generative AI capabilities Archives

Winsage

April 15, 2025

This Windows 10 bug looks serious – but apparently it’s lying

A new bug has emerged on Windows 10 machines following the KB5057589 update, which began rolling out on April 8 and focuses on enhancing the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE). Users have reported encountering the 0x80070643 error during installation, indicating a potential failure of a crucial data protection tool. Microsoft advises users to remain calm, suggesting that the error message is largely inaccurate and often resolves after a reboot. While some issues related to the update have been fixed, Microsoft is actively working on further solutions. Windows Update may continue to display the update as failed, but this should clear after the next daily scan. Windows 10 will reach its end-of-support date on October 14, 2025, after which Microsoft will stop providing security patches and support unless users opt for the Extended Security Updates program. Meanwhile, Windows 11 is receiving regular updates and new features, including enhancements to the Start menu and the introduction of passwordless sign-in options.

Winsage

April 1, 2025

Microsoft’s Windows 98 can run Meta’s Llama AI model on just 128MB of RAM: “We could have been talking to our computers for 30 years now.”

Generative AI is being integrated into modern technology, with Microsoft incorporating its Copilot AI into Windows 11. Marc Andreessen revealed that a small Llama AI model from Meta operated on a Windows 98 PC with 128MB of RAM. Although the specific Meta AI model was not disclosed, it suggests older technology could have supported generative AI capabilities. Andreessen noted that running Llama AI on a 26-year-old Dell PC could have enabled human-like interactions with computers decades ago. An experiment by Exo Labs successfully ran a modified version of Meta's Llama 2 on a Pentium II-based Windows 98 PC, overcoming challenges related to sourcing compatible peripherals and transferring files. The team used Borland C++ 5.02 for compiling modern code but eventually switched to an older version of the C programming language due to compatibility issues. The project required developing a streamlined version of the AI model to function within the hardware limitations of the legacy PC. This illustrates that even older PCs had the potential to support generative AI.

Winsage

February 4, 2025

Microsoft Paint gets Copilot button for generative AI features

The latest Windows 11 Insider update (Build 26120.3073) introduces a new Copilot button in Microsoft Paint, providing access to generative AI features such as Cocreator and Image Creator, Generative Erase, and Remove Background. The update also includes improvements for locating cloud-saved photos via Windows Search for Copilot+ PCs and fixes bugs in the Taskbar, System Tray, and File Explorer. This update is currently a preview for Windows Insiders, with no timeline for broader rollout.

Winsage

December 26, 2024

Hands on: Microsoft is building an AI Shell for Windows 11 command line

Microsoft has launched the public preview of AI Shell, a command-line utility that integrates generative AI capabilities into Windows PowerShell. It features two AI agents: Azure OpenAI and Copilot in Azure, with the option to add more. The installation requires Windows 10 or later and PowerShell version 7.4.6, using the script: Invoke-Expression “& { $(Invoke-RestMethod ‘https://aka.ms/install-aishell.ps1’) }”. Configuration involves adding API keys after executing the Start-AIShell command. AI Shell can execute commands, provide explanations for cmdlets, assist in writing PowerShell scripts, and generate Python code. It includes commands like /code post to send generated code to the terminal, /code copy to copy code, resolve-error to send errors for resolution, and Invoke-AIShell to send queries.

AppWizard

November 24, 2024

Android 16 could give Gemini more control over apps – and other AI upgrades are rumored too

The Google Gemini app is set to receive enhancements that will integrate more features similar to Google Assistant while utilizing generative AI. The developer preview of Android 16 has introduced new APIs that may give Gemini greater control over various applications on Android devices. Currently, Gemini interacts with apps like YouTube, Google Maps, Gmail, Spotify, and WhatsApp through extensions, but the new APIs would allow developers to create additional integrations. There are also reports of an upgraded Gemini Live voice mode that could improve user engagement with YouTube content, enabling natural conversations about videos. Potential interface changes may allow users to pause and resume conversations from notifications in the status bar, enhancing the conversational experience.

