ICO Archives

Winsage

May 16, 2025

How to get started with Semantic Indexing on Windows 11

Semantic Indexing is an AI-driven feature in Windows 11 that enhances search functionality using Natural Language Processing (NLP) to interpret the context and intent behind search queries. It allows users to search for files, settings, and content using conversational language rather than exact keywords. Semantic Indexing is integrated into various components of Windows 11, including File Explorer, the Start menu, and the Taskbar search box. It requires a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) and is available on Copilot+ PCs starting with the May 2025 security update. Users can verify its activation by checking for specific AI components in the settings. The feature supports various file formats such as images and documents and is compatible with several languages, including English and Spanish. The rollout of these enhancements will occur gradually.

Winsage

April 11, 2025

Copilot Recall: Microsoft rolls out AI screenshot tool

Microsoft has rolled out its AI-driven tool, Copilot+ Recall, which captures snapshots of users' screens at regular intervals. Currently in preview mode, it is available to select users of Microsoft's AI-enabled PCs and laptops, following a temporary halt in 2024 for refinement. Access is being expanded to participants in the Windows Insider program, with global availability planned, though users in the EU will experience a delay until late 2025. Recall allows users to search through past activities, and they can opt-in to the feature, pausing snapshot saving at any time. Privacy advocates have raised concerns about potential misuse, as the tool can save images from emails and messaging apps, including private messages. Microsoft asserts that snapshots are not shared with the company or third parties and are stored locally on users' devices. Users can choose which applications can use Recall, and private browsing modes will not be subject to snapshotting. The UK's Information Commissioner's Office is engaging with Microsoft to ensure compliance with data protection laws.

Winsage

March 25, 2025

Semantic Search Rolls Out to Windows 11, But You Probably Can’t Use It

Microsoft is rolling out its Semantic Search feature to Windows Insiders Beta in Preview Build 26120.3585 (KB5053644). This feature enhances user experience by enabling intuitive searches across files, settings, and applications, integrated into the Start menu and Settings. Users can conduct contextual searches by typing related keywords, retrieving relevant documents and images easily. Semantic Search also extends to the cloud, allowing searches for matching files in OneDrive. It is exclusive to Copilot+ PCs, utilizing advanced Neural Processing Units (NPUs), and supports multiple languages and various file formats.

Winsage

February 25, 2025

This Windows 11 battery app just got a major upgrade, including more support for the Surface Pro 11 and Surface Laptop 7

Microsoft is enhancing the battery icon for Windows 11, while the third-party application "Battery Flyout" by Michał Łeptuch provides deeper insights into battery health. The app allows users to toggle power modes and offers detailed charts of battery usage over time. Recently, Battery Flyout received an update that includes a functional power slider on ARM64 devices, the ability to generate a comprehensive battery report, minor stability and performance enhancements, and new settings for customizing the tray icon style. Battery Flyout can display battery percentage, a feature currently being tested in Windows 11. Michał Łeptuch is also known for developing other applications like Calendar Flyout and Fluent Emoji Gallery, among others, to enhance the Windows 11 experience.

Winsage

December 19, 2024

I used the command prompt to convert my media files on Windows, here’s how you can too

Windows Command Prompt can be used to convert media files into various formats using FFmpeg, an open-source multimedia framework. To set up FFmpeg on a Windows system, users must download it from the official FFmpeg website, extract the files, and create a folder for FFmpeg. The path to the FFmpeg "bin" folder must then be added to the system's Environment Variables to allow global access from the Command Prompt. To convert files, users can navigate to the folder containing the media files and use specific commands: - For images: ffmpeg -i Image.OriginalFormat Image.NewFormat - For audio: ffmpeg -i Audio.OriginalFormat Audio.NewFormat - For video: ffmpeg -i Video.OriginalFormat Video.NewFormat - To extract audio from a video: ffmpeg -i Video.OriginalFormat Audio.NewFormat FFmpeg supports various formats: - Image Formats: JPG/JPEG, PNG, TIFF, BMP, GIF, WebP, ICO, PPM, PGM, PBM, TGA - Audio Formats: MP3, AAC, WAV, OGG, FLAC, AC3, ALAC, WMA, AMR, AIFF, Opus, MP2, PCM, M4A, DTS - Video Formats: MP4, MKV, AVI, MOV, WMV, FLV, WebM, MPEG, OGG, 3GP, RM, TS, M2TS, VOB, DIVX, HEVC If the error "ffmpeg is not recognized as an internal or external command" occurs, it usually indicates a problem with the path configuration in the Environment Variables.

