facial recognition Archives

Winsage

May 6, 2025

Expanding the Surface for Business Copilot+ PC portfolio

AI has evolved into a transformative force for organizations, increasing the demand for secure and high-performance AI-ready Windows 11 PCs. Microsoft has introduced Copilot+ PCs, including the new 12-inch Surface Pro and 13-inch Surface Laptop, both powered by the Snapdragon X Plus processor with an integrated neural processing unit (NPU) capable of 45 trillion operations per second. The 13-inch Surface Laptop offers up to 23 hours of video playback and 16 hours of web browsing, with performance enhancements of up to 50% faster speeds and double the battery life compared to its predecessor. It features an AI-enhanced 1080p front camera for video conferencing and a durable design. The 12-inch Surface Pro is the thinnest and lightest Copilot+ PC, providing 50% faster performance and up to 16 hours of local video playback. Both devices are designed as Secured-core PCs with advanced security features, including Windows Hello for Business and biometric authentication options. They support enhanced productivity through AI features in Windows 11 and Microsoft 365 Copilot, enabling faster file searches and improved team efficiency. Microsoft emphasizes sustainability with the use of recycled materials and energy-efficient designs. The new devices will be available starting July 22 in select markets.

Winsage

May 2, 2025

Pushing passkeys forward: Microsoft’s latest updates for simpler, safer sign-ins

The tech community is celebrating the first "World Passkey Day," moving away from "World Password Day," with Microsoft and other organizations committing to the Passkey Pledge to promote passkey adoption. Microsoft has developed passkeys as a secure authentication method, replacing traditional passwords and allowing access via facial recognition, fingerprints, or PINs. Over 99% of users now prefer Windows Hello for sign-ins, and hundreds of websites support passkeys, which are resistant to phishing. Last year, there were 7,000 password attacks every second, highlighting the urgency of this transition. Microsoft has introduced passkey support for consumer applications, achieving nearly a million registrations daily, with passkey sign-ins being three times more successful and eight times faster than traditional methods. New Microsoft accounts will be created without passwords by default, and the sign-in process will prioritize passwordless methods. Currently, over 15 billion user accounts can use passkeys, with a goal to transition billions more.

Winsage

April 26, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5570 (Dev Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5570 (KB5055632) has been released to the Dev Channel, introducing new features, improvements, and fixes. New features include: - A profanity filter setting for voice typing that allows users to manage the masking of profane words. - Click to Do is now available in preview, allowing users to configure pen shortcuts to launch it. - Improved Windows Search for OneDrive users, which now only displays matches for keywords found within cloud file text. - Enhanced Accessibility flyout in quick settings, organizing assistive technologies into categories. Fixes include: - Addressed issues causing certain apps to appear blank after installation. - Resolved problems with Windows Hello facial recognition and input issues with the touch keyboard. - Fixed issues preventing Quick Assist from functioning for non-administrator users and problems with USB devices disconnecting after sleep. Known issues include: - Users may initially receive an older build upon joining the Dev Channel. - Windows Sandbox may fail to launch with a specific error. - Reports of core Windows surfaces failing to load in safe mode are under investigation. - A bugcheck issue when using Xbox Controllers via Bluetooth is noted. Users are encouraged to provide feedback through the Feedback Hub.

Winsage

April 26, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3941 (Beta Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3941 (KB5055634) has been released to the Beta Channel for users on Windows 11, version 24H2. This update includes new features such as a profanity filter setting for voice typing, the Click to Do feature for pen users, and improved Windows Search functionality for OneDrive users. Enhancements to the Accessibility flyout in quick settings have been made, and various fixes have been implemented, including issues with Windows Hello facial recognition and the touch keyboard. Known issues include problems with Windows Sandbox and Xbox Controller connectivity. Users are encouraged to provide feedback through the Feedback Hub.

