AI technologies Archives

AppWizard

May 17, 2025

Google backs down after locking out Nextcloud Files app

Google has reinstated the permissions previously revoked from Nextcloud's Files app for Android, allowing the app to restore its full file syncing capabilities. Andy Schertzinger, Director of Engineering at Nextcloud, confirmed this decision, which follows a period of challenges after Google revoked the app's "All files access" permission in late 2024. This permission is crucial for file synchronization applications. Nextcloud had faced difficulties in the Play Store due to this revocation, and despite attempts to communicate with Google, there was no response until the recent restoration of permissions.

Tech Optimizer

May 15, 2025

Neon Serverless Postgres: Azure Native Integration Now Available

Microsoft and Neon have launched Neon Serverless Postgres as a native integration within the Azure ecosystem, following its initial preview in December 2024. This open-source, serverless database solution is positioned as an alternative to AWS Aurora Postgres. Key features include automatic scaling, branching capabilities, direct database connection from Azure, Azure CLI and SDK support, and Semantic Kernel integration for RAG pipelines. Microsoft has invested millions in Neon as part of a broader funding round to enhance collaboration. Neon’s platform includes autoscaling, branching, and point-in-time restore capabilities, specifically designed for AI applications. EnterpriseDB has appointed Nancy Hensley as Chief Product Officer to lead growth for its EDB Postgres AI platform, which supports various workloads and modernizes legacy systems. Additionally, companies are increasingly adopting passwordless authentication methods, with MojoAuth offering solutions that integrate into applications to enhance security and user experience.

Winsage

May 2, 2025

Microsoft : Special Windows 365 offer helps secure organizations against changing conditions

In 2025, 82% of leaders consider the year crucial for reevaluating fundamental strategies and operational frameworks due to economic volatility and supply chain disruptions. Organizations are encouraged to embrace artificial intelligence to enhance efficiency and decision-making, reassess existing strategies for alignment with market realities, and foster a culture of innovation to create new opportunities. The ability to pivot and innovate is identified as a key determinant of success in the evolving business landscape.

Winsage

April 18, 2025

Microsoft removes the paywall for Copilot Vision, but only for Edge users

Microsoft has introduced a feature called Copilot Vision in its Edge browser, which allows AI to perceive and interpret content on users' screens. This feature is currently free but limited to users in the United States. Concerns about privacy and data security have arisen, prompting Microsoft to take a cautious approach to its rollout. Both Copilot Vision and a previous feature, Windows Recall, which captures snapshots of a user’s PC, are optional and require user activation. Microsoft has made modifications to enhance the security of Windows Recall in response to privacy concerns.

AppWizard

April 9, 2025

The Last of Us Part 2 proves that 8 GB of VRAM can be enough, even at 4K with maximum settings, so why aren’t more games using the same clever asset-streaming trick?

Sony's The Last of Us Part 1 faced significant issues upon its PC release, including bugs, instability, and excessive VRAM usage, leading to debates about the adequacy of 8 GB of VRAM. In contrast, The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered demonstrated improved VRAM management during testing, with an RTX 5080 averaging 11.36 GB of memory usage and an RTX 3060 Ti averaging 11.06 GB. The game effectively managed VRAM without overloading the GPU, unlike its predecessor. Additionally, TLOU2 exhibited high CPU utilization, indicating efficient parallel task management. This performance suggests that proper asset streaming can maintain stability even on lower VRAM configurations, highlighting the importance of effective asset management in future AAA titles.

Winsage

April 4, 2025

Microsoft unveils AI assistant with ‘memory’

Microsoft launched an enhanced version of its AI assistant, "Copilot," which can remember user preferences and perform tasks autonomously, during its 50th anniversary event. The assistant can independently book tickets, make reservations, and shop online. This update is part of a strategic overhaul to improve Microsoft's consumer image and reduce reliance on OpenAI. The event featured former CEO Steve Ballmer and co-founder Bill Gates, highlighting past challenges in the consumer market. Current CEO Satya Nadella has shifted focus to cloud services, resulting in a significant increase in share price. Copilot will include a podcast-generating feature and a "Vision" feature for processing information from a user's phone camera. Microsoft aims to enhance its Bing search engine to compete with Google, which dominates the search market. The company hired Mustafa Suleyman and invested in his start-up Inflection AI to advance its AI capabilities. Microsoft maintains a profit-sharing agreement with OpenAI and access to its models until at least 2030.

