NewApp Digest
search bot

AI processors

Windows 10 Support Ends In 2025, Should You Spend Big On A Windows AI Laptop?
Winsage
December 20, 2024

Windows 10 Support Ends In 2025, Should You Spend Big On A Windows AI Laptop?

Microsoft will end official support for Windows 10 in October 2025, prompting users to consider upgrading their systems, especially if their current PCs cannot transition to Windows 11. Only systems with TPM 2.0 security technology will qualify for a free upgrade to Windows 11, which has received criticism for complicating the upgrade process. Windows 11 features a new user interface and incorporates AI tools for enhanced functionality. The tech industry is shifting towards AI technology, with new processors like Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite and Intel's Lunar Lake promising improved battery efficiency. However, AI PCs often exceed Rs 1 lakh, posing challenges in markets like India, where average laptop prices are around Rs 60,000. Qualcomm is working on making AI features more accessible at around Rs 80,000. While investing in a Windows AI laptop may be tempting, it might be wise to wait until 2025 for a broader range of options at various price points.
Windows and Office get smart: An overview of Microsoft's AI services
Winsage
November 20, 2024

Windows and Office get smart: An overview of Microsoft’s AI services

Microsoft is integrating artificial intelligence across its software ecosystem, particularly in Windows and Office applications. The AI assistant Copilot is accessible via the taskbar or Start menu and operates through the Edge browser, allowing users to engage with AI for tasks like generating text and creating images. Copilot is embedded in Microsoft Edge, enabling users to ask questions and receive answers powered by Bing, with options for different conversational styles. The Edge integration offers enhanced capabilities such as summarizing web content and utilizing plugins for travel and dining searches, which are not available in the standalone app. Microsoft's Paint application has been upgraded with Cocreator and Image Creator features that use AI to generate images based on user descriptions, leveraging Dall-e technology from OpenAI. The Image Creator operates through Microsoft’s cloud resources, while Cocreator processes locally on Copilot Plus devices. The Windows Photo Viewer has a generative erase function that allows users to remove unwanted objects from photos, intelligently filling in gaps left behind. Microsoft has developed PCs with Neural Processing Units (NPUs) to handle AI tasks locally, enhancing performance and addressing data privacy concerns. The Designer feature has expanded from PowerPoint to Word, providing AI-driven design suggestions, but requires a paid Microsoft 365 subscription. The Copilot Pro subscription allows for text generation, template creation, and data analysis in Excel, though some limitations exist. AI capabilities have also been integrated into tools like Clipchamp and Teams for video creation and communication management. Microsoft has paused the rollout of the Recall feature, which tracks user activity through screenshots, due to privacy concerns.
AMD’s new Ryzen AI PRO 300 Series powers Copilot+ PCs
Winsage
October 10, 2024

AMD’s new Ryzen AI PRO 300 Series powers Copilot+ PCs

AMD has introduced its third generation of commercial AI mobile processors, the Ryzen AI PRO 300 Series, which offer three times the performance of previous models. These processors enhance business productivity and are designed for seamless management of everyday workloads, prioritizing security and manageability through AMD PRO Technologies. Microsoft has also announced AI advancements for Copilot+ PCs and Windows 11, including features like Recall (Preview) and Click to Do (Preview). OEM partners such as HP and Lenovo are launching new Windows PCs powered by these processors.
Microsoft details security/privacy overhaul for Windows Recall ahead of relaunch
Winsage
September 27, 2024

Microsoft details security/privacy overhaul for Windows Recall ahead of relaunch

Microsoft is revisiting its Recall feature for Copilot+ on Windows PCs after facing backlash over security issues during its initial rollout. The original Recall captured screenshots and text using optical character recognition (OCR) and stored this data unencrypted, raising security concerns. The feature was postponed before its planned launch on June 18 to address these issues. The revised Recall will be opt-in by default, requiring user activation, and will necessitate re-authentication through Windows Hello to access data. All locally stored Recall data will be encrypted, with encryption keys stored in the device's Trusted Platform Module (TPM). Recall will only function when BitLocker or Device Encryption is enabled, along with Virtualization-Based Security (VBS) and Hypervisor-Protected Code Integrity (HVCI). Recall will operate within a VBS enclave, isolating data in memory and allowing access only after user permission. Only Microsoft-signed code can execute within these enclaves, enhancing security against malware. Users must re-authenticate with Windows Hello each time they access Recall, with biometric authentication as the primary method. The encryption keys are tied to the user's identity, addressing vulnerabilities from the original version. Users can configure settings to limit data collection, manage disk space, and filter sensitive content. Recall will only be available on new PCs meeting specific requirements, including at least 16GB of RAM, 256GB of storage, and a compatible neural processing unit (NPU). Eligible devices include select Arm Windows PCs with Snapdragon chips and x86 PCs with Intel's Core Ultra or AMD's Ryzen AI processors. Microsoft has not provided a timeline for the reintroduction of Recall but indicated it would roll out to Windows Insiders in October.
I desperately need a Windows laptop, but there are 4 reasons I can't buy one right now
Winsage
July 9, 2024

I desperately need a Windows laptop, but there are 4 reasons I can’t buy one right now

- Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus chips were built from scratch to make Windows on ARM happen. - Intel is working on Lunar Lake laptop chips to improve performance and battery life. - AMD is coming out with Ryzen AI 300 chips promising up to 50 TOPS of AI performance. - The author is considering switching to Apple silicon after using Windows for 24 years. - The laptop space is filled with exciting developments, making it tough for consumers to decide on a purchase.
Search