AI functionalities Archives

Winsage

August 21, 2025

I’m fed up with ads in Windows 11, but Microsoft may introduce yet another one to the Start menu

Microsoft is exploring a new feature in the Start menu of Windows 11 that promotes its Copilot and Microsoft 365 Copilot offerings through tailored recommendations, currently in the experimental phase. This feature is not yet available to the public but aims to enhance user interaction by suggesting actions like drafting documents or generating images. Users can disable these recommendations by navigating to Settings > Personalization > Start, but doing so will also remove visibility of recent files in File Explorer. This initiative reflects Microsoft's understanding of diverse user preferences and aims to balance promoting AI tools with respecting user autonomy.

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 17, 2025

4 reasons I’m sticking with Windows 10 — even after support ends

Many users are considering staying with Windows 10 as support for it ends on October 14, 2025. Windows 10 is seen as a practical choice for older devices that cannot run Windows 11 due to hardware requirements. It offers extensive customization options for the user interface, including a flexible Start menu and Taskbar, which contrasts with the more restricted customization in Windows 11. Windows 10 has limited AI integration, allowing users to maintain control over their systems, while Windows 11 increasingly incorporates AI features that may require specialized hardware. Windows 10 is viewed as stable and familiar, with users appreciating its reliability compared to Windows 11, which still faces bugs and stability issues. Users can opt for the Extended Security Update (ESU) program for continued security updates until October 2026 for a fee or by redeeming points from Microsoft Rewards. Enrollment in the ESU program requires a Microsoft account and can be done through the Windows Update settings.

Winsage

August 15, 2025

RIP Peripherals? Next-Gen Windows to Lean Heavily on AI, Voice, and Vision

Microsoft's corporate VP, Pavan Davuluri, discussed the future of the Windows operating system, focusing on the role of generative AI and voice-activated controls. He indicated that significant changes in human interfaces are expected over the next five years, moving away from traditional input methods like mice and keyboards. Windows will expand across various devices, allowing users to interact through voice commands while writing or inking. Upcoming devices may have the capability to visually understand desktop content, leading to a more multimodal and intuitive user experience. Concerns about data privacy arise due to increased reliance on AI, but Microsoft is exploring AI models that can operate directly on devices to enhance user privacy. Some AI functionalities are already available in Windows 11, while a large portion of users still operates on Windows 10, which will lose official support in October.

AppWizard

August 6, 2025

Heads up, Galaxy users: One UI 8 Beta arrives for more devices next week

Samsung is expanding its One UI 8 Beta starting August 11, initially for the Galaxy S24 series, Galaxy Z Flip 6, and Galaxy Z Fold 6 in markets like India, Korea, the U.K., and the U.S. In September, the beta will include the Galaxy S23 series, Z Fold 5, Z Flip 5, Tab S10 series, Galaxy A36 5G, and Galaxy A35 5G. Samsung plans to extend One UI 8 to more Galaxy Watch 8 models later this year. The update will feature advanced multimodal capabilities, enhanced Galaxy AI functionalities, and updates to core apps like Samsung Health and Calendar. A refreshed Quick Share UI and improved accessibility options will also be included. Users must sign up through the Samsung Members app to participate in the beta program.

Winsage

August 5, 2025

Microsoft suggests the future of Windows will make today’s operating systems feel alien to use — here’s what that really means

Microsoft has launched a video series called "Windows 2030 Vision," featuring aspirations for the future of Windows over the next five years. David Weston, Microsoft's Corporate Vice President of Enterprise & Security, suggests that traditional input methods will become outdated. The company plans to integrate AI into Windows in various forms, aiming for a seamless integration throughout the operating system, potentially allowing AI to manage applications and workflows autonomously. Recent advancements in AI-powered web browsers indicate a future where voice commands could replace traditional cursor navigation. Microsoft is reportedly developing prototypes for this new desktop user experience and has introduced Copilot Mode for the Edge browser as a testing ground for these technologies. The series will continue to explore Microsoft's innovative roadmap for Windows.

Winsage

August 4, 2025

Windows 11 is testing Taskbar companions and it might be another AI feature

Microsoft is exploring a new taskbar feature called "companions," which may integrate artificial intelligence into the Windows experience. This initiative is in early stages, with references to "Agentic Companions" found in recent Windows 11 preview builds. A specific string indicates users may manage these companions from their settings, although the features are not yet operational. Previously, Microsoft aimed to introduce a "recommendations" feature for the taskbar to enhance engagement with Bing and web content, but the project was abandoned after the departure of Mikhail Parakhin. Additionally, Microsoft is testing features such as support for "shared audio" for multiple devices and a clock displaying seconds in the Calendar flyout, with the latter already available to Windows 10 users.

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

August 1, 2025

Galaxy Book 4 Edge, Book 5 series are getting a bunch of new AI features

The Galaxy Book 4 Edge is Samsung's first Copilot+ PC, followed by the Galaxy Book 5 series, which also has Copilot+ PC certification. A recent Windows 11 update introduces AI features for these devices, including Copilot Vision, which analyzes on-screen content and allows users to ask questions about applications and web pages. The update also enhances the ‘Click to Do’ feature, enabling users to execute tasks based on selected text, such as scheduling meetings, practicing reading, drafting documents, and using Immersive Reader. Additional features include an AI-driven sticker generator and an object selection tool in the Paint app. The Galaxy Book 4 Edge includes an AI-powered agent in the Settings app for natural language searches and will have an AI lighting option in the Photos app and a feature for capturing screenshots. Non-Copilot+ PC Galaxy Books will also receive some enhancements, including a color picker in the Snipping Tool and a tool for resolving reboot issues. Many features are available through the Microsoft Store and preview updates.

Winsage

July 31, 2025

9 new features that arrived on the Windows 11 Insider Program during the second half of July 2025

During July 2025, Microsoft released seven preview builds for Windows 11, including updates from version branches 24H2 and 25H2, and builds 27913, 27909, and 27902 in the Canary Channel, with build 27902's ISO file available for download. Key enhancements included: 1. Click to Do improvements allowing image descriptions on AMD and Intel devices, previously exclusive to Qualcomm Snapdragon. 2. Windows Narrator now generates detailed descriptions of images, charts, and graphs for Intel and AMD processors. 3. A new "Recent activity" feature in the Privacy & security section lets users monitor third-party app access to AI functionalities. 4. AI agent functionality is being gradually introduced in the Settings app, starting with the August 2025 Security Update. 5. The Second Chance Out-of-Box Experience page has consolidated recommendations into a single interface. 6. Windows Search is testing a grid view for image search results. 7. The Notification Center now supports a fly-out from secondary monitors, displaying a full clock. 8. Task Manager has reintroduced a view showing processor usage metrics across various pages, with an option to revert to legacy metrics.