from mobile devices. - Timely: A time-tracking app that logs productivity across projects and helps create project-specific timelines. These applications enhance architectural workflows and promote collaboration in a mobile environment.

Winsage

December 28, 2024

Best Windows 11 AI features that work on any computer

A Copilot+ PC is not required to access many AI features in Windows 11; older laptops that run Windows 11 can still utilize various AI-driven tools. The Photos app includes AI enhancements such as the Background tool, which allows users to blur, remove, or replace backgrounds in images. The Generative Erase function in Photos enables users to remove unwanted objects from photos. Microsoft Clipchamp offers an Auto Compose feature for quick video editing, allowing users to create videos with AI assistance. Microsoft's Copilot has become a standalone app, enabling window movement and custom keyboard shortcuts, and integrates advanced language models to assist with various tasks across Microsoft applications.

Winsage

December 28, 2024

Microsoft’s wins, fails, and WTF moments of 2024

In 2024, Microsoft made significant advancements and faced challenges. The Surface Pro 11th Edition, powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite, showed improved compatibility with applications like Slack and Google Drive. The Microsoft Recall feature encountered skepticism due to delays and privacy concerns. The Windows 11 2024 Update confused users with multiple release channels and contradictory hardware requirements. The Surface Laptop 7 received praise for its battery life and design. Game Pass evolved into a complex array of tiers, complicating user experience. The Surface Studio 2+ was discontinued, disappointing fans. Microsoft’s Copilot initiative faced challenges, and the HoloLens 2 quietly exited the commercial market. Flight Simulator 2024 struggled with technical issues at launch. Microsoft integrated generative AI into core applications like Paint and Photos. The Windows95Man Paperclip emerged as a cultural phenomenon.

Winsage

December 28, 2024

6 reasons you shouldn’t join the Windows Insider program

The Windows Insider program allows users to test unreleased features of Windows 11 and provide feedback. Participants may encounter several issues, including: - Unstable user interface with bugs, glitches, unexpected freezes, and scaling issues. - Random reboots that risk losing unsaved work. - Throttled performance during resource-intensive tasks, such as gaming and video editing. - Increased potential for data loss due to system failures and blue screens of death (BSOD). - Microsoft collects diagnostic data from users, raising privacy concerns. - Frequent updates that can introduce new issues and require significant time for installation. Overall, the experience may lead users to prefer stable releases over Insider builds.

Winsage

December 27, 2024

Microsoft flags Windows 11 24H2 install media issue

Users who installed Windows 11 24H2 via removable media may not receive security updates if the installation media contains the October or November 2024 security updates. Microsoft advises using installation media that includes the December 2024 monthly security update or later to avoid this issue. Devices receiving updates through Windows Update or the Microsoft Update Catalog are not affected. Microsoft is working on a resolution for the installation media problem, which is one of several known issues with the Windows 11 update.

AppWizard

December 27, 2024

YouTube Said to Be Testing ‘Play Something’ Floating Action Button in App

YouTube is testing a new feature called Play something in its mobile app for Android users, designed to help users choose content. This feature appears as a floating action button (FAB) in the YouTube Android app version 19.50. When engaged, it plays videos within the YouTube Shorts interface and can also play standard YouTube videos in portrait layout, with interactive features like liking, disliking, commenting, and sharing. A timeline scrubber appears for navigation, but the FAB disappears when the YouTube mini-player is activated. Additionally, YouTube is testing a vertical scroll gesture for video navigation and has expanded its AI-driven auto-dubbing feature for transcribing and translating videos between English and various languages.

Winsage

December 27, 2024

Windows Ugly Sweater winner of last year is …

The readers of The Register participated in a light-hearted competition, with the winner receiving a Windows XP Christmas sweater. Suggestions for the placement of Microsoft’s Copilot included integrating it into itself, incorporating it into Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, replacing elected officials, and providing blunt advice in Excel. A straightforward suggestion was made to simply ask the AI what to do. ChatGPT humorously proposed unconventional ideas for Copilot's placement, such as assisting in the bathroom or helping with toasting bread. Sureo's suggestion to ask the AI was deemed the most sensible, leading to their win of the XP sweater.

Winsage

December 27, 2024

Christmas special: Office 2021 Pro Key for only €35,24 and Windows at the lowest price of €15,29!

Godeal24 is hosting a Christmas sale with significant discounts on Microsoft licenses. Office 2021 Pro is priced at €32.25 for a five-PC version, and the Office 2021 Pro Plus key is available for €35.24, reflecting a 90% discount. Office 2016 Pro Plus is offered at €15.29, while Windows 11 Pro is available for €13.25, and Windows 10 Pro for €8.25. Volume discounts for bulk purchases are also provided. Customers can use the discount code "CWALLETCO" during checkout for additional savings. Godeal24 offers digital delivery, 24/7 technical support, and a 98% Excellent rating on TrustPilot. Customers can contact service@godeal24.com for inquiries.

Tech Optimizer

December 27, 2024

Data protection advancements expected to shape 2025 security

Andrew Eva, the Global CIO of Assured Data Protection, predicts that by 2025, there will be a seamless integration of backup systems with ransomware detection, antivirus technologies, and intrusion detection systems. He highlights a collaboration between Rubrik and Google to provide enterprise customers with insights into known exploits for better early detection of malicious codes. Disaster recovery systems will take on a more frontline role in cyber threat management, utilizing machine learning to identify potential viruses. Ransomware is expected to remain the top cyber threat, prompting organizations to prioritize disaster recovery and backup solutions. Concerns about data security in relation to artificial intelligence will lead organizations to seek assurances regarding data protection from managed service providers (MSPs). The criteria for cyber insurance are tightening, making MSPs essential for businesses to meet these requirements. There is also an anticipated surge in demand for Backup-as-a-Service (BaaS), especially in healthcare, driven by resource constraints and a shift towards operational expenditures.