future of computing Archives

Winsage

April 7, 2025

Windows 11 Update Finally Lets You Install on Older PCs

Microsoft has relaxed its hardware requirements for Windows 11, allowing older PCs that were previously excluded to install the operating system. This change comes as Windows 10 approaches its end of life in 2025 and aims to provide users with access to the latest security updates and features. Older processors that were once deemed incompatible are now eligible to run Windows 11, reflecting a shift towards a more inclusive approach by Microsoft. Users with previously incompatible PCs may now upgrade to enjoy new features like a redesigned Start Menu and improved multitasking capabilities, although they should verify their system's compatibility and performance.

Winsage

December 24, 2024

Windows users, this is one upgrade you won’t want to miss

Windows 11 features a sleek interface and enhanced security measures. It includes an AI assistant called Copilot, which uses GPT-4 Turbo for task automation and productivity. AI capabilities are also integrated into applications like Paint, allowing users to easily edit images. Windows 11 Pro is available for .97 until January 12 at 11:59 p.m. PT, down from its regular price of 9.

Winsage

December 20, 2024

Windows 10 Support Ends In 2025, Should You Spend Big On A Windows AI Laptop?

Microsoft will end official support for Windows 10 in October 2025, prompting users to consider upgrading their systems, especially if their current PCs cannot transition to Windows 11. Only systems with TPM 2.0 security technology will qualify for a free upgrade to Windows 11, which has received criticism for complicating the upgrade process. Windows 11 features a new user interface and incorporates AI tools for enhanced functionality. The tech industry is shifting towards AI technology, with new processors like Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite and Intel's Lunar Lake promising improved battery efficiency. However, AI PCs often exceed Rs 1 lakh, posing challenges in markets like India, where average laptop prices are around Rs 60,000. Qualcomm is working on making AI features more accessible at around Rs 80,000. While investing in a Windows AI laptop may be tempting, it might be wise to wait until 2025 for a broader range of options at various price points.

Tech Optimizer

December 17, 2024

Report Reveals: Developers Turn to PostgreSQL for Strong AI Capabilities

Timescale has released its State of PostgreSQL 2024 Report, highlighting PostgreSQL's increasing importance as the preferred database for AI applications. Key findings include: - 78.6% of developers prefer PostgreSQL for its capability to manage various data types, including vectors. - 65% of developers reported an increase in PostgreSQL usage compared to the previous year, a 14-point rise from 2023. - 55.3% of PostgreSQL developers are using AI tools, reflecting a 55% year-over-year growth. - 60% of developers use PostgreSQL for both personal and professional projects, a 20% increase from last year. PostgreSQL is recognized for its stability, extensibility, and user-friendly SQL interface, making it a strong alternative to specialized databases. Developers value its data integration flexibility (78.6%) and ease of use (56%). The report indicates PostgreSQL's adoption across various industries, including finance, healthcare, and IoT, due to its ability to handle transactional and analytical workloads. Timescale is enhancing PostgreSQL's capabilities for AI with innovations like pgai and pgvectorscale.

Winsage

December 11, 2024

Microsoft will let you install Windows 11 on unsupported PCs after all — but it’s not worth the trouble

Microsoft is encouraging users to transition from Windows 10 to Windows 11 as support for Windows 10 will end in October 2025. Windows 11 requires a TPM 2.0 chip, and while Microsoft advises against installing it on unsupported PCs, guidance is available for those who choose to proceed without meeting the minimum specifications. Installing Windows 11 on incompatible devices may lead to issues and will result in the loss of support and updates, with any resulting damages not covered by warranty. Users have until October 2025 to upgrade their systems or purchase new hardware that supports TPM 2.0.

Winsage

December 1, 2024

Microsoft’s support docs are urging Windows 10 users to get Windows 11

Microsoft has announced that support for Windows 10 will end on October 14, 2025. After this date, users will not receive free software updates, technical assistance, or security fixes. Microsoft has updated its support documentation and added a banner on a support page to inform users about this change. Users are encouraged to transition to Windows 11, which has stricter hardware requirements, including the need for TPM 2.0. Users can opt for an Extended Support Update program for Windows 10 at an annual fee to continue receiving security updates. A detailed end-of-support table for various Windows 10 versions has been provided, showing their start dates and end dates for mainstream and extended support. Additionally, promotional banners for Windows 11 are increasing within the Windows 11 Settings app, indicating Microsoft's intent to encourage the transition.

