NewApp Digest
search bot

neural processing unit

Hate Windows 11’s search? Microsoft is fixing it with AI, and that almost makes me want to buy a Copilot+ PC
Winsage
March 26, 2025

Hate Windows 11’s search? Microsoft is fixing it with AI, and that almost makes me want to buy a Copilot+ PC

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.
Windows 11 Just Made Copilot+ Smarter
Winsage
March 26, 2025

Windows 11 Just Made Copilot+ Smarter

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.
Windows Photos adds fancy editing features from other Microsoft apps
Winsage
March 26, 2025

Windows Photos adds fancy editing features from other Microsoft apps

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.
Mysterious Windows 11 "actions" menu appears in latest preview build — here's what it's for
Winsage
March 19, 2025

Mysterious Windows 11 “actions” menu appears in latest preview build — here’s what it’s for

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.
silver Android smartphone
Winsage
March 18, 2025

Mysterious Windows 11 “actions” menu appears in latest preview build — here’s what it’s for

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.
I get to play with the world's most powerful gaming tablet, and it's totally awesome
Winsage
March 6, 2025

I get to play with the world’s most powerful gaming tablet, and it’s totally awesome

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.
We need a Snapdragon X-powered gaming handheld sooner rather than later — How Qualcomm can challenge the Steam Deck
Winsage
February 14, 2025

We need a Snapdragon X-powered gaming handheld sooner rather than later — How Qualcomm can challenge the Steam Deck

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.
Microsoft makes another tweak to Windows 11’s taskbar – but it’s probably not the change you were hoping for
Winsage
February 14, 2025

Microsoft makes another tweak to Windows 11’s taskbar – but it’s probably not the change you were hoping for

Microsoft has introduced a new icon on the Windows 11 taskbar that provides access to AI-driven Windows Studio Effects, which enhance video call quality with features like background blurring, simulated direct eye contact, improved lighting, and user centering. The icon appears when compatible applications are using the webcam, allowing users to see which application is accessing it, thus enhancing privacy. However, the feature is limited to devices with specific hardware requirements, including 16GB of RAM and a CPU with a neural processing unit (NPU), potentially restricting access for many users. This initiative is part of Microsoft's strategy to promote AI features, but user feedback has been mixed, with some expressing disappointment over the lack of traditional taskbar functionalities and questioning the necessity of these enhancements for professional use.
This 5-star laptop is a "true battery champion" with 12 hours of screen time — it's also only $799.99 right now.
Winsage
February 13, 2025

This 5-star laptop is a “true battery champion” with 12 hours of screen time — it’s also only $799.99 right now.

The Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x is priced at 9.99 with a 10% discount. It features a 14.5-inch 3K OLED display and is recommended for its Snapdragon X Elite processor, which excels in everyday computing and AI tasks. The laptop includes Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, and Dolby Vision HDR support, earning a five-star rating. It has an impressive battery life of 14 hours and 14 minutes under standardized testing conditions, making it one of the top contenders in its category. However, it may require emulation for some applications, and certain niche software may not be compatible with its Snapdragon architecture. Alternatives like the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i with an Intel chip may be better for users with specific application needs.
Search