AI processing Archives

Winsage

May 7, 2025

Microsoft Photos Can Relight Your Images

Microsoft has introduced new features for Windows 11 and its Copilot+ PCs, along with AI-ready Surface hardware. Key enhancements include: - Photos App: A relight feature for adding digital light sources, auto presets, and manual adjustments; new object selection capabilities in Paint; and improvements to the Snipping Tool with a text extractor and color picker. - Recall Feature: Helps users find content by retracing steps and describing memories, with strong privacy controls. - Improved Windows Search: Allows conversational queries with AI interpreting context for relevant results, aided by specialized chips in Copilot+ PCs. - Click to Do: Streamlines workflows with contextual shortcuts for actions within a single application. - Surface for Business Copilot+ PCs: Introduction of a 12-inch Surface Pro and a 13-inch Surface laptop featuring Snapdragon X Plus processors and advanced security tools. - Surface Laptop for Business: A 13-inch model with a thinner profile, anti-reflective touch screens, and an AI-enhanced camera. - Surface Pro for Business: A 12-inch versatile device that transitions between laptop and tablet modes, featuring an adjustable kickstand. - Availability: Software updates will start in April 2025, while new Surface devices will ship from July 22 in select markets.

Winsage

May 6, 2025

Expanding the Surface for Business Copilot+ PC portfolio

AI has evolved into a transformative force for organizations, increasing the demand for secure and high-performance AI-ready Windows 11 PCs. Microsoft has introduced Copilot+ PCs, including the new 12-inch Surface Pro and 13-inch Surface Laptop, both powered by the Snapdragon X Plus processor with an integrated neural processing unit (NPU) capable of 45 trillion operations per second. The 13-inch Surface Laptop offers up to 23 hours of video playback and 16 hours of web browsing, with performance enhancements of up to 50% faster speeds and double the battery life compared to its predecessor. It features an AI-enhanced 1080p front camera for video conferencing and a durable design. The 12-inch Surface Pro is the thinnest and lightest Copilot+ PC, providing 50% faster performance and up to 16 hours of local video playback. Both devices are designed as Secured-core PCs with advanced security features, including Windows Hello for Business and biometric authentication options. They support enhanced productivity through AI features in Windows 11 and Microsoft 365 Copilot, enabling faster file searches and improved team efficiency. Microsoft emphasizes sustainability with the use of recycled materials and energy-efficient designs. The new devices will be available starting July 22 in select markets.

Winsage

May 2, 2025

Windows Recall Is Back (but Should You Use It?)

Windows Recall, an AI-driven feature by Microsoft, was initially launched in July but withdrawn due to security and privacy concerns. It has since returned with modifications aimed at improving user experience, although concerns about its functionality persist. Recall captures and analyzes screenshots of user activities to aid in retrieving past documents or messages. Users must have a Copilot+ PC to access Recall, which is not activated by default. Security enhancements include encrypted data storage and mandatory Windows Hello authentication for access. However, issues remain, such as potential access via a computer PIN, inconsistent filtering of sensitive data, and the risk of data being captured from shared devices. Users can exempt specific sites and apps from being captured, but the process is cumbersome.

Winsage

April 12, 2025

Microsoft rolling Windows Recall back into Copilot+ PCs

Microsoft has reintroduced its Windows Recall feature, now integrated into the Windows 11 Release Preview channel for Copilot+ PCs, after addressing public concerns. Originally unveiled at the Build developer conference in May of last year, Windows Recall automatically captures screenshots of a user's desktop at regular intervals and stores them locally. The feature aims to help users revisit their activities and incorporate AI capabilities for searching through the captured data. Privacy concerns arose due to the logging of user actions, prompting Microsoft to pause the launch in June after significant backlash. In November, Microsoft began testing Recall again, with it disabled by default on specific Copilot+ PCs. The feature is included in Windows 11 Build 26100.3902 as an opt-in option, with plans for a broader rollout in early 2025 and a phased introduction in the European Economic Area later this year. Recall will support multiple languages and is compatible with major web browsers. Screenshots are stored locally and encrypted, requiring Windows Hello authentication for access. Microsoft asserts that data remains on local storage and is not shared with third parties, with users having control over snapshot permissions and deletion options.

Winsage

March 26, 2025

Lilbits: AI-enhanced search for Windows PCs and Amazon’s Big Spring Sale

Recent advancements in laptop technology have introduced high-performance neural processing units from manufacturers like Intel, AMD, and Qualcomm, enabling on-device artificial intelligence applications. Microsoft initially planned to launch its Recall feature for Copilot+ PCs but delayed it due to privacy concerns. Microsoft is now testing a new AI-enhanced search function that allows users to search for files, settings, or documents by description. Additionally, Microsoft is rolling out Local Semantic Search to Windows Insiders with Intel or AMD-powered Copilot+ PCs, which allows searching by description in File Explorer, Windows Search, or Settings, and can be disabled for certain folders.

Winsage

March 24, 2025

The best Windows laptop for work has one major letdown

HP’s OmniBook Ultra 14 is a premium productivity laptop priced around ,100 for a model with a 1TB drive and 16GB of RAM, and approximately ,300 for a version with 32GB of RAM. It features an AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 375, a 12-core processor, and offers nearly 13 hours of battery life. The laptop weighs about 1.5kg and measures 1.5cm in thickness, with a design that combines aesthetics and functionality. It includes two USB-C ports with Thunderbolt 4, a 3.5mm jack, and a USB-A port. The QHD IPS touchscreen is bright for indoor use, and it has an integrated camera and microphone for virtual meetings. The AI capabilities include an AI Assistant app and a dedicated Copilot button for Microsoft’s assistant, but the practical applications of the AI technology are limited. Comparatively, the OmniBook Ultra 14 outperforms other laptops in its category, such as the Framework Laptop 13 and Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x, particularly in AI capabilities and processing power.

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.