AI enhancements Archives

Winsage

June 3, 2025

Can’t upgrade your laptop to Windows 11? Asus joins Microsoft’s campaign urging you to buy a new Copilot+ PC, and I’m not sure that’s wise

Asus is encouraging Windows 10 laptop users unable to upgrade to Windows 11 to consider transitioning to a Copilot+ PC, as support for Windows 10 will end in October 2025. The Copilot+ devices feature a dedicated AI processor, promising improved user experience and security. However, this marketing strategy raises environmental concerns regarding increased electronic waste from discarded older PCs. Critics argue that many users could upgrade their existing machines if not for Microsoft's stringent hardware requirements for Windows 11. Microsoft has introduced an option to extend support for an additional year, but it is uncertain if this will be available to all consumers. While Copilot+ PCs offer enhanced features, the urgency to upgrade may be overstated, and there are calls for a more responsible approach to product lifecycle and sustainability in technology.

AppWizard

May 27, 2025

RedMagic 10S Pro plays full PC games natively with built-in Windows emulator

The RedMagic 10S Pro features a built-in Windows emulator, allowing users to play full-fledged Steam or Epic Games titles on a smartphone. It is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Leading Version chip, achieving over 3 million benchmark points. The device has a 6.8-inch AMOLED display with a 144 Hz refresh rate and 2,000 nits peak brightness. It includes an active cooling system, LPDDR5T RAM, and UFS 4.0 storage for optimal performance. The shoulder buttons operate at 520 Hz for responsive controls, and the battery capacity is 7,050 mAh for the Pro variant and 7,500 mAh for the Pro+ with 120 W fast charging. The RedMagic 10S Pro is priced at approximately 4,000 CNY in China, while the Pro+ variant is around 3,000 CNY.

Winsage

May 25, 2025

Microsoft Notepad’s latest AI trick churns out custom text for you

Microsoft's Notepad app has been updated to include AI capabilities that allow users to generate custom content based on prompts, available to Microsoft 365 or Copilot Pro subscribers. Users can refine generated text through follow-up prompts and access the Copilot menu for content creation. Other Microsoft apps, such as Paint and the Snipping Tool, have also received AI enhancements, with Paint allowing for custom sticker creation and the Snipping Tool offering an automatic editing feature for screenshots. These updates will initially be available to Windows Insiders before wider release.

Winsage

May 23, 2025

Microsoft dumps AI into Notepad

Microsoft has updated Notepad to include the Copilot feature for text generation, requiring users to sign in with their Microsoft account to access the Write feature. Users can generate text by selecting the Write option from the Copilot menu, which can then be reviewed, saved, or refined. Microsoft has also introduced AI-driven features in Paint, including a sticker generator and a smart selection tool. These updates reflect Microsoft's efforts to innovate its built-in Windows applications, although some users question the necessity of AI in simpler tools like Notepad.

Winsage

May 22, 2025

Microsoft Notepad can now write for you using generative AI

Microsoft is testing updates to Notepad and Paint for Windows Insiders, focusing on integrating artificial intelligence into these applications. Notepad's new Write feature assists users in generating text based on prompts and enhances existing content with AI support. Users can insert new text or select existing text for reference, and the AI-generated text can be accepted, discarded, or refined. Notepad also includes features like Summarize, which condenses content, and Rewrite, which modifies tone and structure. Paint is receiving AI enhancements, including a Sticker generator for creating custom stickers by describing designs and an Object select tool for smart selections in images. The Snipping Tool is improving with a Perfect screenshot button that resizes screenshots intelligently and a new Color picker for precise color selection. To use Notepad's Write feature, users must sign into their Microsoft accounts, which will operate under a credits system. Pricing for these credits has not been disclosed.

