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Tips for finding inspiration for your next Minecraft project
AppWizard
December 28, 2024

Tips for finding inspiration for your next Minecraft project

Minecraft players can find inspiration for building projects by exploring creations on platforms like YouTube, Reddit, and Pinterest. Popular media, such as movies and TV shows, can also provide ideas, as seen in the recreation of the Shiganshina District from Attack on Titan. To start a project, players should select a captivating scene or structure and analyze its features, focusing on shape and scale. Planning the design, experimenting with building materials, and paying attention to detail, such as incorporating windows and lighting, can enhance builds. Landscaping elements like hills and gardens can create a cohesive environment. While drawing inspiration from others is helpful, developing a unique style is important for originality.
How I virtualized my Windows 11 PC using Disk2vhd and VirtualBox
Winsage
December 26, 2024

How I virtualized my Windows 11 PC using Disk2vhd and VirtualBox

Virtualization technology allows users to create a virtualized instance of their primary operating system using tools like Disk2vhd and VirtualBox. Disk2vhd is a free utility that converts storage drives into .vhd files for Physical to Virtual migration of Windows 11. The process involves downloading Disk2vhd, running it with administrator privileges, selecting drives, and creating the .vhd file while disabling the Use vhdx and Prepare for use in virtual PC options, but enabling Use Volume Shadow Copy for external drives. To deploy a virtual machine in VirtualBox, users must ensure CPU virtualization is enabled in the BIOS, install VirtualBox, and create a new VM by specifying its name, storage folder, type as Microsoft Windows, and version as Windows 11 (64-bit). Users then allocate memory and processors, select the option to use an existing virtual hard disk, browse for the .vhd file, and finish the setup. Once the VM is deployed, it should boot into the Windows 11 environment. If it loads the recovery environment, users can follow prompts to repair the system. However, running Windows 11 in a VM may lead to performance issues unless the host system has a high-end processor and sufficient RAM and CPU cores allocated. This project allows experimentation with the daily driver without risking its integrity.
Hands on: Microsoft made it easier to run AI models on Windows 11 locally
Winsage
December 26, 2024

Hands on: Microsoft made it easier to run AI models on Windows 11 locally

Copilot+ PCs are the first personal computers to run Small Language Models (SLM) directly on-device, allowing for quicker interactions without relying on the cloud. Microsoft has introduced the AI Dev Gallery, which offers over 25 samples for developers to integrate on-device AI features into applications on Windows 10 and 11. The gallery requires building the project in Visual Studio, needing at least 20GB of storage and a multi-core CPU. A GPU with 8GB VRAM is recommended for heavier models but not mandatory for lighter applications. The app has two operational modes: Sample and Models. Testing models for image generation typically requires around 5GB of bandwidth, while a smaller image upscaling model under 100MB was successfully tested, completing the process in under 30 seconds with peak RAM usage of 1GB. The resulting image resolution was 9272x4900, but clarity issues were noted, especially with text. The application lacks features for previewing images in larger formats or downloading outputs directly. A model named Detect Human Pose was able to identify positions within images, including desktop screenshots. Substantial storage and robust CPUs are necessary for effective model accommodation, and the practicality of downloading large models for niche use cases is questioned.
Microsoft's AI "Recall" Feature Caught Screenshotting Your Social Security Number
Winsage
December 19, 2024

Microsoft’s AI “Recall” Feature Caught Screenshotting Your Social Security Number

Microsoft's AI-powered "Recall" tool captures sensitive information, including credit card numbers and social security numbers, despite a new "filter sensitive information" feature intended to prevent this. Tests by Avram Piltch revealed that the filter fails to recognize sensitive data in various contexts, such as when entering information in Windows Notepad or filling out loan applications in Microsoft Edge. Initially launched as part of Microsoft's "Copilot+ PCs," Recall faced backlash over privacy risks and was temporarily withdrawn. It has since returned for select Insiders with encrypted screenshots, but concerns about its effectiveness in protecting sensitive information remain.
Gemini App on Android Will Now Let You Switch Between AI Models
AppWizard
December 17, 2024

