processing Archives

AppWizard

November 8, 2024

I tried Google’s hidden note-taking app that no one’s talking about, and you should too

Google's NotebookLM is a new note-taking tool that allows users to consolidate information from various sources, including Google Drive documents, articles, YouTube videos, PDF files, and MP3 audio clips, into a single organized notebook. It utilizes Google's language model, Gemini 1.5 Pro, to analyze extensive text and generate outputs like briefing documents and study guides without requiring a premium subscription. The app features a bulletin-board style layout for easy usability and includes a chat feature with inline citations. One of its standout features is the Audio Overviews, which transforms notes into a podcast format with human-like hosts discussing the content. NotebookLM is currently available as a cross-platform web app and has recently shed its "experimental" label, though it does not yet have a dedicated mobile application.

Winsage

November 8, 2024

Windows Central’s highest-rated laptops are already on sale ahead of Black Friday — save up to $640 with my shopping advice

As the holiday shopping season approaches, discounts on Windows laptops are becoming available, including high-end Copilot+ PCs and budget-friendly options. A curated list of the best deals for 2024 is being compiled, which will be updated as Black Friday nears. Windows laptops are categorized into three primary types: 1. Notebook: A classic clamshell design, often used for gaming. 2. Convertible: Heavier, pricier laptops with 360-degree hinges and touch displays, suitable for media and creative tasks. 3. 2-in-1: Devices with a detachable keyboard, allowing tablet-like use. AI PCs, equipped with processors that include a Neural Processing Unit (NPU), are gaining attention in 2024. Examples include Intel Core Ultra and AMD Ryzen AI 300. Microsoft's Copilot+ PC program enhances the AI experience for laptops with NPUs. However, for most users, having an NPU may not be essential, and focusing on overall performance is recommended. The evaluation process for Windows laptops includes testing hinge strength, chassis durability, port speed, camera quality, speaker performance, fan noise, display quality, and battery life. All laptops in the Black Friday collection have ratings of four stars or higher. Black Friday 2024 is scheduled for November 29, 2024, with many retailers already offering deals. Cyber Monday will follow on December 2, 2024, focusing on online shopping, with some tech deals continuing from Black Friday.

Tech Optimizer

November 8, 2024

New malware SteelFox targets Windows users through fake software activators

A new malware named "SteelFox" is targeting Windows users by using counterfeit software activators to infiltrate systems, leading to cryptocurrency mining and data theft. Since February 2023, it has spread rapidly, primarily through torrent sites and online forums, masquerading as legitimate software cracks for programs like AutoCAD and Foxit PDF Editor. Upon installation, it deploys a risky driver called WinRingO.sys, exploiting vulnerabilities CVE-2021-41285 and CVE-2020-14979, which allows attackers to gain full access to the infected computer. The malware uses XMRig for crypto mining, causing performance issues and increased utility bills, while also stealing sensitive data from over 13 web browsers. Countries with high infection rates include Mexico, Brazil, Russia, China, and India. Kaspersky has blocked over 11,000 attempted attacks, but the actual number of infections may be much higher. To protect against SteelFox, users are advised to download software only from verified sources, maintain updated antivirus software, avoid pirated software, and keep systems current with security patches.

Winsage

November 7, 2024

New Windows Build Brings AVX Support To Snapdragon X For Gaming And More

Recent evaluations of laptops with Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite processors have praised their performance and battery life, but issues arose with the high-end Snapdragon X Elite X1E-84-100 chip in the Samsung Galaxy Book4 Edge, where certain applications were found incompatible due to limitations in emulation capabilities. The Windows operating system uses an emulation layer called Prism to run x86-64 applications on Arm architecture, but it initially lacked support for essential SIMD instructions like AVX2 and AVX. Microsoft announced an update in Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27744 that enhances Prism by adding support for AVX, AVX2, and other instructions, allowing Snapdragon-based Windows machines to run x86 software requiring these instruction sets. However, only x64 applications will benefit from this update, leaving legacy 32-bit x86 applications unaffected. This is significant for gaming, as many recent titles utilize AVX for improved processing speeds, potentially increasing compatibility for previously unplayable games on Snapdragon devices. Despite these advancements, Microsoft has not addressed the potential performance implications of the emulation process. Initial observations suggest that while performance degradation from Prism emulation is less severe than expected, it still does not match that of native Arm applications. Qualcomm is tasked with improving Snapdragon X Elite gaming capabilities, facing challenges with Windows graphics drivers, particularly the Adreno graphics drivers, which may hinder its competitiveness against AMD and Intel in the Windows laptop market.