AppWizard

May 22, 2025

Oppo says its apps on the Reno 14 series will see full Gemini integration

OPPO has expanded its collaboration with Google Gemini to enhance user experience for the Reno 14 series by creating seamless "multi-app" journeys. This partnership will allow Gemini to interact with various OPPO applications, including Calendar, Notes, and the Clock app, simplifying task completion. The integration of Gemini into OPPO's app ecosystem coincides with the introduction of ColorOS 15 (Android 15) and follows the AI enhancements seen in the Reno 11 series. OPPO aims to provide monthly AI updates for its devices and emphasizes the importance of AI in understanding complex user inputs. The collaboration also involves efforts with MediaTek and utilizes Gemini 1.5 Pro and Google's Flash model for improved communication between OPPO's native applications.

AppWizard

May 10, 2025

I tried Google’s secret Gallery app, and it has one big advantage over Google Photos

Google Gallery is a new app from Google that focuses on managing images stored locally on devices, without cloud syncing or AI enhancements. It features a simple design with two main sections: Photos, which shows images in reverse chronological order, and Folders, which categorizes files. The app includes basic editing tools and highlights overlooked files like screenshots and downloads. It is designed for offline use, making it useful in areas with limited connectivity. Google Gallery is free to download, takes up minimal space, and serves as a complementary tool to Google Photos. However, its future support is uncertain, as it was previously known as "Gallery Go" and may face competition from other apps like Focus Go.

Winsage

April 23, 2025

Copilot+ PCs are leveling up — Windows 11 beta reveals new AI upgrades, but there’s a catch

Windows 11 Preview Build 26120.3872 (Beta Channel) introduces advancements in Copilot+ PC functionalities and addresses issues with the OneDrive syncing app. Users can register for updates and access the Insider Preview by activating the “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available” option. Notable enhancements include the ability to add custom words to the dictionary through voice commands and an improved guided tour for Voice Access. Additional updates allow users to disable cloud content searches, gain control over widget notifications, and fix Start menu crashes. Not all Copilot+ PCs will receive these updates immediately, with a focus on Snapdragon X Elite devices, though features will eventually be available for AMD and Intel-powered devices. The new accessibility features are available to all users immediately.

Winsage

April 22, 2025

Copilot+ PCs are leveling up — Windows 11 beta reveals new AI upgrades, but there’s a catch

Windows 11 Preview Build 26120.3872 (Beta Channel) introduces new Copilot+ PC features and addresses significant user issues. Users can access updates by enabling “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available” and checking for updates. Key improvements include the ability to add custom words to the dictionary through voice access and an improved voice access tour. Additional updates feature options to disable cloud content searches, refined widget notification controls, and a fix for the Start menu crash when creating folders. Not all Copilot+ PCs will receive these features at the same time, with a focus on Snapdragon devices first, while accessibility features are available immediately to all users.

Winsage

April 15, 2025

There’s AI Inside Windows Paint and Notepad Now. Here’s How to Use It

Companies are integrating artificial intelligence into their software, with recent updates to Windows applications like Paint and Notepad showcasing AI enhancements. In Windows Paint, a Copilot button introduces three features: 1. Image Creator: Users can generate images from descriptive prompts, selecting styles for the output. 2. Generative Erase: This tool lets users remove unwanted elements from images and fills in the background using surrounding pixels. 3. Remove Background: This feature isolates the main subject of an image by turning the background white. Generative Erase and Remove Background are free, while Image Creator requires AI credits available through Microsoft 365 or Copilot Pro subscriptions. In Windows Notepad, the Copilot button offers features to refine existing text: 1. Make shorter and Make longer: Adjusts the length of selected text. 2. Change tone: Modifies the text's tone to be inspirational, formal, casual, or humorous. 3. Change format: Restructures text into lists, marketing language, or poetry. 4. Rewrite: Provides previews of rewritten text for selection. Notepad's AI-powered rewrites are limited for free users, with extensive use requiring AI credits tied to a Microsoft 365 or Copilot Pro subscription. The Copilot button can be disabled in settings for a distraction-free experience.