dictation Archives

Winsage

December 4, 2025

Announcing the Microsoft Store Awards 2025 winners

The Microsoft Store Awards recognized exceptional applications that enhance user experiences within the Windows ecosystem. AI Assistants category: - Winner: Perplexity by Perplexity AI - Features native voice dictation, multi-modal AI search, and deep desktop integration for rapid research. - Winner: ChatGPT by OpenAI - Provides instant answers, direct image and file uploads, and enterprise-level privacy controls. Business category: - Winner: Invoice Maker & Estimate Creator by Moon Technolabs Pvt. Ltd. - Streamlines finance tasks with customizable templates and real-time payment tracking. Computer-Using Agents (CUA) category: - Winner: Manus by Manus AI - Automates complex tasks within a secure sandbox and allows users to guide ongoing actions. Creativity category: - Winner: n-Track Studio by n-Track S.r.I. - Transforms devices into recording studios with support for unlimited tracks and advanced effects. Developer Tools category: - Winner: ngrok by ngrok - Facilitates secure tunneling and remote access with automatic updates and compatibility with Windows Defender. Education category: - Winner: Scratch 3 by Scratch Foundation - Empowers students in computational thinking through engaging projects and block coding. Game category: - Winner: Castle Craft by Clever Apps Pte Ltd - Offers an immersive gaming experience with dynamic resource merging and family-friendly design. Music category: - Winner: Moises Live by Moises Systems, Inc - Leverages real-time AI audio separation technology for remixing and practice. Productivity category: - Winner: Notion by Notion Labs Inc - Consolidates tasks and notes into a searchable workspace with automation features. Each winner will receive a Store Award Winner badge in the Microsoft Store.

Winsage

December 3, 2025

2025 – A year in recap

On the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the Windows Accessibility team emphasizes their commitment to inclusivity and accessibility, guided by the principle of “nothing about us without us.” They collaborate with advisory boards from the disability community to enhance product features. Fluid Dictation on Windows allows users to dictate text seamlessly, correcting grammar and punctuation in real time, and operates offline on Copilot+ PCs. Voice Access has been improved to accommodate diverse communication styles, with features like adjustable wait time, a custom word dictionary, flexible command recognition, enhanced speech pattern recognition, and support for Chinese and Japanese. Narrator and Magnifier now feature human-like voices developed with Azure AI, enhancing the user experience with natural conversation nuances. Recent updates to Narrator in Microsoft Word improve navigation and text drafting, with clearer announcements and concise feedback on spelling and grammar. Additional enhancements include a Screen Curtain for privacy, richer image descriptions, and tools for speech recap and live transcription. Users are encouraged to provide feedback to guide further development, and technical assistance is available through the Disability Answer Desk.

Winsage

November 27, 2025

See all the Windows 11 features that Microsoft has been testing so far in November — before the next big update

Microsoft has begun rolling out new features for Windows 11, including previews for versions 25H2 and 26H1, specifically build 28000.1199. Key updates include: 1. Xbox Full Screen Experience (FSE): This feature is being tested for all PCs with build 26220.7271, transforming the desktop into a console-like interface and reducing memory consumption by approximately 2GB. Users can activate it via Settings > Gaming > Full screen experience, and it requires enrollment in the Xbox Insider program. 2. Point-in-time Restore: This feature allows users to revert their computer to a previous state, recovering from issues like buggy updates or malware. It uses the Volume Shadow Copy Service to create restore points and is enabled by default on devices with a minimum of 200GB storage running Home and Pro editions. Users can manage it via Settings > Recovery > Point-in-time. 3. Voice Typing with Fluid Dictation: The Fluid Dictation feature is now integrated into Voice Typing, automatically correcting grammar and punctuation. It is enabled by default on Copilot+ PCs. 4. Microsoft Store App Uninstall Option: An "Uninstall" option for apps is now available in the Microsoft Store through the app's context menu on the "Library" page.

