AI Companion Archives

Winsage

November 20, 2025

2025 Windows 11 PC holiday buying guide: Best devices and deals

The holiday season is an ideal time to gift a Windows 11 PC, which can enhance gaming setups, assist with creative projects, and simplify daily tasks. Windows 11 PCs now feature Copilot, an AI-powered assistant that streamlines tasks through voice commands. A survey shows that over half of Gen Z and Millennials use generative AI weekly. Various Windows 11 PCs are available for different users, including: - Lenovo Legion 5 15": A gaming laptop with AMD Ryzen 7 260 processors and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 graphics, starting at ,249.99 MSRP, currently ,169.99 at Walmart. - ROG Xbox Ally: A portable gaming device starting at 9.99, available at Microsoft.com and Best Buy. - Dell 16 Plus Laptop: Designed for students, starting at ,149.99 MSRP. - Samsung Galaxy Book5 360: A versatile 2-in-1 PC starting at ,349.99 MSRP. - Acer Aspire 14 AI: A portable laptop starting at 9.99 MSRP at Costco.com. - ASUS Zenbook 14: Lightweight with multi-day battery life, starting at 9 MSRP at Walmart. - Lenovo Yoga 7 2-in-1 Copilot+ PC: Starting at ,199.99 at Best Buy. - Surface Pro 12-inch: A portable 2-in-1 device starting at 9.99 MSRP at Best Buy. - HP OmniBook 5 14-inch: Offers long battery life, starting at 9.99 MSRP. - Surface Laptop 13-inch: Lightweight with AI features, starting at 9.99 MSRP at Best Buy. Retailers like Microsoft, Best Buy, and Costco offer significant holiday deals on these PCs, with discounts and promotions available. Microsoft.com features exclusive deals, price protection, and free shipping until January 31, 2026. Xbox deals include discounts on games and accessories, with Xbox Game Pass Premium subscriptions and Microsoft gift cards available as gift options.

AppWizard

November 7, 2025

Gemini for Android Auto is starting to replace Google Assistant

Gemini is being introduced as a replacement for Google Assistant on select Android Auto systems, marking a significant transition in Google's rollout of Gemini, which has already been implemented on Android, Wear OS, and Google Home. Users have begun noticing Gemini in various beta builds due to a server-side update. The initial announcement of Gemini's integration into vehicles was made during Google I/O, with indications that it would be available "this fall." Reports indicate that users started experiencing Gemini in their vehicles on November 5, linked to Android Auto versions 15.6 and 15.7 in beta testing. Gemini retains the "Hey Google" wake word and offers enhanced natural-language processing capabilities and Gemini Live support for real-time conversations. It also integrates with Google Maps for smarter navigation and can translate text messages in over 40 languages. Users have found Gemini effective in managing complex requests and remembering personal preferences, with broader access expected soon as Android Auto is integrated into approximately 250 million vehicles.

AppWizard

October 22, 2025

Samsung Introduces the First Perplexity AI-powered App for Smart TVs

Samsung has introduced the world's first Perplexity AI-powered app for smart TVs, which integrates artificial intelligence into the viewing experience. The app is part of the Vision AI Companion platform and was unveiled at the IFA 2025 trade show. It functions as a smart answer engine, sourcing information from verified resources in real time and allowing users to engage through voice commands or text input. Results are displayed as large visual cards optimized for TV screens. The app is available on all 2025 Samsung TVs and will be extended to 2023 and 2024 models through an operating system update. Users can receive a complimentary 12-month subscription to Perplexity Pro by scanning a QR code in the app.

Winsage

August 11, 2025

Get ready for back to school with great deals on Windows 11 and Copilot+ PCs

As the academic year approaches, there is an increased demand for reliable and high-performance PCs that support students' academic needs and personal style. Windows 11, enhanced with Copilot, offers tools for productivity and organization. Microsoft is promoting back-to-school discounts on Surface devices, including savings on the Surface Pro 13-inch, Surface Laptop 13-inch, and Surface Pro 12-inch. Students can trade in their Windows 10 PCs for cash back and receive a complimentary trial of Microsoft 365 Personal. Various manufacturers, including Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP, Lenovo, and Samsung, are offering Windows 11 PCs designed for learning and creativity. Retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, Costco, and Walmart are providing deals on laptops and tech accessories.

