AI tools

Winsage
December 28, 2024
A Copilot+ PC is not required to access many AI features in Windows 11; older laptops that run Windows 11 can still utilize various AI-driven tools. The Photos app includes AI enhancements such as the Background tool, which allows users to blur, remove, or replace backgrounds in images. The Generative Erase function in Photos enables users to remove unwanted objects from photos. Microsoft Clipchamp offers an Auto Compose feature for quick video editing, allowing users to create videos with AI assistance. Microsoft's Copilot has become a standalone app, enabling window movement and custom keyboard shortcuts, and integrates advanced language models to assist with various tasks across Microsoft applications.
Winsage
December 26, 2024
Microsoft has introduced an AI feature called Recall for Windows PCs, enabling users to retrieve actions or searches by capturing and storing screenshots in an encrypted format. Users can search for specific content using keywords, but Recall will only be available to select Windows 11 PCs. Initially exclusive to Snapdragon X SoCs, Recall now supports newer Intel and AMD CPUs with a 40 teraflops Neural Processing Unit (NPU). To use Recall, the system requirements include: - Windows 11 PC enrolled in the Insider Program (Canary or Dev channel) - 16 GB RAM - 256 GB SSD - CPU with 8 logical processors - NPU with 40 teraflops - Windows Hello for sign-in security and device encryption activated. Compatible devices include: - Acer Swift 14 AI - ASUS Vivobook S 15 and ProArt PZ13 - Dell Latitude 7455, XPS 13, and Inspiron 14 - HP OmniBook X 14 - Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x and ThinkPad T14s - Microsoft Surface Laptop Copilot+ PC - Microsoft Surface Pro Copilot+ PC - Samsung Galaxy Book4 Edge Supported CPUs are: - AMD Ryzen AI 300 series - Intel Core Ultra 200V series - Snapdragon X Elite - Snapdragon X Plus More compatible systems and CPUs are expected by 2025.
AppWizard
December 21, 2024
Google is set to unveil Android 16 several months earlier than usual, with a stable build anticipated in Q2 2025. The developer preview is already accessible, and public betas are expected to roll out in Q1 2025. Android 16 will include major features, while a subsequent release in Q4 may focus on stability improvements and optimizations, possibly labeled Android 16.1. Google is reverting to smaller tiles in the interface for Android 16, and enhanced multitasking capabilities are anticipated for foldable devices. Google is integrating AI features into its ecosystem and collaborating with manufacturers like Honor and Samsung for new device launches. The gradual merging of Android and ChromeOS aims to enhance user experience. Google is also collaborating with Samsung and Qualcomm to introduce Android XR for extended reality headsets and glasses, with the first hardware expected in 2025.
Winsage
December 21, 2024
The FBI has warned of a rise in email attacks, particularly with the holiday season approaching, highlighting increased risks from sophisticated phishing emails and malicious websites enhanced by AI tools. Microsoft is promoting its Edge browser as a safer alternative for Windows users, with plans for pop-up notifications encouraging users to set Edge as their default browser. Despite a slight increase in Edge's market share, it still significantly lags behind Google Chrome. The Department of Justice may pursue actions against Google that could impact Chrome, while Microsoft continues to use security as a key reason for promoting Edge. Users are experiencing pop-up campaigns with confusing options regarding Edge, and while Edge has security advantages, Google is improving its own features. Microsoft may find more success in promoting Edge within the enterprise sector.
AppWizard
December 20, 2024
Google is releasing Android 16, which includes the WritingTools API that allows app developers to control the use of AI writing tools. The API introduces two methods: isWritingToolsEnabled() and setWritingToolsEnabled(), enabling applications to manage AI interactions with specific text fields. By default, AI writing tools are enabled, but developers can disable them in sensitive areas such as password fields and email addresses. This aims to standardize practices across Android keyboards, as not all third-party keyboards currently follow similar protocols. The API is part of a broader set of innovations in Android 16 Developer Preview 2, which also includes enhanced haptic controls, searchable cloud media items, and an adaptive refresh rate API.
Winsage
December 20, 2024
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.
Winsage
December 20, 2024
The landscape of Windows laptops in 2024 features a variety of options, including robust workstations powered by Qualcomm technology, dual-display devices, and discreet gaming machines. The 13-inch Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 is highlighted as the top choice, equipped with the Snapdragon X Elite processor and exceptional battery life. The HP Omnibook X 14 is noted as the best mid-range option, while the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 is recommended for budget-conscious users. The Lenovo Yoga 9i (Gen 9) is recognized as the best 2-in-1 laptop, and the Alienware m16 R2 is identified as the best gaming laptop. Upcoming models include the Dell XPS 13, HP Omnibook Ultra Flip, and Framework Laptop 13, with updates expected after testing. The HP Omen 17 gaming laptop received mixed reviews, praised for performance but criticized for keyboard, speakers, and battery life.
AppWizard
December 20, 2024
Android 16 may introduce a feature allowing apps to block AI-generated text from keyboards. Reports indicate that Google is exploring an API enabling developers to identify and prevent AI-generated text from being pasted into their applications. This functionality involves the EditorInfo class, which includes new methods isWritingToolsEnabled() and setWritingToolsEnabled(). When an AI writing tool is active, setWritingToolsEnabled() will return true, allowing keyboards to generate text. Apps can disable this feature by configuring setWritingToolsEnabled() to return false, preventing the insertion of AI-generated text. The specific applications that will implement this feature are currently unknown.
AppWizard
December 19, 2024
Google has released the second developer preview of Android 16, which includes the Writing Tools API. This API allows applications to opt out of AI-driven text generation. It features two methods in the EditorInfo class: isWritingToolsEnabled(), which indicates if AI writing tools are active (enabled by default), and setWritingToolsEnabled(), which allows apps to prevent AI tools from rewriting user-generated text. Developers can disable these tools in contexts like password or numeric input fields. The API aims to give developers greater control over when to use AI writing tools, particularly in sensitive scenarios. Keyboard app developers are responsible for adhering to the API guidelines, though users may find ways to bypass restrictions.
Winsage
December 19, 2024
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella stated that Google reportedly profits more from the Windows operating system than Microsoft itself. He highlighted the advantages of Windows' open architecture and its compatibility with various AI tools, including Google’s Gemini, OpenAI’s ChatGPT, and Anthropic’s Claude. Google’s Chrome browser accounts for 66% of desktop browser sessions, while Safari holds 9%. Google’s search engine captures approximately 85% of all search queries, compared to Microsoft’s Bing, which has a 3% market share. Cloudflare's report suggests Google's search share may be as high as 88%. Microsoft is under investigation for potential anticompetitive behavior, while Google has been attempting to undermine Microsoft's partnership with OpenAI. In 2021, Google paid Apple a billion dollars to remain the default search engine for Safari.
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