AI assistants Archives

Winsage

December 4, 2025

Announcing the Microsoft Store Awards 2025 winners

The Microsoft Store Awards recognized exceptional applications that enhance user experiences within the Windows ecosystem. AI Assistants category: - Winner: Perplexity by Perplexity AI - Features native voice dictation, multi-modal AI search, and deep desktop integration for rapid research. - Winner: ChatGPT by OpenAI - Provides instant answers, direct image and file uploads, and enterprise-level privacy controls. Business category: - Winner: Invoice Maker & Estimate Creator by Moon Technolabs Pvt. Ltd. - Streamlines finance tasks with customizable templates and real-time payment tracking. Computer-Using Agents (CUA) category: - Winner: Manus by Manus AI - Automates complex tasks within a secure sandbox and allows users to guide ongoing actions. Creativity category: - Winner: n-Track Studio by n-Track S.r.I. - Transforms devices into recording studios with support for unlimited tracks and advanced effects. Developer Tools category: - Winner: ngrok by ngrok - Facilitates secure tunneling and remote access with automatic updates and compatibility with Windows Defender. Education category: - Winner: Scratch 3 by Scratch Foundation - Empowers students in computational thinking through engaging projects and block coding. Game category: - Winner: Castle Craft by Clever Apps Pte Ltd - Offers an immersive gaming experience with dynamic resource merging and family-friendly design. Music category: - Winner: Moises Live by Moises Systems, Inc - Leverages real-time AI audio separation technology for remixing and practice. Productivity category: - Winner: Notion by Notion Labs Inc - Consolidates tasks and notes into a searchable workspace with automation features. Each winner will receive a Store Award Winner badge in the Microsoft Store.

AppWizard

November 30, 2025

OpenAI plants testing ads in ChatGPT Android app

OpenAI's latest beta version of the ChatGPT Android application includes references to an advertising system, indicating plans to introduce ads on its mobile platform. The beta APK reveals terms like “ads feature,” “bazaar content,” “search ad,” and “search ads carousel,” suggesting the development of a feature for displaying ads related to search, shopping, and recommendations. This may lead to marketplace-style product displays where sponsored cards appear alongside organic responses during product searches. The introduction of ads is seen as a strategy to subsidize operational costs for free users while maintaining an ad-free experience for premium users. The development aligns with trends from companies like Google and Microsoft, indicating a shift towards integrating ads in AI assistants. The timeline for public rollout is uncertain, but code evidence suggests progress towards implementation.

AppWizard

November 21, 2025

Google’s Gemini is now on Android Auto

Android Auto users can now use Google's Gemini AI assistant, which offers a conversational voice assistant for tasks like directions, managing messages, and errands. To access Gemini, users need to download a dedicated app on their Android devices, which will then appear on the car's infotainment display. Activation can be done by saying “Hey Google,” tapping the microphone icon, or long-pressing the voice control button. Gemini is exclusive to Android Auto and is not available for Apple CarPlay. Future updates may bring Gemini to vehicles with built-in Android operating systems. The assistant can handle complex tasks, engage in casual conversation, and help with various requests while keeping drivers focused on the road. However, there are concerns about potential cognitive distraction from using voice assistants in vehicles.

Winsage

November 18, 2025

Windows Is Becoming An Operating System For AI Agents

Microsoft Windows is evolving to incorporate AI agents that act autonomously, resembling digital coworkers. This shift is facilitated by the Model Context Protocol (MCP), which standardizes agent interactions with tools and data sources, ensuring secure access to system resources. Windows introduces an on-device registry of "agent connectors" for functionalities like file access and system settings, managed through an OS-level proxy that oversees identity, permissions, consent, and audit logging. The initial connectors focus on File Explorer and System Settings, defining clear capabilities and restrictions for agents. A transparent consent model allows users to manage permissions easily, promoting a user-friendly experience. The introduction of an Agent Workspace provides a dedicated environment for agents, ensuring they operate independently and with least-privileged access. Security measures include signed connectors and a standardized proxy for authentication and auditing, enabling visibility into agent actions. Windows is also expanding on-device AI processing with APIs for various functionalities, allowing agents to leverage local models securely. While Windows is not becoming an agent-first operating system, it is establishing a framework for human and agent interactions, positioning itself as a safe environment for AI operations. The foundational elements for this evolution include standard interfaces, clear permissions, isolated environments, and system-level observability.

