Cloud Archives

Winsage

November 8, 2024

Microsoft tests emulator to bring support for x64 apps and games to Windows on Arm: What it means for users

Microsoft is testing a significant update for systems using Qualcomm's Arm-based processors, introduced in the latest Windows 11 Insider Preview Build. This update includes a tool that enhances Copilot Plus PCs with Snapdragon X Elite or X Plus processors through its Prism emulation layer, allowing a wider range of x64 applications and games to run on these devices. The update aims to enable high-demand games like Starfield and Helldivers 2 on Arm-based Windows devices and is currently being trialed by Windows Insiders in the Canary Channel. The update improves the usability of 64-bit x86 software, providing access to processor extensions like AVX and AVX2, enhancing performance and compatibility. However, 32-bit software will still face limitations. Many applications, including Photoshop, Hulu, and Chrome, have transitioned to native ARM64 versions, while others rely on emulation. Adobe has re-enabled Premiere Pro for Windows 11 ARM devices powered by the Snapdragon X chip, allowing it to run under emulation after previously disabling it due to performance issues. Premiere Pro is now available within the Creative Cloud app, although performance may not match that of Intel or AMD-based machines. A native ARM version of Premiere Pro is in development, but no release date has been announced. Photoshop is currently the only Adobe application available natively for Windows on ARM, while other applications like After Effects are expected to gain support through emulation. Adobe's move aligns with its commitment to enhance its Creative Suite for Windows on ARM, and competitors like DaVinci Resolve are also working on native ARM versions of their software. Microsoft's Clipchamp has already been established as an ARM-native solution.

Winsage

November 8, 2024

Watch out, Windows Notepad users: Here comes AI

Microsoft has introduced an AI-powered Rewrite feature for Notepad, available to Windows Insiders running Windows 11. Users need the latest Canary or Dev build of Windows 11 and must be signed in with a Microsoft account linked to the Insider program to access the feature. The Rewrite process allows users to modify text by selecting it and using the Rewrite button or shortcut Ctrl + I, generating three distinct versions of the text. AI credits are required for content generation, with initial allocations set at 50 credits for users in select countries and 60 credits monthly for Microsoft 365 subscribers. The Rewrite feature is currently limited to Dev or Canary builds of Windows 11 and may take time to reach the standard version of Notepad.

Winsage

November 6, 2024

Soon you can let Microsoft’s Notepad rewrite text for you

Microsoft is integrating AI-powered text editing capabilities into Notepad, introducing a feature called Rewrite, which is currently available for testing by Windows Insiders. Rewrite allows users to rephrase sentences, adjust tone, and modify content length. To use it, users highlight text, right-click, and select Rewrite, after which they can specify how to alter the text and receive three rewritten options. Accessing Rewrite requires signing in to a Microsoft account, and it is being rolled out in preview on Windows 11 in several countries, including the US, France, UK, Canada, Italy, and Germany. This update follows the introduction of spell check and autocorrect functionalities in July. Additionally, Microsoft is previewing new AI image editing tools in Paint, including the Generative Fill feature for adding elements to images and the Generative Erase tool for removing parts of images. The Generative Fill feature will initially be available to testers using Copilot Plus PCs, while the Generative Erase tool will be accessible to all Insiders on Windows 11.

AppWizard

November 6, 2024

Best Video Game Deals Today (November 2024)

Savvy shoppers are preparing for Black Friday with significant discounts on video games, hardware, and accessories. Amazon is offering a Buy One, Get One 50% off sale on select games, including titles like Metaphor: ReFantazio for Xbox Series X, Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 for PS5, and Balatro for Nintendo Switch. Woot has The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom on sale for .99, praised with a 9/10 review from IGN. The PS5 Pro is available for preorder with a release date of November 7. PC gamers can find discounts on titles such as SILENT HILL 2 and DRAGON BALL: Sparking! ZERO. The Xbox Cloud Gaming Bundle, including a Sky Cipher controller and a Fire TV Stick 4K Max, is priced at .99. Best Buy has holiday bundles for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe available for both standard and OLED Nintendo Switch consoles. The Alienware Aurora R16 i9 RTX 4090 gaming PC is on sale as part of Dell's early Black Friday promotions.

Winsage

November 6, 2024

Windows Server 2025 is now available – but Microsoft warns admins to watch out for three major bugs, including one that causes the dreaded blue screen of death

Microsoft has released Windows Server 2025, succeeding Windows Server 2022, along with System Center 2025. This version supports seamless application deployment across on-premises, hybrid, and cloud environments. Key security enhancements include improved Active Directory cryptographic support and defenses against various attacks on server message block (SMB). New features for cloud services include hotpatching, which requires an additional subscription fee, and integration with Azure Arc for better onboarding and network management. Windows Server 2025 is optimized for AI and machine learning workloads, offering up to 60% more storage IOPs performance than its predecessor. Certain features, such as WordPad and the Windows PowerShell 2.0 engine, have been discontinued. Microsoft has acknowledged three bugs related to installation: English text display issues, problems with high-core-count devices, and a "boot device inaccessible" error in iSCSI environments. Windows Server 2025 is available now, with extended support until 2034 and mainstream support until 2029. Users can upgrade from Windows Server 2012 R2 and Windows Server 2022 will be supported until October 2026. The operating system is compatible with most 64-bit processors, and a list of certified processors is provided.

