AI enhancements Archives

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.

Winsage

April 4, 2025

Microsoft unveils a more personal Copilot, leaving rival Apple further behind

Microsoft is enhancing its AI-powered Copilot with new features, including the ability to memorize user preferences, such as favorite foods and family birthdays, while allowing users to control what information is stored. The Copilot will also enable users to customize its appearance and perform tasks through chat prompts, integrating with platforms like OpenTable and Booking.com. Additionally, Copilot will feature visual search capabilities through Copilot Vision, allowing users to capture images or stream live video for information searches. Other functionalities include a podcast feature, a personal shopping assistant, and enhanced multi-step research capabilities, with Copilot Search being integrated into the Bing browser.

Winsage

March 31, 2025

10 Facts you probably didn’t know about Windows as Microsoft turns 50

- Windows was originally named "Interface Manager" before being changed to "Windows" prior to its launch in 1985. - Early versions of Windows (1.0, 2.0, and 3.x) operated on top of MS-DOS and required users to boot into MS-DOS before launching the graphical interface. - The Briefcase folder was an early tool for synchronizing files between computers, which became obsolete with the rise of cloud storage solutions. - Prior to Windows XP, user profiles were basic and lacked robust security; full user accounts were implemented with Windows NT. - Several applications from Windows 1.0, including Calculator, Paint, Notepad, Clock, and Control Panel, are still present in Windows 11 in modernized forms. - The "Format" dialog in File Explorer has used the same code for over 30 years, although updates for FAT32 support are being developed. - TrueType fonts were introduced in Windows 3.1 in 1992 through a licensing agreement with Apple, improving font rendering quality. - The "Ctrl + Alt + Delete" shortcut was created by IBM engineer David Bradley as a debugging tool and later adopted by Microsoft for secure attention sequences in Windows NT. - Windows 1.0 required a minimum of 256KB of RAM at its launch in 1985, while Windows 11 requires at least 4GB.

Winsage

March 25, 2025

Windows 11’s awful search is getting an AI boost soon, and that’s not all

Microsoft is set to release updates for Windows 11, including two preview builds—Windows 11 Build 26100.3613 and Windows 11 Build 26100.3624—available to Windows Insiders, with a rollout expected in April. Key features include: - Semantic search capability, allowing users to search using descriptive phrases, initially exclusive to Windows on Snapdragon PCs. - Enhanced Voice Access feature with a more flexible command structure for natural language control. - Live captions and real-time translation capabilities for Copilot+ PCs, supporting up to 44 languages, with translation from English to Chinese for Snapdragon users. - A new emoji interface accessible via a dedicated icon in the taskbar. - A redesigned Windows Settings interface featuring "cards" for quick access to CPU, memory, and storage specifications. - Refinements in CPU utilization monitoring in Task Manager. - A new Xbox gamepad keyboard interface for typing via an Xbox controller.

AppWizard

March 23, 2025

Assassin’s Creed Shadows is hands-down one of the most beautiful PC ports I’ve ever seen

Ubisoft's Assassin's Creed Shadows is noted for its stunning visuals, comparable to Cyberpunk 2077 post-launch. It is one of the best-looking games on PC, though it has performance challenges, particularly with Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 struggling to maintain over 60fps at 4K max settings. The game's enforced Ray Traced Global Illumination (RTGI) in the 'Hideout' area contributes to its demanding hardware requirements. The reviewer experienced smooth gameplay at an average of 74fps using an Asus TUF Nvidia RTX 4080 Super OC Edition and an Alienware AW3423DWF QD-OLED ultrawide monitor, with zero stutters. Recent Nvidia drivers have caused some performance issues, leading the reviewer to use version 572.47 for stability. DLSS Frame Generation is effective in optimizing performance, despite some ghosting. The game's visuals are highlighted as a key feature that justifies its performance demands, and Ubisoft's choice to skip last-gen consoles is seen as prudent due to the game's requirements.

Winsage

March 23, 2025

Microsoft Paywalls Its AI Features in Notepad and Paint

Microsoft has announced that access to certain features in Notepad and Paint will now require a paid subscription to a Microsoft 365 account. Users will need this subscription to access new AI enhancements, including an image generator in Paint and AI-driven text rewriting in Notepad. Windows users without a subscription will still have access to core functionalities, but subscription-required features will be grayed out. Ram Bala, an associate professor of business analytics, notes that this aligns with a broader "freemium" strategy due to the high operational costs of deploying AI features. Bala highlights a trend in the tech industry toward usage-based pricing models for AI services. Microsoft has made significant investments in AI, incorporating features across its applications, but some initiatives, like the Copilot feature, have faced delays and privacy concerns.

Winsage

March 18, 2025

Unlocking talent with Windows accessibility

Dave Dame, Senior Director of Accessibility and Human Factors at Microsoft, was born with cerebral palsy, requiring the use of an electric wheelchair and limiting his hand mobility. He faced challenges in his early career due to inaccessible office environments. Motivated by his experiences, he joined Microsoft to develop technology that empowers individuals with disabilities. His work has influenced companies to integrate accessibility features into their products, benefiting all users. As the workforce ages and disabilities become more prevalent, the need for accessible design is increasing. Dame emphasizes that designing for diverse needs enhances productivity and collaboration. He highlights how tools like Microsoft 365 Copilot have significantly improved his efficiency. The future vision includes seamless integration of assistive technologies and AI enhancements for better user interaction. Prioritizing accessibility can unlock potential and drive innovation.