AI-generated images

Winsage
July 23, 2026
Since June 23, Microsoft has been implementing a point-in-time restore feature on Windows 11, which is enabled by default for Home and Pro editions when the system drive exceeds 200 GB. This feature captures a complete snapshot of the machine approximately every 24 hours using the Volume Shadow Copy service, including system, applications, settings, and local files. Users can revert to a previous state in case of issues, but restoring from a snapshot older than 48 hours will erase all changes made since then, except for OneDrive data. The feature retains snapshots for up to 72 hours and reserves 2% of drive space, capped at 50 GB. If free space drops below 20 GB, older snapshots are deleted. Restoration occurs locally through WinRE, and users need a BitLocker recovery key if the drive is encrypted. After a restore, the feature pauses and requires user consent to resume. Snapshots from upgraded editions are not accessible, and only the Enterprise edition allows adjustments to snapshot settings. The feature can be disabled in system settings. It is not a backup solution, and users are advised to maintain separate backups for important files.
Winsage
July 21, 2026
Microsoft is testing a new semantic search feature for Windows 11's File Explorer, which aims to improve file search by understanding user intent rather than relying on exact word matches. This feature allows users to search in natural language, such as "photos from last summer" or "Europe trip budget," and can identify files based on context, even if specific names are not mentioned. The functionality is powered by an AI model that operates locally on users' machines to maintain privacy and does not require an internet connection. However, it is only available on Copilot+ PCs, which have specialized AI chips capable of executing at least 40 trillion operations per second, limiting access for users with older machines. Currently, the feature is available only to Windows Insiders as Microsoft rolls it out in test builds.
Winsage
July 10, 2026
Windows' market share has dropped to 56.61% as of June 2026, falling below the 60% threshold. The "Unknown" category accounts for 21.45% of the market share, while Windows' adjusted market share, excluding unidentified visitors, is 72%. In June 2025, Windows held a 70.13% share, with "Unknown" at 9.17%. Over the past year, Windows' market share decreased from 77.22% to 72%, Linux rose from 4.50% to 5.59%, and Apple increased from 16.90% to 20.87%. As of early July 2026, the "Unknown" segment has surged to 23.67%. StatCounter's data collection has faced inaccuracies, with revisions possible for 45 days. The rise of Linux is noted as a significant trend, influenced by compatibility with Windows games and changes in Windows support.
Winsage
June 26, 2026
Microsoft has released a preview version of an upcoming Windows update for members of the Windows Insider Program, enhancing several pre-installed applications including Calculator, Camera, Clock, Media Player, Notepad, Paint, Photos, and Sound Recorder. The Calculator update includes improved accuracy for square root calculations, better readability in high-contrast designs, right-to-left language support for Arabic and Hebrew, and a fix for startup issues. The Sound Recorder enhancements feature an accurate live waveform display for Bluetooth recordings, a streamlined interface, immediate access to the "Highlight" button, disabled tags for WAV recordings, a smoother deletion process for multiple recordings, and a fix for a memory leak issue. Additional features include watermarks for AI-generated images in the Photos app, a zoom slider in the Camera app, customizable subtitles in Media Player, and a 15-minute delay option for alarms in the Clock app.
AppWizard
June 15, 2026
Android Who Dreams of Stars is a visual novel developed by JinCycle, featuring an autonomous android named Eve Nova in a futuristic Tokyo where AI has eliminated war and hunger. The game relies heavily on AI-generated content for artwork, sound, narrative, and localization. My Summer Love Memories also uses generative AI for its videos, images, music, and dialogue. Kryonull has gained attention for its AI-generated voices, while some users on Steam question the legitimacy of its zero price tag. Typical NPC, developed by SmogGames, launched at a zero price with all AI-generated images, followed by After the Hero, which used AI-generated images but human-crafted text. KalendulaGames has released titles priced at zero, with extensive AI disclosures. Underwater claims to use AI-generated images only as art references. Steam emphasizes transparency in AI disclosures, with developers clarifying their use of AI in various ways. Many of the 120 games using generative AI focus on music and assets rather than translation. The Steam Deck has recently seen a resurgence in stock, with a price point higher than the average game. A humorous Steam review noted the unique experience of rummaging through trash for rewards in the game Where the F**k is my Bitcoin.
AppWizard
June 13, 2026
Kryonull is a visual novel developed by NovelkaGames that features AI-generated assets and is priced at [openai_gpt model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Summarize the content and extract only the fact described in the text bellow. The summary shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. Text: In the ever-evolving landscape of digital gaming, the recent emergence of Kryonull has sparked a wave of discontent among enthusiasts. This visual novel, which has garnered attention through the Steam Release Bot on Bluesky, presents a scenario that many find disheartening. The game, priced at a staggering 0 in the US and £90 in the UK, raises eyebrows not only for its cost but also for its reliance on AI-generated assets. AI-Generated Assets and Pricing Concerns Kryonull's premise is intriguing, revolving around a manned mission to Europa that must navigate critical decisions upon encountering something hidden beneath the ice. This hard sci-fi concept holds promise, yet the execution falters significantly. The developer, NovelkaGames, has openly disclosed that "all images and voices in the game, as well as on the store page, were generated using AI." This revelation has led to a sense of disappointment, as many gamers perceive it as a missed opportunity for creativity and originality. The pricing structure further complicates the game's reception. While Kryonull is available in both English and Russian, its price in rubles translates to approximately in the US. For many, the notion of investing any amount in an AI-generated game feels like an affront, especially when considering the quality and effort that typically accompany successful titles. The Broader Context of Steam's Open Platform Kryonull serves as a cautionary tale within the broader context of Steam's open platform. While the freedom to publish games has led to a diverse array of titles, it has also resulted in a flood of subpar offerings. The platform's policies, influenced by payment processors and occasional inconsistencies, have allowed projects like Kryonull to slip through the cracks, leaving consumers to sift through a mix of quality and mediocrity. In contrast, other experimental titles such as South Scrimshaw Part One and Water Womb World showcase the potential for innovation and creativity in the genre. South Scrimshaw, a nature documentary-style game about whales on an alien planet, captivates players with its hand-drawn visuals and compelling writing, despite its use of AI-generated voiceovers. Meanwhile, Water Womb World, a surreal horror experience exploring themes of faith and existence, is available for a mere two dollars, demonstrating that quality doesn't always come at a high price. As the gaming community continues to navigate the complexities of AI integration and pricing strategies, Kryonull stands as a reminder of the importance of genuine effort and creativity in game development. The dialogue surrounding such titles will undoubtedly shape the future of the industry, as players seek out experiences that resonate with their expectations and values." max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"] in the US and £90 in the UK. The game's premise involves a manned mission to Europa, but it has received criticism for its reliance on AI-generated images and voices, leading to disappointment among gamers. The game is available in both English and Russian, but many players feel that investing in an AI-generated game is unappealing due to the perceived lack of creativity and originality. Kryonull exemplifies concerns about the quality of games on Steam's open platform, where subpar offerings can proliferate alongside innovative titles.
AppWizard
June 6, 2026
Google has discontinued the Pixel Studio image generation app, redirecting users to the Gemini app for image creation using Nano Banana models. Pixel Studio version 2.3 has disabled image creation, following previous feature removals. Existing images in Pixel Studio remain accessible for viewing and sharing. The app was launched alongside the Pixel 9 series in 2024 but struggled to gain a substantial user base. Users are now prompted to use the Gemini platform for their image generation needs.
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