AI tools Archives

AppWizard

May 22, 2025

Luminar Photo Editor Comes To Android And ChromeOS

Skylum has launched Luminar: Photo Editor, an AI-driven photo editing application for Android and ChromeOS devices, in collaboration with Google. The app is compatible with various Android devices, including smartphones, tablets, foldables, and Chromebooks, featuring a user interface that adapts to different screen sizes. Luminar includes signature tools such as Enhance AI, Structure AI, Relight AI, Atmosphere AI, Sky AI, Skin AI, and Body AI, along with essential editing tools like exposure adjustments and a filter collection. The app is designed for quick and accessible edits, suitable for beginners. It is available on Google Play with three pricing options: a monthly plan for .99/€3.99, a yearly plan for .99/€23.99 (with a 7-day free trial), and a lifetime license for .99/€47.99. This marks the first official availability of Luminar on Android.

Winsage

May 21, 2025

Microsoft adds new AI Actions entry to the Windows 11 context menu

Microsoft is rolling out a new feature called AI Actions in Windows 11's File Explorer, allowing users to interact more deeply with their files through a context menu. Users can right-click on a file to access options like editing images or summarizing documents without opening them. Currently, four sub-entries are available under the AI actions menu: Bing Visual Search, Blur Background, Erase Objects, and Remove Background, supporting .jpg, .jpeg, and .png file formats. Additional features for Microsoft 365 subscribers include generating summaries of documents and creating FAQs from OneDrive files, with support for various file formats.

AppWizard

May 21, 2025

New Google AI Pro and $249/month Ultra subscription announced at I/O

On May 20, Google launched two new artificial intelligence subscription plans: AI Pro and AI Ultra. The AI Ultra plan is currently only available in the United States but will expand to other regions soon. The AI Pro plan enhances the existing Gemini Advanced plan with features like Flow, a new AI filmmaking tool, and Notebook LM, offering higher rate limits and integrated capabilities across Google applications such as Gmail, Docs, and Vids. It provides up to 2 TB of storage for .99 per month, with a 50% discount for the first three months. The AI Ultra plan includes advanced models like Veo 3 and 2.5 Pro Deep Think, early access to experimental features, and a YouTube Premium subscription, along with 30 TB of storage. The Ultra plan also features Project Mariner and Agent Mode for streamlined task management.

AppWizard

May 20, 2025

Skylum Teams Up with Google to Bring Luminar to Android and ChromeOS

Google has announced a collaboration with Skylum to bring Luminar, a photo editing software, to Android and ChromeOS devices. Luminar is designed to provide an optimal user experience across various devices, adapting to different screen sizes and aspect ratios. The software includes AI-powered editing tools such as Enhance AI, Relight AI, and Sky AI, along with traditional manual editing functions. Luminar is available for download from the Google Play store, with monthly subscription plans starting at a specified amount, annual plans offered at a discounted rate, and a lifetime license available.

Winsage

May 20, 2025

Securing the Model Context Protocol: Building a safer agentic future on Windows

The Model Context Protocol (MCP) is a lightweight, open protocol functioning as JSON-RPC over HTTP, facilitating standardized discovery and invocation of tools. MCP defines three roles: MCP Hosts (applications accessing capabilities), MCP Clients (initiators of requests), and MCP Servers (services exposing functionalities). Windows 11 will incorporate MCP to enable developers to create intelligent applications leveraging generative AI. An early preview of MCP capabilities will be available for developer feedback. MCP introduces security risks, including cross-prompt injection, authentication gaps, credential leakage, tool poisoning, lack of containment, limited security review, registry risks, and command injection. To address these, Windows 11's MCP Security Architecture will establish security requirements for MCP servers, ensuring user safety and transparency, enforcing least privilege, and implementing security controls like proxy-mediated communication, tool-level authorization, a central server registry, and runtime isolation. MCP servers must comply with security requirements, including mandatory code signing, unchanged tool definitions at runtime, security testing, mandatory package identity, and declared privileges. An early private preview of MCP server capability will be offered to developers post-Microsoft Build for feedback, with a secure-by-default enforcement strategy planned for broader availability. Microsoft aims to enhance defenses continuously and collaborate with partners to bolster MCP's security framework.

Winsage

May 18, 2025

Make an old PC feel new again with this Microsoft Office and Windows 11 bundle

The Ultimate Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows: Lifetime License and Windows 11 Pro Bundle is available for .97, reduced from 9.99, until June 1. The bundle includes Microsoft Office Professional 2021 with eight applications and Windows 11 Pro, both valid for a lifetime.

AppWizard

May 17, 2025

Why KakaoTalk’s typing indicator is getting on some Koreans’ nerves

KakaoTalk introduced a beta feature called a typing indicator, which displays a three-dot animation when someone is composing a message. This feature has received mixed reactions from users, with many expressing discomfort about sharing their typing status, comparing it to formal communication tools. Users have voiced their dissatisfaction online, with some questioning the necessity of this update and expressing concerns about the platform evolving into one similar to workplace messaging applications. KakaoTalk allows users to disable the typing indicator in the Settings under the Kakao Lab section. Additionally, Kakao Lab includes other features like AI tools for summarizing chat conversations.

AppWizard

May 16, 2025

Google to give app devs access to Gemini Nano for on-device AI

Google is preparing to unveil new mobile AI tools at the upcoming I/O event, including a suite of APIs that will enable developers to use Gemini Nano for on-device AI applications. The ML Kit SDK will be updated to support on-device generative AI functionalities through Gemini Nano, which integrates with existing models and offers predefined features for ease of implementation. The ML Kit’s GenAI APIs will allow applications to perform tasks such as summarization, proofreading, rewriting, and image description without cloud data transmission. However, Gemini Nano's capabilities are limited compared to cloud-based options, with summaries restricted to three bullet points and image descriptions available only in English. The standard version, Gemini Nano XS, requires about 100MB of storage, while the smaller Gemini Nano XXS is text-only and occupies a quarter of that size. ML Kit is compatible with devices beyond Google's Pixel lineup, including the OnePlus 13, Samsung Galaxy S25, and Xiaomi 15, providing developers opportunities to enhance applications with generative AI features.

Tech Optimizer

May 16, 2025

WebDevPro #90: GSAP Goes Free, PostgreSQL 18 Beta Launches, Node 24 Overhauls Windows Support

The integration of system design principles in software development is increasingly critical, influenced by the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) in development workflows. The demand for programmers who can quickly write code is diminishing, with organizations seeking individuals who possess a strong understanding of programming fundamentals and can oversee AI-generated outputs. Developers are now expected to leverage AI to enhance their work and maintain quality by recognizing when AI is not performing optimally. A holistic view of software architecture is encouraged, emphasizing collaboration and the importance of each code contribution to the overall project. The industry is shifting away from evaluating candidates based solely on syntax proficiency and coding speed, recognizing the value of strategic thinking and architectural awareness in developers.

Tech Optimizer

May 15, 2025

Databricks to acquire serverless database startup Neon for USD 1 Billion

Databricks intends to acquire Neon, a serverless Postgres startup, for approximately USD 1 billion. Neon specializes in a modern database service based on PostgreSQL, offering features such as near-instantaneous database provisioning, elastic scaling, and powerful branching capabilities. This acquisition aims to enhance Databricks' offerings for AI tools, particularly AI Agents. Databricks has a history of expanding through acquisitions, including the purchase of MosaicML for USD 1.3 billion in 2023 and Tabular for over USD 1 billion in 2024. The company has a valuation of USD 62 billion and projected annualized revenue of USD 2.4 billion by mid-year. The acquisition awaits regulatory approvals.