conversations Archives

AppWizard

May 23, 2025

Google Home details ‘summaries’ test and Gemini-powered automation

Google announced enhancements for its Home app, including the integration of Gemini, an AI tool for creating and automating routines through conversational interaction. A test phase for a "Home Summary" widget is being introduced for select Pixel users to provide an overview of smart home activities. The Home API is being updated to support various partners, including First Alert, Yale, Cync, iRobot, Motorola Moto Tag, and Tuya Smart. Additionally, at the I/O 2025 event, Google previewed Android 16 and showcased Gemini 2.5, aiming to develop it into a "World Model" for better understanding and simulation of real-world complexities.

Winsage

May 22, 2025

Signal says no to Windows 11’s Recall screenshots

Signal has updated its Windows app to enhance user privacy by preventing Microsoft’s Recall feature from capturing screenshots of secure conversations. The new version activates screen security by default, using a digital rights management (DRM) approach similar to that of streaming services. Users can disable this feature in the app’s settings, but concerns have been raised about its impact on accessibility features like screen readers. Developer Joshua Lund has highlighted the need for app developers to access tools that protect sensitive information from OS-level AI systems. Microsoft’s Recall feature, designed to enhance productivity, currently lacks an API to exclude sensitive content from its archives, posing privacy risks. While Microsoft has measures to filter activities from private browser windows, users must have technical knowledge to adjust settings for specific applications. Signal continues to adapt to digital privacy challenges while advocating for better support from operating system developers.

AppWizard

May 22, 2025

Signal resorts to “weird trick” to block Windows Recall in Desktop app

Microsoft's Recall feature indexes a wide range of personal data, including Zoom meetings, emails, photos, medical conditions, and conversations on Signal, affecting both users and their contacts without consent. Researcher Kevin Beaumont found that the feature captures sensitive information like payment card details and can decrypt its database using a fingerprint scan or PIN. Developers, such as those at Signal, lack tools to prevent their content from being indexed by Recall, leading Signal to utilize a Digital Rights Management API to protect privacy. This workaround may help, but it depends on all chat participants using the Windows Desktop version with default settings. Microsoft has not addressed concerns regarding developer control over Recall.

Winsage

May 22, 2025

Signal signals discontent with Microsoft Recall

Signal has activated Digital Rights Management (DRM) features within Windows to prevent Microsoft Recall from capturing screenshots of its chat windows. Recall has been criticized for its imprecise screenshot capturing, which affects sensitive communications. Signal's DRM solution ensures that Recall and other screenshot tools do not capture its content. The "Screen security" setting in Signal Desktop for Windows 11 is enabled by default, requiring users to confirm if they wish to disable it. Recall was initially criticized during its launch at Microsoft's 2024 Build event and has since been revised, remaining an opt-in feature with a "Preview" label. Microsoft claims users control what apps and websites are saved in snapshots.

Winsage

May 22, 2025

Can Microsoft Turn PC And Cloud Dominance Into AI Supremacy?

Microsoft is advancing an "agentic" future in enterprise computing by leveraging its strengths in Windows PCs and Azure cloud. At Build 2025, executives presented a vision of an "open agentic web" where intelligent software agents operate across devices and applications. Currently, 15 million developers use GitHub Copilot, and 90% of Fortune 500 firms have developed AI agents using Microsoft tools. GitHub Copilot is evolving into a proactive coding agent capable of performing complex development tasks autonomously. Azure AI Foundry is introduced as a unified environment for AI applications, hosting over 1,900 AI models and enabling enterprises to select optimal models for their needs. Windows is transforming into an AI platform with features like AI-driven shortcuts and local AI model access. The Model Context Protocol (MCP) and NLWeb are central to Microsoft's strategy, promoting openness and interoperability among AI agents. Copilot Tuning allows organizations to customize AI agents for specific business contexts, while Copilot Studio supports multi-agent orchestration. Microsoft's integrated AI approach contrasts with competitors like Google and Amazon, positioning it as a leader in providing comprehensive AI solutions.

AppWizard

May 22, 2025

I tested Gemini’s driving experience at Google I/O

Google is set to launch the Gemini update for Android Auto, enhancing hands-free functionality for drivers. The update will feature different experiences based on vehicle compatibility, with around 250 million cars supporting Android Auto and about 50 models equipped with Google built-in. Gemini allows for voice control independent of an Android smartphone, enabling tasks like adjusting climate settings through natural language commands. Vehicles with Google built-in will have access to the Google Play Store and integrated car manuals. Gemini will also include offline capabilities and streamline trip planning via voice commands. Most features will be available across all vehicles with Android Auto, with a rollout expected in the coming months. The pre-release version showed improved reliability over the previous Google Assistant.

AppWizard

May 21, 2025

Viral Google AI Service Now Comes in Android App Form

NotebookLM, an AI-driven service from Google, has launched on the Android platform, allowing users to generate podcasts on various topics. The app enables users to gather information from multiple sources and create tailored content, including podcasts and AI-guided conversations. The podcast feature is highlighted as a significant innovation, enhancing the learning experience by making it more engaging. The app is available for download on Google Play.

AppWizard

May 20, 2025

AI Mode levels up with new AI features, stealing Google Search’s spotlight

Google's advancements in AI Mode and Search include the rollout of a custom version of the Gemini 2.5 model, enabling users to pose complex queries. Project Astra introduces multimodal capabilities, allowing real-time conversations with Gemini using device cameras. The AI can process website elements and perform tasks like adding items to shopping carts or creating travel itineraries. Users can ask AI Mode to find specific tickets or activities tailored to their interests, with curated suggestions provided. AI Mode will enhance online shopping by integrating with the Shopping Graph, offering visually engaging product listings and a virtual "try-on" feature. Users can upload photos to experiment with outfits and track prices for products. The virtual try-on experience is being rolled out in Search Labs for U.S. users, with full availability of AI Mode in the U.S. starting today.

AppWizard

May 20, 2025

Google Workspaces gets supercharged with Gemini to help you work smarter

The latest Google I/O event introduced several AI-driven features across Google's products aimed at enhancing user experience and productivity. - Gmail will receive AI-powered personalized reply suggestions, inbox cleanup, and faster appointment scheduling through the new Gemini tool. - Google Meet will offer real-time speech translation in multiple languages for AI Pro and Ultra subscribers, starting with English and Spanish. - Google Vids will enable users to convert slides into videos, generate scripts, and refine recordings using AI, with features like AI avatars for video production. - Imagen 4 will enhance visual content creation in Slides, Vids, and Docs by generating richer images and accurate text rendering. - Google Docs will incorporate Gemini for source-grounded writing assistance, allowing users to link relevant data and documents directly within their writing.

AppWizard

May 17, 2025

Google’s ML Kit GenAI APIs with Gemini Nano: On-Device AI for Privacy-Preserving Android Apps

Google announced on May 14, 2025, the expansion of its ML Kit offerings with new GenAI APIs powered by the Gemini Nano model, aimed at providing Android developers with access to advanced AI features while ensuring user privacy through on-device processing. The ML Kit GenAI APIs include four key capabilities: summarization, proofreading, rewriting, and image description. These APIs process data locally, keeping user data on the device, ensuring consistent functionality without internet connectivity, and avoiding recurring server costs. This development enhances the accessibility of sophisticated AI capabilities for Android developers and aligns with consumer privacy concerns. The architecture allows for future expansion of capabilities as Gemini models evolve.