Creative 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.

AppWizard

November 8, 2024

Sega sells Amplitude Studios

Sega has divested from Amplitude Studios, confirmed in their financial report for the six months ending September 30th. Amplitude Studios underwent a management buyout, regaining independence after being acquired by Sega in 2016. Sega reported an extraordinary loss of approximately ¥5.9 billion (.7 million) for the second quarter due to this divestiture, part of a broader restructuring that included layoffs at Creative Assembly and the separation from Canadian developer Relic. For the six months ending September 30th, 2024, Sega reported a 4.5 percent decline in net sales to ¥211.7 billion (.4 billion) and an 18.1 percent decrease in operating income to ¥32.8 billion (4.9 million). Amplitude Studios expressed enthusiasm about their independence and commitment to their core values of creativity, innovation, and community collaboration.

Winsage

November 8, 2024

Microsoft starts rolling out AI to these decades old popular tools on Windows

Microsoft is integrating advanced AI capabilities into its Paint and Notepad applications. Paint will feature Generative Fill, allowing users to add or alter image elements through text prompts, and Generative Erase, enabling the removal of unwanted objects while filling in the background. These features are being rolled out to Windows Insiders, with Generative Fill initially available on Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs and Generative Erase accessible to all Windows 11 users. Notepad will introduce a Rewrite feature for rephrasing text, currently in preview for select regions, and has improved launch performance, reducing app launch time by over 35% for most users and up to 55% for some.

AppWizard

November 7, 2024

Minecraft – How To Tame And Breed Animals

In Minecraft, various animals can be tamed and bred to enhance gameplay. To tame a cat, approach it in villages with raw cod or raw salmon, feed it the fish, and to breed, feed another tamed cat raw fish. To tame a fox, locate two adult foxes in the Taiga biome, feed them sweet berries or glow berries to create a baby fox. To tame a horse, repeatedly attempt to mount a wild horse until you succeed, then breed two tamed horses with a Golden Apple or Golden Carrot. Axolotls cannot be tamed but can be bred by leading two adults together with tropical fish. Villagers can be bred by ensuring two adults are near three beds and providing them with food. To breed frogs, attract two frogs with slimeballs and they will lay spawn in water. For turtles, feed two turtles seagrass to induce love mode, and one will lay eggs on sand. Parrots can be tamed by feeding them seeds found in jungle biomes, with a 10% chance of success per attempt. Pandas can be bred by feeding two adults bamboo and ensuring a bamboo block is nearby. Bees can be bred by attracting them with flowers and feeding each a flower to initiate love mode. To breed sheep, feed two adult sheep wheat, and they will produce a baby sheep. Pigs can be bred by feeding two adult pigs a carrot, potato, or beetroot.

AppWizard

November 7, 2024

PC Gamer magazine’s new issue is on sale now: Path of Exile 2

PC Gamer provides an exclusive look at Path of Exile 2, an upcoming action RPG from Grinding Gear Games, after visiting their headquarters in Auckland, New Zealand. The magazine includes hands-on gameplay impressions and developer interviews, highlighting features set to debut in Early Access later this year. Additionally, the issue features a discussion with Gunfire Games about Remnant 2, marking its one-year anniversary, and includes previews of various games such as Indiana Jones and the Great Circle. Reviews of new releases like Frostpunk 2 and Final Fantasy XVI are also included, along with a group test of gaming mini PCs and features on gaming mods and guides. Issue 403 is available in stores and on digital platforms.

Winsage

November 7, 2024

Windows 11 Canary Build 27744 returns the Gamepad keyboard, and fixes old dGPUs

Microsoft has released Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27744 in the Canary Channel, providing a unified experience and eliminating the previous dual-experience model. This build enhances the Prism emulator for Windows on Arm, allowing a wider range of 64-bit x86 applications to run, including support for additional CPU features. The update enables previously incompatible games and creative software to function on Arm devices. Key changes include the simplification of the Start menu, a new Gamepad keyboard layout for the on-screen keyboard, and updates to Task Manager and Settings. Several fixes have been implemented, addressing issues with NVIDIA GPUs, the Emoji Panel, Windows Sandbox performance, and various graphics and app-related bugs. Known issues include potential problems with Windows Hello PIN on new Copilot+ PCs and desktop background display across multiple monitors. Users are encouraged to provide feedback on their experience.

Winsage

November 7, 2024

New AI experiences make their way into Windows 11’s Paint, Notepad

Microsoft has introduced new features in Paint and Notepad as part of its October AI roadmap for Windows 11. Notable additions include the Generative Fill and Generative Erase tools in Paint, currently being tested in the Canary and Dev Channels. The Generative Erase function allows users to erase parts of an image while intelligently filling in the background, similar to a feature in the Photos app. Generative Fill enables users to outline a region in an image and fill it with AI-generated art that integrates with the existing scene. Notepad is receiving an upgrade for AI-assisted text editing, allowing users to modify the tone and length of selected text. These updates are available in Paint version 11.2410.28.0 and Notepad version 11.2410.15.0.

Winsage

November 7, 2024

Even Microsoft Notepad is getting infused with AI

Microsoft is introducing a new AI feature called Rewrite in its Notepad application, currently being rolled out to Windows Insiders. Users can activate Rewrite by highlighting text and using the right-click menu or the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+I, which opens a dialogue box with AI-suggested rewrites and adjustable options for Length, Tone, and Format. There is also an option to disable the AI functionality in the app settings.

Winsage

November 6, 2024

Even Notepad has generative tools now, as Microsoft shows no signs of stopping its AI rollout

Microsoft is rolling out new AI features for its Paint and Notepad applications in Windows 11. Notepad introduces a "Rewrite" feature that uses generative AI to refine selected text, generating three variations for users to choose from. This feature is available to Insiders in the US, France, UK, Italy, and Germany, as well as Microsoft 365 Personal and Family subscribers in Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, and Thailand. The Paint app now includes advanced AI tools such as a generative fill and erase tool for image editing, along with improved image generation speed for the Cocreator feature.

Winsage

November 6, 2024

New AI experiences for Paint and Notepad begin rolling out to Windows Insiders

The updates to Paint (version 11.2410.28.0) include the introduction of generative fill, which allows users to make edits and additions to their artwork using text prompts, and generative erase, enabling the removal of unwanted objects from the canvas. Generative fill is initially available on Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs for Windows Insiders in supported markets, while generative erase is accessible for all Windows 11 PCs. Additionally, the Cocreator feature has been enhanced for faster results, and Image Creator is now available in preview for Windows 11 users in several countries, with AI credits for Microsoft 365 subscribers in select regions. The Notepad update (version 11.2410.15.0) introduces a generative AI feature that allows users to rewrite content by rephrasing sentences and adjusting tone and length. This feature is available in preview for users in specific countries and requires a Microsoft account. Improvements have also been made to Notepad’s launch performance, with most users experiencing over a 35% improvement in app launch time.