NewApp Digest
search bot

NPUs

Windows 11 will let you search for your files in plain language
Winsage
July 21, 2026

Windows 11 will let you search for your files in plain language

Microsoft is testing a new semantic search feature for Windows 11's File Explorer, which aims to improve file search by understanding user intent rather than relying on exact word matches. This feature allows users to search in natural language, such as "photos from last summer" or "Europe trip budget," and can identify files based on context, even if specific names are not mentioned. The functionality is powered by an AI model that operates locally on users' machines to maintain privacy and does not require an internet connection. However, it is only available on Copilot+ PCs, which have specialized AI chips capable of executing at least 40 trillion operations per second, limiting access for users with older machines. Currently, the feature is available only to Windows Insiders as Microsoft rolls it out in test builds.
Samsung's new GAIA PC chip challenges Microsoft's Copilot+ program — and why I can only see that as a positive for the AI PC industry
Winsage
July 21, 2026

Samsung’s new GAIA PC chip challenges Microsoft’s Copilot+ program — and why I can only see that as a positive for the AI PC industry

NVIDIA announced the RTX Spark at Computex 2026, prompting competition among major silicon market players, including Intel, AMD, and Qualcomm. Samsung is entering the market with its custom silicon for AI-driven PCs, named GAIA, marking its first development of PC-centric silicon since 2012. GAIA will function as a companion Neural Processing Unit (NPU) rather than a traditional System-on-Chip (SoC). It is expected to use a 4nm process and may incorporate processing-in-memory (PIM) capabilities. Lenovo China and HP USA have received samples for testing. Competitors like Snapdragon X/X2, Intel Core Ultra, and AMD Ryzen AI are integrating NPUs with at least 40 TOPS. Samsung's GAIA has not been officially confirmed, and details regarding TOPS, power consumption, and pricing are unclear. The 40 TOPS benchmark by Microsoft for integrated NPUs raises questions about how GAIA would be evaluated alongside Intel or AMD CPUs.
silver Android smartphone
Winsage
July 21, 2026

Samsung’s new GAIA PC chip challenges Microsoft’s Copilot+ program — and why I can only see that as a positive for the AI PC industry

NVIDIA announced the RTX Spark at Computex 2026, prompting Samsung to develop custom silicon for AI-driven PCs, marking its return to the PC silicon market since the Exynos 5 Dual in 2012. The new silicon, named GAIA, is being created by Samsung's System LSI unit as a companion Neural Processing Unit (NPU) to enhance performance by offloading AI tasks. GAIA is expected to utilize a 4nm process and may explore processing-in-memory (PIM) capabilities with specialized DRAM. Samples of GAIA have been sent to Lenovo China and HP USA for evaluation. Many details about GAIA, including performance metrics and pricing, remain undisclosed. Microsoft has not commented on GAIA's implications for its Copilot+ program, which has a minimum threshold of 40 TOPS for integrated NPUs.
Microsoft is turning Windows 11 into an AI operating system
Winsage
June 26, 2026

Microsoft is turning Windows 11 into an AI operating system

Darren Oberst, co-founder of LLMWare.ai, highlighted the benefits of using local models on neural processing units (NPUs) for optimized AI performance and suggested that businesses can enhance efficiency by scheduling automated agent runs. Leonard Lee, principal analyst at Next Curve, emphasized the importance of safe deployment of agentic AI features being introduced by companies like Samsung and Lenovo. Jack Gold, principal analyst at J. Gold Associates, noted that Microsoft is embedding AI into its Windows operating system, requiring support for multiple AI chip types to provide flexibility for enterprises.
I tested Norton's Deepfake Protection — and it finally convinced me my next laptop needs an NPU
Tech Optimizer
June 18, 2026

I tested Norton’s Deepfake Protection — and it finally convinced me my next laptop needs an NPU

The landscape of online security has evolved significantly, with deepfake technology introducing new challenges. Users must be vigilant against both traditional malware and convincing fake images and videos. Antivirus software developers are enhancing their products by integrating cloud-based AI for better threat detection. For users with computers featuring neural processing units (NPUs), local solutions are available, such as Norton’s Deepfake Protection, which analyzes synthetic voices and images to flag potential threats. This feature operates in the background, providing peace of mind during online interactions. Norton 360 includes options for Deepfake Protection, Safe Web, and Safe SMS, but requires sufficient system resources to function effectively. Running this protection on older laptops may hinder performance, making NPUs a worthwhile investment for enhanced security against deepfakes and other online threats.
There are too many Windows laptops, and I can't blame Microsoft for confusing choices — but there are ways it could help us all
Winsage
June 15, 2026

