Neural Processing Units Archives

Winsage

March 26, 2025

Lilbits: AI-enhanced search for Windows PCs and Amazon’s Big Spring Sale

Recent advancements in laptop technology have introduced high-performance neural processing units from manufacturers like Intel, AMD, and Qualcomm, enabling on-device artificial intelligence applications. Microsoft initially planned to launch its Recall feature for Copilot+ PCs but delayed it due to privacy concerns. Microsoft is now testing a new AI-enhanced search function that allows users to search for files, settings, or documents by description. Additionally, Microsoft is rolling out Local Semantic Search to Windows Insiders with Intel or AMD-powered Copilot+ PCs, which allows searching by description in File Explorer, Windows Search, or Settings, and can be disabled for certain folders.

Winsage

March 25, 2025

Semantic Search Rolls Out to Windows 11, But You Probably Can’t Use It

Microsoft is rolling out its Semantic Search feature to Windows Insiders Beta in Preview Build 26120.3585 (KB5053644). This feature enhances user experience by enabling intuitive searches across files, settings, and applications, integrated into the Start menu and Settings. Users can conduct contextual searches by typing related keywords, retrieving relevant documents and images easily. Semantic Search also extends to the cloud, allowing searches for matching files in OneDrive. It is exclusive to Copilot+ PCs, utilizing advanced Neural Processing Units (NPUs), and supports multiple languages and various file formats.

Winsage

March 4, 2025

Available today: DeepSeek R1 7B & 14B distilled models for Copilot+ PCs via Azure AI Foundry – further expanding AI on the edge

Microsoft is launching the DeepSeek R1 7B and 14B distilled models via Azure AI Foundry, following the introduction of NPU-optimized versions of the DeepSeek-R1 1.5B model for Copilot+ PCs. These models will be available on Copilot+ PCs powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon X, Intel Core Ultra 200V, and AMD Ryzen processors. The NPUs in these PCs can execute over 40 trillion operations per second and are designed for efficient local AI model execution, minimizing battery and resource consumption. The DeepSeek models utilize 4-bit block-wise quantization and int4 per-channel quantization for enhanced performance. Developers can access all distilled variants of the DeepSeek models through the AI Toolkit VS Code extension, allowing for local deployment and experimentation. Copilot+ PCs combine local computing capabilities with Azure's resources, facilitating a new paradigm of continuous computing for AI applications.

Winsage

February 20, 2025

The Surface you know and love (or hate) is dead — Microsoft’s Windows hardware enters a new era

The Surface division at Microsoft has experienced significant internal changes over the past 18 months, including the departure of Panos Panay and new leadership. This has led to a strategic refocusing of the Surface portfolio, moving away from experimental hardware designs to more conventional offerings aimed at a broader audience. The company has discontinued extravagant devices like the Surface Studio and Surface Duo, favoring products that resonate with business customers and general consumers. Last year, Microsoft introduced AI-powered Windows computers known as Copilot+ PCs, which emphasize continuity and refinement of established designs rather than radical innovations. The Copilot+ PC initiative has allowed Windows on Arm to demonstrate its viability, with Snapdragon chips competing effectively in the Windows ecosystem. Surface continues to play a crucial role in shaping the Windows ecosystem, but with a more cautious approach that prioritizes ecosystem health over creating new markets. Future form factor experimentation will likely be delegated to OEM partners, while Microsoft focuses on transitioning users to Windows 11 and promoting Copilot+ PCs. Stakeholders can expect a steady stream of sensible Surface devices and incremental updates in the near future.

Winsage

February 17, 2025

Windows 11 and 10 receive key security improvements

Microsoft has released significant updates for Windows 11 and Windows 10, focusing on system security and user-friendly features. The February 2025 update includes security patches and functional improvements for both operating systems. For Windows 11 users on versions 23H2 and 24H2, notable features include automatic tab restoration in File Explorer, quick access to Windows Studio Effects from the taskbar for devices with Neural Processing Units (NPU), refined taskbar app preview animations, and improvements to Auto HDR for better visual clarity in games. Additionally, issues with slow shutdowns when game controllers are connected and USB camera recognition have been addressed. For Windows 10 users on builds 19044.5487 and 19045.5487, the update integrates the new Outlook app into the system menu while preserving existing email settings and fixes a virtual memory leak issue that caused crashes in resource-intensive applications. Both updates address 55 security vulnerabilities, including: - CVE-2025-21391: risk of unauthorized file deletion in Windows storage - CVE-2025-21377: NTLM hash leakage potentially compromising user accounts - CVE-2025-21194: flaw in the hypervisor that could bypass UEFI security Users are advised to install these updates promptly due to the increased risk of exploitation. Some features will be rolled out gradually over the coming weeks.

