AI functionalities Archives

Winsage

May 30, 2025

Microsoft now testing Notepad text formatting in Windows 11

Microsoft has introduced text formatting capabilities in the Windows 11 Notepad application, allowing users to utilize Markdown-style input. This feature is part of the Windows 11 24H2 update for Insiders in the Release Preview Channel. Users can apply formatting options such as bold, italic, hyperlinks, lists, and headings, while also having the option to revert to plain text easily. The update is being rolled out to Windows Insiders in the Canary and Dev Channels with version 11.2504.50.0 of the app. This enhancement is part of a broader initiative to modernize Notepad, which has included features like multiple tabs, a built-in character counter, spell check, autocorrect, and AI-powered text summarization and generation. Users can disable new AI functionalities or uninstall the app to revert to the classic notepad.exe program.

AppWizard

May 28, 2025

Samsung is rolling out its first One UI 8 beta for the Galaxy S25 series

The One UI 8 beta is now available for Galaxy S25 models in select regions, featuring enhanced AI capabilities, a tailored user experience for different device types, and proactive suggestions. It introduces improvements to the Reminder app, Quick Share, multitasking, Samsung Internet, and accessibility features. The rollout is limited to regions including Germany, Korea, the U.K., and the U.S., excluding the Galaxy S25 Edge. A stable version is expected to launch with new foldable devices this summer. Key features include multimodal capabilities, enhanced Now Bar and Now Brief features, local data processing options, and improvements to the Auracast feature. The Reminder app will consolidate tasks into a single interface, and Quick Share will receive enhancements. Additional features include improved file search, a redesign of Samsung Internet, multitasking enhancements, new Calendar features, and social health management options through Samsung Health. More features may be revealed as the beta progresses.

Winsage

May 27, 2025

Microsoft Notepad gets an AI makeover

Microsoft is introducing an AI-powered feature called “Write” to Notepad as part of the Copilot Plus initiative, transforming it into a more interactive tool. The “Write” feature allows users to generate and refine text by right-clicking within a document to access a prompt box powered by Windows Copilot. Users can submit ideas, and the AI drafts text based on the input, offering options to accept, refine, or restart the writing process. Microsoft is also enhancing Paint with an AI sticker generator and an object selection tool, and the Snipping Tool will feature automatic cropping and resizing of screenshots. Users must sign in with a Microsoft account and use a Windows 11 system with a Copilot Plus PC to access these new features, and a credit system will meter the use of the AI tools.

Winsage

May 23, 2025

Microsoft gives a trio of Windows 11 apps some nifty new AI powers, but not everyone will get them

Microsoft is enhancing its Windows 11 applications with AI-powered features, particularly in Notepad, Paint, and the Snipping Tool. Notepad will receive an AI-driven text generation feature in preview version 11.2504.46.0, allowing users to generate text by right-clicking in the document. This feature requires a Microsoft 365 subscription, providing 60 AI credits monthly for users on Personal or Family plans. The Snipping Tool will introduce a 'perfect screenshot' feature that refines selections for precise cropping and a color picker for identifying colors on-screen, supporting HEX, RGB, and HSL codes. Paint will feature a new 'welcome experience' to guide users, an AI object selection tool for easier editing, and a sticker generator for creating custom stickers based on prompts. These updates aim to integrate AI into everyday applications, although concerns exist about potential feature bloat in Notepad and the requirement for a Copilot+ PC with a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) for many features, which may limit accessibility.

Winsage

May 23, 2025

Windows 11 Notepad gets AI-powered text writing capabilities

Microsoft is piloting an AI-driven text generation feature called "Write" in Notepad for Windows Insiders using version 11.2504.46.0. The feature allows users to create content from prompts, either starting from scratch or enhancing existing text. Users can access it by right-clicking, selecting "Write" from the Copilot menu, or using the Ctrl + Q shortcut. After entering instructions, AI-generated text can be incorporated into documents or discarded. A Microsoft personal account is required to use the feature, which utilizes AI credits from Microsoft 365 subscriptions. Microsoft has also introduced other AI features in Notepad, including a text rewriting tool named "Rewrite," a character counter, spell-check, and autocorrect. Additionally, new AI capabilities have been rolled out for Paint and Snipping Tool users in the Windows Insider program, including a sticker generator and enhanced screenshot tools.

