AI enhancements Archives

AppWizard

August 23, 2025

Windows 11 Build 26200 Enables Android App Resumption on PCs

Microsoft has released Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5761 in the Dev Channel, allowing users to resume Android app sessions on Windows PCs through the Start menu for linked devices. This update enhances AI capabilities, particularly for devices with Copilot+ hardware, and introduces an upgraded energy saver mode. It addresses issues like intermittent crashes in File Explorer and improves compatibility with third-party antivirus software. The update encourages cross-platform app development and aims to streamline workflows in enterprise environments. Microsoft has noted potential audio glitches on certain hardware and is gathering user feedback for further improvements.

AppWizard

August 20, 2025

AI Aplenty: Google’s Pixel 10 brings the Magic (Cue) with in-context suggestions

Google has launched the Pixel 10 series, featuring significant AI enhancements powered by the Gemini and Tensor G5 chip. The Magic Cue feature provides contextually relevant suggestions during calls and texts. Gemini Live allows users to share their camera view with AI for improved visual search capabilities. The Pixel 10 series is available for pre-order. The Tensor G5 chip enhances the Voice Translate feature for real-time translations in multiple languages. The "Take a Message" feature transcribes missed or declined calls. The Pixel Journal app suggests writing prompts using on-device AI. NotebookLM integrates with Pixel Screenshots and the Recorder app for easy transcript management. The Recorder app can convert humming and singing into music, and Gboard introduces a "Writing Tools" feature for text rewriting and spellchecking.

Winsage

August 5, 2025

Windows 11’s taskbar could be next for an AI overhaul – but I just don’t see the point

Microsoft is exploring the integration of artificial intelligence into the Windows 11 taskbar, with indications of a 'Taskbar Companion' feature and references to 'agentic companions.' A recent Windows 11 preview build includes a string related to managing the visibility of these AI companions on the taskbar. The AI capabilities may mirror those found in the Settings app for Copilot+ PCs, which allows for intelligent searches. Potential functionalities could include managing notifications, calendar events, or providing personalized application recommendations. However, the exact features and their utility remain unclear.

AppWizard

August 3, 2025

Google Home App Gains Material 3 Media Controller Redesign on Android

Google has rolled out a redesigned media controller in the Google Home app for Android, featuring a Material 3 aesthetic with rounded edges and dynamic color theming. The new interface replaces the previous card-style layout with a streamlined floating panel that activates during media playback on connected devices. Users now see a pill-shaped controller at the bottom of the screen, displaying album artwork, playback controls, and a progress bar, which can be expanded for additional features. The redesign enhances accessibility with larger touch targets and improved contrast ratios. This update is part of a broader initiative to create smarter home experiences, including potential voice-activated media adjustments with upcoming Gemini AI enhancements. The redesign aims to improve user interaction and simplify multi-room audio management, while also positioning Google competitively against Amazon's Alexa and Apple’s HomeKit.

Winsage

August 3, 2025

If you thought Microsoft wouldn’t add AI to the Windows taskbar, it may yet prove you wrong

Microsoft is exploring the introduction of AI functionalities within the Windows 11 taskbar, as indicated by recent findings from beta builds. Code explorers have discovered references to a "Taskbar Companion," suggesting a potential widget system that could utilize AI to enhance user experience. The concept of "agentic companions," which refers to AI that can take initiative with minimal user input, was first identified in Windows Server Build 26454. If implemented, these companions could provide AI-powered widgets such as a news aggregator, app recommendations, and suggestions for Xbox Game Pass games.

Winsage

July 24, 2025

Update for Windows 11 brings more resilience (and Recall)

The optional update KB5062660 for Windows 11 version 24H2 introduces several new features, including Microsoft Recall in Europe, which allows users to export snapshots of their activities with a unique export code for privacy. The Click to Do functionality expands with a new Practice in Reading Coach feature and integration with Microsoft Teams for drafting messages. An AI agent is added to the settings app for Copilot+ PCs, while non-Copilot+ systems have a centered search bar for accessibility. The update includes rapid machine recovery options, enhancements to the Start menu, improved snap functionality, and a new Gamepad keyboard layout for gamers. It also resolves various issues from previous versions, including bugs in File Explorer and system stability problems. AI components related to Image Search, Content Extraction, and Semantic Analysis have been enhanced, and there are no known issues with this update. Features will be rolled out gradually to users.

Winsage

July 23, 2025

Copilot Vision on Windows 11 sends data to Microsoft servers

Microsoft is integrating artificial intelligence into Windows 11 with new features, including Copilot Vision, which serves as a remote assistant processing information in the background. Windows 11 is positioned as the home for AI, offering features like Recall, Click to Do, and enhanced search capabilities. Copilot Vision captures continuous screenshots for analysis using optical character recognition and a large language model, with data processed on Microsoft servers. User data is not stored long-term, except for conversation transcripts with the Copilot assistant. The update introduces an "agentic" AI capable of adjusting system settings based on natural language commands, currently available on Copilot+ systems with Qualcomm Snapdragon hardware, with Intel and AMD support expected. Microsoft has also enhanced the "Click to Do" feature and introduced AI capabilities in applications like Photos, Paint, and the Snipping Tool. The traditional Blue Screen of Death has been replaced with a Black Screen of Death, which promises a more readable error message format. Additionally, Microsoft has unveiled the Surface Laptop 5G, featuring a 13.8" display, Intel Core Ultra processors with a neural co-processor, and optional 5G connectivity, expected to be available in 2025.

AppWizard

July 10, 2025

Google drops ‘Android Canary Release Channel’ for devs eyeing rigorous API testing

Google has introduced the Android Canary Release Channel, a new testing environment for developers to access early test builds and upcoming features of Android. This channel is available for Pixel devices, including the Pixel 6 series to Pixel 9, and offers tools for developing features in Wear OS 6. Developers can flash the latest Canary build or use the Android Emulator via Android Studio, with future updates expected to roll out monthly. Opting out of the channel requires a complete data wipe of the device. The Android Canary channel will have a more measured update schedule compared to Chrome Canary, which receives daily updates.

Winsage

June 30, 2025

Microsoft quietly implies Windows has LOST almost half a billion users since Windows 11 debut — bleak outlook suggests Windows is haemorrhaging users

Windows is currently operational on over a billion devices, a decline from 1.4 billion reported in 2022. Windows has experienced a 15% decline in its user base over the past decade. Microsoft introduced AI-powered devices known as Copilot+ PCs in 2024, but the reception has been lukewarm. Users are concerned about the requirement for an online account to set up a new PC and the presence of ads and bloatware in Windows 11. Windows 11 is gaining market share and is expected to surpass Windows 10 as the most widely used version, but it is unlikely to achieve the same popularity as Windows 10.

Winsage

June 16, 2025

Latest beta version of Windows 11 gets the AI agent that Microsoft promised it would add: A search tool that works

Microsoft has introduced an AI tool integrated into the latest Windows 11 Insider Preview Build, designed to enhance user experience in the Settings app. This AI agent is currently available only on devices powered by the Snapdragon X processor, with plans for support on compatible AMD and Intel processors in the future. Additionally, users of this Insider build may hear nostalgic start-up music reminiscent of Windows Vista.