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I've been a Windows on Arm user for years — Snapdragon X Elite has changed everything
Winsage
December 28, 2024

I’ve been a Windows on Arm user for years — Snapdragon X Elite has changed everything

The author has been using Arm-based computers, specifically an M1 Mac Mini and a Qualcomm Snapdragon-powered Windows two-in-one PC, and has found Apple's silicon consistently impressive while Microsoft's offerings have lagged. In April 2024, Microsoft introduced the Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus chipsets, enhancing the compatibility layer for applications on Windows on Arm through a new emulator called Prism, which matches the efficiency of Apple's Rosetta 2. Testing the Honor MagicBook 14 Art, powered by the Snapdragon X Elite, revealed significant improvements, including native support for previously struggling applications like Google Drive and ExpressVPN. The MagicBook features a 12-core Snapdragon X Elite, offering seamless application launch and multitasking without the random freezes seen in earlier models. Its thermal performance is commendable, achieving around ten hours of usage in "Balanced" mode. The device also includes a Neural Processing Unit for enhanced AI capabilities. Compatibility advancements allow mainstream applications to run natively, and upcoming Windows updates promise to expand this further. The MagicBook 14 Art is priced at approximately ,750, featuring 32GB of RAM, a 1TB SSD, and a detachable webcam for privacy. Despite the progress, the market for Snapdragon X computers remains niche, and Qualcomm's disputes with Arm could impact future sales.
Best Windows 11 AI features that work on any computer
Winsage
December 28, 2024

Best Windows 11 AI features that work on any computer

A Copilot+ PC is not required to access many AI features in Windows 11; older laptops that run Windows 11 can still utilize various AI-driven tools. The Photos app includes AI enhancements such as the Background tool, which allows users to blur, remove, or replace backgrounds in images. The Generative Erase function in Photos enables users to remove unwanted objects from photos. Microsoft Clipchamp offers an Auto Compose feature for quick video editing, allowing users to create videos with AI assistance. Microsoft's Copilot has become a standalone app, enabling window movement and custom keyboard shortcuts, and integrates advanced language models to assist with various tasks across Microsoft applications.
Microsoft's wins, fails, and WTF moments of 2024
Winsage
December 28, 2024

Microsoft’s wins, fails, and WTF moments of 2024

In 2024, Microsoft made significant advancements and faced challenges. The Surface Pro 11th Edition, powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite, showed improved compatibility with applications like Slack and Google Drive. The Microsoft Recall feature encountered skepticism due to delays and privacy concerns. The Windows 11 2024 Update confused users with multiple release channels and contradictory hardware requirements. The Surface Laptop 7 received praise for its battery life and design. Game Pass evolved into a complex array of tiers, complicating user experience. The Surface Studio 2+ was discontinued, disappointing fans. Microsoft’s Copilot initiative faced challenges, and the HoloLens 2 quietly exited the commercial market. Flight Simulator 2024 struggled with technical issues at launch. Microsoft integrated generative AI into core applications like Paint and Photos. The Windows95Man Paperclip emerged as a cultural phenomenon.
Windows users, this is one upgrade you won't want to miss
Winsage
December 24, 2024

Windows users, this is one upgrade you won’t want to miss

Windows 11 features a sleek interface and enhanced security measures. It includes an AI assistant called Copilot, which uses GPT-4 Turbo for task automation and productivity. AI capabilities are also integrated into applications like Paint, allowing users to easily edit images. Windows 11 Pro is available for .97 until January 12 at 11:59 p.m. PT, down from its regular price of 9.
Three easy ways to crop images on Windows 11 — no extra tools needed
Winsage
December 20, 2024

Three easy ways to crop images on Windows 11 — no extra tools needed

Users on Windows 11 can crop images using built-in applications like Snipping Tool, Photos, and Paint without needing third-party software. To crop an image using Snipping Tool: 1. Open File Explorer and locate the image. 2. Right-click the image, select "Open with," and choose Snipping Tool. 3. Click the Image Crop button and adjust the borders. 4. Click Apply and then "Save as" to save the cropped image. To crop an image using Photos: 1. Launch the Photos app and open the image. 2. Click the Edit button and select the Crop tool. 3. Drag the borders or choose a crop format. 4. Click Done, then "Save as copy" to save the cropped image. To crop an image using Paint: 1. Open Paint and select Open from the File menu. 2. Choose the image and click Open. 3. Drag the borders or use the Select tool, then click Crop. 4. Save the cropped image by selecting Save as from the File menu. Each application provides effective cropping options, with Photos offering additional editing tools for photography enthusiasts.
Microsoft kills a handy Windows 11 feature that allowed quick calls or event creation
Winsage
December 12, 2024

Microsoft kills a handy Windows 11 feature that allowed quick calls or event creation

Microsoft has deprecated the "Suggested actions" feature in Windows 11, which was introduced in May 2022 as part of build 25115. This feature allowed Windows 11 to recognize phone numbers and dates to provide shortcuts for tasks like making calls or scheduling events. Microsoft announced that "Suggested actions" will be removed in a future update, although a specific timeline for this removal is not provided. Other recently deprecated features include Android app support, Paint 3D, Windows Speech Recognition, the Tips app, Steps Recorder, and WordPad.
Microsoft rolls out Recall for Intel, AMD-based Copilot+ PCs
Winsage
December 11, 2024

Microsoft rolls out Recall for Intel, AMD-based Copilot+ PCs

Microsoft is expanding the availability of its Recall Preview to Dev Channel Windows Insiders using AMD and Intel-based Copilot+ PCs with the release of build 26120.2510 of Windows 11. Users are advised to ensure their latest drivers are installed before using the preview features. Recall, initially unveiled at Microsoft’s Build event, faced privacy and security concerns, leading to its retraction and subsequent refinement over several months. After its return in November for Qualcomm Arm PCs, it is now also accessible to users in the European Economic Area (EEA) and includes new features like Click To Do. Enhancements have been made since its initial release, including new interaction methods and functionalities, such as summarizing or rewriting text. Other updates include CoCreator in Microsoft Paint and AI-driven image manipulation features in the Photos app.
Well, that's a new twist: save a town by turning it into a giant pinball table in open world adventure Pinbleton Park
AppWizard
December 11, 2024

Well, that’s a new twist: save a town by turning it into a giant pinball table in open world adventure Pinbleton Park

Pinbleton Park is an open-world adventure game developed by Turtlesoup Games, inspired by the classic game of pinball. It transforms everyday environments into pinball arenas, featuring whimsical gameplay with anthropomorphic animals and elements like bumpers and flippers. The narrative involves players thwarting an evil corporation and locating "lost spirits" to engage in pinball gameplay. The game is set to be released in 2025 and is available for wishlisting on Steam.
Windows 11 is finally getting a redesigned battery indicator
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.
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