papers Archives

AppWizard

December 4, 2025

Opera brings desktop AI features to its Android app

Opera has integrated innovative artificial intelligence features into its Android application, following previous updates to its desktop browsers. The latest update includes contextual AI, which allows users to use content from their current tab in prompts, and visual intelligence, enabling the attachment of images and files for AI analysis directly within the search bar. A new access point for AI is located beside the search box, allowing users to switch between traditional search and the Ask AI feature easily. The visual intelligence upgrade allows users to attach documents or photos for processing by the AI. Contextual AI reduces typing by using content from the current tab, ensuring that only relevant information is utilized and that user data is not used for AI training or advertising. The update is available for download through the Play Store.

AppWizard

November 21, 2025

Genshin Impact’s flashy combat and Control’s paranormal vibes collide in a new Hoyoverse game, and I’m immediately hooked

Hoyoverse has released a half-hour gameplay demo of its upcoming open-world title, Varsapura, which features elements reminiscent of Control and LA Noire. Set in modern-day Singapore, the game involves paranormal investigation, dialogue choices, stealth mechanics, and combat similar to Zenless Zone Zero. Players assume the role of a protagonist applying for a job at SEAL (Shadow Entity Analysis and Limitation), where they undergo a "mind scan" during the application process. The game introduces officer Sayuki, who discusses the Mindrot phenomenon, which generates derogatory comments in a test chamber. Players combat shadow creatures using umbrella-based attacks and can swap characters during battles. The narrative includes a personal motive for joining SEAL, with dialogue options categorized into 'Empathy,' 'Persuasion,' and 'Deception.' The gameplay features an open-world driving segment and stealth mechanics, allowing exploration of a city resembling Singapore. The visual style combines realistic art with anime character designs. Hoyoverse hints at customization options for the protagonist's appearance and is recruiting talent for the game's development.

AppWizard

November 15, 2025

NotebookLM now automates your tedious research, so you can focus on big ideas

NotebookLM has introduced a "Deep Research" feature that automatically searches hundreds of websites and compiles a sourced report. It now supports a wider range of file types, including Google Sheets, Word documents, and images of handwritten notes, allowing users to upload materials without needing to convert them to PDFs. Users can input a topic and choose between "Fast Research" for a brief overview or "Deep Research" for a more detailed exploration. The update consolidates user uploads, external web research, AI-generated summaries, and analysis into one space, and will be rolled out to all users within the next week, though some may experience delays. Users are advised to verify the relevance and credibility of the gathered materials.

AppWizard

November 12, 2025

Google Drive’s new AI audio summaries make PDFs effortless

Google Drive has introduced a feature that allows users to generate audio summaries of lengthy documents, which can be accessed through a new button in the toolbar. These summaries range from two to ten minutes and are designed to capture the essential points of documents, eliminating the need for extensive reading. The feature, called audio overviews, is currently available only in English and is being rolled out to select paid Workspace tiers, including Business Standard, Business Plus, Enterprise Standard, Enterprise Plus, Google One AI Premium, AI Ultra, and AI Ultra for Business. Users can retrieve audio files from an “Audio overviews” folder in their Drive. The rollout will begin with Rapid Release domains, while Scheduled Release domains will start seeing the feature from November 12, 2025, with a potential delay of up to 15 days for full availability.

Winsage

October 16, 2025

Upgrading your Windows 10 PC? I answered the toughest question about buying laptops for you

Laptops can be categorized into three primary usage types: school, work, and gaming. For school laptops, key factors are battery life and durability, with a recommended battery life of 12 hours or more. A sturdy 13- or 14-inch laptop is ideal for tasks like writing and web browsing. Notable options include the Dell Inspiron 14 Plus (up to 21 hours of battery life) and the Lenovo Chromebook Plus (2K OLED touchscreen). The M1 MacBook Air is available for 9. Work laptops require powerful processors for demanding tasks like video conferencing and data analysis. Examples include the Lenovo ThinkPad X9 Aura Edition (Intel Core Ultra 7 258V) and the Dell Premium 16 (4K touchscreen, Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070). The HP EliteBook Ultra G1i features a 9MP webcam and 2.8K OLED display. Gaming laptops prioritize performance and display quality, with a preference for high refresh rates. The Alienware 18 Area-51 (Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070) and Lenovo Legion Pro 7i (16-inch 240Hz OLED display) are highlighted. The Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 features an AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS CPU and Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060. Versatile models that can handle all three categories include the MacBook Pro M4, Dell 14 Plus, and Acer Swift 16 AI, which features a 3K OLED display and Intel Core Ultra processors.