AppWizard

November 15, 2024

NatWest blocks popular messaging apps including WhatsApp on work devices

NatWest has blocked access to WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Skype on company devices, requiring employees to use only approved communication channels for business purposes. This policy, implemented earlier this month, aims to ensure compliance and transparency in business communications, addressing concerns over the misuse of non-official channels. The banking sector is facing increased regulatory scrutiny regarding communication practices, with the SEC previously fining JP Morgan for similar issues. Additionally, the FCA is considering an investigation into messaging service usage by bank employees. The ICO has also raised concerns about the use of private messaging apps by government officials, highlighting the risks to transparency and accountability.

AppWizard

October 19, 2024

The Mega Man X Dive Mobile And PC Game Getting An Official Complete Works Art Book

Mega Man X Dive, initially a mobile game, was released on Steam in 2023 and features high-quality art comparable to other Mega Man titles. The Mega Man X Dive: Official Complete Works book is available for preorder, set to release on March 25, 2025, and includes character designs, key art, and developer interviews. Art books from the Mega Man series, such as Mega Man: Complete Works and Mega Man Zero: Official Complete Works, are priced high due to limited print runs. Several Mega Man manga series are also available, including Mr. Mega Man and Mega Man Mastermix: Robot Rebellion. Additionally, the Street Fighter series has upcoming literature, including the Street Fighter World Warrior Encyclopedia: World Tour Edition, releasing on November 5, featuring character profiles and other content.

BetaBeacon

October 9, 2024

Best new mobile games on iOS and Android – October 2024 round-up

Machine Yearning is a free game available on iOS and Android where players associate made-up words with blocky symbols and colors. The game requires players to define words and colors, with cute sound effects and pop-up bonuses. Players can buy microtransactions to don pixellated hats.

Winsage

September 28, 2024

Microsoft to re-launch ‘privacy nightmare’ AI screenshot tool

Microsoft plans to reintroduce its tool, Recall, in November 2024, after delaying its release due to privacy concerns. Recall will now operate on an opt-in basis, a change from the original version that was to be enabled by default, following inquiries from the UK's Information Commissioner's Office regarding its data collection capabilities. The tool is designed to help users access past activities on their PCs by capturing desktop screenshots at regular intervals. Microsoft has implemented additional security measures, ensuring that all snapshots and associated information will be encrypted, and access to screenshots will require biometric login. Recall will be exclusive to the CoPilot+ range of laptops, which have advanced AI chips. Cybersecurity expert Professor Alan Woodward has acknowledged the improvements but emphasizes the need for thorough testing of its security and privacy aspects before deployment.

Winsage

September 3, 2024

Microsoft’s ‘Recall’ feature can’t be uninstalled after all

Windows 11 users are experiencing issues with Microsoft's "Recall" feature, which captures screenshots of user activity. An update to Windows 11 version 24H2 suggested that users could uninstall Recall, but Microsoft clarified this was a glitch. Brandon LeBlanc from Microsoft stated that Recall was incorrectly listed as an option in the Control Panel and would be fixed in a future update. Recall uses an on-device generative AI model to track user actions, raising concerns about the capture of sensitive data. Kevin Beaumont, a former Microsoft security expert, criticized Recall as a significant cybersecurity risk. In response to backlash, Microsoft announced that Recall would be opt-in and disabled by default, and the UK's Information Commissioner's Office is investigating potential privacy violations. The rollout of Recall, originally planned for June, has been postponed to October for testing by Windows Insiders.