Gemini App on Android Will Now Let You Switch Between AI Models

Google has begun rolling out its Gemini 2.0 Flash AI model to the Android version of its chatbot, following the initial release on December 12. The new model includes a model switcher feature for users to select their preferred AI model. The Gemini 2.0 family offers enhanced capabilities, including image generation support, and the Flash variant is the smallest and fastest model available in an experimental preview. In the Google app for Android version 15.50 beta, the model information has become interactive, allowing free users to switch between the 1.5 Flash and 2.0 Flash models, while subscribers can access the 1.5 Pro model. The Gemini 2.0 Flash model is currently in early preview and may have functionality issues. Internal testing has shown that it outperforms the 1.5 Pro model in various benchmarks.
Google launches 'Whisk' for fast AI-generated imagery and updates Veo 2, Imagen 3
AppWizard
December 17, 2024

Google launches ‘Whisk’ for fast AI-generated imagery and updates Veo 2, Imagen 3

Google has launched an AI experiment called Whisk for Labs testers, which allows users to generate images by uploading images that define subject, scene, and style. Whisk uses Gemini and Imagen 3 to extract characteristics from the uploaded images, creating variations in attributes like height, hairstyle, and skin tone. It features a "review and edit" option for users to refine generated images and provides a detailed description of the creation process. As of December 16, U.S. Labs testers can sign up to explore Whisk. Additionally, Google has updated Imagen 3 and Veo 2. Imagen 3 now offers brighter and better-composed images with improved adherence to prompts, rolling out globally in ImageFX within Google Labs. Veo 2 has been enhanced to create high-quality videos in 4K resolution, allowing for detailed descriptions and improved understanding of expressions and movements. The updates for Veo 2 are being rolled out in Google Labs' VideoFX, with plans to integrate it into YouTube Shorts and other products in the future.
You Can Now Test 'Recall,' Windows’ Controversial AI Feature
Winsage
December 17, 2024

You Can Now Test ‘Recall,’ Windows’ Controversial AI Feature

The Recall feature in Windows allows users to revisit their digital history by accessing past documents, photos, and webpages through captured screenshots processed by Copilot AI. Users can opt-in during installation and manage settings related to snapshot retention and storage limits. A sensitive information filter prevents the storage of critical data, and users can exclude specific apps and websites. Recall requires identity verification and encrypts all captured information locally. The interface allows users to search through snapshots using natural language and offers options to delete, transfer, or extract content from them. Recall is currently in a preview phase, with ongoing discussions about its privacy and security measures.
Windows 11 Pro is on sale for $18 this week only
Winsage
December 15, 2024

Windows 11 Pro is on sale for $18 this week only

Windows 11 Pro is available for a limited time at a price of .97, down from its regular retail price of 9. Users can run Windows alongside macOS on Intel-based Macs using Boot Camp or a virtual machine like Parallels Desktop. The operating system offers features such as DirectX 12 Ultimate graphics and Windows Copilot. No coupon is needed to access this offer.
I made my dream Google widget with one of my favorite Android tools
AppWizard
December 14, 2024

I made my dream Google widget with one of my favorite Android tools

The author previously used Nova Launcher to create custom widgets but found Google's existing widgets difficult to enhance. This led to the idea of creating a new widget using KWGT that serves as a centralized hub for Google services. The author aimed to build an "omniwidget" that organizes essential Google services while maintaining a customizable design. They downloaded KWGT Pro, added a 4x4 widget, and followed steps to create the widget's shape, buttons, and visual elements, including icons and a font. The widget features nine buttons for shortcuts to various Google services and includes a section for displaying time, date, and temperature. After completing the design and functionality, the author expressed satisfaction with the outcome and the potential for an official Google widget that offers customizable shortcuts.
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