local AI Archives

Winsage

January 21, 2026

I found a 16-inch Windows laptop that’s a worthy MacBook Pro alternative (and it looks like one, too)

The Geekom X16 Pro is a lightweight 16-inch laptop priced just over ,300, weighing 2.87 pounds. It is powered by either an Intel Core U9-185H or U5-125H with Arc graphics and an integrated NPU. The laptop features a 16:10 IPS display with a 2.5K resolution, 100% sRGB coverage, a 120Hz refresh rate, and brightness levels up to 400 nits. It runs Windows 11, although the setup process is lengthy. Performance tests showed efficient handling of local AI tasks, quick downloads, and smooth operation for tasks like video playback, browsing, and running applications such as GIMP and LibreOffice. The Geekom X16 Pro offers good value for its specifications, including an Intel Core Ultra 9 CPU, 32GB of RAM, and 2TB of storage.

Winsage

January 12, 2026

Microsoft releases 2026’s first Insider build of Windows 11

The latest Insider build of Windows 11, KB5072046, updates the operating system to build 26220.7535 and is available to Insiders in the Dev and Beta channels. A significant enhancement is the new Narrator feature powered by Copilot, which allows users to generate AI-driven descriptions for images. This feature is not available in the European Economic Area due to regulatory restrictions. Users can press Narrator key + Ctrl + D to describe a focused image or Narrator key + Ctrl + S for a full screen description. Microsoft has also introduced a policy for system administrators to uninstall the Microsoft Copilot App under specific conditions, applicable to Enterprise, Pro, and EDU SKUs. Various fixes have been implemented, including resolving issues with the Start menu, File Explorer, input using the Snipping Tool, print dialogs, and Windows Update settings.

Winsage

January 10, 2026

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7535 (Dev & Beta Channels)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7535 (KB5072046) has been released for both the Dev and Beta Channels. Insiders in the Dev Channel have a limited opportunity to switch to the Beta Channel, which will close soon. New features include Copilot-powered image descriptions in Narrator, which enhances accessibility for blind and low-vision users. Administrators can now uninstall the Microsoft Copilot app for specific users under certain conditions. Improvements include enhancements to Cross Device Resume for developers and a refresh of the Windows Spotlight icon. Fixes have been implemented for various issues in the Start menu, File Explorer, input methods, print dialogs, and Windows Update settings. Known issues include problems with the Xbox full-screen experience, Start menu access, system tray visibility, Settings crashes, Bluetooth battery level display, and the Microsoft 365 Copilot prompt box functionality. Updates are based on Windows 11, version 25H2, and features are rolled out gradually to Insiders.

AppWizard

December 31, 2025

How I learned to manage my emotions with Google’s Journal app

The author initially did not find journaling appealing but began using Google's Journal app, also known as Pixel Journal, to process emotions during a tumultuous year filled with mental challenges. The app serves as a safe space for unloading burdens and offers AI-powered prompts that encourage introspection. It features a built-in calendar for revisiting past entries, customization options for tagging emotions, and integration with Google Photos. Privacy is prioritized with password protection and local AI processing. The author finds the app to be a comforting tool for managing emotions, especially as the new year approaches.

Winsage

December 16, 2025

Microsoft tests Windows 11 26H1 update with new features

Microsoft has released a new test version of Windows 11 for the Canary channel of the Windows Insider Program, part of the 26H1 development branch. This update includes functional and visual enhancements, particularly focusing on artificial intelligence features, such as an AI agent in the Settings app for easier navigation and assistance. The Click to Do context menus have been expanded to offer context-sensitive actions using local AI capabilities. A new full-screen gaming experience is being piloted to enhance usability on larger displays. Interface modifications include further integration of dark mode in File Explorer, new quick actions, and improvements to file sharing. Quick Machine Recovery has been enhanced, and a new page for managing paired mobile devices has been introduced. Microsoft emphasizes that this Canary version is experimental and not for production use, with features rolled out in phases and a clean installation required to revert to a stable version. The final components for public release remain uncertain.

