interface elements Archives

Winsage

December 22, 2025

Insider build focuses on further AI integration in Windows 11

Microsoft has released a new preview version of Windows 11 for Windows Insider Program members, featuring builds 26220.7522 and 26220.7523 in the Dev and Beta channels. The update focuses on integrating artificial intelligence, particularly enhancing the Copilot feature for quicker access to contextual actions via the taskbar. New agents are being tested to assist with tasks within the Windows environment. Usability improvements include updates to the Narrator screen reader, touch keyboard, and voice typing functionalities, along with a new Discover Windows widget to help users find features. The release also includes various bug fixes related to the taskbar, Windows Search, Bluetooth connectivity, and File Explorer, while cautioning users about known issues. Insiders can temporarily switch between the Dev and Beta channels, but this option will end as higher build numbers are released.

Winsage

December 2, 2025

Microsoft Warns About New Experimental Feature in Windows – Jordan News | Latest News from Jordan, MENA

Microsoft has alerted Windows 11 users about a new experimental AI feature called the “Proxy Server,” introduced in build 26220.7262, which can be manually activated in the “AI Components” section. Users receive a cautionary message regarding the feature's experimental nature and potential impacts on device performance, including inaccuracies and unexpected behavior. The underlying language model is still in development, leading to risks of inaccuracies due to incomplete training data. Experts have raised concerns about vulnerabilities to cyber threats, with reports of cybercriminals exploring ways to exploit the AI features. The “Proxy Server” has default read and write permissions to critical user directories, raising security concerns. Microsoft plans to enhance security measures with more granular permission controls and advises that the feature should only be enabled by users aware of the associated risks.

Winsage

December 1, 2025

Microsoft confirms that its new AI agent in Windows 11 hallucinates like every other chatbot and poses security risks to users

Microsoft has introduced agentic AI capabilities for Windows 11 through the 26220.7262 update, aligning with the trend of using large language models to enhance user experiences. The company has warned about potential risks associated with these new features, including the possibility of "hallucinations" and "novel security risks," specifically highlighting a vulnerability known as cross-prompt injection (XPIA). This flaw could allow malicious content to override agent instructions, leading to unintended actions like data exfiltration or malware installation. Microsoft’s move to integrate these AI features reflects a response to competitive pressures in the tech industry, despite the known flaws and security vulnerabilities associated with them.

Winsage

December 1, 2025

Microsoft Warns: Windows 11 Agentic Features May Hallucinate

Windows 11 will introduce "Experimental agentic features" with the installation of Build 26220.7262, which users must manually enable. These features are in an experimental phase and may affect device performance. Microsoft warns of potential security vulnerabilities, particularly from emerging attack techniques like cross-prompt injection, which can lead to harmful commands being executed. The agents operate within an "Agentic Workspace" with scoped, auditable accounts, but unlike Windows Sandbox, they persist across sessions, increasing the attack surface. By default, agents have read and write access to common folders, which presents additional vulnerabilities. Microsoft is working on improving security measures, including more granular permissions and defenses against prompt injection.

Winsage

December 1, 2025

Microsoft says AI agents are “risky”, but it’s moving ahead with the plan on Windows 11

Microsoft is integrating AI agents into Windows 11, despite acknowledging risks such as hallucinations, unpredictable behavior, and vulnerabilities to cyber threats like Cross Prompt Injection (XPIA). The company plans to transform every Windows 11 PC into an AI-powered machine by introducing features like Copilot Voice, Copilot Vision, and Copilot Actions. The Windows 11 taskbar will feature a new "Ask Copilot" interface for users to interact with AI agents. These agents will operate under separate accounts with limited permissions, controlled folder access, and tamper-evident logs, but still have access to personal folders like Documents and Downloads. The Agent Workspace is a key feature that allows AI agents to perform tasks in a controlled environment, separate from the user's session. Agents can interact with applications and execute multi-step tasks while being monitored. Microsoft employs the Model Context Protocol (MCP) to regulate agent interactions with applications, ensuring security and proper permissions. Despite concerns over privacy and security, Microsoft believes that integrating AI is essential for keeping Windows competitive. The company has faced backlash over previous features like Recall, which raised privacy issues, and must work to rebuild trust with users. The experimental AI features are currently optional, and Microsoft aims to demonstrate their value to encourage acceptance.