Winsage

November 22, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7271 (Dev & Beta Channels)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7271 (KB5070307) has been released for both the Dev and Beta Channels. Insiders can switch from the Dev Channel to the Beta Channel while both channels have the same updates. The Xbox full screen experience is now available for additional Windows 11 PC form factors, accessible through Task View, Game Bar settings, or the Win + F11 hotkey. Point-in-time restore is introduced for both channels, allowing users to revert their devices to a previous state. Fluid dictation is now available for voice typing users on NPU devices, enhancing the dictation experience. Vivo Android phone users can resume browsing activity from their phone to their PC, and users of Honor, Huawei, Oppo, Samsung, and Vivo can continue working on M365 Copilot app files across devices. The context menu in File Explorer is being refined, and users can now uninstall Store-managed apps directly from the Microsoft Store. Fixes include resolving taskbar issues, internet connectivity problems, and crashes in Settings. Known issues include the virtual keyboard not being visible for controller users and some applications exhibiting unexpected behavior with the Xbox full screen experience.

Winsage

November 20, 2025

Windows 11’s Only New Useful Feature Has Nothing to Do With AI

Microsoft has introduced a range of artificial intelligence features in Windows 11, marking a departure from Windows 10. The Calendar flyout feature, which was absent since October 2021, will return, allowing users to access it by clicking the date and time stamp in the bottom right corner of the screen. The new Copilot chatbot will integrate AI capabilities into various text boxes across the operating system, utilizing the neural processing unit (NPU) of modern PCs to enhance efficiency. The taskbar will include the "Ask Copilot" function and a new Researcher app for facilitating research. Users can opt out of these taskbar apps if desired. The "Fluid dictation" tool will convert speech to text, while Microsoft 365 applications will use AI for email summaries and automatic alt-text for images. An "Agent Mode" will enable users to create documents and spreadsheets based on simple prompts. At the Ignite 2025 conference, Microsoft emphasized its vision of Windows 11 as an "agentic" operating system capable of executing complex tasks autonomously, although this raises concerns about data security.

Winsage

November 11, 2025

Microsoft Starts Rolling Out Redesigned Start Menu to All Windows 11 Users

Microsoft released its November 2025 Patch Tuesday updates for Windows 11, featuring a redesigned Start Menu and enhancements for the 25H2 and 24H2 versions. The KB5068861 update includes: - Improvements for Copilot+ PCs: - Click to Do enhancements for tasks like translating text and selecting objects. - File Explorer updates allowing quick action commands when hovering over files. - Voice Access enhancements with Fluid Dictation for better grammar and punctuation. - Enhanced Windows Search with semantic search capabilities. - Redesigned Start Menu with a scrollable All section, responsive layout, and Phone Link integration. - Taskbar updates with a new battery icon indicating charging status and health, along with battery life percentage displayed on the lock screen. - A new security control for Administrator Protection available in preview. - Quality updates addressing issues with Task Manager and gaming handheld devices. Two changes related to File Explorer have been postponed for a future update: recommended files for Microsoft Account users and third-party cloud storage integration.

Winsage

October 29, 2025

Microsoft Issues Week D Preview Updates for Windows 11

Microsoft has released the Week D preview updates for Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2, introducing Preview Update KB5067036, which upgrades version 25H2 to build 26200.7019 and version 24H2 to build 26100.7019. Key features include: - Copilot+ PCs: Improvements to Click to Do, allowing text translation, unit conversion, object selection, and interaction with Live Persona cards from Microsoft 365. Touchscreen access is available via a two-finger press. - File Explorer: Quick action commands in Home view for signed-in users, with future support for work and school actions. - Voice Access: Enhanced Fluid Dictation for grammar and punctuation, configurable command delays, and added support for Japanese. - Agent in Settings: Now supports the French language. - Windows Search: Enhanced semantic search available on all Copilot+ PCs. For all Windows 11 PCs: - Start Menu: Redesigned with a scrollable All section, responsive layout, and Phone Link integration. - Taskbar: Updated battery icon indicating status colors and an option to display battery life percentage. - File Explorer: Home view shows recommended files for MSA users and supports third-party cloud storage integration. - Lock Screen: Updated battery icons from the Taskbar are now visible. - Settings: The Email & accounts page has been renamed to Your accounts. - Administrator Protection: New security control available in Windows Security or through Microsoft Intune or Group Policy. - Quality Updates: Includes bug fixes, security enhancements, and new AI model versions for Copilot+ PCs. These features are part of a Controlled Feature Release (CFR) and will be rolled out gradually.