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

August 11, 2025

Get ready for back to school with great deals on Windows 11 and Copilot+ PCs

As the academic year approaches, there is an increased demand for reliable and high-performance PCs that support students' academic needs and personal style. Windows 11, enhanced with Copilot, offers tools for productivity and organization. Microsoft is promoting back-to-school discounts on Surface devices, including savings on the Surface Pro 13-inch, Surface Laptop 13-inch, and Surface Pro 12-inch. Students can trade in their Windows 10 PCs for cash back and receive a complimentary trial of Microsoft 365 Personal. Various manufacturers, including Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP, Lenovo, and Samsung, are offering Windows 11 PCs designed for learning and creativity. Retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, Costco, and Walmart are providing deals on laptops and tech accessories.

AppWizard

August 11, 2025

This week in PC games: deep-sea roguelite raids, first-person horror cookery, and a spruced-up Dawn of War

Edwin is on a brief hiatus and prefers to be addressed as "Dr. Edwin" during meetings. He expects others to turn off their cameras and mute themselves if they forget. This week’s overview of new PC game releases includes: - Nebelmer: A compact open-world explorer that won Best Student Game at the Belgian Game Awards. - Echoes of the End: A narrative-rich fantasy hack-and-slash game inspired by Iceland's landscapes. - Abyssus: A 4-player roguelike co-op shooter set in sunken temples. - Dungeon Stalkers: An early access "extraction PvPvE dungeon crawler" with puzzling elements. - Alchemy of the Earth: A game where players mix potions to fend off skeletons. - Stomach: A survival horror cooking game set on an abandoned cruise ship. This week is quiet due to Edwin and Nic being on leave, while Mark plays Mafia: The Old Country. Gamescom is approaching.

AppWizard

June 28, 2025

4 classic PC games that prove just how well pixel art can age

Pixel graphics emerged as a limitation of hardware capabilities but have been embraced as an artistic choice, especially in indie games. A criterion of at least ten years since release is used to define "retro" games. Papers, Please: Players act as a border checkpoint officer in a totalitarian state, balancing duty and family needs. The game utilizes pixel art for its static user interface and characters, maintaining its unique visual identity over a decade later. Platform: Steam. RollerCoaster Tycoon: Known for its iconic pixel art, the game features vibrant landscapes that complement its amusement park theme. Its late-90s aesthetic remains impressive even two decades after release. Shovel Knight: Launched over a decade ago, it pays homage to retro 2D platformers with an 8-bit-inspired aesthetic. The game blends nostalgia with originality, featuring backgrounds that enhance gameplay. Backyard Baseball: A late '90s arcade-style baseball simulation known for its distinctive art style and memorable characters. The pixelated character models are well-defined, showcasing impressive pixel artistry. Platforms: Steam, Nintendo Switch. PC games may not always match the pixel artistry of console games from the 80s and 90s, but there are many iconic pixel art games from that era and the early 2010s.

Winsage

June 26, 2025

Microsoft is moving antivirus providers out of the Windows kernel

Microsoft is preparing to initiate a private preview of new Windows changes aimed at relocating antivirus (AV) and endpoint detection and response (EDR) applications away from the Windows kernel. This initiative follows a significant incident involving a faulty update from CrowdStrike that disrupted 8.5 million Windows-based machines globally. Microsoft is collaborating with industry leaders such as CrowdStrike, Bitdefender, ESET, and Trend Micro to develop a new endpoint security platform. The company is engaging its top engineers, including original architects of Windows, to work on these security enhancements. The upcoming private preview will allow security vendors to suggest modifications, with several iterations anticipated before the final version is ready. Microsoft is also addressing concerns related to kernel-level drivers in anti-cheating engines for gaming and is engaging with game developers on minimizing kernel usage. A forthcoming Windows update will introduce a Quick Machine Recovery feature to expedite restoration of machines encountering boot issues. Additionally, Microsoft is redesigning the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) from blue to black as part of its commitment to enhancing user experience and system reliability.