AI features Archives

AppWizard

November 8, 2024

Android Switch: Google’s new name for the Data Restore Tool

Google has launched an AI-powered video creation tool called Google Vids, initially exclusive to Gemini customers but now available to a broader audience within Google Workspace, including Business, Enterprise, and Education plans. The tool features "Help me create," which allows users to generate a storyboard by providing a prompt and a Google Drive document. It offers suggestions for scenes, stock media, text, scripts, and background music to create a preliminary video draft. Users can personalize their videos with animations, transitions, and access to royalty-free stock content. Google Vids also includes AI-powered voiceovers, with preset voices and a teleprompter feature for recording custom voiceovers. Currently, the AI features are available only in English, with plans for future language support. The AI features will be available until December 31, 2025, after which usage limits may apply, and Google will notify users of any changes. The full rollout of Google Vids is expected in the coming weeks.

Winsage

November 8, 2024

AI Has Come for Sweet, Innocent Notepad

Notepad has introduced a new feature called Rewrite, powered by Microsoft's GPT AI model, which allows users to rephrase sentences, adjust tone, and modify text length. Users can access this feature by highlighting text and selecting the Rewrite option from the context menu or using the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + I. The feature generates three variations of the modified text based on user-selected options. Currently, it is available to Windows Insiders in the Canary and Dev channels of Windows 11, specifically in the U.S., France, the UK, Canada, Italy, and Germany, with additional access for Microsoft 365 and Copilot Pro subscribers in Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Singapore, and Taiwan. Users need to sign in with their Microsoft accounts and have credits to use the GPT model, starting with 50 complimentary credits. Microsoft Paint has also been updated with AI features, including Generative Fill and Generative Erase tools.

Winsage

November 8, 2024

Watch out, Windows Notepad users: Here comes AI

Microsoft has introduced an AI-powered Rewrite feature for Notepad, available to Windows Insiders running Windows 11. Users need the latest Canary or Dev build of Windows 11 and must be signed in with a Microsoft account linked to the Insider program to access the feature. The Rewrite process allows users to modify text by selecting it and using the Rewrite button or shortcut Ctrl + I, generating three distinct versions of the text. AI credits are required for content generation, with initial allocations set at 50 credits for users in select countries and 60 credits monthly for Microsoft 365 subscribers. The Rewrite feature is currently limited to Dev or Canary builds of Windows 11 and may take time to reach the standard version of Notepad.

Winsage

November 7, 2024

Windows 11’s market share hits all-time high — Microsoft’s $30 extended support charge beyond Windows 10’s imminent death won’t cut it

Windows 11 has captured a market share of 35.55% as of October 2024, while Windows 10 holds 60.97%. Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. The International Data Corporation (IDC) reported a 3% growth in global PC shipments in Q2 2024, with approximately 64.9 million units sold. Microsoft has introduced an Extended Security Update (ESU) program for Windows 10 users, allowing them to extend support for an additional year at a cost. A public interest petition has been initiated urging Microsoft to reconsider the end of support for Windows 10.

Winsage

November 7, 2024

Microsoft May Adopt “Windows Intelligence” Branding For Windows AI Features

Microsoft is investing heavily in artificial intelligence to compete with companies like Google, Meta, and Apple. There are indications that Microsoft may rebrand its Windows AI features as "Windows Intelligence," based on references found in the appprivacy.adml file. The phrase "Let Apps Access Windows Intelligence" suggests that Microsoft aims to enhance AI functionalities within Windows and potentially allow third-party applications to utilize these features. This rebranding aligns with Apple's marketing approach, as Apple has branded its AI capabilities as "Apple Intelligence." Microsoft has previously rebranded its AI features, such as changing Bing Chat to Copilot, indicating a strategic shift in its AI offerings.