Winsage

November 21, 2025

Windows turns 40 as the most influential software product in history

Microsoft Windows celebrated its 40th anniversary on November 20, 2025. The journey began with the launch of Windows 1.0 in 1985, designed as a graphical layer atop MS-DOS, requiring a graphics card and 256KB of RAM. Subsequent releases included Windows 2.0 in 1987, Windows 3.0 and 3.1 in 1990 and 1992, respectively, which introduced significant features like a 3D-styled interface and popular games. Windows 95, launched in the mid-1990s, introduced the Start menu and taskbar, selling over seven million copies shortly after its release. The late 1990s and early 2000s saw the introduction of Windows 98, Windows 2000, and Windows XP in 2001, which was noted for its stability. Windows Vista was released in 2007, followed by Windows 7 in 2009, and Windows 8, which faced user backlash. Windows 10 was launched in 2015, adopting a Windows-as-a-Service model, and Windows 11 continues to evolve with new design and hardware requirements.

Winsage

November 19, 2025

Your AI May Install Malware: Microsoft Stock (NASDAQ:MSFT) Slips With New Agentic AI Warning

Microsoft has issued a cautionary note regarding its upcoming agentic AI feature in Windows 11, advising users to approach it with care. The feature will be disabled by default due to potential risks, including cross-prompt injection (XPIA), which could lead to data exfiltration or malware installation. This warning has caused a slight dip in Microsoft's stock as investors reassess the implications of the technology. Analysts on Wall Street maintain a positive outlook on Microsoft’s stock, with a consensus rating of Strong Buy and an average price target suggesting a promising upside potential of 28.44%.

AppWizard

November 18, 2025

Google’s Gemini Agent can orchestrate complex tasks on your behalf in the Gemini app

Google is updating the Gemini app with a new interface and Gemini 3 Pro support. Google AI Ultra subscribers can try the Gemini Agent, which can complete actions within the Google ecosystem and on the web. The app is gaining two generative interfaces that create custom views in real-time based on user requests. Gemini 3 enhances multimodal understanding and agentic coding capabilities. The Gemini Agent is an experimental tool that simplifies multi-step tasks and integrates with Google Workspace applications. It can manage calendar events, set reminders, and organize Gmail inboxes, while prioritizing user control for significant changes. The app introduces visual layouts and dynamic views for customizable user engagement. Users can experiment with Gemini 3 Pro by selecting the "Thinking" model, while the Gemini Agent is exclusive to Ultra subscribers in the U.S.

AppWizard

November 10, 2025

Google and Epic propose Android settlement modifying antitrust injunction

On November 4, 2025, Google and Epic Games filed a joint motion with the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California to modify a permanent injunction from Epic's antitrust litigation against Google. The modified injunction retains prohibitions on Google's revenue-sharing practices and mandates that app developers are not required to launch exclusively on the Google Play Store. It introduces a "Registered App Store" system for third-party app stores, allowing users to install these through a streamlined process. The settlement extends globally, promoting competition across all Android markets. Developers are granted rights to offer alternative in-app payment methods and can present various payment options side-by-side. The modified injunction caps service fees that Google can charge on transactions in Play-distributed apps using alternative payment methods, extending through 2032. A Technical Committee will oversee disputes related to the new terms. The settlement's effectiveness depends on court acceptance and coordination with a separate settlement between Google and state attorneys general. The settlement is part of ongoing antitrust scrutiny facing Google. Following court approval, Google will have eight months to implement the necessary technology for the registered app store program.

Winsage

November 7, 2025

Former Microsoft engineer explains why Windows ‘sucks’ now

Retired Microsoft engineer Dave Plummer proposes the introduction of a hardcore mode for Windows to eliminate unnecessary features aimed at less technical users. He emphasizes the need for a system-wide setting that makes the OS more deterministic and less chatty, advocating for centralized settings management to avoid users having to search extensively for configurations. Plummer calls for greater transparency in telemetry, suggesting that users should have clear documentation of data sent on their behalf and the ability to mute specific telemetry categories. He critiques the update process for causing unexpected changes and suggests implementing automatic rollbacks after health checks. Plummer expresses concern about Microsoft's focus on integrating AI capabilities into Windows, fearing it detracts from user education and turns the OS into a sales channel. He also criticizes Windows for recommending Edge after a user selects a different browser and for displaying sponsored applications in the Start Menu. Despite his criticisms, he acknowledges the strengths of Windows, including its kernel, storage stack, and the Windows Subsystem for Linux. Plummer's discontent stems from the additional features that detract from the user experience.