productivity Archives

Winsage

November 25, 2025

Windows 10’s End Forces UK SMEs to Rethink Technology

The end of Windows 10 support in October has prompted UK small businesses to reconsider their technology and security measures. Brian Horsburgh from Dell highlights the urgency for firms to upgrade to Windows 11 and integrate AI into their operations. Statistics show that 43% of businesses experienced a cyber breach last year, with 46% of IT decision-makers citing high-profile incidents as reasons to refresh their PC fleets. Despite budget concerns, Dell is addressing hesitations by showcasing the benefits of AI technology, such as improved productivity and security. AI PCs with Neural Processing Units (NPUs) enhance data security and streamline operations, allowing for tasks like automatic meeting note summarization. Dell offers flexible financing options to ease the financial burden of upgrading. The company promotes a phased approach to digital transformation, encouraging businesses to automate repetitive tasks and partner with technology providers for expert guidance. By leveraging AI, small businesses can improve customer experiences and make data-driven decisions, positioning themselves competitively in the market.

Winsage

November 24, 2025

Microsoft will soon let you say goodbye to Copilot — just not in the way you hoped

Microsoft is integrating artificial intelligence into Windows 11 with significant updates, including a new AI agent named Copilot Actions designed to assist users and enhance productivity. The update features a "Hey Copilot" wake word for activating Copilot Vision mode, allowing for a hands-free experience. A semantic farewell phrase will enable users to conclude voice sessions seamlessly. The Copilot Vision feature is currently in preview and is expected to roll out more broadly next month. However, a retracted advertisement revealed challenges with Copilot's performance, indicating the need for further refinement of the AI's capabilities.

AppWizard

November 24, 2025

NotebookLM is so great, Google is adding even more ways to access it

Google is enhancing its Gemini platform by integrating it with applications like Google Photos and Messages, and is considering adding NotebookLM as a Connected App. Currently, Gemini connects with YouTube Music and various Google Workspace applications. The anticipated NotebookLM feature may allow users to import notebooks into the Gemini chatbot, enabling interaction with notebook content without returning to the NotebookLM interface. Google is also exploring linking notebooks as attachments in the text input box of the chatbot. These enhancements aim to improve accessibility and productivity across devices.

Winsage

November 24, 2025

Lifetime Access to Microsoft’s Latest Office Software is 40% Off for Black Friday

An early Black Friday offer on the Microsoft Office 2024 Home & Business lifetime license is available for .97, down from .99, valid for both Mac and PC users through the Black Friday weekend. Microsoft Office 2024 includes applications like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote, available through a one-time purchase without subscription fees. New features include AI-powered suggestions, improved data insights in Excel, advanced storytelling tools in PowerPoint, and a modernized Fluent Design interface. Collaboration features allow real-time document editing, while Outlook offers improved accessibility checks. Security enhancements protect against malicious add-ins, and the lifetime license avoids recurring costs.

Winsage

November 24, 2025

You won’t believe how much the Windows Start Menu has changed in 40 years — including THAT ill-fated departure with Windows 8

On November 20, 1985, Windows 1.0 was launched. Windows XP debuted in 2001 with a redesigned Start menu featuring a two-column layout. Windows Vista, released in 2007, integrated search functionality into the Start menu. Windows 7, launched in 2009, introduced "Jump Lists" and streamlined power options. Windows 8 replaced the Start menu with a full-screen Start screen in 2012, which was optimized for touch input. Windows 8.1 reintroduced the Start button but not the Start menu. Windows 10, released in 2015, brought back the Start menu with a customizable two-pane design and merged classic elements with Live Tiles. Windows 11, introduced in 2021, featured a centered Taskbar and a simplified Start menu layout. In November 2025, a Security Update introduced a new Start menu version that adapts to screen resolution, offering a larger layout divided into three sections: "Pinned," "Recommended," and "All," with options for user customization.

