local AI Archives

Winsage

May 18, 2026

Why Your Windows 11 PC Doesn’t Get AI Features

Several hundred million Windows 11 users are experiencing frustrations due to the absence of Microsoft features like Recall and Cocreator, which are only available on Copilot+ PCs. Microsoft has divided Windows 11 into two tiers, with the latest AI functionalities requiring specific hardware known as Copilot+ PC. To qualify, a device must have: - An NPU capable of at least 40 TOPS - A minimum of 16 GB of RAM (DDR5 or LPDDR5) - At least 256 GB of SSD storage - Windows 11 version 24H2 or newer - A processor from specific families: Qualcomm Snapdragon X series, Intel Core Ultra 200V (Lunar Lake), or AMD Ryzen AI 300 series Many PCs lack these features due to missing NPUs, insufficient TOPS ratings, unsupported processor generations, outdated Windows versions, rollout delays, or regional limits. Features locked behind Copilot+ include Recall, Click to Do, Cocreator in Paint, Windows Studio Effects, Live Captions with Translation, Improved Windows Search, and Auto Super Resolution. To check for Copilot+ compatibility, users can verify the presence of an NPU in Task Manager, ensure they have Windows 11 version 24H2 or newer, and confirm their processor against the approved list. While some workarounds exist to enable features on unsupported PCs, they are often unstable and not recommended for primary use. Most users may not need to upgrade their laptops unless they require on-device AI features or their current device is significantly outdated. The AI feature gap is not currently critical for most users, as many features are optional or not essential.

AppWizard

May 14, 2026

Google is secretly phasing out Android apps — and AI is the reason why

Google introduced a feature called "Contextual suggestions" for the Android operating system, which allows devices to proactively recommend actions based on individual habits and routines. This feature utilizes Google’s Gemini Intelligence system to provide personalized prompts, such as suggesting a workout playlist at the gym or reminding users to watch a sports game. The shift indicates a move from a reactive to a proactive system, resembling an ambient AI capable of understanding user behaviors. Initial implementations may occur on upcoming Samsung Galaxy devices, including the Galaxy Z Fold 8. The feature is designed to operate primarily on-device in an encrypted environment to enhance speed and address privacy concerns, aligning with a trend towards local AI processing.

AppWizard

May 12, 2026

Intel’s Big Battlemage Arc Pro B70 GPU benchmarked in games, ends up bang-on Nvidia RTX 5060 Ti 16 GB performance

Intel's Arc Pro B70 graphics card performs comparably to the Nvidia RTX 5060 Ti in traditional raster gaming scenarios but lags behind when ray tracing is enabled. It is not marketed as a gaming GPU but as a cost-effective solution for running local AI models, featuring 32 GB of VRAM at a price point of approximately ,000. The B70 measures 368 mm² and is produced using a TSMC N5-class node, making it larger and more expensive to manufacture than the RTX 5060 Ti, which is built on a 181 mm² chip. The B70 delivers RTX 5060 Ti-level performance but is less appealing in a price-sensitive market due to its size and cost. It has 32 Xe cores, making it faster than the previous generation G21, but still trails the RTX 5070 by 87% in gaming performance.

Winsage

May 11, 2026

Microsoft keeps fixing Windows and Xbox, but the community keeps complaining

Microsoft has rolled out four Windows Insider builds, introduced new hidden features, and revamped the Windows Run feature. Despite these advancements, many Windows 10 users are hesitant to upgrade due to financial constraints. Xbox Mode has received criticism for its performance on dual monitor setups. Approximately 25% of Windows users on Steam are still using Windows 10. Windows 11 will enhance CPU frequency during high-priority tasks, and recent Insider builds have improved touchpad gestures, File Explorer descriptions, and voice-typing interface. Users can now prevent Chrome and Edge from automatically downloading local AI models. Feedback on new features like the Low Latency Profile has been predominantly negative, with users expressing concerns over CPU spikes.

Winsage

May 3, 2026

After testing LAP Photo Manager on Windows 11, I’m convinced it outperforms the built‑in Photos app in all the ways that matter

Lap is a free and open-source photo management application for Windows 11 (and 10), macOS, and Linux, designed for local photo libraries. It offers a modern interface, built-in editing tools, and supports various image and video formats, including RAW and HEIC. Lap allows users to manage extensive photo collections efficiently, with features like duplicate file detection and local AI capabilities such as natural language search and facial recognition. The app is available for download from its GitHub releases page and may trigger a SmartScreen warning during installation. It operates without requiring account setup or cloud configuration.

