Lunar Lake Archives

Winsage

April 26, 2025

Microsoft rolls Windows Recall out to the public nearly a year after announcing it

Microsoft is rolling out enhancements for Copilot+ PCs, including the Recall feature and a revamped Search function that understands contextual meanings for a more intuitive experience. The new "Click to Do" feature allows users to copy text from images, search on-screen content, and summarize or rewrite text by pressing the Windows key and clicking. To use Copilot+, PCs must have specific hardware requirements, including a neural processing unit (NPU) capable of over 40 trillion operations per second. Supported processors for Copilot+ include Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite and Plus chips, Intel's Core Ultra 200V-series laptop chips, and AMD's Ryzen AI 300 series. The Recall feature and enhanced Search are available for both Arm and x86 PCs, while some Click to Do features are exclusive to Arm systems.

AppWizard

March 25, 2025

With Nvidia Ace taking up 1 GB of VRAM in Inzoi, Team Green will need to up its memory game if AI NPCs take off in PC gaming

Nvidia unveiled its latest RTX technologies, including the Ace suite of digital human technologies, at the Game Developers Conference (GDC). The game Inzoi, reminiscent of The Sims, is one of the first to utilize Nvidia Ace, enhancing character interactions through 'thought bubbles' that reveal emotions and intentions. The AI system is powered by the Mistral NeMo Minitron, a language model with 500 million parameters, using 1 GB of VRAM. This model is limited to NPCs within the player's line of sight and does not change a character's life trajectory. While smaller models can lead to inaccuracies, the potential for larger models in expansive RPGs is significant. Nvidia has maintained an 8 GB memory standard for its mainstream graphics cards, but the demand for more advanced AI may prompt a reevaluation of VRAM offerings. High-end GPUs like the RTX 5070 Ti and RTX 5080 offer 16 GB of VRAM, which is becoming more common in affordable graphics cards.

Winsage

March 16, 2025

Microsoft Paint has a new Copilot hub, and it’s now rolling out on Windows 11 for everyone

In January 2025, Microsoft began rolling out Paint's Generative Erase feature, followed by the Image Creator in February. These features have been consolidated under a new "Copilot" hub button in the Paint toolbar, available to all Windows 11 users without needing to join the Insider program. Upon updating Paint, users will find the Image Creator shortcut replaced by the Copilot button, which offers three options: Image Creator, Generative Erase, and Background Removal. A fourth feature, "Cocreator," is available only on devices with NPU-based processors and allows users to turn sketches into polished artwork. The Image Creator enables users to generate images through generative AI by describing the desired artwork and selecting from various artistic styles, including Charcoal, Ink Sketch, Watercolor, Oil Painting, Digital Art, Photorealistic, Anime, and Pixel Art. Users can save or copy the generated images, but a Microsoft account and AI usage credits are required. The Generative Erase feature allows users to remove objects from images by drawing over the area to be erased. The background removal option lets users eliminate backgrounds from images and save the results as transparent PNGs. The introduction of the Copilot menu enhances accessibility to these tools for all Windows 11 users.

Winsage

February 25, 2025

Microsoft is now failing at designing consistent rounded corners for Windows 11

Microsoft is refining the design of Windows 11, particularly focusing on rounded corners in its interface. The latest update, Windows 11 24H2 Build 26120.3281, introduces even rounder corners for AI features like the Recall app and Click to Do integration, specifically for Copilot+ PCs. While the current design features subtle rounded corners, the upcoming design shows significantly larger and smoother corner rounding, creating a more visually appealing interface. However, inconsistencies remain, as not all elements have adopted the new rounded corners, resulting in a mixed aesthetic across the operating system. Microsoft is considering whether to standardize the corner radius or maintain varying levels of curvature for different elements.

Winsage

February 17, 2025

These chips are no longer supported by Windows 11

Microsoft has released an updated support list for Windows 11 tailored for OEM systems with the introduction of the 24H2 update. This update officially supports new Intel processors, including the Lunar Lake and Arrow Lake Core Ultra 200 series, but excludes older Intel 8th, 9th, and 10th-generation chips, including the Core i9-10900K. The exclusion of these processors aligns with Intel's strategy to transition older integrated GPUs to a legacy support model. AMD processors, including those from the Ryzen 8000 series, remain supported, though some models from the Ryzen 9000 and Ryzen AI families are missing. Existing systems with unsupported Intel processors can still install Windows 11 24H2 and receive updates, but the changes primarily affect OEMs launching new systems. Microsoft has also removed the official guide for installing Windows 11 without a TPM 2.0 check.