Winsage

February 11, 2025

3 options to consider if your Windows 10 PC can’t be upgraded

Microsoft has announced that Windows 10 Version 22H2 will be the last version, ending new updates and security patches in October. Users can continue to use their systems, but they will be at risk for security vulnerabilities without updates. Options for users include: 1. Paying for extended support, which offers continued security updates for a limited time after Windows 10's end of life. 2. Switching to Linux or ChromeOS Flex, both of which are free alternatives that can keep older PCs operational without hardware upgrades. 3. Purchasing a new PC, which may provide the latest technology but comes at a high cost. Without security updates, systems may become targets for cyber threats, risking data and privacy.

Winsage

December 19, 2024

Microsoft lays out reasons Windows 10 gamers should upgrade to Windows 11, but I can pick a few holes in these arguments

Microsoft is encouraging Windows 10 users to upgrade to Windows 11, especially targeting gamers. Key features of Windows 11 include Auto HDR for enhanced visuals on SDR games, DirectStorage for reduced loading times and improved frame rates with NVMe SSDs, and Compact Mode for Game Bar for better usability on smaller screens. Other features include Dynamic Lighting for RGB devices, HDR Calibration app, color filters for colorblind players, and Automatic Super Resolution for Arm-based PCs. The effectiveness of these features depends on hardware compatibility, and while some improvements may enhance gaming experiences, they may not be significant enough for all users to upgrade immediately. Windows 10 will reach its End of Life in October 2025, prompting users to consider their options regarding upgrading or sticking with Windows 10.

Winsage

December 7, 2024

Windows 11 is finally getting a redesigned battery indicator

Windows 11 build 26120.2510 introduces a redesigned battery indicator that features a larger size for a more precise display of the current charge level. The new design includes a vibrant green glow when charging and a warm yellow hue in energy saver mode, replacing the previous monochromatic interface. The updated indicator is currently available on the taskbar, while the lock screen still uses the old version. To enable the new battery indicator, users must update to build 26120.2510 and follow specific instructions involving the use of ViveTool. Additionally, this build introduces AI-powered features for Copilot+ PCs, available for users with the latest Intel and AMD processors equipped with neural processing units.

Winsage

December 3, 2024

Windows Copilot+ PCs aren’t there yet: 8 must-change upgrades for 2025

Intel's Lunar Lake and AMD's Ryzen AI 300 CPUs are expanding the market for AI-infused Copilot+ PCs beyond Arm-powered laptops, featuring neural processing units (NPU) capable of 40 trillion operations per second. The new baseline specifications include at least 16GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. However, the initial features of Copilot+ PCs have been underwhelming, lacking transformative AI integration, and privacy concerns have arisen with the Windows Recall feature, leading to its retraction. The Copilot AI assistant requires an internet connection, limiting functionality, and generative image capabilities are also constrained by this requirement. Current local image generation models do not match the quality of cloud-based solutions, and the focus on NPUs has overlooked the potential of GPUs in gaming laptops. The Copilot+ designation is currently limited to thin-and-light laptops, excluding desktop PCs and gaming laptops. Applications must utilize the Windows Copilot Runtime for full potential, but few currently do. Lastly, the high prices of Copilot+ PCs hinder widespread adoption.

Winsage

December 1, 2024

Microsoft may finally be fixing some of the most annoying parts of File Explorer

Microsoft is updating File Explorer to improve tab functionality, allowing users to toggle tab behavior in settings, which will enable folders opened from external applications or the desktop to appear as new tabs instead of new windows. Additionally, users may soon have the option to disable persistent OneDrive backup prompts. Microsoft is also enhancing Recall and Click To Do with a feature that allows users to find files related to content displayed on their screens. Furthermore, Microsoft has unveiled Windows 365 Link, a mini PC that operates through Windows 365, and some users have accessed a build of the operating system called Windows CPC, which may influence future updates to Windows 11, including the potential addition of Bluetooth keyboard pairing during setup.