Winsage

November 15, 2025

Baffling Microsoft ad shows Copilot AI incorrectly identifying Windows 11 setting — then pretending it was working as intended

Microsoft has launched a video campaign featuring YouTubers and influencers to showcase the capabilities of Copilot for Windows 11. One video demonstrates Copilot's assistance in adjusting text size but fails to provide correct guidance, leading to confusion among viewers. Users expressed negative reactions on social media, questioning the effectiveness of the AI and highlighting its limitations. This has sparked broader discussions about Microsoft's direction for Windows, with users expressing dissatisfaction over features like bloatware and mandatory Microsoft Account requirements. Many are considering alternative platforms due to frustrations with the current user experience.

Winsage

November 14, 2025

Windows between aspiration and reality: Why the concept of an Agentic OS meets with rejection

Microsoft envisions Windows evolving into an agentic operating system, aiming to integrate devices, the cloud, and artificial intelligence to enhance productivity and security. However, this vision has faced significant backlash from users who express concerns about stability, control, and simplicity. Many users criticize the idea of an operating system that analyzes and makes decisions on their behalf, with sentiments like "stop this nonsense, nobody wants this" becoming common. There is a perception that Microsoft is out of touch with user needs, focusing on AI features that many find unnecessary. Additionally, skepticism from the trade press highlights concerns about Windows prioritizing monetization and telemetry over user experience, leading to a decline in trust. Overall, there is a growing disconnect between Microsoft's ambitions for Windows and the expectations of its user base.

AppWizard

October 20, 2025

Meta to End Desktop Messenger Apps by December 2025

Meta Platforms Inc. will discontinue its standalone Messenger applications for Windows and macOS effective December 15, 2025, with the apps already removed from app stores. Users will be redirected to the web versions of Facebook and Messenger, although native app features will be lost. This shift is part of a broader strategy focusing on web-based access, potentially impacting businesses and remote workers who rely on desktop communication. Users are advised to back up chat histories and explore third-party alternatives before the deadline. The decision reflects Meta's strategic refocus towards mobile and web experiences, as well as emerging technologies.

Winsage

October 17, 2025

Microsoft Unleashes AI Revolution: Windows 11 Transforms Every PC into an ‘AI PC’ with Hands-Free Copilot as Windows 10 Support Ends

Microsoft has launched a significant update for Windows 11, coinciding with the end of free support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. This update integrates artificial intelligence deeply into the operating system, transforming Windows 11 machines into 'AI PCs' with hands-free interaction capabilities through the intelligent assistant, Copilot. Key features include "Hey Copilot" voice activation, Copilot Vision for analyzing on-screen content, and Copilot Actions for performing multi-step tasks autonomously. These advancements are available to all Windows 11 PCs, democratizing access to AI technology. The update is expected to drive a migration from Windows 10 and reshape the competitive landscape for AI and computing. Microsoft aims to make AI a fundamental part of the user experience, setting new standards for interaction and potentially impacting various device categories. Future developments will focus on enhancing AI capabilities and ensuring privacy and security measures are in place.

Winsage

October 15, 2025

After Windows 10 support end, Microsoft asks to prepare for a big announcement

Microsoft hinted at a significant development regarding user input methods, suggesting that users might soon enjoy a break from traditional input methods. The announcement gained over 100,000 views on social media and follows the company's official end of support for Windows 10. Speculation includes enhancements in hands-free computing, voice command functionality, eye-tracking technology, motion sensing, augmented reality interfaces, and AI assistants integrated into the Windows ecosystem. The upcoming reveal is anticipated to influence Microsoft's operating system trajectory significantly.

AppWizard

October 5, 2025

Raising kids in the age of AI: When your baby’s first words are ‘Hey Google’

A one-year-old child said "Hey Google" during playtime, reflecting the integration of technology in daily life. Many parents rely on digital assistants like Google for various tasks, with a 2019 study indicating that over 44% of parents with children aged 2 to 8 used smart speakers daily. The impact of AI on parent-child bonding is a concern, as tech companies work to humanize AI voices for better relatability. Parents are encouraged to teach children the difference between genuine interactions and those with technology. AI-powered devices are becoming integral to homes, prompting parents to foster tech-savvy children who can also seek human connections.