cloud-based Archives

Winsage

June 13, 2026

I tried Microsoft’s new AI-powered Terminal, and it is a surprisingly different experience

Windows 11 has introduced a new command-line tool called "Intelligent Terminal," which is a fork of the open-source Windows Terminal project and integrates an AI agent, specifically GitHub Copilot by default. Users must manually download and install the Intelligent Terminal, which retains the familiar Windows Terminal interface but adds a side panel for AI interaction. Upon first launch, users select an Agent Client Protocol (ACP) compatible agent, with options to enable features like automatic error detection and session management. The Intelligent Terminal offers two main experiences: agent chat and agent management. The agent chat pane allows users to inquire about errors and receive assistance, while the agent management pane tracks active and past agent sessions. Users can also utilize other agents like Claude Code, Google Gemini, and OpenAI Codex, provided they are installed locally. The Command Palette is enhanced with AI actions, allowing users to initiate tasks without interrupting their workflow. Users can customize terminal and agent settings, including pane position and error detection features. Adjustments require saving to apply changes.

AppWizard

June 12, 2026

Save Big and Play Bigger: GeForce NOW Summer Sale Brings Major Membership Savings

The GeForce NOW summer sale offers discounts on 12-month memberships, with significant savings on both Performance and Ultimate plans. The Performance membership supports streaming up to 1080p at 60 fps, while the Ultimate membership provides RTX 4080 or 5080-class performance, enabling up to 4K resolution and 120 fps. The service simplifies gaming by managing installations and updates in the cloud, allowing access to a vast library of games without the need for expensive hardware. Upcoming titles include Guild Wars 3, which is set to launch soon, and players can currently enjoy Guild Wars 2 and Guild Wars Reforged with exclusive rewards. New releases on GeForce NOW include NBA THE RUN, Witchspire, SpaceCraft, Duet Night Abyss, DOOM Eternal, and The Elder Scrolls Online. Pro Cycling Manager 26 is set to launch on June 15, and Denshattack! is expected on July 15.

Tech Optimizer

June 11, 2026

Avast One: Security and privacy suite under the microscope

Avast One is the flagship consumer security suite from Avast (Gen Digital), combining antivirus, firewall, VPN, and privacy utilities into a single subscription for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. It offers four primary areas: device security, online privacy, identity protection, and performance tools. Device security includes real-time antivirus, Web Shield, Mail Shield, and Ransomware Shield. The online privacy component features a full VPN service with bank-grade encryption and a no-logs policy. Identity protection includes data breach monitoring and, in some markets, credit monitoring. Performance tools assist with disk cleanup and system optimization. Avast One has three plan tiers: Avast One Essential (free), Avast One Individual (paid, supports multiple devices), and Avast One Family (paid, supports up to 30 devices). Pricing varies based on promotions, with Avast One Individual typically around per year and Avast One Family ranging from to 0 per year. The suite can be downloaded directly from Avast's website, with installers available for various platforms. Avast One includes automatic updates and is designed to operate lightly on modern hardware, with options to minimize system impact during scans. Customer support includes self-help documentation, community forums, and direct support for paying customers. Avast One aims to appeal to both non-technical users and power users, providing a user-friendly interface while allowing for advanced configurations. The product is positioned as a comprehensive solution for households looking to secure multiple devices with a single subscription.

Winsage

June 11, 2026

Microsoft is killing the Copilot+ PC advantage, brings Windows 11’s local AI to RTX 30+ PCs with 6GB vRAM

Microsoft has made its local Language Model APIs for Windows 11 accessible on non-Copilot+ PCs, requiring an NVIDIA RTX 30 series GPU with at least 6GB of VRAM. Copilot+ PCs, which debuted on June 18, 2024, require 16GB of RAM, an SSD, and a minimum of 40 TOPS NPU. The new APIs allow broader access to AI functionalities, including AI-powered text formatting, summarization, text rewriting, text-to-table conversion, and general prompt generation, through a compact language model called "Phi Silica." Users with compatible NVIDIA GPUs can utilize these features locally, enhancing privacy compared to cloud-based models. However, some features remain exclusive to devices with NPU chips.

Winsage

June 9, 2026

Hybrid AI Agents, Orchestration, and the Real Reason Microsoft is Fixing Windows 11 ⭐

Over the past weekend, the author reviewed session videos from Build 2026, focusing on Windows 11. The sessions were categorized into three areas: Windows app development, developer productivity, and agentic AI. The introduction of hybrid agents, which combine local AI sub-agents, was a notable development. Microsoft's partnership with Qualcomm led to the launch of Windows 10 on Arm-based PCs branded as Always Connected PCs, which evolved into Copilot+ PCs with Nuvia-powered chips for Windows 11. The Copilot+ PCs emphasize on-device AI experiences through powerful neural processing units (NPUs). The introduction of second-generation Snapdragon X2-based PCs is underway, although adoption is slower than expected. Microsoft confirmed that Windows 11 will integrate AI agents, including local AI agents and hybrid agents. The capabilities of local AI models are being enhanced, and Windows AI APIs will now support CPUs and GPUs. New Nvidia chipsets will enable large language models to run locally on PCs. The orchestration of local and cloud AI components is essential for efficient AI workload management. Microsoft is addressing user pain points to support a robust local foundation for hybrid AI, aiming to improve Windows 11 overall.

