functionality

Winsage
May 15, 2025
Developers are focusing on optimizing applications for the newly launched Copilot+ PCs, which feature advanced system architecture, all-day battery life, and the ability to run AI models directly on the device. The initial Copilot+ PCs are powered by Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus silicon, with AMD and Intel also introducing compatible processors. Microsoft’s App Assure Program provides guidance and technical support to help developers optimize applications for these devices, particularly for Arm-based Snapdragon X Series devices. NordVPN is a notable example of a company that successfully utilized the App Assure program to develop an Arm-optimized version of their application. The program includes the Arm Advisory Service, which allows developers to consult with Microsoft engineers for a smoother development process. Other companies, such as Proton VPN and F-Secure, have also benefited from the App Assure team in optimizing their applications for the Windows on Arm platform.
AppWizard
May 15, 2025
Recent research from BrightEdge indicates that Google's AI Overviews have resulted in a 49% increase in search impressions, although click-through rates have declined as these overviews appear in about 11% of search queries. Jim Yu, CEO of BrightEdge, noted that rather than diminishing traditional search, AI is evolving it. Google has been refining its AI Overviews since May 2024, focusing on improving reliability and addressing inaccuracies. The AI includes in-line links for source verification, enhancing credibility. Despite challenges, such as the "glue cheese on pizza" incident, Google is committed to improving the AI's discernment of legitimate queries. The functionality of AI Overviews has recently expanded to include one-tap actions for users seeking contact information related to the Galaxy S25 series.
Winsage
May 15, 2025
Windows 11 includes an emergency restart feature that serves as a safer alternative to forcefully pressing the power button when a PC is unresponsive, reducing the risk of file corruption and system instability. For installing Windows 11 on unsupported PCs, users should assess hardware compatibility, utilize workarounds, back up data, explore community forums, stay updated on patches, consider hardware upgrades, and familiarize themselves with new features. To enhance security, users should enable two-factor authentication, regularly update software, use strong passwords, install antivirus software, be cautious with email attachments, back up data, and educate themselves about phishing scams.
Winsage
May 14, 2025
Microsoft addressed a boot issue affecting dual-boot systems running Linux alongside Windows after the August 2024 Windows security updates, which caused Linux systems to fail to boot due to a Secure Boot Advanced Targeting (SBAT) update. This issue impacted various Windows operating systems, including Windows 10, Windows 11, and Windows Server 2012 and later. The problem arose from a detection mechanism that failed to recognize some customized dual-boot setups, leading to error messages such as "Something has gone seriously wrong: SBAT self-check failed: Security Policy Violation." Microsoft confirmed that the boot issues would be resolved with the May 2025 Patch Tuesday security updates and provided a temporary workaround in late August, advising users to delete the SBAT update. On September 19, Microsoft stopped the automatic application of the problematic SBAT update and recommended a command to prevent future SBAT updates. The issue was specific to the August 2024 security and preview updates, and subsequent updates starting with September 2024 did not contain the problematic settings.
Winsage
May 14, 2025
Microsoft is rolling out a hands-free feature for its Copilot Voice application on Windows 11, allowing users to start conversations by saying “Hey Copilot!” Beta testers, known as Windows Insiders, can activate this feature within the updated app. Users need to enable the feature to respond to the wake word, and the rollout is gradual, with availability to testers worldwide who have set their display language to English. Eligibility requires the Copilot app version to be 1.25051.10.0 or higher. Once activated, a microphone icon will appear, and the feature uses an on-device wake word spotter with a 10-second audio buffer, ensuring audio clips are not sent to the cloud or stored locally. Full functionality requires online access for cloud processing.
Winsage
May 14, 2025
Microsoft is rolling out an update for the Copilot app through the Microsoft Store, introducing several enhancements. A key feature is the "Hey, Copilot" wake word, allowing users to activate Copilot Voice hands-free. Users must enable this feature in the app's settings. Once activated, users can say "Hey, Copilot" followed by their query, and the Copilot interface will appear on the screen. Conversations can be ended by tapping the ‘X’ or automatically after a few moments of silence. The feature requires manual activation and will show that the microphone is in use when enabled. The wake word detection occurs locally, and no recordings are sent to the cloud until the wake word is recognized. The feature is available only in English and requires the PC to be powered on and unlocked. The update version 1.25051.10.0 and higher is being rolled out gradually to Insiders with English display language settings. Users can provide feedback through the app.
AppWizard
May 14, 2025
Slack is introducing a "Mark as Read" option in the notification window for its Android app, allowing users to mark messages as read directly from notifications without opening the app. This feature is currently being rolled out to Android users, while desktop users have had similar functionality through keyboard shortcuts. The update is part of a phased rollout, meaning not all users will have access immediately. Additionally, Slack recently launched 25 new AI applications in its marketplace to enhance productivity across various professional tasks.
AppWizard
May 14, 2025
Tridents in Minecraft are powerful weapons that can be used for both melee and ranged combat. They cannot be crafted and are obtained by defeating Drowned mobs, which are hostile underwater zombies. Drowned can be found in rivers, ocean biomes, underwater ruins, and swamp biomes at night (Java Edition). The chance of obtaining a Trident from a Drowned is low, but players can increase their drop rates by using a sword with the Looting enchantment, targeting Drowned that are holding a Trident, or creating a Drowned farm. Once acquired, Tridents can be repaired and enchanted with Loyalty, Channeling, Riptide, and Impaling. Only Drowned holding a Trident will drop one, and using Looting increases the likelihood of obtaining it.
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