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'The version Microsoft will build should be known as Copilot OS': Windows built around AI may not be happening, but leaked concept remains a grim portent for desktops
Winsage
August 25, 2026

‘The version Microsoft will build should be known as Copilot OS’: Windows built around AI may not be happening, but leaked concept remains a grim portent for desktops

Microsoft is exploring a project for a Windows operating system integrated with AI capabilities, referred to as "Copilot OS" or "Agent OS." This system aims to stream applications directly to the desktop and create a cross-platform experience. It is designed to function as an "agent," managing local computers and cloud services for users. Currently, Microsoft is downplaying its AI initiatives while enhancing Windows 11, focusing on user concerns and gradually introducing AI elements, including smaller-scale AI agents for specific tasks. The company is also working on improving voice interaction across applications. Despite the current focus, Microsoft remains committed to an AI-centric operating system, with potential future monetization strategies for AI agents.
I've been trying to forget Microsoft's vision of Windows built around AI — but it's surfaced again, and I'm worried that it remains a terrifying glimpse of the future
Winsage
August 25, 2026

I’ve been trying to forget Microsoft’s vision of Windows built around AI — but it’s surfaced again, and I’m worried that it remains a terrifying glimpse of the future

Microsoft's shelved project, codenamed 'Project Aion', aimed to create a lightweight, web-based operating system focused on AI functionalities, particularly integrating Copilot. Leaked materials from 2024 describe Aion as a "Copilot OS," designed to unify various devices under a single intelligent framework, with applications streamed to the desktop instead of installed locally. Despite its cancellation, Microsoft is still committed to developing AI agents within Windows 11, enhancing user experience gradually while optimizing resource usage for devices with 8GB of RAM. The company is also planning to improve voice interaction capabilities across applications. Although Project Aion is no longer active, its vision may influence future developments, including potential monetization strategies for AI features.
Microsoft's leaked new OS is one you'll hope stays buried, and it's not Windows
Winsage
August 25, 2026

Microsoft’s leaked new OS is one you’ll hope stays buried, and it’s not Windows

Leaked documents reveal that Microsoft developed Project Aion, a Copilot-centric operating system distinct from Windows 11, which was never released. Aion was designed without a Start menu, desktop icons, or a traditional taskbar, placing Copilot at the center of user interaction. The project was conceived as early as 2024 and aimed to redefine user engagement with technology, focusing on education, entertainment, and task completion. It utilized a streamlined Windows codebase called Win3, which was lighter than Windows 11 but lacked support for legacy Win32 apps. Aion featured a personalized dashboard with task cards and app icons for both Microsoft and third-party applications. It was intended to run on various AI-focused devices and aimed to create a versatile operating system adaptable to different hardware configurations. Key features included a conversational user experience, an "Ask me anything" box for queries, and "Spaces" for project organization. Despite its innovative design, Aion was primarily aimed at enterprise use and faced limitations due to the absence of traditional desktop applications. The likelihood of Aion's release is slim as Microsoft has shifted its focus to refining Windows 11 and has begun retracting ambitious AI integrations, prioritizing stability and performance enhancements over new operating systems.
Take-Two's former AI guy is, in a twist, skeptical about AI now: 'The guy should be selling you the gold if he's actually got the gold'
AppWizard
August 20, 2026

Take-Two’s former AI guy is, in a twist, skeptical about AI now: ‘The guy should be selling you the gold if he’s actually got the gold’

Take-Two Interactive laid off AI specialist Dicken and a significant portion of the AI team after a year, reflecting industry volatility. Dicken expressed skepticism about generative AI's role in creative processes, noting that many creatives view it as a departure from intentionality. He observed a divide in public perception, with Western audiences more resistant to generative AI compared to Asian audiences. Dicken highlighted challenges in integrating AI into workflows, including vendor lock-in and price volatility, drawing parallels to the Unity engine's pricing crisis. He noted a gold rush mentality among corporations eager to adopt AI, often without proper safeguards. Looking forward, Dicken believes AI will bring long-term changes to gaming but should be seen as a tool to enhance experiences rather than a revolutionary force. He advocated for a thoughtful approach to incorporating AI-generated content, emphasizing the need for alignment with a game's fundamental thesis.
Microsoft is ditching the COPILOT function in Excel before it even launches
Winsage
August 17, 2026