AppWizard

June 8, 2026

NotebookLM just got a big upgrade, and research could get a lot easier

Google has upgraded NotebookLM to enhance its capabilities beyond simple document summarization, making the research process more efficient and reliable. The new features include: - NotebookLM can now automatically search the web and recommend sources, reducing manual reference gathering. - A cloud-based system allows NotebookLM to perform background tasks and generate various file types, including PDFs, spreadsheets, charts, images, and presentations. - The advanced Gemini 3.5 and Antigravity models improve the accuracy of responses and the handling of complex projects. - The tool previously relied on user-uploaded files for information but now offers more precise responses without placing the burden of reference collection on users. - Some features are currently available to Google AI Ultra subscribers and Workspace customers, with broader access expected soon.

AppWizard

June 8, 2026

Here’s a closer look at Pixel 10’s Magic Cue working in third-party apps

The Pixel 10-exclusive Magic Cue feature is set to expand beyond Google applications, with potential integration into third-party apps like Snapchat and Mozilla Firefox. Developer Kieron Quinn demonstrated Magic Cue's functionality within Firefox, showcasing its ability to provide timely suggestions based on user activity, such as reopening previously closed tabs. The feature uses artificial intelligence to enhance user experience while ensuring privacy by processing data locally on the device. Magic Cue operates using the Gemini Nano model, distinguishing it from other features that may utilize Gemini for cloud-based processing.

AppWizard

June 6, 2026

Now that Pixel Studio is dead, here are 5 other apps you should use instead

Google has discontinued Pixel Studio, a generative AI tool for creating stickers and editing images on mobile devices, following the rollout of the v2.3 update. Users are now redirected to alternatives within Google's ecosystem, with Gemini positioned as the direct successor to Pixel Studio. Gemini offers cloud-based image generation and excels in understanding natural language prompts. OpenAI's ChatGPT app, featuring the GPT Image 2 model, provides a conversational interface for image generation and accurately renders text within images. Microsoft Designer is designed for creating high-resolution digital assets and combines AI-generated imagery with traditional graphic design tools. Adobe Firefly emphasizes commercial compliance and offers a comprehensive editing suite for professionals. Picsart, while less polished, provides a wealth of features for community-driven photo editing and graphic design.

Tech Optimizer

June 5, 2026

Microsoft quietly deletes Windows 11 guide that claimed you don’t need third-party antivirus

In April 2026, a blog post from Microsoft's Windows Learning Center claimed that most Windows 11 users could rely solely on Windows Security (Defender) for antivirus protection, citing features like Microsoft Defender Antivirus, SmartScreen, and ransomware mitigation. The blog was later removed without explanation, leading to speculation about its definitive claims. Microsoft stated that Windows Defender was sufficient for typical users with default settings and regular updates, while cautioning against using multiple antivirus engines. Independent testing from AV-Test consistently ranks Microsoft Defender highly, but AV-Comparatives noted limitations in offline protection and the reliance on cloud-based intelligence. The blog's removal was viewed by some as a constructive step towards realistic security guidance. Microsoft continues to provide third-party antivirus vendors with significant access to Windows, and the rise of AI-generated threats is complicating the cybersecurity landscape. Despite the controversies, Microsoft has made significant advancements in Windows Security, making it a viable option for many users.

Winsage

June 3, 2026

Build 2026: Furthering Windows as the trusted platform for development

Build is an annual event focused on connecting with the global developer community and sharing innovations. Feedback from developers emphasizes the need for a frictionless and adaptable platform for seamless development across various environments. Key announcements include: - Coreutils for Windows: A suite of Linux-like command line utilities available natively on Windows. - WSL containers: A forthcoming public preview feature for creating and interacting with Linux containers. - Windows Development Skills: Structured knowledge for building native Windows apps using WinUI3 and WinApp CLI, now generally available. - Intelligent Terminal: An experimental feature integrating context-aware intelligence into the terminal for improved debugging and task execution. - Windows Developer Configurations: A WinGet-powered setup for distraction-free development, now generally available. - Windows 365 with Developer Configuration: A pre-configured cloud-based development environment in public preview. For security, the announcements include: - Microsoft Execution Containers (MXC) SDK: A policy-driven execution layer for agent access and containment, available in early preview. - Agent 365 integration: Enhances security for agents with protections from Defender, Entra, Intune, and Purview, available in preview. - OpenClaw: Runs securely on Windows using MXC for easy installation of agent connections. - NVIDIA's OpenShell: A deployment package for autonomous agents on Windows, built on MXC. - Windows 365 for Agents: Secure Cloud PCs for executing enterprise workflows, now generally available. For AI capabilities: - Aion 1.0 Instruct: An on-device small language model for local workloads, available soon. - Expanded Windows AI APIs: Now accessible on more Windows 11 PCs, enhancing local AI capabilities. - Surface RTX Spark Dev Box: A device for developers featuring NVIDIA RTX Spark silicon for local AI workloads. - DGX Station for Windows: A powerful AI supercomputer for developing agents, coming in Q4. - Project Solara: A platform for agent-driven experiences, simplifying development across environments. - New Speech Recognition API: Real-time, on-device transcription capabilities. - Expansion of Windows AI APIs across GPUs and CPUs: Now available for broader hardware support. Windows is enhancing its security framework to reduce risks and ensure robust protection for applications.