language model Archives

AppWizard

May 28, 2025

Messaging app Signal will block Windows Recall from taking chat screenshots

Signal has introduced a "Screen Security" feature in its desktop application to prevent external programs, including Windows 11, from capturing screenshots of its interface. This feature is enabled by default and is a response to Microsoft's Recall feature, which captures app window screenshots for AI processing. Signal is concerned about the privacy risks posed by Recall's design, despite Microsoft's assurances of improved privacy controls. The developers have used Windows' Digital Rights Management technology to protect against unauthorized screenshots due to the lack of official APIs from Windows 11. Signal's leadership has criticized the need for such workarounds and has called on Microsoft to provide better tools for developers to safeguard user privacy.

AppWizard

May 26, 2025

Google Home kicks off a Gemini-backed ‘Voice Assistant’ test for Android

Google Home's app on Android is rolling out a Public Preview test called "Voice Assistant," which allows users to control access to the experimental AI feature, Gemini, on their smart home devices. Gemini was first tested on Nest devices last December and is now being integrated into Google Home with improved AI-generated automations and new features. The "Voice Assistant" experiment enables users to manage how household members can access Assistant experiments, but requires "Voice Match" setup for access. Gemini enhances the Assistant's capabilities by providing more comprehensive answers and allowing follow-up questions. At the I/O 2025 event, Google announced additional features for Google Home, including a "Home Summary" widget for Pixel devices and improvements to the "help me create" feature for automation.

Winsage

May 13, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3964 (Beta Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3964 (KB5058496) has been released for the Beta Channel, specifically for Windows 11, version 24H2. Users on version 23H2 can choose to upgrade to version 24H2 with this build. The update introduces a new AI-powered agent in Settings for easier navigation and task automation, currently available for Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs, with support for AMD and Intel PCs coming soon. Enhanced intelligent text actions have been added to Click to Do for AMD and Intel-powered Copilot+ PCs, allowing users to summarize, create bulleted lists, or rewrite text. A dedicated FAQs section has been added to the Settings > System > About page. Several fixes have been implemented, including improvements to the Start menu, File Explorer, and voice access. Known issues include problems with PC reset display and Xbox Controller connectivity. Entra ID support for AI features in Paint and Notepad has been rolled out for IT-managed PCs.

Winsage

May 13, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5600 (Dev Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5581 (KB5058493) has been released to the Dev Channel. New features include enhanced intelligent text actions in Click to Do for AMD and Intel™-powered Copilot+ PCs, allowing users to Summarize, Create a bulleted list, or Rewrite text. These features are available when the default language is English and at least 10 words are selected. For users with French or Spanish as their primary language, only Summarize, Create a bulleted list, and Refine options are temporarily available. Improvements include the ability to safely remove devices compatible with Dynamic Lighting and the introduction of a FAQs section in Settings to help users find information about their PC. Fixes have been made to the Start menu, File Explorer, Voice Access, Taskbar, Windows Spotlight, and Live captions. Known issues include problems with the PC reset option and Xbox Controller connectivity. Entra ID support for AI features in Paint and Notepad has been rolled out for IT-managed PCs, allowing access to tools like Cocreator and Generative Fill in Paint, and summarization or rewriting in Notepad. Windows Insiders in the Dev Channel receive updates based on Windows 11, version 24H2, and features may evolve or be removed based on feedback.

AppWizard

May 3, 2025

Facebook parent Meta launches AI assistant app, further competing with OpenAI and Google

Meta Platforms launched a dedicated app for its Meta AI assistant, enhancing user experience by providing personalized responses based on user data from Facebook and Instagram. The app is powered by Llama 4, Meta's latest large language model, designed to compete with AI systems from OpenAI and Google. It will integrate with Meta’s AI glasses and the existing companion app. Meta is also hosting its first AI developer event, LlamaCon, on the same day as the app launch and plans to test a paid subscription model for advanced versions of its AI chatbot in the second quarter. Meta AI, launched in September 2023, serves as a virtual assistant capable of reasoning tasks.

Winsage

April 26, 2025

Consumers make their voices heard as Microsoft’s huge venture flatlines in popularity

In January 2024, Microsoft launched its Copilot assistant, utilizing advanced large language model technology, and introduced various offerings such as Copilot Pro subscription plans and specialized devices. Despite these efforts, Copilot has attracted only 20 million users weekly, which is significantly lower than ChatGPT's 400 million weekly users. This represents just over 1% of the 1.5 billion Windows users globally. Microsoft's Chief Financial Officer, Amy Hood, presented data showing stagnant user engagement for Copilot, raising concerns within the company about the return on its substantial investments in AI technology. Additionally, Microsoft has had to adjust its strategy regarding the Copilot key on keyboards, allowing for customization, and Intel has noted that its AI hardware is not gaining market traction.