There are too many Windows laptops, and I can’t blame Microsoft for confusing choices — but there are ways it could help us all

The author has experience building Windows desktops but has recognized the practicality of Windows laptops due to frequent travel. They have a shortlist of preferred models, including the ASUS Zenbook A14 and Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x, but acknowledge that many consumers opt for cheaper laptops available in stores. The introduction of entry-level models like the MacBook Neo has shifted the conversation around Windows laptops. There is confusion among consumers regarding specifications, such as RAM and battery longevity, which are often overwhelming. The author suggests that a certified 'Windows Pro' laptop could guarantee features like a 120Hz display and 32GB of RAM, while a budget-friendly 'Windows Core' option could focus on IPS screens with at least 16GB of memory. There are concerns about consumer perception of non-certified products and the need for better education in the market.
Microsoft is reportedly testing Copilot+ AI features with discrete GPUs instead of NPUs — a feature available on Windows App SDK with a Windows Insider Experimental Channel build and Developer Mode turned on
Winsage
June 15, 2026

Microsoft is reportedly testing Copilot+ AI features with discrete GPUs instead of NPUs — a feature available on Windows App SDK with a Windows Insider Experimental Channel build and Developer Mode turned on

Copilot PCs were introduced by Microsoft in 2024 to integrate advanced AI capabilities into personal computing. An experimental Windows App SDK is now available on GitHub, allowing users to run Language Model APIs on supported Nvidia GeForce RTX 30-series GPUs with a minimum of 6GB of VRAM. This capability requires a Windows Insider Experimental Channel and Developer Mode activation, enabling local AI inferencing on devices without dedicated NPU hardware. Microsoft's shift from promoting Copilot+ PCs may be influenced by fluctuating RAM prices and aims to make AI functionalities more accessible to a broader user base. In 2024, a research firm noted that consumer interest in AI PCs was driven by the need to upgrade to available models, a trend continuing into 2026 due to a shortage of memory and storage chips, resulting in rising computer prices and declining sales of PCs and components. Projections indicate that entry-level laptops may disappear by 2028. The lack of consumer interest in NPU-equipped PCs could impede the adoption of Copilot+ features, prompting Microsoft to expand AI functionalities to non-Copilot+ devices to enhance its user base and differentiate Windows 11 from competitors like macOS and Linux.
Microsoft tests Windows AI features on RTX GPUs, not just NPUs
Winsage
June 12, 2026

Microsoft tests Windows AI features on RTX GPUs, not just NPUs

Microsoft is expanding the availability of its Copilot+ features to users with Nvidia RTX GPUs, allowing older PCs to utilize advanced AI tools such as text summarization, image upscaling, and code generation. This change is facilitated by the experimental release of the Windows App SDK 2.2, which enables AI functionalities to run on dedicated Nvidia RTX GPUs. Features include text rewriting, editing, and advanced capabilities in the Microsoft Photos app. Users must download the experimental version of WinAppSDK 2.2, have an Nvidia GeForce RTX 30 series GPU with at least 6GB of VRAM, and enable Developer Mode on their PC. This shift reflects a broader strategy to leverage local AI models while still using cloud resources, aiming to democratize access to AI capabilities across a wider range of devices.
Microsoft Releases June 2026 Patch Tuesday Updates
Winsage
June 9, 2026

Microsoft Releases June 2026 Patch Tuesday Updates

Microsoft's June 2026 Patch Tuesday updates for Windows 11 include enhancements for versions 25H2, 24H2, and the new 26H1, which is designed for new PCs with Qualcomm ARM chips. Key features of the update include: - Shared audio allowing two users to listen to the same audio stream via Bluetooth LE audio accessories. - NPU usage displayed in Task Manager for devices with NPUs, including optional columns for NPU and NPU Engine. - Multi-App Camera support enabling multiple applications to access the camera stream simultaneously. - Improvements to the Magnifier feature for clearer announcements and support for magnifying protected content. - Customizable user folder names during setup. - Optimized Windows Search functionality for locating local files with just two characters. - Performance enhancements through a “Low Latency Profile” for faster app launches and core shell experiences. The update also addresses a BitLocker security bypass vulnerability (CVE‑2026‑45585) that could allow attackers to circumvent BitLocker Device Encryption. The KB5095051 patch for version 26H1 includes support for shared audio over Bluetooth LE and features from the previous month's update, such as Xbox mode and expanded archiving support in File Explorer.
Search