language models Archives

AppWizard

August 24, 2025

Week in review: Covertly connected and insecure Android VPN apps, Apple fixes exploited zero-day

A study by Arizona State University and Citizen Lab found that three families of Android VPN apps, with over 700 million downloads, have significant security vulnerabilities. Apple has released a fix for a zero-day vulnerability (CVE-2025-43300) that was being exploited in targeted attacks. Researchers from the University of Melbourne and Imperial College London developed a method using lightweight large language models to improve incident response planning. The FBI and Cisco warned about a Russian threat group exploiting an old Cisco vulnerability (CVE-2018-0171) to compromise critical infrastructure. Fog Security researchers discovered a flaw in AWS’s Trusted Advisor tool that could mislead users about the security of their data. AI is now being used in security operations centers to reduce alert noise and assist analysts. U.S. federal prosecutors charged an individual linked to the Rapper Bot DDoS botnet. Nikoloz Kokhreidze discussed the strategic choice between hiring a fractional or full-time Chief Information Security Officer for B2B companies. Commvault patched four vulnerabilities that risked remote code execution. Jacob Ideskog highlighted security risks posed by AI agents. VX Underground released an exploit for two SAP Netweaver vulnerabilities (CVE-2025-31324, CVE-2025-42999). Healthcare organizations are preparing for new password security risks in 2025 that may threaten HIPAA compliance. Researchers identified a spear-phishing campaign using the Noodlophile infostealer. Financial institutions are increasingly using open-source intelligence tools to combat money laundering. Greg Bak discussed security risks for DevOps teams in the cloud. NIST released guidelines for detecting morph attacks. Organizations face six challenges in implementing machine learning and AI security. Recep Ozdag discussed vulnerabilities in airport and airline systems. Google introduced new AI and cloud security capabilities at the Cloud Security Summit 2025. Cybersecurity myths continue to complicate the security landscape. LudusHound is an open-source tool that replicates an Active Directory environment for testing. Buttercup is an AI-powered platform for automated vulnerability management in open-source software. The book "Data Engineering for Cybersecurity" addresses challenges in managing logs and telemetry data. A selection of current cybersecurity job openings has been compiled. A forthcoming webinar will discuss AI and SaaS security risks. The iStorage datAshur PRO+C is a USB-C flash drive with AES-XTS 256-bit hardware encryption. New infosec products were released by companies such as Doppel, Druva, LastPass, and StackHawk.

Winsage

August 22, 2025

Copilot’s new look: bokeh, daisies, and fewer “what do I even do here?” vibes

The Copilot app for Windows 11 has been updated to version 1.25082.132.0 and higher, introducing a new "home experience" with a vibrant layout that integrates seamlessly with the operating system. Key features include enhanced Start Menu access for managing privacy settings related to recent files, the ability to create permanent Pages for ongoing research, and an app-specific quick launcher that utilizes Copilot Vision for contextual assistance. The app also includes a recent conversations window for easy access to previous inquiries. Microsoft is testing a potential return of the 'share' functionality and has introduced Copilot Labs for users to experiment with new features. Additionally, a memory function in the Android app allows Copilot to learn user preferences by asking questions based on prior interactions.

Winsage

August 6, 2025

Microsoft’s CVP thinks we’ll ditch the keyboard and mouse for voice commands in 2030, but I’m not convinced

Microsoft predicts that within the next five years, traditional input devices like the keyboard and mouse may become obsolete, replaced by artificial intelligence and voice-activated controls. David Weston, Microsoft's Corporate Vice President, stated that future generations may find using a mouse and keyboard as foreign as DOS is to today's youth. He envisions users interacting with computers through natural dialogue, suggesting that future Windows iterations will understand complex verbal commands. However, skepticism remains about the widespread adoption of voice commands, especially for tasks requiring precision, such as gaming and social media engagement.

Winsage

August 5, 2025

Ollama’s new app makes using local AI LLMs on your Windows 11 PC a breeze — no more need to chat in the terminal

Ollama allows users to engage with AI language models directly on personal computers, with an improved installation process that simplifies access through a system tray or Start Menu. The application features a user-friendly interface for typing queries and includes the ability to adjust context window size and support for multimodal inputs, such as images and code files. Some advanced functionalities still require command-line interface (CLI) usage. Recommended system specifications include an 11th Gen Intel CPU or Zen 4-based AMD CPU with AVX-512 support and a minimum of 16GB of RAM, while offline functionality is a key advantage.

Winsage

July 23, 2025

Copilot Vision on Windows 11 sends data to Microsoft servers

Microsoft is integrating artificial intelligence into Windows 11 with new features, including Copilot Vision, which serves as a remote assistant processing information in the background. Windows 11 is positioned as the home for AI, offering features like Recall, Click to Do, and enhanced search capabilities. Copilot Vision captures continuous screenshots for analysis using optical character recognition and a large language model, with data processed on Microsoft servers. User data is not stored long-term, except for conversation transcripts with the Copilot assistant. The update introduces an "agentic" AI capable of adjusting system settings based on natural language commands, currently available on Copilot+ systems with Qualcomm Snapdragon hardware, with Intel and AMD support expected. Microsoft has also enhanced the "Click to Do" feature and introduced AI capabilities in applications like Photos, Paint, and the Snipping Tool. The traditional Blue Screen of Death has been replaced with a Black Screen of Death, which promises a more readable error message format. Additionally, Microsoft has unveiled the Surface Laptop 5G, featuring a 13.8" display, Intel Core Ultra processors with a neural co-processor, and optional 5G connectivity, expected to be available in 2025.

