personal computing Archives

Winsage

August 16, 2025

Microsoft prepares AI-driven overhaul for Windows 12

Windows 12 will introduce ambient computing, allowing devices to be more attuned to environments and user activities, moving beyond traditional input methods. It will feature artificial intelligence for contextual assistance and multimodal interaction, enabling users to communicate through natural voice commands. The visual interface will transform with proactive AI agents assisting users. Windows 12 will utilize a hybrid approach of local processing and cloud computing. Privacy concerns arise due to the need for continuous monitoring and access to personal data, prompting demands for transparency and control over data usage.

Winsage

August 8, 2025

Microsoft’s Clippy Crocs Might Be the World’s Weirdest Pair of Shoes

Crocs and Clippy are collaborating to create a limited-edition footwear line as part of Microsoft's 50th-anniversary celebrations. The Crocs feature a design inspired by the Windows XP wallpaper, showcasing a green hill and fluffy clouds. Currently, they are available for preorder exclusively to Microsoft employees, with a public release date yet to be announced. The package includes six shoe charms, featuring Clippy and other nostalgic icons like the original MSN logo, the Internet Explorer logo, a mouse pointer, a file folder, and a computer recycling bin.

Winsage

August 7, 2025

Microsoft teases AI-powered Windows 2030 where keyboards and mice may feel obsolete

David Weston, Microsoft’s Corporate Vice President for Enterprise and OS Security, predicts that by the end of the decade, traditional input devices like keyboards and mice will coexist with more interactive technologies. He envisions AI agents taking over roles traditionally held by security analysts, allowing them to manage tasks such as reading and responding to emails. Microsoft is investing in AI technologies, including the development of Copilot, which aims to enhance productivity. Weston anticipates a shift toward voice and visual inputs for device interaction, moving away from typing and clicking. Microsoft has introduced features like the "Hey Copilot" wake word for voice commands. He also highlights the importance of quantum computing for future security, indicating that quantum-safe encryption is being integrated into Windows. While details about Windows 12 are limited, early indications suggest a deeper integration of Copilot and enhanced security features, potentially transforming Windows into a more intuitive collaborator.

Winsage

August 6, 2025

OpenAI’s New Open Models Accelerated Locally on NVIDIA GeForce RTX and RTX PRO GPUs

NVIDIA has partnered with OpenAI to enhance the gpt-oss models for NVIDIA GPUs, enabling rapid inference and supporting millions of users on NVIDIA RTX AI PCs. The gpt-oss-20b and gpt-oss-120b models, trained on NVIDIA H100 GPUs, feature open-weight reasoning and can handle context lengths of up to 131,072 tokens. Users can utilize these models through frameworks like Ollama, which provides a user-friendly interface for experimentation. The models are optimized for RTX GPUs and support applications such as web search and coding assistance. Developers can also access the models via Microsoft AI Foundry Local and other frameworks, with NVIDIA contributing to open-source projects to enhance performance.

Winsage

July 29, 2025

Windows 10 Turns 10

Today marks the tenth anniversary of Windows 10, which was unveiled on September 30, 2014. Microsoft is offering a complimentary copy of the Windows 10 Field Guide to users in celebration. A new free newsletter is available for subscribers, providing three time-saving tips every Friday and complimentary copies of Paul Thurrott's Windows 11 and Windows 10 Field Guides. Windows 10 was designed to operate across various devices and was announced as a free upgrade for users of Windows 7, 8.1, and Windows Phone 8.1 in January 2015. It was officially released on July 29, 2015, and received positive reviews for its adaptability and user-friendly experience, addressing design flaws from Windows 8. A free copy of the Windows 10 Field Guide is available at Leanpub until August 1, 2025.

Winsage

July 29, 2025

Revamped Task Manager, second-monitor notifications coming soon to Windows 11

Microsoft is rolling out its Copilot+ features, primarily for PCs with Intel and AMD processors, which receive updates later than Qualcomm Snapdragon+ devices. The new "agent-powered search" feature allows users to ask natural-language questions to simplify the Settings app. This functionality is supported by a neural processing unit (NPU) that processes information locally for improved speed and privacy. A tutorial for the "Click to Do" feature has also been introduced, providing action suggestions based on on-screen content. The "Second Chance Out of Box Experience" (SCOOBE) window has received negative feedback for being intrusive, prompting users to enroll in Windows Backup and switch to Microsoft Edge. Users can disable the SCOOBE screen by adjusting settings in the Notifications section. These features are being introduced across the Dev and Beta channels of the Windows Insider program, with a public release expected soon. Additionally, Microsoft is preparing for the Windows 11 25H2 update, which will introduce more features currently being deployed to version 24H2 devices.

Winsage

July 22, 2025

Windows 11 is the home for AI on the PC, with even more experiences available today

Nearly 60% of individuals have used generative AI for work-related tasks in the past year, and 64% have used it for personal activities. Windows is introducing a new agent in Settings for Copilot+ PCs, allowing users to make changes using natural language. This feature is rolling out for English-speaking users on Snapdragon-powered devices, with support for Intel and AMD devices to follow. The Click to Do feature streamlines workflows by offering contextual actions related to text and images. The Photos app now includes a Relight feature for professional lighting controls, while Paint has added a sticker generator and object select tool. The Snipping Tool has been enhanced with a perfect screenshot feature and a color picker. Copilot Vision allows users to share their screen with Copilot for real-time assistance. Windows 11 is introducing a recovery mechanism that reduces recovery time from 40 seconds to 2 seconds. These features will be gradually rolled out to consumers.

Winsage

July 15, 2025

It’s time to upgrade your PC’s operating system to Windows 11 Pro for $15

Microsoft has set a timeline for the end of Windows 10 support. Windows 11 Pro is available for .97, reduced from 9, but the offer is time-sensitive and codes are limited. Windows 11 Pro can be installed on two compatible PCs and features a redesigned user interface, productivity tools like snap layouts and advanced voice typing, enhanced security features including Smart App Control and BitLocker, and improved gaming performance with DirectX12 Ultimate. The Pro version includes remote desktop access and tools like Azure AD, Hyper-V, and Windows Sandbox for professional use.

AppWizard

July 12, 2025

The evolution of Android: Decades of transformation

Android was acquired by Google in 2005, marking a significant turning point for the platform. It evolved from an open-source operating system that encouraged diverse hardware options to a dominant mobile OS, adapting to consumer demands for larger screens and advanced features. Between 2018 and 2020, manufacturers began adopting edge-to-edge displays, leading to innovations like the "notch" and "punch-hole" designs. From 2021 onward, foldable phones emerged, with devices like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip redefining the smartphone form factor. Google introduced optimizations for large screens and improved multitasking capabilities to accommodate these changes.

Winsage

June 26, 2025

How PC makers exploited BIOS copyright strings to unlock trial software during the Windows 95 era

Microsoft veteran Raymond Chen recounted issues during the development of Windows 9x, particularly regarding software copyright violations among PC manufacturers. The Windows 95 team aimed to ensure compatibility with various PCs, discovering a BIOS string "Not Copyright Fabrikam Computer" while examining firmware. In the early 1990s, branded PCs often had preinstalled software that unlocked premium features based on specific BIOS strings. Some manufacturers, like the fictional "Contoso," manipulated these strings to bypass licensing fees, which was likely illegal. The developers faced challenges retrofitting Plug and Play technology onto older systems while navigating these deceptive practices.