facial recognition Archives

AppWizard

November 20, 2025

Celebs – Celebrity Look Alike For Android

The Celebs – Celebrity Look Alike app, developed by Sociaaal LLC, allows users to find their celebrity doppelgängers by taking a photo and receiving instant comparisons to thousands of celebrities. The app features a user-friendly interface, enhanced accuracy and speed, and is accessible for all ages. Key features include a celebrity match generator, social media integration for sharing results on platforms like Instagram and Snapchat, and unlimited comparisons with different photos. The app operates securely on users' devices without using AI facial recognition technology, ensuring privacy. It is available for free, has over a million downloads, and holds a rating of 4.1 stars.

Winsage

October 14, 2025

Microsoft previews People grouping in OneDrive photos

Microsoft is introducing an AI-driven feature in OneDrive that allows users to group photos based on recognized faces. Currently in a mobile preview for select users, the feature requires manual identification of faces and has limitations on user control, allowing toggling of the People section only three times a year. Microsoft has not clarified the reasoning behind this limitation. The company acknowledges that certain regions require user consent for photo processing, which may lead to regulatory scrutiny. If users disable the facial grouping feature, associated data will be erased within 30 days. Microsoft claims it does not use facial scans or biometric data for AI training, but concerns about privacy remain.

Tech Optimizer

October 9, 2025

Business security worries during the move to Windows 11?

Windows 11 will replace Windows 10 on October 14th and is designed with enhanced security features, making it the most secure operating system to date. It requires a motherboard and CPU that support Secure Boot to protect against malicious code during startup. The operating system integrates artificial intelligence within its Windows Security suite for improved threat detection and data protection. Key components include Microsoft Defender Antivirus, which offers real-time alerts and a centralized command center, and Windows Defender SmartScreen, which analyzes potential threats from websites and downloads. Additional security features include Windows Firewall, Bluetooth Protection, Secure Wi-Fi, and enhanced VPN functionality. Windows 11 also focuses on identity security with biometric access through Windows Hello and multifactor authentication via Microsoft Authenticator. The operating system is linked to Microsoft Accounts for centralized data management and includes a Find My Device feature for locating or locking stolen PCs. RCT Cloud is a recommended vendor for assistance with the Windows 11 upgrade, providing Microsoft licenses and support.

Winsage

October 2, 2025

Why I don’t use Windows Hello, even though it’s more secure

Windows Hello is a biometric authentication feature in Windows 10 and 11 that uses facial recognition and fingerprint scanning. The author prefers using a PIN for several reasons: 1. Windows Hello is perceived as slower than entering a PIN, with frequent delays in recognition. 2. The facial recognition feature is not reliable, struggling under certain lighting conditions or when the user wears a hat. 3. User experience varies significantly across different hardware, with older devices performing poorly compared to newer ones. 4. The author feels more comfortable with the familiar method of using a PIN, having used traditional passwords for years. Despite these concerns, the author is optimistic about future improvements to Windows Hello, anticipating advancements in technology and AI that could enhance its performance and reliability.

Winsage

September 24, 2025

It took a year, but Microsoft finally squashed this major Windows 11 24H2 bug

Microsoft released a patch on September 18, 2025, for Windows 11 24H2 that resolves a significant glitch preventing users from utilizing facial recognition through the integrated camera. This issue had been reported nearly a year prior and had blocked affected devices from receiving the Windows 11 24H2 update. With the fix, eligible devices can now install the update via the Windows Update channel, although it may take up to 48 hours for the update to become available. Microsoft is also addressing three remaining issues in Windows 11 24H2: problems with certain Digital TV and Blu-Ray/DVD applications, a blue or black screen error linked to the sprotect.sys driver, and incompatibility with Intel Smart Sound Technology drivers. Meanwhile, Windows 11 25H2 is set to launch in October 2025, with a smaller installation package and a similar update process to previous versions.

