AI processing Archives

AppWizard

March 10, 2025

Here’s why Google is finally making big changes to Android updates in 2025

At MWC 2025, Google discussed its plans for Android 16, which will launch earlier than usual, specifically in Q2, allowing users to expect the update by June. The company aims to streamline Android updates and enhance support from OEMs, with a focus on longer software support. The Pixel series promises seven years of OS upgrades and security patches, and a collaboration with Qualcomm could extend this support to eight years for devices using Snapdragon 8 Elite and future 8-series and 7-series chips. Google is committed to improving the quality of updates, ensuring they enhance device performance.

Winsage

February 14, 2025

Microsoft makes another tweak to Windows 11’s taskbar – but it’s probably not the change you were hoping for

Microsoft has introduced a new icon on the Windows 11 taskbar that provides access to AI-driven Windows Studio Effects, which enhance video call quality with features like background blurring, simulated direct eye contact, improved lighting, and user centering. The icon appears when compatible applications are using the webcam, allowing users to see which application is accessing it, thus enhancing privacy. However, the feature is limited to devices with specific hardware requirements, including 16GB of RAM and a CPU with a neural processing unit (NPU), potentially restricting access for many users. This initiative is part of Microsoft's strategy to promote AI features, but user feedback has been mixed, with some expressing disappointment over the lack of traditional taskbar functionalities and questioning the necessity of these enhancements for professional use.

Winsage

November 30, 2024

Windows 11 Recall finally arrives, but with one new problem

The Windows 11 Recall feature is currently in a testing phase and has faced significant challenges, particularly with saving snapshots necessary for its operation. Users have reported delays of several minutes in saving snapshots, and some, like Tom Warren, have experienced issues where snapshots do not save at all. Microsoft has advised users to restart their computers as a potential solution to these problems. The Recall feature, which aims to provide a "photographic memory" for PCs, is available only to beta testers on specific devices and has been delayed due to security and privacy concerns. Other companies, such as Google, are also developing similar AI functionalities.

Winsage

November 27, 2024

Windows 11 remains the driver of growth in PCs, not AI

A recent analysis from TrendForce indicates that the anticipated surge in laptop sales for 2024 is primarily driven by updates in Windows 11 rather than AI features. The report states that the influence of AI-integrated notebooks on the market is minimal, with low current penetration rates. The North American consumer market is shaped by aggressive promotions and a focus on entry-level models, while premium AI PCs like Copilot+ are not aligning with current consumer demand. Many users prefer existing cloud-based AI tools and see limited benefits from upgrading to AI PCs. Privacy concerns and delays in key AI features have further complicated the situation. Global notebook shipments are projected to rise by 4.9%, reaching 183 million units by 2025, largely due to the discontinuation of Windows 10, which necessitates replacements for older devices that do not meet Windows 11 hardware requirements. Users are prioritizing cost-effective non-AI laptops over experimental AI PCs, reflecting a disconnect between industry innovation and consumer priorities focused on affordability and essential functionality.

AppWizard

November 14, 2024

Your Pixel Can Now Spot Malicious Apps on Your Phone

Google has introduced a live threat detection feature within Google Play Protect for Pixel 6 devices and newer, which analyzes app activity patterns to identify potentially malicious applications, starting with a focus on "stalkerware." When a suspicious app is detected, users receive notifications to assess and take action, including removal of the app. The technology ensures user privacy by processing data without collecting personal information. Additionally, Google has launched a public beta for an AI-powered scam detection feature for Pixel 6 and newer models, which recognizes common scam tactics during phone calls and alerts users, while processing occurs on the device without transmitting personal data to Google.

Winsage

November 13, 2024

Will Recall be under Windows Insiders’ Christmas tree?