Winsage

February 16, 2025

Intel 8th, 9th and 10th Gen processors absent from Microsoft’s Windows 11 24H2 CPU support list

Microsoft has released the processor support lists for Windows 11 version 24H2, adding support for Intel's Lunar Lake and Arrow Lake Core Ultra 200 series processors. Support for Intel's 8th, 9th, and 10th Generation processors has been discontinued, following Intel's shift of its 7th to 10th Gen integrated graphics processing units (iGPUs) to a legacy support model. The official CPU support lists were published after several months of Windows 11 version 24H2 being available. The removal of support for the 10th Gen Comet Lake processors, such as the Core i9-10900K, has raised concerns, especially when compared to older models that remain supported. On the AMD side, Ryzen 8000 chips have been added to the support list, but there are discrepancies, including the mislabeling of the Ryzen 7 Pro 8945HS. The non-Pro variant is absent from the list, and Ryzen 9000 and Ryzen AI mobile chips, like the Ryzen AI 9 370 HX, are not explicitly supported. Microsoft has stated that new processors based on existing architectures will still be considered supported, even if not listed. Systems with CPUs outside the official support lists can still receive Windows updates, indicating a flexible support strategy.

Winsage

February 3, 2025

Surface Laptop 7 Intel vs. Qualcomm: Which Copilot+ PC is better for you?

The Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 features two variants: one powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite chipset and the other by Intel's Core Ultra Series 2 (Lunar Lake) chipset. The Qualcomm model starts at 9 for the 13.8-inch version and ,299 for the 15-inch version, while the Intel variant starts at ,499 for the 13.8-inch model and is projected to be around ,799 for the 15-inch model. Both models offer up to 32GB of RAM and up to 1TB of storage, with identical display options of a 13.8-inch (2304 x 1536) 120Hz touchscreen and a 15-inch (2496 x 1664) 120Hz touchscreen. The Intel model has a USB-A 3.2 port, while the Qualcomm model has a USB-A 3.1 port. Battery life estimates suggest up to 22 hours of video playback for the Qualcomm model and up to 12 hours for the Intel model. Initial performance tests indicate that the Snapdragon X Elite has a multi-core score of 14,426, while Intel models are expected to score between 11,033 and 11,125. The Qualcomm model demonstrated a practical battery life of 15 hours and 44 minutes under web browsing conditions. Compatibility with Windows on Arm applications is improving, but notable gaps remain, such as the lack of a native Steam app. The Intel variant will be available starting February 18, 2025.

Winsage

December 20, 2024

Windows 10 Support Ends In 2025, Should You Spend Big On A Windows AI Laptop?

Microsoft will end official support for Windows 10 in October 2025, prompting users to consider upgrading their systems, especially if their current PCs cannot transition to Windows 11. Only systems with TPM 2.0 security technology will qualify for a free upgrade to Windows 11, which has received criticism for complicating the upgrade process. Windows 11 features a new user interface and incorporates AI tools for enhanced functionality. The tech industry is shifting towards AI technology, with new processors like Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite and Intel's Lunar Lake promising improved battery efficiency. However, AI PCs often exceed Rs 1 lakh, posing challenges in markets like India, where average laptop prices are around Rs 60,000. Qualcomm is working on making AI features more accessible at around Rs 80,000. While investing in a Windows AI laptop may be tempting, it might be wise to wait until 2025 for a broader range of options at various price points.

Winsage

December 20, 2024

The best Windows laptops we tested in 2024: Our pick lasts longer than the M4 MacBook Pro

The landscape of Windows laptops in 2024 features a variety of options, including robust workstations powered by Qualcomm technology, dual-display devices, and discreet gaming machines. The 13-inch Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 is highlighted as the top choice, equipped with the Snapdragon X Elite processor and exceptional battery life. The HP Omnibook X 14 is noted as the best mid-range option, while the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 is recommended for budget-conscious users. The Lenovo Yoga 9i (Gen 9) is recognized as the best 2-in-1 laptop, and the Alienware m16 R2 is identified as the best gaming laptop. Upcoming models include the Dell XPS 13, HP Omnibook Ultra Flip, and Framework Laptop 13, with updates expected after testing. The HP Omen 17 gaming laptop received mixed reviews, praised for performance but criticized for keyboard, speakers, and battery life.

Winsage

December 12, 2024

Why do you continue using Windows 11?

Users are exploring alternatives to the default File Explorer on Windows 11, with OneCommander being a popular choice. Other options include Total Commander and Directory Opus. The recent release of Windows 11 version 24H2 includes new features like sudo support. Microsoft’s OneDrive integration has received mixed reactions, particularly regarding automatic backups. Many users are upgrading their gaming PCs to at least 16GB of RAM, with 32GB being preferred for modern gaming. Consumer-grade CPUs now commonly feature 16 cores and 32 threads. The Google Pixel Watch 2 has gained attention for its design and fitness tracking. Firefox is often the first app installed on new systems, followed by gaming platforms like Steam. Users are encouraged to maintain regular hardware updates, including BIOS settings. Drive partitioning preferences vary, with some users favoring multiple partitions for data safety. Greenshot is a favored tool for capturing screenshots among content creators. Intel has announced the Core Ultra Series 2 platform, codenamed Lunar Lake, which aims to enhance performance and battery life.