digital assistants Archives

Winsage

November 18, 2025

Microsoft’s vision of “AI-native” Windows is becoming real, update introduces agents that pilfer through your files — Latest Windows 11 Insider build includes experimental AI agents toggle that can perform tasks for you in the background

A senior Microsoft executive announced the evolution of Windows into an agentic operating system with AI features, which has been met with skepticism on social media. The Windows Insider Blog introduced AI agents in Windows 11 Insider Build 26220.7262, featuring an "Experimental agentic features" toggle that allows the creation of an "Agent Workspace," an isolated desktop environment. Currently, Agent Workspaces are non-functional and serve only as a toggle option. The AI agents are designed to handle routine tasks locally on users' machines, inspired by applications like ChatGPT and Copilot Actions. The Agent Workspace operates separately from standard directories, ensuring actions are logged for security. AI agents are disabled by default, requiring administrator privileges to enable, and can be granted read/write access to specific folders based on user permissions. The introduction of Agent Workspaces creates a new user account for the AI agent, maintaining administrative control and distinct permissions. However, the functionality is limited, leading to user frustration over unaddressed issues in the operating system.

AppWizard

October 5, 2025

Raising kids in the age of AI: When your baby’s first words are ‘Hey Google’

A one-year-old child said "Hey Google" during playtime, reflecting the integration of technology in daily life. Many parents rely on digital assistants like Google for various tasks, with a 2019 study indicating that over 44% of parents with children aged 2 to 8 used smart speakers daily. The impact of AI on parent-child bonding is a concern, as tech companies work to humanize AI voices for better relatability. Parents are encouraged to teach children the difference between genuine interactions and those with technology. AI-powered devices are becoming integral to homes, prompting parents to foster tech-savvy children who can also seek human connections.

AppWizard

August 1, 2025

Replace Google Assistant with a smarter app on Android

The Meta AI app is an alternative digital assistant for Android users, requiring version 230.0.0.36.164 or later to function. To set it as the default assistant, users must navigate to Settings > Apps > Default apps > Digital assistant and select Meta AI from the list. The app does not provide a dedicated interface for voice or text queries but allows for voice input via the keyboard. Users can generate photos, videos, and Reels for Instagram and Facebook through its integration with Meta's ecosystem. Accessing Meta AI can be done by long-pressing the power button or using gesture navigation. For tasks like setting timers or alarms, users must open the Clock app directly. Gemini is noted as a strong competitor, capable of handling such tasks and providing a versatile digital assistant experience.

AppWizard

July 14, 2025

How to disable Gemini AI on Android and keep control of your apps

Google is integrating its AI, Gemini, with Android systems, allowing access to applications like WhatsApp, Messages, and Phone, starting July 7, 2025. This integration may override existing privacy settings unless users disable Gemini. Users can restrict Gemini's access to apps through the Google Gemini app settings or uninstall it. If Gemini is not pre-installed, it will not be automatically installed on devices. Disabling Gemini maintains previous privacy settings, but conversations may still be reviewed by human reviewers for AI training, with data retention lasting up to three years. Users are advised to avoid sharing sensitive information in Gemini chats.

AppWizard

July 8, 2025

Gemini can access your Android phone’s other apps, unless you stop it

A recent update from Google allows Gemini AI to access data from third-party applications on Android devices, even if users disable Gemini Apps Activity. This change began rolling out on July 7, and Google retains activity logs for 72 hours. Users can disable Gemini Apps Activity by adjusting settings in the app, or they can uninstall the Gemini app entirely by navigating to Settings > Apps, selecting Gemini, and choosing to force stop and uninstall it.

Winsage

May 25, 2025

‘Microsoft is the AI ringleader’: tech rivals flock to software giant’s stage

Microsoft showcased a suite of innovative AI products and strategic partnerships at its annual Build conference in Seattle, collaborating with companies like OpenAI, Nvidia, and xAI. The company introduced a coding “agent” and a platform for businesses to manage digital assistants. Microsoft is building the largest AI supercomputer in the world with Nvidia's chips in its data centers. Analysts noted that Microsoft is well-positioned in the AI sector, with its stock increasing over 8% in 2025. The company has integrated AI models into its products following its early investment in OpenAI and announced a deal to offer Anthropic’s Claude Code through GitHub Copilot. Microsoft aims to generate at least billion in annual revenue from its AI products. Nadella emphasized the importance of AI-enabled applications over general artificial intelligence, and industry experts highlighted the significance of Microsoft's recent developments in shaping the future of technology.

AppWizard

April 13, 2025

Google app removing Assistant settings on Android

The Google app version 16.12+ has removed the link to "Google Assistant" from the profile menu under Settings, affecting how users access Assistant settings. Users can still manage Assistant settings through the Google Home app or by navigating through System Settings on their mobile device. Some users have also noted that "Gemini" is not present in the Google app settings, which primarily focuses on Google Search functionalities.

Winsage

October 2, 2024

Microsoft releases new AI update for Windows PCs

Microsoft has unveiled an update for Windows PCs that enhances the functionality of its Copilot AI assistant, introducing advanced AI-powered conversational features aimed at improving user interaction. Yusuf Mehdi, Microsoft's Executive Vice President and Consumer Chief Marketing Officer, discussed the update's objectives, emphasizing the importance of a seamless user experience where the AI anticipates user needs.

AppWizard

September 4, 2024

How to Replace Google Assistant With Gemini AI on Your Android Device

Google Assistant is a staple on Android devices, allowing users to manage tasks and inquiries. Google Gemini is a new AI tool that offers a conversational approach for deeper engagement with information, including content generation, grammar corrections, and language translations. Gemini can search through Gmail, set alarms, make calls, control smart devices, and analyze photos. To use Gemini as the primary assistant, users must have a personal Google or Google Workspace account, but it is not compatible with accounts managed by Family Link or for users under 18. To set up Gemini, users need to ensure Google Assistant is the default assistive app. The Gemini app may already be installed or can be downloaded from Google Play. To activate it, users can follow prompts or change settings in the app. Gemini can be launched by pressing the on/off button or using the "Hey Google" phrase. Gemini can perform various actions, including answering questions, launching apps, generating content, setting timers, translating languages, making calls, retrieving emails, and analyzing photos.

AppWizard

June 18, 2024

Gemini could be finally getting new voices (APK Teardown)

Google's Gemini is adding a voice selection feature to its AI model, with two new voices named Ruby and River. The feature is currently located under general settings and it is unclear if these voices are specific to Gemini or part of a broader voice selection process for both Google Assistant and Gemini.