AppWizard

July 17, 2025

I tested the new Gemini app on my Galaxy Watch 8, and it’s close to excellent

Gemini has begun its phased rollout on Android watches equipped with Wear OS 4 and above. It offers improved natural language command recognition and tailored responses from Google's Search LLM, allowing users to interact seamlessly with Google and Samsung applications. Gemini can create Google Calendar reminders and YouTube Music playlists through voice commands. It provides specific examples in response to queries, such as suggesting foods rich in carotenoids, and can deliver concise answers to spontaneous inquiries. Gemini efficiently pulls data from Search and Maps for tasks like finding local theater showtimes and creating calendar entries. Users can select default applications for tasks, enhancing speed and functionality. Battery consumption is manageable, with only about 20% used during a full afternoon of heavy use. However, it occasionally misinterprets commands and could benefit from brevity in responses. A "View on phone" button and better recognition of speech completion would improve user experience. Support for the new One UI 8 Watch Tile format could enhance functionality further.

AppWizard

July 16, 2025

1 in 5 Steam games released in 2025 use generative AI, up nearly 700% year-on-year — 7,818 titles disclose genAI asset usage, 7% of the entire Steam library

Recent research indicates a 681% increase in the number of games on Steam that acknowledge the use of generative AI, rising from around 1,000 titles in 2024 to over 7,500. Ichiro Lambe, a game developer, noted that the applications of generative AI in gaming include audio elements, narrative generation, marketing materials, and code generation assistance. The use of AI during runtime is also increasing, with examples such as flagging offensive content and generating 3D worlds based on player prompts. Some games featuring AI have received positive reviews, suggesting growing acceptance among players. Notable titles using generative AI include My Summer Car, which has sold 2.5 million copies. Developers are using carefully crafted language in disclosures about AI to reassure customers, and there are concerns about undisclosed AI usage in some games.

Winsage

July 13, 2025

Windows-MCP does everything Copilot+ wishes it did, without Microsoft (and it’s not even good)

Microsoft's Copilot has transformed into a conventional AI assistant, disappointing some users who expected seamless integration with Windows. In response, a third-party solution called Windows-MCP has emerged, utilizing advanced language models like Anthropic's Claude to help users manage their PCs. Setting up Windows-MCP requires Python 3.13 or newer, the Claude desktop app, the UV package manager for Python, Node.js, and Git. Once installed, users can execute commands using text, but Claude's permission requirements can disrupt command flow. During testing, Claude successfully opened and closed browsers, launched applications, and summarized web content, though the free plan limits interactions. Users have reported that the time taken for Claude to execute commands can be longer than performing tasks manually, and bugs have been noted, including issues with browser profiles. Despite its current limitations, Windows-MCP showcases the potential for AI to enhance user interaction with technology.

Tech Optimizer

July 10, 2025

EDB Returns to Goodwood with Sovereign AI and Data Platform for Intelligent Mobility

EnterpriseDB (EDB) has returned to the Goodwood Festival of Speed, focusing on the impact of advanced AI data systems in the automotive industry. A global survey by EDB of 190 automotive executives revealed that only 13% of organizations are successfully leveraging agentic and generative AI, with these companies achieving a fivefold return on investment through a focus on data sovereignty. The automotive sector is undergoing a significant transformation, with the U.K. automotive AI market projected to grow from £8 million in 2024 to £2 million by 2030, reflecting a 21.7% CAGR. EDB is also fostering future talent through initiatives that encourage students to propose innovative data and AI solutions, with a £2,000 prize for the winning idea. The U.K. STEM workforce is expected to grow by 10% by 2030, while many tech firms face challenges in filling roles. EDB has received multiple recognitions for its innovation and workplace culture, including listings in various industry awards. EDB Postgres® AI is described as an open, enterprise-grade sovereign data and AI platform that integrates various workloads while ensuring compliance and security.

Tech Optimizer

July 9, 2025

Query Amazon Aurora PostgreSQL using Amazon Bedrock Knowledge Bases structured data

Amazon Bedrock Knowledge Bases has introduced a fully managed Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG) feature that connects large language models (LLMs) with internal data sources, enhancing the relevance and accuracy of responses by integrating contextual information from private datasets. During AWS re:Invent 2024, it was announced that this feature now supports natural language querying for structured data retrieval from Amazon Redshift and Amazon SageMaker Lakehouse, allowing generative AI applications to access both structured and unstructured data sources. The system converts user queries into SQL queries using natural language processing, enabling data retrieval without requiring users to know SQL syntax. Amazon Bedrock Knowledge Bases currently supports structured data retrieval from Amazon Redshift and SageMaker Lakehouse. Although direct support for Aurora PostgreSQL-Compatible is not available, users can utilize zero-ETL integration between Aurora PostgreSQL-Compatible and Amazon Redshift to make their data accessible. This integration replicates Aurora PostgreSQL tables to Amazon Redshift in near real-time, simplifying data management. To enable natural language querying of structured application data stored in Aurora, organizations can set up an Aurora PostgreSQL database, create a schema with interconnected tables (products, customers, and orders), and populate these tables with sample data while maintaining referential integrity. Subsequently, they can establish zero-ETL integration with Amazon Redshift, which involves creating a Redshift Serverless workgroup and mapping the database for synchronization. Once the zero-ETL integration is verified, organizations can create an Amazon Bedrock knowledge base for natural language querying. This requires granting appropriate permissions to the Amazon Bedrock Knowledge Bases AWS Identity and Access Management (IAM) role and ensuring the knowledge base is synchronized with Amazon Redshift. After setting up the knowledge base, users can execute natural language queries, which are translated into SQL and processed to generate human-readable responses. Examples of queries include counting unique customers and identifying customers who have purchased the most products. Finally, it is recommended to clean up resources after use to avoid ongoing charges.