Microsoft's Recall technology, initially unveiled in May, is designed to allow users to revisit recent desktop activities by capturing snapshots and using AI for analysis. However, privacy concerns have emerged, particularly regarding the potential capture of sensitive information and the technology's inability to respect private browsing sessions outside of Edge or Chromium. Security vulnerabilities have also been demonstrated, leading to skepticism about the project's readiness. The rollout of Recall was postponed from June to October, and then further delayed to December, with Microsoft citing the need for additional refinement. Feedback from early testers indicated that more updates were required than initially expected. The removal of Recall from Windows 11 has caused controversy, revealing dependencies in applications like File Explorer linked to the technology. Microsoft faces pressure to ensure Recall is secure and provides users with an opt-in experience, along with the option to uninstall it. A public release is now unlikely until 2025, unless further delays occur.

Winsage

October 18, 2024

OpenAI releases ChatGPT app for Windows

OpenAI has released an early version of its ChatGPT app for Windows, available only to subscribers of the Plus, Team, Enterprise, and Edu tiers, with a free download option in the Microsoft Store. This release is part of a beta testing phase, with a full rollout planned for later this year. The app has a "T for Teen" rating from the ESRB. Users must log into their paid accounts, and the interface resembles the web version, providing access to various models and features like image generation with DALL-E 3. Windows 11 users can use the Alt+Space shortcut for quick access, but this feature is not available for Windows 10. All processing occurs in the cloud, requiring an active Internet connection, and users are cautioned that the app may not always provide accurate information.

AppWizard

October 18, 2024

Google Confirms Play Store Update—Disabling Apps Starts In Next 10 Weeks

Android 15 has been released for Pixel devices, focusing on security and privacy enhancements. A key upcoming feature is Google Play’s live threat detection, which will analyze app behavior for suspicious activity and potentially disable harmful apps. Google Play Protect currently scans 200 billion apps daily, and the new feature will enhance fraud detection using on-device AI while maintaining user privacy. Google has mandated the use of the Photo Picker API, requiring apps to justify broad access to photo and video permissions. Developers must submit a declaration form to retain such permissions, with a deadline at the end of September. Failure to comply will prevent app updates on the Play Store. Google plans to enforce this policy strictly, addressing permission abuse highlighted in recent reports. The live threat detection feature is expected to roll out later this year.

Winsage

October 12, 2024

How to evaluate AI for Windows Server environments | TechTarget

The emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) presents challenges for IT managers in Windows Server environments, requiring evaluation of operational and business factors to determine the best deployment strategy—on-premises or cloud. Windows Server 2025 is set to enhance AI features, encouraging organizations to utilize existing infrastructure for AI initiatives. AI can improve analytics and IT operations by processing large datasets and automating tasks, but it has limitations in areas requiring creativity and nuanced decision-making. A cost-benefit analysis is essential for AI projects, focusing on ROI through time savings and efficiency improvements. Microsoft provides resources to help calculate ROI, including Total Economic Impact studies and AI Business School frameworks. Key factors influencing AI deployment costs include the choice between cloud and on-premises models, custom versus prebuilt AI models, and the complexity of the business case. Operational considerations for successful AI deployment include skill development, security protocols, environmental impact, and supply chain dependencies. Windows Server 2025 will introduce features like GPU partitioning and live migration for optimizing AI workloads. The decision between on-premises and cloud deployment involves assessing control, costs, scalability, and risk management strategies.

Winsage

October 3, 2024

I just demoed Windows 11 Recall: 3 useful features that may surprise you

Recall is a feature introduced by Microsoft that functions as a personal digital scrapbook, capturing screenshots and snapshots of PC activity for easy access. It includes a timeline scrubber for scrolling through daily activities and a natural language search capability for retrieving specific information. Microsoft has delayed the rollout of Recall to enhance security, implementing features like Windows Hello for biometric authentication. Recall allows users to access links in search results, interact with screenshots without leaving the interface, and manage storage limits ranging from 25GB to 150GB. The data captured is encrypted and stored securely, with AI processing occurring on-device. Recall is only supported on Copilot+ PCs, such as the Surface Laptop 7, and requires signing up for a Windows Insider membership to access.