Microsoft is ditching the COPILOT function in Excel before it even launches

Microsoft has decided to discontinue the COPILOT function in Excel, which was never widely available and was accessible only to Frontier and Insider users since August 2025. The feature allowed users to interact with spreadsheets using natural language for tasks like summarizing text and categorizing feedback, and it could retrieve information from the web. Users will no longer be able to create new formulas using the COPILOT function after September 14, 2026. While the COPILOT function will be discontinued, similar functionalities will still be available through the Copilot side pane, which supports various AI-driven tasks. Microsoft is shifting towards a more unified Copilot experience within its Microsoft 365 suite, indicating a strategic reassessment of its Copilot offerings.
Google’s Android chief lays out his vision for how AI will change our smartphones
AppWizard
August 12, 2026

Google’s Android chief lays out his vision for how AI will change our smartphones

Google introduced new features in its Pixel 11 Pro smartphone, including a light that indicates when its Gemini AI is processing commands and a forthcoming Android feature named Halo that provides real-time updates on AI task progress. The company aims to reduce the need for users to micromanage their devices by allowing AI to handle routine tasks, such as scheduling appointments. Google anticipates consumer needs three years ahead in its Android development, focusing on how AI can enhance user experience. Other companies, like Samsung and Apple, are also investing in AI integration, with Apple planning to revamp Siri for better functionality. Despite advancements, there is growing consumer skepticism about AI, with 79% of Americans expressing distrust in businesses to use AI responsibly.
Desktop Linux just cracked 10% market share - and Windows 11 is mostly to blame
Winsage
August 5, 2026

Desktop Linux just cracked 10% market share – and Windows 11 is mostly to blame

Desktop Linux has reached a market share of 10.65% in North America, doubling from a 5% share in 2025. When including Chrome OS, the combined market share rises to 12.72%. The US federal government's Digital Analytics Program (DAP) reports Linux's market share at 5.8%, with a total end-user Linux share of approximately 19% when factoring in Android and Chrome OS. Key reasons for users leaving Windows include the transition to Microsoft 365, improved gaming on Linux, better user-friendliness, enhanced hardware compatibility, and privacy concerns. Approximately 25% of Windows 10 PCs are ineligible for an upgrade to Windows 11, with 22.16% of Windows users still on Windows 10. A survey found that 26% of users plan to continue using Windows 10 after support ends. Users are frustrated with Windows, viewing Windows 11 as a promotional platform for Microsoft's services. Modern Linux distributions are user-friendly, and installation is straightforward. Linux is recognized for its superior security compared to Windows, which has faced numerous vulnerabilities and security patches.
Can Microsoft Really Make Windows 11 Suck Less on Weak PCs?
Winsage
August 3, 2026

Can Microsoft Really Make Windows 11 Suck Less on Weak PCs?

Microsoft is refining Windows 11 to improve user experience by reducing unnecessary AI integration, enhancing control over widgets and taskbar configurations, and streamlining File Explorer. The company aims to decrease the operating system's memory usage, particularly for devices with 8GB of RAM, addressing concerns about excessive memory consumption. Historically, Microsoft recommended 16GB of RAM for new PCs, but rising prices have led to a shift towards lower RAM configurations to attract budget-conscious consumers. For example, Dell offers an XPS 13 with 8GB of memory for 9, while a model with 16GB costs ,299. The minimum requirement for Windows 11 is 4GB of RAM, which is barely sufficient to run the OS. Microsoft is working on optimizing the OS by remaking components to reduce reliance on the memory-intensive WebView2 and implementing a more efficient memory allocator. These enhancements aim to improve the experience for users with 8GB laptops, but potential buyers must decide between purchasing a less powerful machine or investing in a more capable system.
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