AI feature Archives

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.

Winsage

March 5, 2025

Microsoft’s Windows Recall should’ve been everything Opera’s Browser Operator promises to be on paper — an AI agent with a “pause button” to preserve user privacy

Generative AI is changing digital interactions, particularly with AI-driven chatbots like Microsoft Copilot and OpenAI's ChatGPT, which may challenge Google's search dominance. Opera has launched Browser Operator, an AI agent that automates routine browsing tasks and operates natively within the browser, protecting user credentials. It understands natural language instructions and pauses for user input during sensitive actions. Opera emphasizes that Browser Operator does not send any user information to its servers and uses a textual representation of web pages for context. The tool can handle cookie prompts and verification dialogs without hindering functionality. Currently in preview mode, Browser Operator will be rolled out widely and can be accessed from Opera's sidebar or Command Line.

AppWizard

March 3, 2025

Here’s how the Play Store’s new “Ask Play” feature answers your app-related queries

Google is testing a new AI-powered feature on the Play Store called “Ask Play about this app,” which allows users to ask specific questions about apps directly within their listings. This feature includes a text field for custom inquiries and sample questions related to the app. Responses are displayed below the text field, and the sample queries adapt based on previous questions. Currently, it is being rolled out to a select group of users and is available on specific app listings, such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, Temu, or X.

Winsage

February 18, 2025

Seen those complaints online about having to sign in to your Microsoft account to use Windows 11’s Notepad app? It’s all a load of hot air

Recent updates to the Notepad application in Windows 11 have led to confusion among users regarding the need for a Microsoft account. The new AI feature called Rewrite requires a sign-in to access, but this is not necessary for general use of the app. Users can choose to close the sign-in prompt if they do not wish to log in, but they will be unable to use the AI functionality. There is growing frustration among users about the increasing prompts for Microsoft account registration across platforms. Additionally, enhancements to Notepad, such as dark mode and multi-step undo, have raised concerns about the app becoming bloated and less responsive, prompting some users to consider alternatives like Notepad++ or Sublime Text for a more streamlined experience.

Winsage

February 15, 2025

Microsoft Patent Suggests AI Could Be the Key to Fixing Bugs in Windows 11

On February 6, Microsoft filed a patent in the United States for a Generative AI system that automatically detects and rectifies software issues within Windows operating systems. The system analyzes user-submitted error reports, identifies the source code responsible for the error, and generates prompts to resolve the bug. It produces a comprehensive response that may include a solution for the user, a natural language explanation, a code fix for the developer, or a pull request. This technology aims to enhance the user experience on Windows by expediting the resolution of software problems and allowing developers to focus more on innovation.

Winsage

February 4, 2025

Microsoft Paint brushes up on AI

Microsoft Paint is receiving an upgrade with a Copilot AI feature, currently available only to Windows Insiders. This feature includes tools such as Image Creator, which generates images from text prompts using OpenAI's DALL-E model, and Cocreator, which combines user doodles with text inputs to create unique artwork. The Generative Erase function allows users to remove objects from images while maintaining the background. Microsoft previously integrated Cocreator and generative fill into Paint in 2023. Additionally, Microsoft is enhancing its AI-powered search capabilities to include cloud storage, enabling users to find OneDrive photos by describing them.