Winsage

June 24, 2025

Stay secure with Windows 11, Copilot+ PCs and Windows 365 before support ends for Windows 10

Windows has been the most widely used operating system globally since its launch in 1985, currently powering over a billion active devices each month. Support for Windows 10 will end on October 14, 2025, meaning Microsoft will stop providing security and feature updates, as well as technical support for Windows 10 PCs. Users can check their eligibility for upgrading to Windows 11 through the Settings menu or the PC Health Check app. Windows 11 features enhanced security, improved performance, and a modern user interface, with built-in accessibility tools and AI capabilities. The Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU) program will provide critical security updates for personal devices from October 15, 2025, to October 13, 2026. Organizations can subscribe to ESU for continued security updates for a year, with the option to renew annually. Windows 365 offers a cloud-based solution for transitioning to Windows 11 without needing to replace all devices immediately. Various Windows 11 and Copilot+ PCs are available from partners like Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP, Lenovo, Samsung, and Surface.

BetaBeacon

May 29, 2025

Microsoft Copilot for Gaming AI Game Assistant Enters Beta on Android, iOS

Microsoft has introduced the Copilot for Gaming beta, an AI companion designed to assist players in their video game endeavors. The tool allows players to ask for assistance, inquire about play history and achievements, receive game recommendations, and catch up on games they haven't played in a while. The beta is currently available on Android and Apple devices in specific regions, with plans to expand to Windows PCs in the future.

Winsage

April 9, 2025

Holy smokes, something that might actually be useful is coming to Copilot on Windows

Microsoft's latest update to its Copilot application introduces two significant features: system-wide content search within files and enhanced support across various browsers and applications. These features are available through an update in the Microsoft Store for versions 1.25034.133.0 and higher. The integration of these capabilities with the Windows operating system aims to improve user productivity and streamline workflows.

Winsage

April 7, 2025

Real People Using AI And More From Microsoft’s Copilot 50th Anniversary Event

On April 4, Microsoft held a livestream event to celebrate its 50th anniversary, showcasing the evolution of AI capabilities over the past five years and introducing their AI companion, Copilot. The event featured a panel with Chris Suh and his dog, Joonie, and user Elvira, who shared how Copilot helped them manage personal tasks and gain confidence. The discussions highlighted a shift in information-seeking behavior due to AI models like ChatGPT and Copilot, which provide authoritative answers quickly. Suleyman demonstrated Copilot's adaptability through a conversation that showcased its engaging capabilities. The event emphasized the importance of democratizing access to AI technology, noting recent advancements like Google's Gemini that aim to make powerful models available to a wider audience.

AppWizard

April 7, 2025

5 ways to use Gemini Live with camera and screen sharing

Gemini Live is an AI platform designed to enhance communication between users and artificial intelligence through various interfaces, such as cameras and screens. It functions as a versatile assistant, providing support in activities like shopping assistance, skill development, and casual conversation. The platform adapts to individual needs, fostering creativity and productivity in personal and professional settings.

Winsage

April 5, 2025

Microsoft’s AI division head wants to create a lasting relationship between chatbots and their users

Microsoft's CEO of the AI division, Mustafa Suleyman, envisions creating a personalized AI companion that will evolve over time and become integral to daily life. This vision was shared during a celebratory event at Microsoft's headquarters, highlighting the importance of AI in the company's future. The flagship product, Copilot, integrates chatbot functionality with tools like Excel and PowerPoint, aiming to foster meaningful relationships with users. Recent updates to Copilot include new visual memory capabilities, while features like an animated avatar are still in development. Suleyman, who has a background at DeepMind and Inflection AI, focuses on personal AI companions rather than artificial general intelligence. The competition in the AI personal assistant space is increasing, with major companies adjusting their strategies. Despite excitement about AI advancements, there are concerns regarding the costs and limitations of generative AI, as demonstrated by Copilot's occasional inaccuracies. Suleyman emphasizes the need for user-friendly tools to encourage adoption and envisions AI alleviating mundane tasks for knowledge workers. During his keynote, he faced protests regarding Microsoft's contracts with the Israeli military but continued to advocate for the potential of AI companions.