AppWizard

April 20, 2026

I tested 5 PC games on the ASUS Zenbook A16 with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme: Is Windows on ARM improving?

ASUS launched its Zenbook A16 on April 7, featuring Qualcomm's Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme processor, marking a shift in the Windows on ARM ecosystem. The Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme is a System-on-Chip (SoC) with a high-performance "Oryon" CPU and a "Hexagon" NPU for AI tasks, achieving up to 80 TOPS, along with an "Adreno" GPU for graphics. The laptop's gaming performance varies by title: 1. World of Warcraft: Midnight - Verdict: ✅ Perfect; maintained 60 FPS in demanding scenarios. 2. Cyberpunk 2077 - Verdict: 🟠 Playable; performance around 30–40 FPS on low settings, not ideal for casual gameplay. 3. Minecraft: Bedrock Edition - Verdict: ✅ Great; ran smoothly at 55–60 FPS without ray tracing. 4. Kingdom Come: Deliverance II - Verdict: ❓ TBD; lacks an ARM64 build, making it challenging to run. The findings highlight the need for native ARM64 game versions and the potential for growth in the Windows on ARM gaming sector.

Winsage

April 13, 2026

Paint (25H2)

Microsoft has updated Paint significantly with the rollout of Windows 11, enhancing both its user interface and core functionalities. Key updates include the introduction of a Dark mode, an updated Text tool, layer capabilities similar to Photoshop, and support for transparent PNG files. Paint now features AI-driven tools, some of which require a Microsoft account and a Microsoft 365 subscription, while others are accessible on any PC or require a Copilot+ PC. Customization options in Paint are limited; users cannot disable any image creation or editing features but can change the app theme and configure watermark settings for AI-generated content. The toolbar can be set to auto-hide, and users can view their work in full screen by pressing F11. New features include the ability to save projects with multiple layers, a Remove background tool, an Image Creator for generating images from text prompts, and a Generative erase tool for removing objects from images. Copilot+ PCs unlock additional features that operate locally, such as Object select, Sticker generator, Cocreator, and Generative fill, which requires specific hardware capabilities.

Winsage

April 7, 2026

Notepad (25H2)

Microsoft has transformed its Notepad text editor in Windows 11, introducing features such as a tabbed user interface, basic session state management, a "Recent files" option, and AI-driven writing tools. Notepad now supports Markdown markup language for light formatting and includes customizable settings for themes, fonts, document opening preferences, and the ability to disable certain features. Users can access AI writing tools through a Copilot button, which requires a Microsoft account and an active Microsoft 365 subscription. The classic Notepad version is still available, allowing users to revert to the previous interface, although it cannot be set as the default app for text files.

Winsage

April 4, 2026

Windows 11’s April update packs 8 (mostly) meaningful improvements you won’t want to skip. Here’s what you’ll be getting.

Microsoft will begin rolling out the April 2026 Security Update for Windows 11 on April 14, 2026. This update includes significant changes such as: 1. Smart App Control (SAC) can now be managed without reinstalling the operating system, allowing users to toggle it on or off via Windows Security. 2. Windows Narrator has been enhanced to generate AI-based image descriptions, available to users on a Microsoft 365 Family plan. 3. The pen settings page will include an option to configure the "Same as Copilot key" feature. 4. File Explorer will receive updates including the ability to use Voice Typing for renaming files and fixes for various bugs. 5. The update supports display refresh rates of 1000Hz or higher, improves auto-rotation functionality, and enhances HDR performance for certain displays.

AppWizard

April 2, 2026

Google embraces the future, mandates 64-bit apps for Wear OS

Google has mandated that all Wear OS applications must include a 64-bit version starting September 15, 2026. This requirement is part of a broader strategy that also applies to Android TV and Google TV, which will require 64-bit app versions from August 2026. Developers can still offer a 32-bit version alongside the new 64-bit applications, and the Play Store will continue to support legacy applications. A majority of Wear OS developers have already adopted the 64-bit architecture, although some dormant apps may present challenges. The transition to a 64-bit architecture is expected to enhance performance, security, and efficiency for chip manufacturers, as well as allow smartwatches to utilize more than 4GB of RAM.