Winsage

November 20, 2024

Microsoft is launching a $349 desktop PC that only runs Windows 11 by streaming it from the cloud — is this the future of desktop computing?

Microsoft has introduced its first dedicated desktop PC, the Windows 365 Link, priced at 9, set to launch in April 2025. This device operates exclusively through cloud technology, utilizing Windows 11 via the Windows 365 platform and is designed for enterprise customers. It measures 120 x 120 x 30 mm, features a fanless design, rapid boot times, and instant wake capabilities. It supports dual 4K displays and includes three USB-A ports, one USB-C port, an audio jack, an Ethernet jack, DisplayPort, and HDMI. The device is powered by an Intel processor with 8GB of RAM and 64GB of storage, relying on a constant internet connection to function. It will leverage Copilot+ features for enhanced functionalities and is expected to run a lightweight version of Windows, potentially based on the CorePC edition codenamed NXT. The Windows 365 Link aims to redefine the desktop experience, particularly in schools and flexible workspaces, catering to the growing trend of cloud computing.

Winsage

November 20, 2024

Windows and Office get smart: An overview of Microsoft’s AI services

Microsoft is integrating artificial intelligence across its software ecosystem, particularly in Windows and Office applications. The AI assistant Copilot is accessible via the taskbar or Start menu and operates through the Edge browser, allowing users to engage with AI for tasks like generating text and creating images. Copilot is embedded in Microsoft Edge, enabling users to ask questions and receive answers powered by Bing, with options for different conversational styles. The Edge integration offers enhanced capabilities such as summarizing web content and utilizing plugins for travel and dining searches, which are not available in the standalone app. Microsoft's Paint application has been upgraded with Cocreator and Image Creator features that use AI to generate images based on user descriptions, leveraging Dall-e technology from OpenAI. The Image Creator operates through Microsoft’s cloud resources, while Cocreator processes locally on Copilot Plus devices. The Windows Photo Viewer has a generative erase function that allows users to remove unwanted objects from photos, intelligently filling in gaps left behind. Microsoft has developed PCs with Neural Processing Units (NPUs) to handle AI tasks locally, enhancing performance and addressing data privacy concerns. The Designer feature has expanded from PowerPoint to Word, providing AI-driven design suggestions, but requires a paid Microsoft 365 subscription. The Copilot Pro subscription allows for text generation, template creation, and data analysis in Excel, though some limitations exist. AI capabilities have also been integrated into tools like Clipchamp and Teams for video creation and communication management. Microsoft has paused the rollout of the Recall feature, which tracks user activity through screenshots, due to privacy concerns.

Winsage

November 2, 2024

Microsoft: Windows 11 Copilot+ PCs are 5x faster than popular 5 year old PCs

Microsoft's Windows 11 Copilot+ PCs are faster and offer increased battery life compared to older Windows machines. Recent benchmarks show that these devices, powered by Snapdragon processors, can be up to five times faster than popular Windows PCs that are five years old. The evaluation used the Cinebench 2024 Multi-Core benchmark, comparing Copilot+ PCs with Snapdragon X Elite 12 core and Snapdragon X Plus 10 core configurations against older models. The Copilot+ PCs provide up to 2.3 times more battery life for local video playback and up to 3 times more battery power for web browsing compared to five-year-old Windows devices. Testing was conducted under controlled conditions with specific settings for Wi-Fi and screen brightness.

Tech Optimizer

October 29, 2024

Timescale Brings PostgreSQL into the GenAI Era with pgai Vectorizer

Timescale has enhanced its PostgreSQL database platform by introducing the pgai Vectorizer, an open-source tool that integrates advanced AI capabilities. This tool is part of a suite of PostgreSQL extensions aimed at reducing infrastructure costs by 75%. PostgreSQL is widely used by 49% of developers, and the pgai Vectorizer simplifies AI development workflows by allowing developers to create, store, and manage vector embeddings alongside relational data within a single system. Key features of the pgai Vectorizer include unified management of AI data, real-time synchronization of vector embeddings, seamless experimentation with embedding models, and version tracking for model compatibility. This integration positions PostgreSQL as a comprehensive platform for building AI applications, enabling faster development while reducing infrastructure concerns. Timescale continues to focus on enhancing PostgreSQL's capabilities for demanding workloads, supported by investors like Benchmark and NEA.