Winsage

April 18, 2025

Windows 11 24H2 Update Bug Triggers BSOD Error

Microsoft has acknowledged a significant bug in its Windows 11 24H2 updates, causing Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) crashes with the error code “SECUREKERNELERROR” (0x18B). This issue has escalated since the April 2025 Patch Tuesday update, affecting thousands of users globally. The bug leads to system crashes after installing the updates, resulting in persistent crash-restart loops or unbootable systems. Initially reported in March 2025, the problem gained traction following the April update, prompting Microsoft to confirm the bug and investigate its cause. Other issues include failures with Windows Hello and compatibility problems with games and software, particularly on ARM-based devices. To address the crisis, Microsoft has implemented a Known Issue Rollback (KIR) to disable the problematic code, which is being automatically pushed to affected devices, although users may experience a delay of up to 24 hours. Users are advised to keep their devices connected to the internet and restart their PCs multiple times to expedite the fix. For enterprise environments, IT administrators must manually deploy a specific Group Policy update. Microsoft is working on a permanent solution, expected in a future update, while also acknowledging related issues and committing to further fixes in the upcoming May 2025 update.

Winsage

April 16, 2025

A Windows 11 bug makes you say goodbye to Windows Hello, but only temporarily

Microsoft has acknowledged an issue affecting Windows 11 users that may prevent them from signing in via Windows Hello, particularly through facial recognition. This problem occurs after installing a specific Windows 11 update and performing a Push button reset or using the Reset this PC feature with the option to Keep my Files and Local install selected. Users may see messages indicating issues with their PIN or facial recognition setup. A definitive fix has not been released, but users can still log in with a PIN and reconfigure their facial recognition settings.

AppWizard

April 16, 2025

Android 16 could bring Identity Check to more smartphones

The Identity Check feature has been observed on the OnePlus 13 operating with the Android 16 beta, indicating an expansion of its availability beyond select Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy devices. This feature adds a layer of security for devices outside designated trusted locations and requires a comprehensive system update due to modifications in Android's biometric prompt code. Users can find the Identity Check option in the Settings > Google > Theft Protection menu after upgrading to Android 16. To use Identity Check, users must authenticate their identity through biometric means, such as fingerprint or facial recognition, when accessing sensitive information outside a trusted environment. The feature was initially introduced with Android 15 QPR1 for Pixel devices and is expected to be adopted by other manufacturers. It may not be enabled by default and will be compatible with devices equipped with class three biometric hardware.

Winsage

April 15, 2025

Goodbye Windows Hello — Microsoft Update Kills Biometric Login

Microsoft's recent Patch Tuesday updates have caused significant issues with Windows Hello, its biometric authentication feature, leading to login difficulties for users. The problems arose after the installation of update KB5055523, which also created an unsolicited "inetpub" folder on systems. This update primarily affects Windows 11 24H2 users and server platforms with certain security features enabled, specifically the System Guard Secure Launch or Dynamic Root of Trust for Measurement. Microsoft has warned that users who perform a reset after installing the update may be unable to log in using Windows Hello's facial recognition or PIN. Interim workarounds include re-enrolling in Windows Hello by following prompts on the login screen or navigating to Settings to set up facial recognition again.

AppWizard

April 15, 2025

Gemini AI can now look through your photos on Android

Google's Gemini app for Android has launched a new feature that integrates with Google Photos, allowing users to access backed-up images and videos through facial recognition, date, location, or content descriptions. This integration aims to enhance user experience by providing a more personalized and efficient way to navigate photo libraries.

AppWizard

April 14, 2025

Gemini app rolling out Google Photos integration on Android

Google is rolling out an integration of its Photos app with the Gemini application for Android users, allowing seamless access to backed-up images and videos. The integration includes two main components: one for locating images and videos using criteria such as facial recognition, location, date, keywords, and current conversations, and another for requesting details related to photos. Users can issue specific prompts to find their photos and ask for information about past events. To activate the feature, users must navigate to the Gemini app and select Google Photos from the profile menu. The rollout is currently limited to a select group of invited users on Android devices in the United States.