Winsage

May 23, 2025

In 3.5 years, Notepad.exe has gone from “barely maintained” to “it writes for you”

By late 2021, Windows’ Notepad text editor had not seen significant changes for a long time, but updates began to increase, reflecting a trend toward integrating generative AI technologies. In November, Microsoft started testing an update that allows users to rewrite or summarize text using generative AI. A new feature called Write enables users to generate text from scratch based on simple instructions, requiring a Microsoft Account for access and utilizing monthly AI credits. Users without a paid Microsoft 365 subscription receive 15 credits per month, while subscribers with Personal and Family plans receive 60 credits. All AI functionalities in Notepad can be disabled in the app's settings, and these features are unavailable to local account users. Additionally, Microsoft is rolling out preview updates for Paint and Snipping Tool, introducing AI tools like a sticker generator and an AI-powered smart select tool, along with a welcome experience screen for new users.

Winsage

May 22, 2025

Microsoft Notepad can now write for you using generative AI

Microsoft is testing updates to Notepad and Paint for Windows Insiders, focusing on integrating artificial intelligence into these applications. Notepad's new Write feature assists users in generating text based on prompts and enhances existing content with AI support. Users can insert new text or select existing text for reference, and the AI-generated text can be accepted, discarded, or refined. Notepad also includes features like Summarize, which condenses content, and Rewrite, which modifies tone and structure. Paint is receiving AI enhancements, including a Sticker generator for creating custom stickers by describing designs and an Object select tool for smart selections in images. The Snipping Tool is improving with a Perfect screenshot button that resizes screenshots intelligently and a new Color picker for precise color selection. To use Notepad's Write feature, users must sign into their Microsoft accounts, which will operate under a credits system. Pricing for these credits has not been disclosed.

AppWizard

May 16, 2025

Google to give app devs access to Gemini Nano for on-device AI

Google is preparing to unveil new mobile AI tools at the upcoming I/O event, including a suite of APIs that will enable developers to use Gemini Nano for on-device AI applications. The ML Kit SDK will be updated to support on-device generative AI functionalities through Gemini Nano, which integrates with existing models and offers predefined features for ease of implementation. The ML Kit’s GenAI APIs will allow applications to perform tasks such as summarization, proofreading, rewriting, and image description without cloud data transmission. However, Gemini Nano's capabilities are limited compared to cloud-based options, with summaries restricted to three bullet points and image descriptions available only in English. The standard version, Gemini Nano XS, requires about 100MB of storage, while the smaller Gemini Nano XXS is text-only and occupies a quarter of that size. ML Kit is compatible with devices beyond Google's Pixel lineup, including the OnePlus 13, Samsung Galaxy S25, and Xiaomi 15, providing developers opportunities to enhance applications with generative AI features.

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 25, 2025

Windows 11 25H2 shows signs of life: what can we expect?

The upcoming Windows 11 25H2 update is expected to be a modest enhancement rather than a major overhaul, continuing to use the Germanium codebase established with 24H2. A preview build, specifically build 27842 from the Canary Channel, has been identified, and references to GE25H2 were found in the AppraiserRes.dll file, which assesses PC compatibility for the new version. The update is anticipated to arrive in the latter half of the year, similar to previous incremental updates. Concerns exist regarding the stability of 25H2 compared to 24H2, which faced installation issues and compatibility problems. Windows 10 will reach the end of regular support on October 14, 2025, prompting users to transition to Windows 11. Smaller updates like enablement packages tend to present fewer stability risks, and Microsoft has not officially confirmed any details about 25H2 or its update process for versions 23H2 and 24H2. Speculation about Windows 12 continues, but its timeline remains uncertain.