Winsage

April 25, 2025

Time to see Windows 11 as a transformation accelerator – not a drag on resources

Many organizations are hesitant to upgrade to Windows 11, with a global adoption rate of only 38% since its launch in 2021. This reluctance is due to companies wanting to extend the lifespan of existing devices, despite the risks associated with inaction. Microsoft will soon discontinue free security patching for Windows 10, leading to potential costs for continued support. Windows 11 has been shown to reduce security incidents by 58% and decrease firmware attacks by more than threefold. Organizations that delay the transition may hinder their competitiveness and face employee dissatisfaction, particularly in sectors like healthcare. The end of support for Windows 10 presents a crucial opportunity for companies to reassess their IT infrastructure and invest in higher-performing technology.

Tech Optimizer

April 24, 2025

Meet Xata Agent: An Open Source Agent for Proactive PostgreSQL Monitoring, Automated Troubleshooting, and Seamless DevOps Integration

Xata Agent is an open-source AI assistant designed for PostgreSQL database site reliability engineering. It monitors logs and performance metrics to identify issues like slow queries and unusual connection counts, helping to maintain database integrity and performance. The tool automates tasks such as vacuuming and indexing and provides actionable recommendations through diagnostic playbooks and read-only SQL routines. The architecture is built as a Next.js application using TypeScript, organized in a monorepo structure. Developers can set up their environment using Node, install dependencies, and configure a local PostgreSQL instance with Docker Compose. Production deployment involves using Docker images and configuring environment variables in a production file. Key functionalities include proactive monitoring, configuration tuning, performance troubleshooting, safe diagnostics, cloud integration, alerting, LLM flexibility, and playbook customization. Developers can create new tools and integrate them into playbooks for cohesive workflows. Future plans include custom playbooks, support for Model Context Protocol, evaluation harnesses, approval workflows, and a managed cloud edition. The architecture promotes extensibility and community contributions, standardizing incident response and reducing human error in database management.

Winsage

April 13, 2025

Week in review: Microsoft patches exploited Windows CLFS 0-day, WinRAR MotW bypass flaw fixed

Microsoft addressed over 120 vulnerabilities during its April 2025 Patch Tuesday, including a critical zero-day vulnerability (CVE-2025-29824) that is actively exploited. WinRAR users are urged to update to version 7.11 due to a vulnerability (CVE-2025-31334) that allows attackers to bypass Windows' Mark of the Web security feature. Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) are experiencing security platform fatigue due to the proliferation of multiple security tools. President Donald Trump signed an Executive Order revoking security clearances for Chris Krebs and his colleagues at SentinelOne. Cyber crisis simulations are becoming essential for organizational preparedness against evolving cyber threats. Fortinet has released patches for vulnerabilities, including a critical flaw (CVE-2024-48887) in FortiSwitch appliances. WhatsApp users should update their Windows client app to fix a vulnerability (CVE-2025-30401) that could allow harmful code execution. Kevin Serafin, CISO at Ecolab, discussed aligning security initiatives with business objectives. There is a rise in compromised large language model (LLM) attacks and risks associated with AI autonomy. New open-source tools like the YES3 Scanner and APTRS have been developed to enhance security capabilities. The cybersecurity job market remains strong, with increasing demand for skilled professionals.

Winsage

April 7, 2025

EncryptHub’s dual life: Cybercriminal vs Windows bug-bounty researcher

EncryptHub has been linked to breaches affecting 618 organizations and is associated with the disclosure of two Windows zero-day vulnerabilities, CVE-2025-24061 and CVE-2025-24071, to Microsoft. The vulnerabilities were addressed during the March 2025 Patch Tuesday updates, and the reporter was acknowledged as 'SkorikARI with SkorikARI.' Investigations revealed a connection between EncryptHub and SkorikARI, following an incident where EncryptHub exposed their credentials. SkorikARI's accounts were used to report the vulnerabilities, contributing to Windows security. Evidence linking SkorikARI to EncryptHub includes password files exfiltrated from EncryptHub's system and a GitHub account associated with SkorikARI. EncryptHub has previously attempted to market zero-day vulnerabilities on underground forums and is believed to have affiliations with ransomware groups. The threat actor has executed social engineering campaigns, phishing attacks, and developed a custom infostealer known as Fickle Stealer. They created fictitious social media profiles and websites, such as a fake project management application called GartoriSpace, which installed malicious files on unsuspecting users. EncryptHub has also been implicated in exploiting a Microsoft Management Console vulnerability, CVE-2025-26633.