AI-driven tool Archives

Winsage

April 11, 2025

Copilot Recall: Microsoft rolls out AI screenshot tool

Microsoft has rolled out its AI-driven tool, Copilot+ Recall, which captures snapshots of users' screens at regular intervals. Currently in preview mode, it is available to select users of Microsoft's AI-enabled PCs and laptops, following a temporary halt in 2024 for refinement. Access is being expanded to participants in the Windows Insider program, with global availability planned, though users in the EU will experience a delay until late 2025. Recall allows users to search through past activities, and they can opt-in to the feature, pausing snapshot saving at any time. Privacy advocates have raised concerns about potential misuse, as the tool can save images from emails and messaging apps, including private messages. Microsoft asserts that snapshots are not shared with the company or third parties and are stored locally on users' devices. Users can choose which applications can use Recall, and private browsing modes will not be subject to snapshotting. The UK's Information Commissioner's Office is engaging with Microsoft to ensure compliance with data protection laws.

Winsage

March 31, 2025

Microsoft expands AI features across Intel and AMD-powered Copilot Plus PCs

Microsoft is enabling all Copilot Plus PCs powered by Intel and AMD processors to generate Live Captions, which translate audio into English subtitles in real time. This feature was initially tested on devices with Intel and AMD chips and is now part of the latest Windows 11 update. The update also includes Cocreator, an AI tool in Paint for generating images from text descriptions, and enhancements to the Photos app's AI image editor and generator. Previously, these features were exclusive to Qualcomm-powered Copilot Plus PCs. Microsoft is also testing Recall, an AI feature for capturing screenshots of user activity, though its release timeline is not yet announced. Additionally, Voice Access is being refreshed for improved communication, with plans to extend updates to Intel and AMD devices, including the ability to translate 27 languages into Simplified Chinese.

Winsage

December 13, 2024

Windows 11’s ‘suggested actions’ feature is headed to the Microsoft Graveyard – but here’s what’s replacing it

Microsoft is retiring the “Suggested Actions” menu from Windows 11, a feature introduced in 2022 to provide quick shortcuts for copying information. This decision is part of Microsoft's efforts to streamline Windows 11 by removing underused features. The removal is speculated to be due to low user engagement. In its place, Microsoft is introducing a new AI-driven tool called “Click to Do,” which will only be available on newer Copilot+ PCs. Users on older devices will not have a replacement for the “Suggested Actions” feature. In 2023, Microsoft has retired a total of 16 features from Windows 11, focusing on outdated or underutilized ones.

Winsage

December 7, 2024

Microsoft Expands Access to Windows Recall AI Feature

Microsoft has expanded its Windows Recall feature to Copilot+ PCs with AMD and Intel chipsets, following its initial availability on Snapdragon devices. The feature is currently in a preview stage for Windows Insiders and allows users to capture and revisit specific snapshots of their work. Microsoft has implemented privacy and security measures, including data encryption, turning Recall off by default, and requiring Windows Hello biometrics for recording sessions. Recall is also part of Microsoft's bug bounty program to address security vulnerabilities. The rollout was delayed from June to October and then to November before being launched in a limited capacity.

Winsage

December 4, 2024

Despite the tighter security precautions, I’m still never using Recall on Windows 11

Consumers have been using Microsoft's Copilot+ computers for nearly six months, during which the AI-driven Recall feature was launched in May. Recall allows users to save snapshots of their activities for later retrieval, but many users are hesitant to adopt it due to initial security concerns. Despite Microsoft's assurances of improved security, including on-device storage and encryption, users remain skeptical about privacy and the potential for mishaps involving sensitive information. The feature's perceived benefits are overshadowed by concerns about its intrusiveness and the effectiveness of Windows Search, which many find inadequate. Recall's initial rollout faced backlash due to security flaws that allowed users on the same device to access each other's data, leading Microsoft to change it to an opt-in feature and enhance security measures. This history of security issues has caused some users to reconsider their reliance on Windows and explore alternatives like Linux or macOS.

Winsage

November 28, 2024

Windows 11 Recall is misbehaving in testing, and the fix for the biggest issue is an age-old favorite: turn it off, then back on again

Windows 11's Recall feature is currently in the testing phase and has encountered several bugs, including a failure to save snapshots. Recall is intended to improve search capabilities on Copilot+ PCs by taking regular screenshots of user activity for natural language searches. Users have reported delays of several minutes between snapshots, leading to gaps in the timeline. Microsoft has suggested rebooting the PC as a remedy for these issues. Additionally, there are compatibility problems with certain accessibility applications and misleading notifications about snapshot saving. Even when snapshots are enabled, users may still receive prompts to confirm that saving is active.

Winsage

November 12, 2024

Microsoft tests a universal share button on Windows 11

Microsoft is testing a new universal Share button in a Preview Build of Windows 11, aimed at improving content sharing among users. This button will be integrated into various parts of the operating system, including the taskbar and Start menu, allowing users to share files, links, or text directly from their desktops. The feature is currently hidden and can be activated using the ViveTool application with specific commands. Additionally, Microsoft is introducing an AI-driven tool called Rewrite for the Notepad app, which enables users to generate alternative text based on their needs, available in Notepad version 11.2410.15.0 for Windows Insider users.

AppWizard

November 11, 2024

YouTube reportedly tests a change that makes every video feel like Shorts

YouTube is testing new mobile gesture controls that allow users to scroll through recommended long-form content in full-screen mode, instead of using Picture-in-Picture (PIP) mode or returning to portrait orientation. This change is only available to a select group of users and aims to enhance viewer engagement, similar to the earlier introduced "jump ahead" feature, which helps users skip to compelling video segments. However, the new gesture modifications have not been well-received by some users who preferred the previous functionality.

Winsage

November 6, 2024

New AI experiences for Paint and Notepad begin rolling out to Windows Insiders

The updates to Paint (version 11.2410.28.0) include the introduction of generative fill, which allows users to make edits and additions to their artwork using text prompts, and generative erase, enabling the removal of unwanted objects from the canvas. Generative fill is initially available on Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs for Windows Insiders in supported markets, while generative erase is accessible for all Windows 11 PCs. Additionally, the Cocreator feature has been enhanced for faster results, and Image Creator is now available in preview for Windows 11 users in several countries, with AI credits for Microsoft 365 subscribers in select regions. The Notepad update (version 11.2410.15.0) introduces a generative AI feature that allows users to rewrite content by rephrasing sentences and adjusting tone and length. This feature is available in preview for users in specific countries and requires a Microsoft account. Improvements have also been made to Notepad’s launch performance, with most users experiencing over a 35% improvement in app launch time.

Winsage

October 15, 2024

Removing Windows 11 Recall Feature Corrupts the File Explorer

The 24H2 version of Windows 11 introduces an AI feature called Recall, which logs user actions to create a timeline for easy access to previous tasks. Despite being intended to be disabled by default, Recall has become a standard feature, raising privacy concerns among users. Deactivating Recall has proven problematic, as it can lead to the loss of modern features in Windows file explorer. Some users have found workarounds to disable Recall, but these methods are not user-friendly and may cause inconsistent system behavior. The integration of Recall has sparked renewed discussions about privacy and user autonomy, reminiscent of past controversies related to Windows 10 telemetry.