AI feature Archives

AppWizard

May 15, 2025

Going contactless? Here’s how to set up Google Wallet on Android

Google Wallet is a digital wallet application for Android users that stores payment cards, boarding passes, loyalty cards, and more in a secure interface. Setting it up involves downloading the app, adding payment cards, and enabling contactless payments, with a smooth transition for existing Google Pay users. The app also allows users to check battery health and manage personal data visibility in Google searches. For Pixel users, it integrates with the Google Pixel 9's Reimagine AI feature for enhanced photo editing.

Winsage

May 3, 2025

Best Windows apps this week

This week, the optional update for Windows 11 introduces the Recall AI feature for Copilot+ PCs, set to roll out to all Copilot+ devices next month alongside a cumulative security update. New apps include: - Crapfixer: An open-source Windows tweaker that simplifies system settings analysis and application of recommended tweaks. - PhotoDemon: A free, open-source photo editor with over 200 tools, supporting various image formats and offering features like macro recording and batch processing. - Winhance 4: A system optimization software for Windows 10 and 11 that enhances performance by removing unwanted apps and providing customization options, with the ability to save configurations for multiple PCs.

Winsage

May 2, 2025

Windows Recall Is Back (but Should You Use It?)

Windows Recall, an AI-driven feature by Microsoft, was initially launched in July but withdrawn due to security and privacy concerns. It has since returned with modifications aimed at improving user experience, although concerns about its functionality persist. Recall captures and analyzes screenshots of user activities to aid in retrieving past documents or messages. Users must have a Copilot+ PC to access Recall, which is not activated by default. Security enhancements include encrypted data storage and mandatory Windows Hello authentication for access. However, issues remain, such as potential access via a computer PIN, inconsistent filtering of sensitive data, and the risk of data being captured from shared devices. Users can exempt specific sites and apps from being captured, but the process is cumbersome.

Winsage

April 29, 2025

Microsoft’s AI Secretly Copying All Your Private Messages

Microsoft is relaunching its AI-driven feature, Recall, which continuously captures background screenshots on Copilot+ PCs optimized for AI functionalities. Initially introduced in May, Recall was retracted due to privacy concerns over unencrypted storage of screenshots containing sensitive user data. After testing through Microsoft's Insider program, Recall has been updated to encrypt the screenshot database and requires users to opt in to save screenshots. However, it still poses risks by potentially capturing sensitive information from communications without the knowledge of other parties involved. Security researcher Kevin Beaumont has noted that the sensitive information filter is unreliable, and the encrypted database is only secured by a basic four-digit PIN. Beaumont's testing revealed that Recall indexed everything it stored, including ephemeral messages and images. He cautioned users to check if Recall is enabled when discussing sensitive topics with others on Windows PCs.

Winsage

April 11, 2025

Microsoft Is Ready to Try Again With Recall AI Feature That Screenshots Your Activity

Microsoft's Recall feature is being rolled out in preview mode to Windows Insiders using Copilot PCs powered by Snapdragon technology. The tool allows users to retrieve previously displayed content by searching for keywords, capturing screenshots throughout the day, and using AI for organization. The rollout faced delays due to privacy concerns, leading Microsoft to pause and review security measures. Users must opt in to save snapshots and enroll in Windows Hello for access, with the ability to control what is saved and pause saving at any time.

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

March 26, 2025

Lilbits: AI-enhanced search for Windows PCs and Amazon’s Big Spring Sale

Recent advancements in laptop technology have introduced high-performance neural processing units from manufacturers like Intel, AMD, and Qualcomm, enabling on-device artificial intelligence applications. Microsoft initially planned to launch its Recall feature for Copilot+ PCs but delayed it due to privacy concerns. Microsoft is now testing a new AI-enhanced search function that allows users to search for files, settings, or documents by description. Additionally, Microsoft is rolling out Local Semantic Search to Windows Insiders with Intel or AMD-powered Copilot+ PCs, which allows searching by description in File Explorer, Windows Search, or Settings, and can be disabled for certain folders.

Winsage

March 18, 2025

You Can Try Notepad’s New AI Summarizer in Windows 11 Now (If You Pay)

Microsoft is enhancing its Notepad and Snipping Tool applications in Windows 11 with new AI features. Notepad now includes a Summarize feature that allows users to summarize text by using the Copilot menu or pressing Ctrl-M, but it requires a Microsoft 365 subscription and Copilot Pro AI credits for full access. Additionally, Notepad will show recently opened files, accessible via File > Recent, and users can clear this list if desired. The updates are part of Notepad version 11.2501.29.0. The Snipping Tool has been updated to allow users to draw arrows that automatically convert into straight lines with pointers, streamlining the annotation process, available in Snipping Tool version 11.2502.18.0. To access these features, users must join the Windows Insider program and may need to run unstable builds of Windows 11.

Winsage

March 14, 2025

Notepad will soon automatically summarize your notes with AI

Notepad is introducing an AI-powered summarization feature in version 11.2501.29.0, currently being rolled out to Windows Insiders. Users can highlight text and select 'Summarize' or use the Ctrl + M shortcut to generate a summary, with adjustable summary lengths. The feature can be disabled in app settings and requires a Microsoft personal account. This new capability complements the existing 'Rewrite' function, which allows users to modify text for different lengths and tones. Additionally, a 'Recent Files' option has been added to the File menu for easier access to recently used documents, which can also be disabled.

Winsage

March 14, 2025

Snipping Tool and Notepad app updates begin rolling out to Windows Insiders

Windows 11 is rolling out updates for the Snipping Tool and Notepad for users in the Canary and Dev Channels. The Snipping Tool (version 11.2502.18.0) introduces a "draw & hold" feature that allows users to create clean lines and shapes by holding the cursor or pen still before releasing. It also includes a new protocol launch experience for developers, enabling customization of capture features when invoked from applications. Notepad (version 11.2501.29.0) adds a generative AI feature for summarizing selected text and a "recent files" feature in the File menu for quick access to recently closed documents. Users can clear the recent files list or disable the feature in app settings. These updates are currently rolling out, and availability may vary among Insiders.