productivity enhancement Archives

Winsage

April 16, 2025

Microsoft brings a new text extraction tool to Windows 11

PowerToys has introduced a Text Extractor feature that allows users to extract text from images. Microsoft has now added a similar feature to the Snipping Tool in Windows 11, which includes a dedicated text extractor button in its capture bar. This update enables users to copy text directly from the screen to the clipboard without taking a preliminary screenshot. Currently, the feature is available only to Windows Insiders on the Canary and Dev Channels with version 11.2503.27.0 of the Snipping Tool. Users can initiate text extraction by selecting an area for scanning and can choose to copy specific text or all text at once. Additional options include removing line breaks and automatically copying text to the clipboard. The feature is anticipated to be rolled out to a wider audience in the future.

Winsage

March 12, 2025

Microsoft adds another Copilot hotkey

Microsoft has introduced a voice conversation feature in its Copilot application for Windows Insiders, activated by holding down the Alt + Spacebar for two seconds. This update allows users to interact with the AI assistant vocally, asking questions and receiving responses without typing. The microphone icon appears on the screen during the voice chat, and it disappears after a few seconds of silence. This functionality is part of Microsoft's effort to enhance user interaction and productivity in work environments. The Copilot app has transitioned from a web-based application to a more integrated native experience. Previously, users activated Copilot using the Windows + C shortcut, but the new Alt + Spacebar combination was chosen for universal accessibility.

AppWizard

December 9, 2024

Google Docs is tapping into Gemini to whip up formatted documents

Google Docs is testing a new "Help me create" feature powered by Gemini, allowing users to create formatted documents from scratch. Users can integrate Google Drive files by typing "@" followed by the file name, but the feature does not retain the original layout or style and cannot generate images of people. The "Help me create" prompt appears at the top of the interface, and users can also access it through the "File" menu. This feature is currently available to web users in the Gemini for Google Workspace Alpha and Workspace Labs programs and is being gradually rolled out for new, blank documents.

Winsage

November 23, 2024

Microsoft is finally testing its Recall photographic memory search feature. It’s not perfect

Microsoft is rolling out its Recall feature for testing on Copilot+ PCs with Qualcomm Snapdragon chips. This feature allows users to take snapshots of their screens and search for specific words or objects within those images. Currently, Recall is available to users in the Windows Insider Program's dev channel, but only on devices with Qualcomm Snapdragon chips. Initial testing has revealed challenges, including inconsistent screenshot frequency, incomplete search results, and slow loading times for viewing captured images. Microsoft has addressed cybersecurity concerns by encrypting the database and disabling the feature by default.

Winsage

October 16, 2024

This Windows app brings Apple Intelligence’s text tools to your PC

The "Writing Tools" app for Windows PCs is an AI writing assistant powered by Google's Gemini 1.5 Flash model, designed to enhance productivity and creativity across various applications. It supports writing in all applications, including those without built-in AI features, and offers functionalities such as translation, summary generation, table creation, key point extraction, customizable hotkeys, and a user-friendly interface. The app is free to use but requires an active internet connection. Future updates may include local model integration to address connectivity issues. The app is available for download on GitHub.

Winsage

August 20, 2024

Latest Windows 11 Dev Insider build teases advanced camera features

Microsoft has introduced advanced camera features in the Windows 11 Insider Dev build 26120.1542, including a new Advanced camera configuration section in the Settings page. This section, which is not immediately accessible, is aimed at helping developers and advanced users troubleshoot camera issues and allows content creators to use multiple applications that access the camera simultaneously. The configuration includes two options: Multi-app Camera, which enables simultaneous access by multiple applications, and Camera Basic Mode, designed for troubleshooting specific camera issues. To activate these features, users must install ViveTool, enable feature IDs 49575624 and 50292326, and restart the system. If needed, enabling feature ID 48433719 may also help, requiring another restart.