neural processing unit

Winsage
April 26, 2025
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.
Winsage
April 25, 2025
Microsoft has released new features in its latest Insider builds, including a revamped profanity filter for voice typing in the Windows 11 Beta Insider build (26120.3941). Users can activate voice typing with the WIN+H shortcut, and the voice recognition capabilities are similar to those on smartphones. Users can choose to replace swear words with a "bleep" effect or allow them to be included. Additional features include Recall and Click-to-Do, which can be launched with a Bluetooth pen, allowing users to access frequently used functions related to files or applications. A new privacy feature enables users on work or school accounts to restrict Windows Search from accessing personal photos, enhancing security for sensitive content.
Winsage
April 12, 2025
Microsoft has reintroduced its Windows Recall feature, now integrated into the Windows 11 Release Preview channel for Copilot+ PCs, after addressing public concerns. Originally unveiled at the Build developer conference in May of last year, Windows Recall automatically captures screenshots of a user's desktop at regular intervals and stores them locally. The feature aims to help users revisit their activities and incorporate AI capabilities for searching through the captured data. Privacy concerns arose due to the logging of user actions, prompting Microsoft to pause the launch in June after significant backlash. In November, Microsoft began testing Recall again, with it disabled by default on specific Copilot+ PCs. The feature is included in Windows 11 Build 26100.3902 as an opt-in option, with plans for a broader rollout in early 2025 and a phased introduction in the European Economic Area later this year. Recall will support multiple languages and is compatible with major web browsers. Screenshots are stored locally and encrypted, requiring Windows Hello authentication for access. Microsoft asserts that data remains on local storage and is not shared with third parties, with users having control over snapshot permissions and deletion options.
Winsage
March 26, 2025
Windows 11 is introducing a natural language search feature for Copilot+ PCs, currently in testing. The latest Beta channel preview (build 26120.3585) includes 'local semantic search' capabilities for laptops with AMD or Intel processors, and Snapdragon (Arm-powered) PCs can access it in the Release Preview. This feature allows users to query settings directly and utilizes the Neural Processing Unit (NPU) for local processing, ensuring no data is sent to the cloud. It can also retrieve photos from OneDrive alongside local files. Microsoft plans to extend support to third-party cloud storage services. The feature will gradually roll out in the Beta channel, and users may need to reboot their devices to activate it. Semantic indexing is enabled by default on Copilot+ PCs, with options to disable it or exclude specific files. The AI-driven search capability has progressed from the Dev channel to the Beta and Release Preview stages, indicating a strong likelihood of a finalized version for Windows 11.
Winsage
March 26, 2025
Microsoft announced a new search feature for Copilot+ PCs that allows users to locate files by descriptions rather than just names. This semantic indexing capability works alongside traditional file indexing on Intel and AMD devices and can be used across platforms like File Explorer, the Windows search box, and Settings. Users can search for files by describing them, such as typing “bridge at sunset” to find an image or “Europe trip budget” for a document. The feature operates offline on Copilot+ PCs, utilizing the 40+ TOPS Neural Processing Unit (NPU) for enhanced search capabilities.
Winsage
March 26, 2025
Microsoft is updating its Windows Photos app with features from its Designer application in version 2025.11030.20006.0. The app will include AI-powered editing tools, such as image touch-ups, background removal, and photo upscaling, particularly for users with Copilot+ PCs that have a Neural Processing Unit (NPU). A new Optical Character Recognition (OCR) feature will enable users to import documents and extract text from images, similar to Office Lens. The integration of Designer's creative elements will allow users to create designs using existing images for greeting cards and other layouts. Users will be able to access the "Create with Designer" feature by right-clicking on photos in File Explorer. Additionally, the app will automatically display photos from subfolders in Gallery mode and will support JPEG XL (JXL) file formats.
Winsage
March 19, 2025
Microsoft has begun rolling out a new Windows 11 preview build for Dev Channel testers, introducing a new "Actions" menu in the Settings app. This feature allows users to manage which applications can present suggested actions in the operating system. Currently, contextual suggestions appear only in the Click To Do feature, available exclusively on Copilot+ PCs. The Actions menu provides an overview of applications using this functionality, enabling users to toggle their visibility. Access to these features is limited to Copilot+ PCs, which require a neural processing unit (NPU) capable of 40+ TOPS. Microsoft plans to introduce more proactive Copilot features across the Windows 11 interface later this year, allowing the AI assistant to suggest actions based on user engagement. The new settings menu for suggested actions aligns with potential integration of third-party applications into the Copilot experience.
Winsage
March 18, 2025
Microsoft has released a new preview build of Windows 11 for Dev Channel testers, introducing an undocumented "Actions" menu in the Settings app. This feature allows users to manage which applications can present suggested actions throughout the operating system. Currently, contextual suggestions appear only in the Click To Do feature, which is exclusive to Copilot+ PCs that have a Neural Processing Unit (NPU). Microsoft plans to introduce more proactive Copilot features later this year, which will suggest actions and tasks based on users' ongoing work. The new Actions menu is designed to enhance user interaction with the operating system, especially if third-party applications can participate in the Copilot experience.
Winsage
March 6, 2025
The ASUS ROG Flow Z13 (2025) is a 2-in-1 convertible device designed for gaming and creative tasks, featuring a Windows-powered tablet with a large touch-enabled display, an adjustable kickstand, and a keyboard that doubles as a protective cover. It includes the Ryzen AI MAX platform, which integrates a powerful CPU, NPU, and advanced integrated GPU, allowing for exceptional performance without additional components. The device starts at ,099.99, with configurations and pricing that can be complex, but broader availability is expected. The unboxing experience is premium, featuring a sleek design and a substantial 200W charger. The tablet has a 13.4-inch display, a solid kickstand, and a responsive keyboard cover. It is equipped with a Ryzen AI MAX+ 395 CPU, a Radeon 8060S GPU, 1TB of PCIe Gen 4.0 SSD storage, and can be configured with up to 128GB of RAM. Battery life is decent, with a 70Whr battery allowing several hours of use, even while gaming. The ROG Flow Z13 caters to a niche audience seeking innovative hardware in a portable form factor, though potential buyers may find traditional gaming laptops offer better value.
Winsage
February 14, 2025
Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus chips show potential for handheld gaming devices due to their impressive performance and battery efficiency. Testing of the Snapdragon X Plus on games like 7 Days To Die, Kingdom Come Deliverance, and Shadow of the Tomb Raider revealed comparable performance to the Steam Deck, especially when using Auto SR, an AI-driven upscaling solution. However, Auto SR currently supports only 14 games and is limited to DX11 or DX12 titles. The installation of games from Xbox Game Pass and the Microsoft Store on Snapdragon devices is restricted, with the Xbox app lacking a Game Pass section. There is a significant opportunity for a Snapdragon-powered handheld device, similar to the impact of the Steam Deck, but the current market lacks urgency for such a product.
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