Winsage

November 12, 2024

Clues to Windows Intelligence found in Windows 11 builds

Microsoft is expected to rebrand its AI features as "Windows Intelligence," although official confirmation is still pending. A placeholder page for Windows Intelligence was found in a Windows 24H2 build. This rebranding aims to create a cohesive framework for managing AI technologies across Microsoft's platform. Microsoft has previously used the term "Windows Intelligence" for security updates, which are delivered through Windows Update. The new branding will encompass AI-related features beyond security. The initiative follows similar branding strategies by Apple, although "Windows Intelligence" may not be easily abbreviated like "Apple Intelligence." Microsoft has integrated AI technology into various applications, including updates to Copilot and generative AI capabilities in Notepad and Paint.

AppWizard

November 9, 2024

Google Vids reaches ‘general access’ for AI video creation in Workspace

Google has rolled out its video creation application, Google Vids, to Workspace users, utilizing its AI model Gemini. The app includes features such as AI-generated voice-overs and tailored suggestions for multimedia content. Initially announced in April 2024, it has completed its testing phase and is now generally available. Key features include a "help me create" button, various templates for video projects, and a built-in recording studio. While accessible to select subscription plans, the "help me create" function and AI voice-overs will remain free until December 31, 2025, with potential limitations by 2026. The rollout includes various Workspace plans, and the complete rollout is expected to finish within 15 days.

Winsage

November 5, 2024

Download Paint 3D app now before it’s gone from the Microsoft Store

Microsoft will remove the Paint 3D application from the Microsoft Store on November 4, 2024, and it will no longer receive updates. Users can use Paint or Photos for 2D image editing and 3D Viewer for viewing 3D content. Paint 3D was introduced during the Windows 10 Creators Update but failed to gain widespread consumer interest. Microsoft initially planned for Paint 3D to succeed the classic Paint app but later allowed both to coexist due to consumer feedback. The Remix 3D platform, launched alongside Paint 3D, was discontinued in 2020. Microsoft is now focusing on enhancing the classic Paint app with new features, including generative AI capabilities. Users are advised to download the Paint 3D installer before its removal. Existing installations will remain functional.

Winsage

October 28, 2024

Microsoft heard you like Windows updates, so it updated how updates update

Microsoft has unveiled Windows 11 version 24H2, also known as the Windows 11 2024 Update, which includes improvements to the update installation process, resulting in a 45.6% faster installation, 39.7% quicker restart times, and a 15.3% decrease in CPU consumption compared to version 22H2. Key enhancements include parallel processing of component manifests, optimized reading and parsing of component manifests, and scalable use of available RAM. Traditional feature updates are now approximately 200 MB smaller due to certain inbox applications being updated through the Microsoft Store. Notable features in the update include: - Integration of Phone Link with the Start menu. - Simplified layout for the taskbar system tray. - Revamped Quick Settings for improved speed and customization. - Windows Spotlight image as the default wallpaper. - Animated taskbar app preview thumbnails. - Support for HDR images as desktop wallpapers. File Explorer updates include: - Updated home tab layout with shared documents. - Ability to duplicate tabs via right-click. - Enhanced context menu layout. - Support for .7z and .TAR archive formats. - Direct viewing of Android phone file systems. New apps and features include: - A new Outlook app for email, calendar, and contacts. - Updated Copilot as a standalone web application. - AI features in Photos for generative erase and background editing. - A new Recall app for information retrieval using AI. - Paint with generative AI capabilities. Settings updates include: - Windows Update with checkpoints and hot patching. - Voice Clarity using AI to eliminate background noise. - Simultaneous configuration of power settings. - A new Energy Saver mode. - Configurable mouse scroll wheel direction. - Support for Wi-Fi 7 hardware. - A new PRISM emulation layer for x86 apps on Arm devices. - Enhanced performance for Arm-based devices. - AutoSR using AI to improve gaming performance. - Live Captions translating languages into English in real-time. - Advanced Windows Studio Effects for webcam enhancement.

Tech Optimizer

September 18, 2024

ServiceNow moves its backend off MariaDB to Postgres

ServiceNow is transitioning from MariaDB to RaptorDB, a database built on open-source PostgreSQL technology, with the upcoming "Xanadu" release. This change aims to enhance performance, with RaptorDB offering a 53% improvement in overall transaction times, 27x faster report generation, and a 3x increase in transactional throughput. The Xanadu release introduces an integrated development environment (IDE) for Visual Studio Code, an AI coding assistant, and expanded generative AI capabilities tailored for various industries. Additionally, it features a new solution for retailers and enhancements for IT application portfolio management. A Knowledge Graph, designed to streamline data management and analytics, is expected to launch in March 2025 with the next major update, "Yokohama."