Winsage

October 23, 2025

Windows 11’s new Start menu is almost here – you could get it as soon as next month

A new test build for Windows 11 has been released in the Release Preview channel, indicating that a revamped Start menu is forthcoming. This build allows users to remove the recommendations section from the Start menu and enhances the Voice Access feature with 'Fluid Dictation' for better voice accuracy. File Explorer will include a 'recommended files' section, though this feature is not available in the European Economic Area due to EU regulations. The taskbar will feature a color-changing battery icon and an option to display the battery percentage permanently. New functionalities for Copilot+ PCs include text selection for translation within the operating system. The update also resolves issues with Windows Update, ensuring that the system complies with user requests to update and shut down without rebooting, and fixes an installation failure error code. Some users have already accessed the new Start menu features through the test build or tools like ViVeTool.

Winsage

October 23, 2025

Windows 11’s Redesigned Start Menu is Now Available for Release Preview Testers

Windows Insiders in the Release Preview Channel can now access a redesigned Start Menu and several new features through the KB5067036 update for the 25H2 and 24H2 versions of Windows 11. Key enhancements include: - A redesigned Start Menu that adjusts to screen size, with a scrollable “All” section and two views: ‘Category’ and ‘Grid’. A new mobile device button opens the Phone Link sidebar. - New battery icons on the taskbar and lock screen, with a green icon indicating charging and a yellow icon for low battery (20% or below). Users can display battery percentage in the system tray. - Copilot Vision integration in the taskbar, allowing users to hover over an app icon for a thumbnail preview and a “Share with Copilot” button to analyze app content. - Improvements in File Explorer, with recommended files accessible for personal and local Microsoft accounts (excluding EEA users) and new commands like “Open file location” and “Ask Copilot”. - Fluid Dictation in Voice Access for Copilot+ PCs, providing real-time corrections for voice dictation. - Click to Do improvements for Copilot+ PCs, enabling translation of on-screen text, unit conversions, table detection for Excel, and a Freeform selection mode. These features are expected to be available to non-Insiders later this month with the optional October update and a public rollout is anticipated next month during the November 2024 Patch Tuesday updates.

AppWizard

October 17, 2025

Top 10 AI Chatbot Apps for Android in 2025 – Try Free

In 2025, AI chatbots have become essential daily companions for millions of Android users, assisting with various tasks such as content brainstorming, travel planning, language learning, and engaging conversations. The Google Play Store features numerous innovative AI companions that integrate well with mobile devices, most offering free or freemium access. Key trends include optimization for mobile use, support for multiple AI models, and affordable access to generative AI. The top AI chatbot apps for Android in 2025 include: 1. ChatGPT by OpenAI: Best overall experience with fast responses and a memory feature. 2. Google Gemini: Deep integration with Google services, ideal for productivity. 3. Claude AI by Anthropic: Best for writing and reasoning, with a focus on long-form content. 4. DeepSeek AI: Lightweight and completely free, popular in emerging markets. 5. Nova AI Chatbot: Allows switching between multiple AI models in one app. 6. Meta AI Assistant: Integrated within social media platforms for casual use. 7. Chatbot AI: User-friendly with multi-model support, ideal for beginners. 8. Replika AI: Focuses on emotional support and companionship. 9. Brave Leo AI: Privacy-first chatbot that does not collect personal data. 10. Chatbox AI: Feature-rich with support for various interactions across multiple models. The selection criteria for evaluating these apps include performance, user interface, model variety, free access, privacy and security, and Android optimization. Future developments in AI chatbots may include on-device processing, contextual memory, distinct voice personas, and enhanced tool integration.