Copilot+ PC Archives

Winsage

February 22, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3291 (Dev and Beta Channels)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3291 (KB5052080) has been released for the Dev and Beta Channels, introducing enhancements for Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs. Key updates include an improved Windows Search feature that allows users to find cloud-stored files directly from the taskbar search box and a refined Recall (Preview) experience, which will delete previous snapshots but continue saving new ones if enabled in Settings. For Beta Channel users, the same updates are available as optional upgrades, with plans to make them recommended later this year. Insiders can switch from the Dev to the Beta Channel while both channels share identical build numbers, but this option will close once the Dev Channel progresses to higher build numbers. The improved Windows Search feature supports finding cloud-stored photos by describing them, available for users signed into OneDrive with a personal Microsoft account. Support for third-party cloud providers is expected soon. The update also includes fixes for live captions, File Explorer reliability, and issues with Remote Desktop. Known issues include inaccuracies in build version display after a PC reset and problems with Recall not saving snapshots automatically. An update to the Snipping Tool introduces a new trim feature for screen recordings, allowing users to adjust start and end times.

Winsage

February 20, 2025

The Surface you know and love (or hate) is dead — Microsoft’s Windows hardware enters a new era

The Surface division at Microsoft has experienced significant internal changes over the past 18 months, including the departure of Panos Panay and new leadership. This has led to a strategic refocusing of the Surface portfolio, moving away from experimental hardware designs to more conventional offerings aimed at a broader audience. The company has discontinued extravagant devices like the Surface Studio and Surface Duo, favoring products that resonate with business customers and general consumers. Last year, Microsoft introduced AI-powered Windows computers known as Copilot+ PCs, which emphasize continuity and refinement of established designs rather than radical innovations. The Copilot+ PC initiative has allowed Windows on Arm to demonstrate its viability, with Snapdragon chips competing effectively in the Windows ecosystem. Surface continues to play a crucial role in shaping the Windows ecosystem, but with a more cautious approach that prioritizes ecosystem health over creating new markets. Future form factor experimentation will likely be delegated to OEM partners, while Microsoft focuses on transitioning users to Windows 11 and promoting Copilot+ PCs. Stakeholders can expect a steady stream of sensible Surface devices and incremental updates in the near future.

Winsage

February 18, 2025

Is Notepad Forcing A Microsoft Login On Copilot+ PC? Yes And No

Windows Notepad has introduced a new AI-powered "Rewrite" feature, requiring users to log into their Microsoft accounts to access it. While signing in is optional for those who prefer the traditional Notepad experience, some users are exploring alternatives like Notepad++ and expressing a desire to revert to the classic Windows 7 calculator app. The introduction of the new feature has sparked concerns among users about Notepad's shift away from its original simplicity.

BetaBeacon

February 18, 2025

Today’s Android app deals and freebies: Dead Cells, Lovecraft’s Untold Stories, ELOH, more

- Today's roundup includes Android game and app deals, as well as launch day deals for the new Wear OS 5 OnePlus Watch 3. - There is a discount on the Galaxy S10+ and deals on Lenovo's Snapdragon X Plus IdeaPad 5x Copilot+ PC and the Surface Pro 11 Snapdragon X Elite Copilot+ PC. - Popular app deals include Dead Cells, Lovecraft's Untold Stories, ELOH, Sentinels of the Multiverse, and more.

Winsage

February 16, 2025

How to Customize Copilot Key on Windows 11

Microsoft introduced a dedicated Copilot key on its PCs in 2024 to enhance AI branding, but later shifted the strategy to pin Copilot as a web app on the Taskbar, making the key less essential. Users can customize the Copilot key in Windows 11 to either launch Windows Search or a selected application, but customization options are limited to signed MSIX packages, excluding third-party applications. For greater flexibility, users can utilize third-party tools like PowerToys to remap keys. Microsoft is also experimenting with a context menu activation for the Copilot key.

Winsage

February 13, 2025

This 5-star laptop is a “true battery champion” with 12 hours of screen time — it’s also only $799.99 right now.

The Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x is priced at 9.99 with a 10% discount. It features a 14.5-inch 3K OLED display and is recommended for its Snapdragon X Elite processor, which excels in everyday computing and AI tasks. The laptop includes Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, and Dolby Vision HDR support, earning a five-star rating. It has an impressive battery life of 14 hours and 14 minutes under standardized testing conditions, making it one of the top contenders in its category. However, it may require emulation for some applications, and certain niche software may not be compatible with its Snapdragon architecture. Alternatives like the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i with an Intel chip may be better for users with specific application needs.

AppWizard

February 12, 2025

Today’s Android app deals and freebies: PARANORMASIGHT, Suzy Cube, Dragon Castle, more

Discounts on Android games and applications are available, with significant price reductions on the Pixel handset lineup, including up to 0 off the latest series 9 models. The unlocked Pixel 9 Pro Fold has a 0 discount. Lenovo's Snapdragon X Elite Copilot+ PC is also discounted by 0. Featured app deals include PARANORMASIGHT, Suzy Cube, Dragon Castle, and freebie icon packs.

Winsage

February 11, 2025

3 options to consider if your Windows 10 PC can’t be upgraded

Microsoft has announced that Windows 10 Version 22H2 will be the last version, ending new updates and security patches in October. Users can continue to use their systems, but they will be at risk for security vulnerabilities without updates. Options for users include: 1. Paying for extended support, which offers continued security updates for a limited time after Windows 10's end of life. 2. Switching to Linux or ChromeOS Flex, both of which are free alternatives that can keep older PCs operational without hardware upgrades. 3. Purchasing a new PC, which may provide the latest technology but comes at a high cost. Without security updates, systems may become targets for cyber threats, risking data and privacy.

Winsage

February 9, 2025

Windows Central Podcast: What’s next for Windows 11?

The Windows Central Podcast features hosts Daniel Rubino and Zac Bowden discussing the evolving landscape of Windows 11, including anticipated features and the integration of Selenium. They reflect on the Copilot+ PC's complexities and user satisfaction. The upcoming Build 2025 event is confirmed, with high expectations for attendees. The podcast also covers the rivalry between Qualcomm and Arm regarding Snapdragon laptops and its implications for the PC market.

Winsage

February 4, 2025

Microsoft Is Clubbing the AI Features in Paint Inside a New Copilot Menu

Microsoft released a new Windows 11 Insider Preview build (version 26120.3073) that includes enhancements to the Paint application and Windows Search functionality, available to Windows Insider users in the Canary and Dev channels. The Paint app now features a Copilot menu that integrates AI functionalities, including Cocreator for generating AI images from sketches, an Image Creator for text-to-image generation, a Generative Erase tool for removing unwanted objects, and a Remove Background function. These features are organized within the Copilot menu, with the Cocreator feature exclusive to Copilot+ PC users. Additionally, Windows Search has improved semantic indexing to support searching for documents, photos, and files in OneDrive, also limited to Copilot+ PC users.