Winsage

November 23, 2025

Microsoft faces uphill climb to turn enterprise dominance into widespread AI chatbot adoption

Microsoft's CEO Satya Nadella highlighted that over 150 million users are engaging with its Copilot assistant, which aims to enhance productivity in various sectors. However, there are challenges in the enterprise market, with clients hesitant to adopt Copilot licenses and some wanting to reduce their licenses. Copilot, launched as an add-on to Microsoft 365, helps with tasks like summarizing emails and creating presentations. Microsoft has invested heavily in AI, particularly through its Azure cloud infrastructure, which reported a 40% revenue growth. Competing tech companies like Adobe, Google, Salesforce, and Workday are also targeting the enterprise AI market. Despite skepticism, over 90% of Fortune 500 companies use Microsoft 365 Copilot, and some organizations have purchased large numbers of licenses. To encourage adoption, Microsoft plans to introduce a new tier for Microsoft 365 Copilot Business and has offered discounts in the past. Companies like Land O'Lakes and Pearson have successfully integrated Copilot into their operations. Microsoft is also collaborating with Anthropic to enhance its AI offerings. Daily usage of Copilot among commercial sales and support staff has increased, indicating growing internal traction.

Winsage

November 23, 2025

Lifetime Access to Microsoft’s Latest Office Software is 40% Off for Black Friday

An early Black Friday promotion offers a lifetime license for Microsoft Office 2024 Home & Business at the price of .97, down from the regular MSRP of .99. This offer is valid for both Mac and PC users through the Black Friday weekend. Microsoft Office 2024 includes applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote, and features AI-powered suggestions, enhanced Excel insights, new PowerPoint storytelling tools, and a modernized Fluent Design Interface. The suite allows real-time co-authoring, improved accessibility checks in Outlook, and full voice and video recording in PowerPoint. Security enhancements protect against malicious add-ins, and the lifetime license ties to a Microsoft account, avoiding recurring costs.

AppWizard

November 23, 2025

Google Play 2025 Awards: Focus Friend wins best app, Pokémon TCG Pocket best game

Google Play has announced its selections for the best Android applications and games of 2025. The Best App award went to Focus Friend, developed by Hank Green, recognized for its gamified productivity features. The Best Game award was given to Pokémon TCG Pocket, a mobile adaptation of the trading card game. Luminar won the multi-device Best App award, while Disney Speedstorm was named the multi-device Best Game. Additional winners included: - Best for Fun: Edits - Best for Personal Growth: Focus Friend - Best Everyday Essential: Wiser – 15 Minute Audio Books - Best Hidden Gem: Pingo AI Language Learning - Best for Families: ABCmouse 2: Kids Learning Game - Best for Watches: SleepisolBio - Best for Large Screens: Goodnotes - Best for Cars: SoundCloud - Best for XR Headsets: Calm - Best Multiplayer: Dunk City Dynasty - Best Pick Up and Play: Candy Crush Solitaire - Best Indie: Chants of Sennaar - Best Story: Disco Elysium - Best Ongoing: Wuthering Waves - Best on Play Pass: DREDGE - Best for Google Play Games on PC: Odin: Valhalla Rising

Winsage

November 23, 2025

Microsoft prevents crash screens from staying visible on signage

Microsoft has introduced a Digital Signage mode in Windows 11 that automatically suppresses system error screens, including the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD), after a fifteen-second display period. This feature aims to enhance user experience on public displays and is particularly useful for IT managers using Intune for device management. Additionally, Microsoft is previewing advanced text-generation tools for applications, including automated email summarization in Outlook and alternative text generation for images in Word, to improve productivity and accessibility.

Winsage

November 22, 2025

Much AI About Nothing

Pavan Davuluri, the lead for Windows, announced at Ignite 2025 that Windows is evolving to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities, which he believes is a logical progression for the platform. The session, titled "Agents at Work: Windows Powers the Era of Intelligent Productivity," emphasized that Microsoft is adapting to technological advancements rather than merely reacting to trends. AI integration is seen as more suitable for the desktop operating system than cloud solutions, with features like Copilot serving as a front-end application for cloud-based AI services. Updates will be necessary for seamless interaction between new features and both Microsoft and third-party applications. The adoption of these features is opt-in, allowing users to choose their implementation. Additionally, Copilot has been updated to include voice capabilities for natural language communication, enhancing user experience without replacing existing input methods.