AI features Archives

Winsage

September 30, 2026

The Copilot+ PC brand is dead — here’s how to reclaim and remap the Copilot key

Microsoft has shifted its branding strategy by discontinuing the Copilot+ designation for the newly launched Surface Pro 12-inch and Surface Laptop 13-inch models, despite these models technically qualifying for the label. This change has caused confusion among consumers who purchased Copilot+ PCs to access the latest laptop iterations. Users with the Copilot experience are questioning the functionality of the Copilot key, which may feel redundant. Non-Copilot+ PCs and keyboards still feature a Copilot key, leading to user frustrations regarding branding inconsistencies. To address this, users can cover the Copilot key with stickers, with options available for black or white keyboards being easier to find than for gray or vibrant Type Covers.

AppWizard

September 29, 2026

Google quietly made Find Hub an Android app I can’t live without

Google has enhanced the Find Hub app by introducing a feature called the Remembered tab, which allows users to track items that cannot accommodate a physical tracker. Users can tag items, record notes, and attach pictures to help remember where they are stored. Instead of using a physical tracker, users can inform Google’s AI assistant, Gemini, about an item's location verbally or through manual entry. This feature is particularly useful for organizing items that are not frequently moved, such as passports or other essential belongings. Users can quickly add items by stating their location and taking a photo, making it easier to retrieve them later. The Remembered tab enhances the utility of the Find Hub app without requiring additional subscriptions or gadgets.

BetaBeacon

September 29, 2026

Ayaneo Opens Orders for Konkr Pocket Block, a Sub-$100 Game Boy-Style Android Handheld

Ayaneo has launched orders for the Konkr Pocket Block, which comes in two variants - 2 GB RAM and 32 GB storage, and 3 GB RAM and 64 GB storage. There is an early bird pricing promotion available for a limited time. Shipping is set to begin at the end of October. The handheld features a 3.33-inch 4:3 LCD display with a resolution of 960 x 720, powered by a MediaTek Helio G85 chip. The Konkr Pocket Block is designed without a fan and runs on Android 12. It is best suited for emulating older gaming systems up to the PS1 and PSP era. The company has also introduced the Game Boy Advance-inspired Konkr Pocket Advance.

AppWizard

September 28, 2026

Create My Widget: Google’s AI app for custom Android widgets is available on the Play Store

Google has launched a new application called "Create My Widget," available on the Play Store since September 24, 2026. This app allows users to create Android widgets using plain language instead of pre-defined templates. It is currently compatible with Pixel and recent Galaxy smartphones, with plans for broader compatibility in the future. The app uses Gemini technology to generate widgets based on user descriptions and aggregates information from various Google services. The widget creation process involves describing the desired widget, receiving suggestions from Gemini, and customizing the widget before placing it on the home screen. The app currently supports categories such as Combo, Weather Alerts, World Clock, Daily Overview, Important Appointments, and Markets, with future updates expected to include additional categories. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 has been reported as incompatible, and a version for Google's upcoming Chromebook successor, "Googlebooks," is anticipated to launch in early October 2026.

Winsage

September 27, 2026

Google researcher explains why Windows NT “puts Linux to shame,” and imagines an alternate history where it won

Laurie Kirk, a Google researcher and former Microsoft reverse engineer, argues that the Windows NT kernel is superior to Linux in several aspects, particularly in its architecture for managing resources and access permissions. She emphasizes that her critique focuses on the system architecture rather than the user interface of Windows 11. Kirk raises concerns about Linux's suitability for AI agents due to its complex security model, while praising NT's object-based design and security framework. She speculates on an alternate history where Microsoft had created an "Open NT," allowing for customizable components, but acknowledges the challenges of maintaining forks in operating systems. Critics of NT highlight its performance and reliability issues, while Linux's open-source nature has contributed to its dominance in servers and cloud computing. Kirk suggests that future operating systems may need to balance the defined resource types of NT with the flexibility of Linux, especially as AI technology evolves.

Winsage

September 26, 2026

Is Windows 11 good enough yet?

A viewer on The Full Nerd asked if perceptions of Windows 11 might change after five years. The author, who initially embraced Windows 11 but became disillusioned due to ads and performance issues, has recently had a positive experience with the Dell XPS 13 laptop. Despite having only 8GB of RAM, the laptop performs well with multitasking, maintaining responsiveness even with multiple applications open. However, the Task Manager shows that memory usage starts at 6GB even when idle, indicating that Windows 11 consumes significant resources. The author speculates that ongoing critiques may have led to optimizations in software from companies like Google and Microsoft.

BetaBeacon

September 24, 2026

Qualcomm’s New Mobile Chip Could Make 2027 Android Phones Better At Gaming And On-Device AI

The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 chips can process more AI features on the phone itself, making responses quicker and keeping more data on the device. The Extreme chip's AI processor has 50% more memory to handle tasks independently, and the graphics chip includes AI-dedicated cores for gaming. The chip allows for 8K video recording at 60 frames per second and 4K slow motion at 240 frames per second. Manufacturers have the option to choose between the Extreme chip for advanced features or a standard chip for more budget-friendly smartphones.

Winsage

September 24, 2026

Microsoft tried to ban “Microslop,” and six months later it has given up

Microsoft has lifted its ban on the term "Microslop" in its official Copilot Discord server, which was initially blocked due to its use as a critical nickname for the company in response to its AI features. The term gained popularity around late 2025, leading to significant user frustration and the development of a browser extension to replace "Microsoft" with "Microslop." By March 2026, messages containing the term were being filtered in the Discord, prompting users to find ways around the restrictions. Microsoft later clarified that the filtering was a temporary anti-spam measure. Discontent with Copilot had been growing prior to this, with backlash against Windows chief Pavan Davuluri's comments about AI integration. In March, Davuluri announced a more intentional integration of Copilot, leading to changes such as the removal of the Copilot button from the Snipping Tool and the rebranding of features in Notepad. Microsoft also ceased the auto-installation of the Microsoft 365 Copilot app and promised a less cluttered user interface. The Copilot key has become customizable, although some users are frustrated by changes to the Copilot logo. Despite improvements, user backlash persists, with some expressing a desire for the "old Copilot." Microsoft is shifting from overt branding of AI features to a more integrated approach in user experience.

AppWizard

September 22, 2026

Adobe Premiere finally brings powerful video editing to Android, and it’s free

Adobe Premiere for Android can handle high-bitrate 4K clips smoothly, with no significant lag during import, though processing newly added video tracks may take up to a minute. Exporting a three-minute 4K60 video on a Pixel device takes approximately three minutes. The app requires a minimum of 5GB of RAM and offers a robust editing interface suitable for casual users. It is free to use, with optional subscription access for generative AI tools, providing 250 monthly AI credits for creating clips. The latest version includes features like image-to-video and text-to-video capabilities. A subscription increases monthly AI credits to 1,200. The app is available on Android after previously launching on Apple devices.

AppWizard

September 22, 2026

Googlebook pre-orders begin: prices, Android sync, and more is here

Google has started pre-orders for its new Googlebooks as of September 21, with a market release scheduled for October 4. The devices, produced by brands like ASUS, Dell, and HP, start at 9 and feature touchscreens, haptic glass trackpads, backlit keyboards, and premium materials. They are powered by Qualcomm and Intel processors, with battery life up to 14 hours. Key features include a Snapdragon X Elite chip with a 12-core CPU, seamless integration with Android phones, and access to major applications. Each purchase includes a year of GeForce NOW. The Googlebook also incorporates AI features like Gemini, which assists users through various functions. Pre-orders are available at Best Buy, the Google Store, and other retailers.