Winsage

September 23, 2025

Microsoft lifts Windows 11 update block after face detection fix

Microsoft has lifted a compatibility hold that previously prevented devices with integrated cameras from upgrading to Windows 11 24H2 due to a face detection bug causing app freezes. The hold, identified by safeguard ID: 53340062, was implemented to protect users from these issues. With the bug resolved, eligible devices can now upgrade through the Windows Update release channel, although it may take up to 48 hours for the update to be available. Microsoft also removed another safeguard hold affecting Bluetooth devices. Some compatibility blocks remain for devices using specific software and drivers. Windows 11 24H2 was officially launched in October 2024 for devices running Windows 11 22H2/23H2.

AppWizard

September 11, 2025

Identity Check on Android tipped to simplify its verification if your watch is close

Recent findings indicate that the Android 16 framework will enhance the Identity Check feature, integrating it with the Pixel Watch 3 and 4. This update will allow users to authenticate using a PIN, password, or pattern instead of solely relying on biometric sign-ins. Currently, accessing sensitive information requires biometric authentication, which can be cumbersome. Google is also working to extend Identity Check to more devices, including those from OnePlus. The latest beta version of Android 16 suggests a partnership with the Pixel Watch, indicating that Identity Check will work with it. Users currently must use biometric verification outside of "Trusted Places," but the update will allow for alternative authentication methods when a compatible Pixel Watch is nearby. The feature has been observed on a OnePlus 13 running the Android 16 beta. The rollout of Android 16 QPR2 Beta 1 introduced various enhancements, including an expanded dark theme and additional developer-focused APIs.

Winsage

September 9, 2025

Windows 10 KB5065429 update includes 14 changes and fixes

Microsoft has released the KB5065429 cumulative update for Windows 10 22H2 and 21H2, which includes fourteen enhancements and fixes. This mandatory update addresses two zero-day vulnerabilities and 81 other flaws, improving the security of the operating system. Users can install the update through Windows Update, and it will automatically begin installation after checking for updates. The update upgrades Windows 10 22H2 to build 19045.6332 and Windows 10 21H2 to build 19044.6332. Key fixes include resolving unexpected User Account Control prompts, performance issues with NDI streaming software, and various other bug fixes related to input methods, app compatibility, multimedia, and search functionality. There are no known issues with this update.

Winsage

August 29, 2025

Windows 11 KB5064081 update clears up CPU usage metrics in Task Manager

Microsoft has released the KB5064081 preview cumulative update for Windows 11 24H2, which includes thirty-six new features and enhancements. Key updates include new Recall features, an improved CPU usage display in Task Manager, and a redesigned system dialog box for app permissions. This optional update elevates Windows 11 24H2 systems to build 26100.5074 and allows users to manage third-party app access to generative AI models. Users can install the update via Windows Update or manually from the Microsoft Update Catalog. Notable changes also include a new grid view for search results, enhanced lock screen personalization, and improvements to Windows Hello and Task Manager. Microsoft has identified known issues related to CertificateServicesClient errors and audio/video performance lag with NDI, with a fix for the CertEnroll errors being rolled out gradually.

Winsage

August 23, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5761 (Dev Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5761 (KB5064093) is being released to the Dev Channel. New features include the ability to resume apps from an Android phone on a Windows 11 PC, specifically for Spotify, which allows users to continue playback seamlessly. Users need to enable access to their phone and set up the Link to Windows app to use this feature. Improvements to battery iconography on the lock screen have been made. New features for Click to Do on Copilot+ PCs include a touch-friendly invocation method. The agent in Settings now provides direct navigation links from search results. Automatic Super Resolution settings have been simplified for Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs. A new keyboard shortcut has been introduced for inserting En dashes and Em dashes. The Windows share window now allows pinning favorite apps. Fixes include performance enhancements for loading the apps list in Settings, resolving Windows Hello recognition issues, and improving gaming performance with overlays. Known issues involve Recall functionality in the EEA, visibility of the Shared section in File Explorer, unresponsiveness in Storage settings, and issues with Xbox Controllers via Bluetooth. Windows Insiders in the Dev Channel receive updates based on Windows 11, version 25H2, and features are rolled out gradually using Controlled Feature Rollout technology.