Winsage

November 6, 2024

It looks like ‘Windows Intelligence’ might subsume ‘Copilot’ branding, giving yet more evidence that we can’t decide how to market AI

The landscape of computing is evolving with advanced chips featuring Neural Processing Units (NPUs) for artificial intelligence applications, leading to the emergence of the AI PC. A rebranding initiative is underway, with "Copilot" potentially being integrated into "Windows Intelligence," as discovered by an X user from references in the appprivacy.adml file. This shift aligns with cybersecurity enhancements and reflects a branding strategy similar to Apple's "Apple Intelligence." While "Windows Intelligence" may not fully replace "Copilot," it is expected to encompass it. Mainstream desktops and laptops are beginning to incorporate NPUs, qualifying them as AI PCs. The conversation around AI branding is evolving, prompting questions about the intelligence of computers, regardless of the operating system. Some users may feel overwhelmed by the rapid pace of AI integration and choose to disengage until the technology becomes unavoidable.

AppWizard

November 5, 2024

I’ve seen the future of gaming — AI model creates playable Minecraft from a picture

Oasis is an AI model that generates Minecraft-like gameplay using only images, developed by Decart and Etched. It is described as the world's first real-time AI world model, dynamically constructing gameplay based on user input and visual data, processing commands and generating frames at approximately 20 frames per second. The AI architecture combines Vision Transformer technology with a diffusion model, allowing for frame generation in about 0.04 seconds on a single NVIDIA H100 GPU. However, the gameplay experience is low-resolution and glitchy, with issues related to object permanence and unexpected environmental shifts. The technology could transform the gaming industry by enabling rapid game development and real-time adaptation to player preferences, while also raising concerns about copyright and creative ownership. As the technology evolves, improvements in resolution, frame rates, and game complexity are anticipated.

Winsage

November 4, 2024

Windows Server 2025 now generally available, with advanced security, improved performance, and cloud agility – Microsoft Windows Server Blog

Windows Server 2025 is now generally available, featuring enhanced security capabilities such as improvements to Active Directory, SMB hardening with SMB over QUIC, and Delegate Managed Service Accounts for automated password management. It also introduces hybrid cloud capabilities like hotpatching enabled by Azure Arc, easy Azure Arc onboarding, and unified network policy management. The platform supports demanding workloads with built-in GPU partitioning, NVMe storage performance improvements, and significant enhancements in Hyper-V performance and scalability. System Center 2025 has been released alongside Windows Server 2025, offering improved management capabilities. Microsoft Ignite 2024 will showcase these features, and existing Windows Server customers can access Azure management tools at no extra cost.

Winsage

November 3, 2024

Microsoft Surface Pro 11 review: A new generation of Windows computers

The Surface Pro 8 has design shortcomings, particularly in its 'lapability' due to its kickstand. The Surface Pro 11 features upgrades such as new Snapdragon hardware, improved battery life, and enhanced processing power. It represents a shift towards ARM technology, offering advantages like superior battery life, rapid boot times, enhanced security, and low power consumption. The Surface Pro 11 has display options of LCD or OLED, both with a resolution of 2,880x1,920 pixels and a 120Hz refresh rate. It includes excellent stereo speakers, a 1440p ultrawide webcam, and effective microphone setup for video conferencing. The device handles daily tasks well but is heavier than competitors. It has limited ports and a familiar design aesthetic. The Snapdragon X Plus model with 16GB RAM and 512GB storage is priced at ₹1,34,999, while the total cost with the keyboard and Slim Pen is ₹1,64,899. Battery life averages around 12-13 hours, which is less than some competitors. The base model offers a good price-to-performance ratio, with the Snapdragon X Elite model priced at ₹1,85,999.

Winsage

November 1, 2024

Microsoft delays rollout of the Windows 11 Recall feature yet again

Brandon LeBlanc, Senior Program Manager for Microsoft Windows Insider, stated that Microsoft is committed to delivering a secure experience with its upcoming feature, Recall, and is taking additional time to refine it before previewing it with Windows Insiders. Recall will utilize Windows' Virtualization-Based Security (VBS) features and Windows Hello authentication for enhanced user data protection. The feature will be opt-in by default and fully removable. Recall will require a Copilot+ PC, which must have at least 16GB of RAM, 256GB of storage, and a neural processing unit (NPU) capable of at least 40 trillion operations per second (TOPS). Users must enroll in the Windows Insider Program to access Recall, and speculation suggests that non-Windows Insider PCs may not receive it until 2025.

AppWizard

November 1, 2024

Red Dead Redemption PC port review – looks and runs better than ever

Red Dead Redemption has been released on PC, allowing players to experience John Marston's story five years after Red Dead Redemption 2. The PC port includes modern upscaling features like DLSS and FSR, but some technical aspects feel outdated compared to the PS4 version. Keyboard and mouse controls are well-implemented, and the graphics menu allows adjustments to shadows and detail levels for geometry, trees, and grass. The game runs smoothly on high-performance PCs, achieving over 100fps at 4K resolution with DLAA enabled, although certain settings can cause performance drops. The port is stable with no significant bugs, and over a hundred community mods have emerged to enhance the game. Red Dead Redemption is now available on PC, PS4, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox One, and is playable on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S through backward compatibility.