Tech Optimizer

November 5, 2024

Exclusive: Supabase, a Postgres-centric developer platform, raises $80M Series C

Supabase has secured a million Series C funding round, led by Peak XV and Craft Ventures, bringing its total capital raised to 6 million. The company previously raised a million Series B round in 2022. Co-founder and CEO Paul Copplestone confirmed an upward trend in valuation but did not disclose the exact figure. Supabase's demand is linked to the AI boom, with about 10% of its active databases used for AI applications. The platform is popular among startups, with 40% of the latest Y Combinator class using it, and notable organizations like GitHub Next, Meta, Netflix, and Microsoft have integrated it into their projects. Supabase recently declared its service as “generally available” to support enterprise needs. The company offers six products: Database, Storage, Authentication, Edge Functions, Vector, and Realtime. The Series C funding round included participation from Avra Capital and previous investors Coatue, Felicis, and Y Combinator. Supabase has over 900,000 sign-ups in four years, indicating significant organic adoption among developers.

AppWizard

November 4, 2024

Prime members can score free PC games — here’s November’s lineup and how to get in on the action

Amazon's Prime membership now offers 24 free PC games for November, including titles like Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy and Tomb Raider: Anniversary. Members can claim these games by visiting gaming.amazon.com/home and selecting the "Free Games" section. Once claimed, the games remain in the member's library permanently, even if the membership is canceled. Additionally, Prime members have access to free games on Amazon's cloud gaming service, Luna, which includes titles such as Jackbox Party Pack 7 and Fallout 3: Game of the Year Edition. Non-members can sign up for a 30-day trial to access these benefits.

AppWizard

November 4, 2024

How to scan a document on Android

In 2024, scanning documents has become essential, with modern Android smartphones capable of converting paper documents into digital files. Google Drive includes a built-in document scanning feature accessed via the camera icon in the app, which automatically detects documents. To achieve optimal results, documents should be well-lit and properly aligned within the camera frame. After capturing the scan, users can adjust settings like color options, cropping, and blemish removal. Once satisfied, users can save the document in formats like PDF or JPG, storing it in the cloud for easy sharing. Alternatives to Google Drive include Adobe Scan and Microsoft Lens. For high-quality scans, standalone scanners or printers with scanning capabilities are recommended, though smartphones can suffice for everyday use.

Winsage

November 4, 2024

Windows Server 2025 now generally available, with advanced security, improved performance, and cloud agility – Microsoft Windows Server Blog

Windows Server 2025 is now generally available, featuring enhanced security capabilities such as improvements to Active Directory, SMB hardening with SMB over QUIC, and Delegate Managed Service Accounts for automated password management. It also introduces hybrid cloud capabilities like hotpatching enabled by Azure Arc, easy Azure Arc onboarding, and unified network policy management. The platform supports demanding workloads with built-in GPU partitioning, NVMe storage performance improvements, and significant enhancements in Hyper-V performance and scalability. System Center 2025 has been released alongside Windows Server 2025, offering improved management capabilities. Microsoft Ignite 2024 will showcase these features, and existing Windows Server customers can access Azure management tools at no extra cost.

Winsage

November 4, 2024

Windows Server 2025 released—here are the new features

Microsoft has launched Windows Server 2025, which will be generally available starting November 1, 2024. The new version includes features such as hotpatching, next-gen Active Directory, and SMB over QUIC alternative ports. Windows Server is available through the Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) and the Annual Channel (AC). Key enhancements include: - Hotpatching enabled by Azure Arc for automatic updates and backup options. - NVMe storage performance improvements, offering up to 60% more IOPs compared to Windows Server 2022. - Block cloning support using the ReFS file system. - New Active Directory functionalities, including AD object repair and improved security. - Credential Guard for safeguarding against credential theft. - SMB hardening with secure access to file shares over the Internet. - Delegate Managed Service Accounts (dMSA) for automated password management. - Accelerated Networking (AccelNet) for reduced latency and CPU utilization. - DTrace for real-time system performance monitoring. - Virtualization-based security (VBS) enclaves for enhanced security. - Windows Local Administrator Password Solution (LAPS) for unique password generation and management. Microsoft is investigating known issues, including installation failures and BSOD errors for systems with more than 256 logical processors, boot issues in iSCSI environments, and language display problems during setup. Windows Server 2025 will reach its end of support on October 10, 2029, with extended support ending on October 10, 2034. A free 180-day trial is available through the Microsoft Evaluation Center.