Android apps and games that are free for a short time include Evertale, Defense Zone 3 Ultra HD, Sphaze, Last Plant on Earth, Rooftop Snipers, Dino Rush, and Out There Chronicles - Ep. 2.
Microsoft Edge has updated to version 131.0.2903.112, introducing a design shift that replaces the yellow-themed favorites folders with a monoline, transparent aesthetic. This change has received mixed reactions from users, with some expressing ambivalence and frustration over the lack of customization options. A temporary workaround exists for reverting to the classic yellow folder icons by modifying the msedge.exe shortcut. Additionally, Microsoft Edge is set to introduce new features, including pop-ups to encourage users to set it as the default browser and enhancements like on-device AI capabilities and improved PDF reading with OCR technology.
Microsoft's Snipping Tool in Windows 11 now includes Optical Character Recognition (OCR) capabilities, allowing users to extract text from screenshots and images. This feature enables direct copying of text, formatting as a table, or redacting sensitive information. To use it, users must have version 11.2308.33.0 or higher, which can be confirmed in the app's settings. The process involves opening the Snipping Tool, taking a screenshot or opening an existing image, clicking the Text actions button, and then copying the extracted text to the clipboard. Similar OCR functionalities are also available in Microsoft Photos and PowerToys.
The Recall system features a user-friendly interface indicated by a blue icon in the system tray that lights up when active. Users can filter out specific applications and websites in the Settings window for a personalized experience. Recall employs robust encryption protocols to protect snapshots, requiring authentication for access. It includes advanced "text matches" for reliable data retrieval and integrates optical character recognition (OCR) technology to extract text from images, allowing users to manipulate captured data easily.
Microsoft has released a first-look preview of its revamped Windows Recall feature for Windows Insiders via the Dev Channel, specifically for users with Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite and Plus Copilot+ PCs, through Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.2415 (KB5046723). Recall allows users to take "snapshots" of their PC activities, retrieving application actions, websites visited, or documents accessed. It uses optical character recognition (OCR) to extract text from screenshots, storing images and text in a searchable database. Recall includes a built-in neural processing unit for local AI and machine learning tasks, ensuring user data is not stored in the cloud.
To enhance privacy and security, users must opt in to save snapshots, and the system requires BitLocker disk encryption, Secure Boot, and Windows Hello for reauthentication. Users can delete snapshots and opt out of using Recall for specific applications. IT administrators will manage Recall for enterprise and educational users. The preview allows users to provide feedback on Recall and its security framework through the Feedback Hub and Windows Insider Preview Bug Bounty Program. Microsoft has not announced a timeline for the general release of Recall.
Windows Recall, initially launched earlier this year, captures snapshots of a user's screen at regular intervals but faced privacy and security criticisms, leading to its withdrawal less than three weeks post-launch. After refinement, it returned exclusively for Windows Insiders with Copilot+ PC hardware. Users reported challenges such as delays in storing snapshots, complete storage failures, and lingering remnants of the application after disabling it. While the optical character recognition (OCR) functionality is effective, the application struggles with accurately identifying visual elements and has significant delays between snapshots. Some users find the current preview more secure, but frustrations remain regarding the time taken to generate results and the limited functionality of the "Click to Do" feature. Microsoft has not provided a timeline for a broader release, and users must reboot their systems to reactivate the snapshotting service.
Windows 11's Photos app has introduced two new features: Super Resolution and Optical Character Recognition (OCR). Super Resolution enhances image quality using AI, while OCR allows text extraction from images. However, OCR has been temporarily removed due to technical issues, as confirmed by Brandon LeBlanc from the Windows Insider team. The feature is expected to return in a future update. Super Resolution also faced challenges, as it was mistakenly made available on incompatible PCs. Microsoft has stated there will be no preview updates in December, potentially delaying OCR's return until early next year.
Microsoft has disabled the Optical Character Recognition (OCR) functionality in its updated Photos app due to unspecified issues. This decision follows the introduction of the OCR capability in a Windows Insider preview released in October, which aimed to extract text from photos on Windows 11 and Windows 10 devices. Brandon LeBlanc, head of the Windows Insider Program, confirmed the deactivation within a month of the preview release. Reports of app crashes after the installation of the preview have been noted. The OCR feature was intended to enhance Microsoft's future initiatives, including the delayed Windows Recall service, which depends on accurately parsing images for searchable archives. Users hope for the restoration of the OCR feature for both Windows 11 and Windows 10, rather than limiting it to Copilot+ PC users.