Winsage

April 3, 2025

Microsoft at 50: how adaptability under Nadella is paying off

Bill Gates and Paul Allen founded Microsoft fifty years ago to sell a version of the Basic computer language for the Altair. Microsoft has evolved from its initial focus on PC software to commanding a vast network of global data centers and recently investing in generative AI. The company faced challenges from the rise of the internet and smartphones, which shifted focus away from PCs, leading to stagnation in its stock price. Satya Nadella became CEO in 2014 and shifted Microsoft towards a cloud-first strategy, embracing open-source software and partnering with OpenAI for exclusive access to AI models. Under his leadership, Microsoft has adapted to changes in the tech landscape, although the impact of generative AI remains uncertain. Since Nadella's appointment, Microsoft's stock price has increased tenfold, raising its market value to nearly .8 trillion.

Winsage

March 31, 2025

Microsoft is turning 50. Is it ready for the next technological frontier?

Satya Nadella made a significant investment in OpenAI at the end of 2022, positioning Microsoft as a leader in the AI sector and boosting its valuation by over a trillion dollars. As of early 2025, Microsoft faces challenges including reduced data center investments, disappointing stock performance, tensions with OpenAI, and declining market enthusiasm for AI technologies. The company's shares have dropped approximately 16% since peaking in July 2024, and it has experienced a 7% decline this year, making it the only member of the Magnificent 7 tech stocks without a gain over the past twelve months. Microsoft has retreated from ambitious AI infrastructure plans, scrapping data center projects that would have increased its computing power by about 14%. The company is also developing its own AI models while struggling with the market traction of Copilot, which has not advanced beyond initial testing for many organizations. Broader trends indicate a slowdown in AI adoption growth rates among U.S. workers and growing apprehension among CIOs regarding AI expenditures.

Winsage

March 13, 2025

Microsoft isn’t launching its Xbox handheld this year, but Asus might be

Microsoft is developing a next-generation Xbox platform aimed at unifying its Windows and Xbox ecosystems, with a handheld gaming device codenamed Project Kennan in prototype phase, expected to launch in a few years. The goal is to create a universal library of games accessible across devices, with substantial changes anticipated by 2025. Project Kennan will offer a handheld experience powered by Windows, resembling the Xbox interface, as part of a broader strategy called Project Bayside. Microsoft is also focusing on streamlining game development for seamless operation across handhelds, consoles, and PCs. A dedicated team for game preservation and compatibility was established in early 2024, indicating a commitment to maintaining digital libraries. A premium successor to the Xbox Series X is projected for release in 2027. Microsoft is hosting a 50th anniversary event on April 4th to share updates on its Copilot AI and other innovations. Additionally, Copilot will have a new press-to-talk hotkey on Windows, and the Remote Desktop app will be replaced by a new Windows app by May 27th. Forza Horizon 5 will require a Microsoft account on PS5 for online features, and a recent Xbox Alpha update caused some consoles to reset to factory settings. A Windows 11 update has caused issues with USB printers, and Microsoft Edge on Android is receiving six new extensions. Microsoft is reportedly dropping some CoreWeave services ahead of a billion IPO, while Copilot is being integrated into GroupMe.

Winsage

March 11, 2025

Microsoft is holding a special consumer AI event to celebrate 50 years

Microsoft is hosting a media event on April 4 at its headquarters in Redmond, Washington, to celebrate its 50th anniversary. The event will feature announcements related to new consumer AI innovations and enhancements to its Copilot technology. Key figures, including CEO Satya Nadella, will present at the event, which will also serve as a celebration for Microsoft employees. The company has been developing its generative AI technology and refining Copilot features for Windows. Reports indicate that Microsoft is exploring in-house AI solutions and evaluating other generative AI technologies for integration into Copilot. Last year, Microsoft reintroduced Copilot with a new interface, aiming to make it a central feature across its products. Significant changes to Copilot's integration within Windows are expected in the coming years, with plans to enhance its capabilities as an omnipresent assistant.