Winsage

November 23, 2025

Microsoft Swaps BSOD to Black, Adds Auto-Hide and AI Tools for Reliability

Microsoft is launching an initiative to eliminate the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) by introducing a new black screen error interface in Windows 11, which will replace the traditional blue backdrop. This redesign aims to modernize the error display and provide actionable insights while removing the frowning face emoji. A new feature called Digital Signage Mode will automatically conceal BSODs on public displays after 15 seconds, preventing prolonged visibility of errors. This mode suppresses all Windows error dialogs and allows systems to reboot or enter recovery without displaying errors, which is crucial for environments like retail and transportation. Microsoft is also enhancing remote recovery tools for IT administrators and promoting proactive measures for error prevention, such as regular driver updates and system scans. The company is collaborating with hardware manufacturers to improve driver compatibility and reduce BSOD incidents. Despite concerns about obscuring underlying issues, Microsoft ensures that all incidents are logged for future review. By 2026, experts anticipate advancements in AI-driven error handling that could eliminate public BSODs entirely. User adoption remains a challenge, particularly among small businesses, and Microsoft is addressing this through educational campaigns. The transition to a black screen has been positively received in consumer spaces, marking a cultural shift away from the blue screen as a symbol of computing errors.

Winsage

November 19, 2025

Microsoft Integrates System Monitor (Sysmon) into Windows 11

Microsoft will integrate its forensic tool, System Monitor (Sysmon), into the Windows kernel with the upcoming releases of Windows 11 and Server 2025. This integration will transform Sysmon from a standalone utility into a native “Optional Feature” that will be serviced automatically through Windows Update. Administrators will no longer need to manually distribute Sysmon; instead, it can be activated through the “Turn Windows features on or off” dialog or command-line instructions. The integration will ensure that updates flow through the standard Windows Update pipeline, providing official support and Service Level Agreements (SLAs) for Sysmon. Microsoft plans to utilize local computing capabilities for AI inferencing to enhance security measures, focusing on detecting credential theft and lateral movement patterns. Sysmon will maintain backward compatibility with existing workflows, allowing the use of custom configuration files and adhering to the XML schema while continuing to log events to the Windows event log. Community-driven configuration repositories will remain operational, preserving established community knowledge.

Winsage

November 18, 2025

Windows Is Becoming An Operating System For AI Agents

Microsoft Windows is evolving to incorporate AI agents that act autonomously, resembling digital coworkers. This shift is facilitated by the Model Context Protocol (MCP), which standardizes agent interactions with tools and data sources, ensuring secure access to system resources. Windows introduces an on-device registry of "agent connectors" for functionalities like file access and system settings, managed through an OS-level proxy that oversees identity, permissions, consent, and audit logging. The initial connectors focus on File Explorer and System Settings, defining clear capabilities and restrictions for agents. A transparent consent model allows users to manage permissions easily, promoting a user-friendly experience. The introduction of an Agent Workspace provides a dedicated environment for agents, ensuring they operate independently and with least-privileged access. Security measures include signed connectors and a standardized proxy for authentication and auditing, enabling visibility into agent actions. Windows is also expanding on-device AI processing with APIs for various functionalities, allowing agents to leverage local models securely. While Windows is not becoming an agent-first operating system, it is establishing a framework for human and agent interactions, positioning itself as a safe environment for AI operations. The foundational elements for this evolution include standard interfaces, clear permissions, isolated environments, and system-level observability.

AppWizard

October 30, 2025

Google just dropped a ton of updates for those who want to make apps for Android and the Play Store

Google has introduced AI-powered tools for developers to aid in app creation and expansion, aiming to lower development costs and improve visibility on the Play Store. Key updates include the integration of Gemini for high-quality translations of app text and Gemini-powered chart summaries on the Statistics page for better metric analysis. In Android Studio, "Agentic capabilities" allow AI to perform complex tasks like upgrading project APIs, and developers can integrate their own large language models. Google also launched the on-device Gemini Nano model through a new Prompt API for local AI functionalities. This initiative enhances competitiveness in the app development landscape, particularly against Apple, by offering free translations and accessible statistics for smaller developers while providing advanced tools for larger teams. The suite of tools encourages developer engagement and aims to foster a thriving community for Android innovation.

Winsage

October 30, 2025

I don’t use the Windows Start menu anymore, because I have Raycast instead

Complaints about the Windows 11 Start menu are common, with users finding it sluggish and unreliable. Raycast, currently in beta for Windows, is an application launcher that allows for faster access to applications and system settings through customizable keyboard shortcuts. It includes built-in extensions like an emoji picker and clipboard history, enhancing its functionality. Raycast can be activated using various keyboard shortcuts, including the Windows key, making it easy to transition from the Start menu. It is effective across all operating systems, with a similar open-source alternative called Vicinae available for Linux users. Raycast has proven to enhance productivity significantly.