notebooks Archives

Winsage

December 1, 2025

As Windows 11 turns into an AI OS, Microsoft Copilot boss does not understand how AI is underwhelming

Mustafa Suleyman, Microsoft's AI CEO, noted user frustration with the aggressive integration of AI into Windows 11, despite the company's efforts to enhance user experience with features like Copilot, which operates on models similar to ChatGPT. Windows 11 includes various AI functionalities, such as Copilot Voice and Copilot Vision, and aims to transform the OS into an "agentic OS" with features like Copilot Actions in Microsoft Edge. Users have expressed dissatisfaction with AI being present in applications like Notepad and File Explorer, perceiving it as intrusive rather than beneficial. Microsoft 365 applications have also integrated Copilot functionalities, but concerns about safety and privacy persist. User feedback indicates a desire for more thoughtful AI integration, as many feel that AI is being applied to problems that do not exist, leading to stress and uncertainty regarding the operating system's control.

AppWizard

November 26, 2025

Google could be secretly training Gemini to focus on user ‘Projects’

Google is developing a feature called "Projects" for the Gemini app, allowing users to focus the AI on a specific topic by uploading "up to 10" files and providing instructions. This feature is designed to help organize work and ideas, similar to OpenAI's "Projects in ChatGPT." Additionally, Google is reportedly looking to integrate NotebookLM into the Gemini app, enabling users to import their NotebookLM notebooks. Updates to Gemini are expected to include a more personalized experience based on user interests and search behaviors.

AppWizard

November 24, 2025

NotebookLM is so great, Google is adding even more ways to access it

Google is enhancing its Gemini platform by integrating it with applications like Google Photos and Messages, and is considering adding NotebookLM as a Connected App. Currently, Gemini connects with YouTube Music and various Google Workspace applications. The anticipated NotebookLM feature may allow users to import notebooks into the Gemini chatbot, enabling interaction with notebook content without returning to the NotebookLM interface. Google is also exploring linking notebooks as attachments in the text input box of the chatbot. These enhancements aim to improve accessibility and productivity across devices.

Winsage

October 23, 2025

PC market claws back thanks to Windows 10’s demise

Global PC shipments increased by 8.1 percent year-on-year in Q3 2025, driven by the impending end of support for Windows 10 and strategic inventory adjustments due to evolving U.S. import tariffs. Lenovo's shipments rose by 17.4 percent, HP's by 10.3 percent, Apple’s by 14.9 percent, and Asus reported a 14.1 percent annual increase. Dell experienced a slight decline of 0.9 percent compared to the previous year. The top five vendors now hold nearly three-quarters of the global PC market. Analysts predict a significant transformation in the industry with the introduction of AI-capable PCs starting in 2026, although current demand is primarily influenced by the need to upgrade from Windows 10. AI PCs are currently seen as more of a prestige item, with mass shipments of new AI-centric processors expected to begin in late 2026.

AppWizard

October 19, 2025

LSE and Lancaster University create Victorian London on Minecraft

Researchers from the London School of Economics (LSE) and Lancaster University have recreated Victorian London in Minecraft through a project called “Charles Booth’s London.” This project utilizes Charles Booth's Poverty Map, which color-codes streets based on income and social class. Players start in the modern LSE library and can explore six historical walks, engaging in quests that reflect daily life in 1886. A team of 15 builders and two academics created over 1,000 new blocks and textures based on 2,000 pages of notes by Booth's assistant, George Duckworth. The project took two years and includes over 45 million blocks and interactions with more than 200 characters, including Beatrice Webb.

Winsage

October 14, 2025

Apple Mac grows 13.7% in Q3 to grab 9% global market share

Apple's Macintosh achieved a shipment growth of 13.7% year-over-year in Q3 2025, while the overall personal computer market grew by 9.4%, with global shipments reaching 75.8 million units. IDC noted that the North American market is facing challenges due to US import tariffs and macroeconomic uncertainties, yet there is strong demand for PCs compatible with Windows 11. Apple’s Mac captures approximately 70% of the global personal computer market's operating profits, with operating margins around 25%, compared to about 4% for other PC vendors.

Winsage

October 14, 2025

PC shipments rise nearly 10% in Q3 2025 ahead of Windows 10 end-of-support

Global PC shipments increased nearly 10% year-on-year in Q3 2025, totaling 75.8 million units, according to IDC, while Omdia reported 72 million units and a 6.8% growth. The transition to Windows 11, driven by the end of Windows 10 support on October 14, has prompted users to upgrade their hardware. However, many users still operate on Windows 10 or outdated hardware, with only 39% of PC channel partners reporting that most customers have upgraded. Japan and China are leading in growth due to large-scale refresh initiatives, while North America is experiencing subdued momentum due to economic uncertainty. Lenovo shipped 19.4 million units, HP 15 million, and Apple saw a 13.7% increase in shipments. The introduction of new chipsets is fueling competition in the high-performance market, leading to the emergence of the "AI PC" phase, which aims to integrate AI capabilities directly into devices.

AppWizard

October 11, 2025

NotebookLM is great, but these YouTube features can make it better

Tushar Mehta has shifted his skeptical view of artificial intelligence due to the introduction of NotebookLM, a tool that enhances information consumption by eliminating tedious learning aspects. He highlights the Audio Overview feature as a key achievement, providing concise audio summaries that allow for multitasking. Mehta suggests improvements such as a progress-saving feature for podcasts and synchronization across devices. He also proposes optional features like public sharing of Audio Overview tracks and comment sections for interactive dialogue among users. Mehta believes NotebookLM could evolve into a platform for knowledge exchange, similar to YouTube, fostering a community of engaged users.

Winsage

October 10, 2025

Microsoft pushes NPUs as a way to an intelligent Windows

Microsoft is promoting the potential of neural processing units (NPUs) to enhance Windows intelligence, although NPUs are not yet part of official hardware requirements. NPUs are designed to accelerate local inference with lower power consumption and are found in devices from smartphones to Copilot+ PCs. Microsoft claims that NPUs can make sophisticated AI experiences more affordable, stating that tasks that once required expensive computing can now be performed on less costly devices. However, the current utility of local AI processing for users is limited, with few OS features requiring local processing and minimal impact on productivity. Microsoft has integrated AI capabilities into applications like Notepad and Photos, but these changes are not driven by user demand. Despite the lukewarm reception, Microsoft advocates for NPUs, highlighting their ability to run multiple AI applications concurrently. Concerns exist regarding future hardware requirements, as the company may eventually include NPUs in its specifications, echoing past experiences with Windows 10. As of early September, AI-enabled notebooks with NPUs made up 40.5 percent of the European distribution channel, a figure expected to rise.

Winsage

October 9, 2025

Apple’s Mac sales grow 4.3% YoY in Q3

Total shipments of desktops, notebooks, and workstations in the global PC market rose by 6.8% to reach 72 million units in Q3 2025. Apple’s Mac shipments increased by 4.3% year-over-year, surpassing 6 million units for the fifth consecutive quarter. Notebook shipments climbed by 4% to 57.2 million units, while desktop shipments grew by 17% to 15.2 million units. Lenovo led the market with a 17% growth, shipping 19.4 million units, followed by HP with 15.0 million units (11% increase), Dell with a 3% growth, Apple with mid-single-digit growth, and Asus with 5.8 million units (7% increase). The demand surge is attributed to the impending end-of-support deadline for Windows 10.