Winsage

November 7, 2024

Microsoft Notepad to get AI-powered rewriting tool on Windows 11

Microsoft is introducing AI-enhanced functionalities to its applications Notepad and Paint, which were originally launched in the 1980s. These updates are currently being tested by Windows 11 Insiders in the Canary and Dev Channels. In Paint version 11.2410.28.0, new features include generative fill and generative erase, allowing users to manipulate images by replacing elements with AI-generated content. The generative fill feature enables edits and additions with simple text prompts while maintaining the existing art style. The generative erase tool helps remove unwanted objects from images while preserving the artwork's integrity. Additionally, a new background remover tool is being added to enhance user experience. Notepad is introducing the "Rewrite" feature, which allows users to automatically rephrase content, adjust tone, and modify length. This feature is available in preview for users in select countries, including the United States, France, the United Kingdom, Canada, Italy, and Germany, and requires a Microsoft account for access. Since 2018, Notepad has been updated with various features such as a built-in character counter, spell check, autocorrect, wrap-around find and replace, improved compatibility with Unix and Mac systems, tabbed browsing, text zoom, UTF-8 support, autosaving, and line number displays.

Winsage

November 6, 2024

Even Notepad has generative tools now, as Microsoft shows no signs of stopping its AI rollout

Microsoft is rolling out new AI features for its Paint and Notepad applications in Windows 11. Notepad introduces a "Rewrite" feature that uses generative AI to refine selected text, generating three variations for users to choose from. This feature is available to Insiders in the US, France, UK, Italy, and Germany, as well as Microsoft 365 Personal and Family subscribers in Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, and Thailand. The Paint app now includes advanced AI tools such as a generative fill and erase tool for image editing, along with improved image generation speed for the Cocreator feature.

Winsage

November 6, 2024

It looks like ‘Windows Intelligence’ might subsume ‘Copilot’ branding, giving yet more evidence that we can’t decide how to market AI

The landscape of computing is evolving with advanced chips featuring Neural Processing Units (NPUs) for artificial intelligence applications, leading to the emergence of the AI PC. A rebranding initiative is underway, with "Copilot" potentially being integrated into "Windows Intelligence," as discovered by an X user from references in the appprivacy.adml file. This shift aligns with cybersecurity enhancements and reflects a branding strategy similar to Apple's "Apple Intelligence." While "Windows Intelligence" may not fully replace "Copilot," it is expected to encompass it. Mainstream desktops and laptops are beginning to incorporate NPUs, qualifying them as AI PCs. The conversation around AI branding is evolving, prompting questions about the intelligence of computers, regardless of the operating system. Some users may feel overwhelmed by the rapid pace of AI integration and choose to disengage until the technology becomes unavoidable.

Winsage

November 4, 2024

Microsoft might rebrand its AI, including Copilot to “Windows Intelligence” — Apple’s strategy fell too far from the tree.

Microsoft is considering rebranding its AI-powered features in Windows from Copilot to Windows Intelligence, following a recent file that suggested this change. The speculation comes after Microsoft rebranded its AI service from Bing Chat to Copilot last year and introduced significant updates, including Copilot Vision, which have faced criticism from users and employees. Many users have expressed dissatisfaction with the recent changes, describing them as a decline in user experience and requesting a toggle to revert to the previous version. Mustafa Suleyman, Microsoft AI CEO, hinted at a future where Copilot could evolve into an AI companion, though users have indicated a preference for it to remain a functional tool rather than a personal connection.

Winsage

November 4, 2024

Microsoft could be about to rebrand its AI into Windows Intelligence rather than Copilot

Microsoft's AI assistant and related services, previously known as "Copilot," may soon be rebranded as "Windows Intelligence" within Windows 11. This potential rebranding indicates a strategic move to centralize AI features in the operating system. Historically, the term "Windows Intelligence" has been associated with cybersecurity enhancements, but the current initiative aims to integrate AI across Microsoft's entire product suite, including applications like Notepad and Microsoft 365. The transition may see Copilot evolve from a standalone assistant to a feature within the Windows Intelligence framework. Recent updates to Microsoft Copilot include a dynamic card-style interface and a personalized Copilot Discover page. New features such as Click to Do and the Recall tool further demonstrate Microsoft's commitment to enhancing user experience through AI integration.