Mac Archives

Winsage

November 8, 2024

AI Has Come for Sweet, Innocent Notepad

Notepad has introduced a new feature called Rewrite, powered by Microsoft's GPT AI model, which allows users to rephrase sentences, adjust tone, and modify text length. Users can access this feature by highlighting text and selecting the Rewrite option from the context menu or using the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + I. The feature generates three variations of the modified text based on user-selected options. Currently, it is available to Windows Insiders in the Canary and Dev channels of Windows 11, specifically in the U.S., France, the UK, Canada, Italy, and Germany, with additional access for Microsoft 365 and Copilot Pro subscribers in Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Singapore, and Taiwan. Users need to sign in with their Microsoft accounts and have credits to use the GPT model, starting with 50 complimentary credits. Microsoft Paint has also been updated with AI features, including Generative Fill and Generative Erase tools.

Winsage

November 7, 2024

Buy a Microsoft Office 2019 license for Mac or Windows for $28

Stack Social is offering a lifetime license for Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 for Windows and Mac at an 87% discount. This version includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, Publisher, and Access, but does not include Microsoft Teams. While Stack Social is an authorized Microsoft partner, there is a possibility that Microsoft may discontinue the license in the future. Users need Windows 10 or 11, or Mac Monterey Version 12 or newer to install the software.

Winsage

November 7, 2024

Microsoft Notepad to get AI-powered rewriting tool on Windows 11

Microsoft is introducing AI-enhanced functionalities to its applications Notepad and Paint, which were originally launched in the 1980s. These updates are currently being tested by Windows 11 Insiders in the Canary and Dev Channels. In Paint version 11.2410.28.0, new features include generative fill and generative erase, allowing users to manipulate images by replacing elements with AI-generated content. The generative fill feature enables edits and additions with simple text prompts while maintaining the existing art style. The generative erase tool helps remove unwanted objects from images while preserving the artwork's integrity. Additionally, a new background remover tool is being added to enhance user experience. Notepad is introducing the "Rewrite" feature, which allows users to automatically rephrase content, adjust tone, and modify length. This feature is available in preview for users in select countries, including the United States, France, the United Kingdom, Canada, Italy, and Germany, and requires a Microsoft account for access. Since 2018, Notepad has been updated with various features such as a built-in character counter, spell check, autocorrect, wrap-around find and replace, improved compatibility with Unix and Mac systems, tabbed browsing, text zoom, UTF-8 support, autosaving, and line number displays.

Winsage

November 4, 2024

Microsoft warns dreaded ‘blue screen of death’ bug plaguing computers

Microsoft's latest Windows update for Windows Server 2025 is causing significant issues, including the blue screen of death (BSOD) for users. Multiple bugs are leading to software failures or excessively long restart times. Microsoft is working on a fix expected within a month and advises users to check system settings to mitigate BSOD risks by reducing the number of logical processors to 256 or fewer. Users have reported being locked out of their PCs for hours due to BSOD errors, with some considering switching to alternative operating systems. Microsoft has provided guidance on adjusting logical processor settings through the Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) setup to prevent instability. DailyMail.com has sought clarification from Microsoft regarding the impact and timeline for updates.

AppWizard

November 4, 2024

Don’t look now, but Macs are finally getting good for gaming

The evolution of gaming on Mac has progressed significantly, with notable improvements in performance, particularly with the introduction of the M-series chips. The Mac Studio M2 Ultra and the 16-inch MacBook Pro M3 Max have demonstrated impressive gaming capabilities, with the latter achieving nearly 90 frames per second in Baldur's Gate 3 and maintaining around 50 FPS at high graphics settings. Historical data shows a clear trajectory of improvement in gaming performance across different MacBook models, with the M3 Max able to run Shadow of the Tomb Raider at 120 FPS at 1200p resolution. Despite these advancements, MacBooks still face challenges compared to dedicated GPUs from competitors like AMD and Nvidia. Upcoming M4 MacBooks are expected to further narrow the performance gap with Windows laptops, particularly as some Windows devices struggle with compatibility issues.

Tech Optimizer

November 3, 2024

The best antivirus software for Mac

All products featured are independently selected, and Mashable may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on their site. Macs are not immune to viruses; they are more secure than Windows but still vulnerable to attacks. Investing in antivirus software is recommended for Mac users. The rate of malware targeting Macs has surpassed that of PCs. Malware includes various harmful software types, while a virus is a specific type of malware that replicates itself. Infections can occur from emails, social media links, and downloads. Ransomware locks users out of systems until a ransom is paid. Password managers help generate and store unique passwords, enhancing security. The best antivirus software for Macs varies based on usage patterns, and research has been conducted to evaluate leading antivirus solutions for effectiveness and additional security features.

Winsage

November 1, 2024

Parallels brings Apple Intelligence Writing Tools to Windows

Apple has released macOS Sequoia 15.1, introducing Apple Intelligence tools on the Mac platform, which enhance productivity and extend capabilities to Windows applications via Parallels Desktop. Users with a Mac running macOS 15.1 or later can access Writing Tools in Windows virtual machines to improve written content. These tools include functionalities for summarizing text and transforming content into organized lists or tables. To use the Writing Tools in Windows apps, users must update Parallels Tools and can access the features through a keyboard shortcut or the macOS menu bar. Parallels Desktop now supports the ARM version of Windows 11 on M3 Macs. A free trial of Parallels Desktop is available.

Winsage

November 1, 2024

Using Windows 11 on your Mac? You no longer have to miss out on Apple Intelligence thanks to Parallels Desktop

Apple Intelligence has launched on macOS Sequoia 15.1, featuring Writing Tools that allow users to proofread, rewrite, and adjust the tone of their writing. Parallels Desktop has been updated to enable access to these tools for users running Windows 11 on their Macs. The Writing Tools can be activated easily in applications like Microsoft Word and are designed to enhance productivity. Currently, Writing Tools is the only Apple Intelligence feature available on Windows via Parallels, with hopes for more tools in the future. Parallels Desktop is priced starting at .99 / £89.99.

Tech Optimizer

October 31, 2024

Beyond antivirus: Other essential tools to protect your Mac

Macs are facing an increasing number of cybersecurity threats, with malware targeting macOS rising from eight families in 2021 to 21 in 2023. To protect against these threats, users are advised to implement antivirus software, maintain regular backups using tools like Apple's Time Machine and cloud services, enable the built-in firewall, use password managers for secure password storage, and utilize a VPN for secure internet connections, especially on public Wi-Fi.

Winsage

October 29, 2024

Today Only: Nab Microsoft Office 2024 Home for Just $120

Microsoft is offering a limited-time opportunity to purchase a lifetime license for Microsoft Office 2024 Home for .99 through StackSocial, compared to the standard retail price of 9.99. This package includes desktop versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote, compatible with Microsoft Teams. The license is linked to a Microsoft Account, allowing device switching only once every 90 days. Users must redeem their code within seven days of purchase. The Microsoft Office 2024 Home and Business edition is available for .99, which includes Outlook. Deals on Office 2019 and Office 2021 start at .99, and a free online version of Microsoft Office is also available, though it has limited features.