reminders Archives

Winsage

April 4, 2025

Microsoft unveils a more personal Copilot, leaving rival Apple further behind

Microsoft is enhancing its AI-powered Copilot with new features, including the ability to memorize user preferences, such as favorite foods and family birthdays, while allowing users to control what information is stored. The Copilot will also enable users to customize its appearance and perform tasks through chat prompts, integrating with platforms like OpenTable and Booking.com. Additionally, Copilot will feature visual search capabilities through Copilot Vision, allowing users to capture images or stream live video for information searches. Other functionalities include a podcast feature, a personal shopping assistant, and enhanced multi-step research capabilities, with Copilot Search being integrated into the Bing browser.

Winsage

April 4, 2025

Microsoft, turning 50, dials up Copilot actions to stay in AI game

Thousands gathered at Microsoft’s Redmond headquarters for a demonstration of a new Excel feature that allows users to sum numbers with a click. The event celebrated Microsoft’s 50th anniversary and highlighted the AI assistant Copilot, which will receive new features for personalization, including remembering personal details, offering reminders, and task delegation. Microsoft is leveraging its technical groundwork to enhance its AI solutions, despite past challenges such as a 1998 antitrust lawsuit and competition from companies like Alphabet and OpenAI. CEO Satya Nadella emphasized the importance of innovation and collaboration for the future. The consumer version of Copilot is designed to have a “warm” personality, though it has been noted to be overly inquisitive at times.

AppWizard

April 4, 2025

How an app about a cartoon bird is helping me be a better person

Three weeks ago, the author began using the Finch app, which serves as a habit tracker and routine builder. Users go through an onboarding process to create a personalized starter plan based on their responses to questions about sleep patterns and routines. Finch allows users to set and customize their goals, with reminders for daily habits. A unique feature is the ability to hatch and care for a virtual bird, which grows and embarks on adventures as users complete their goals. Finch also encourages self-care by prompting users to check in on their mood and offering suggestions for uplifting activities. The app has helped the author form positive habits, such as journaling and flossing, and it is available for free download on Android.

Winsage

April 1, 2025

How have 50 years of Microsoft been for you?

Microsoft is approaching its 50th anniversary, marked by significant milestones in personal computing and enterprise solutions. Key achievements include the introduction of Windows 3.0 and 3.1, while notable missteps include Microsoft Bob, Windows 8, the underperformance of Windows Mobile and Windows Phone, and the acquisition of Nokia. Microsoft's productivity suite remains strong despite competition from Google. The company gained popularity with its dialect of BASIC and has made strategic investments in cloud technology and artificial intelligence, including the acquisitions of GitHub and LinkedIn. However, it faced challenges with Internet Explorer losing ground to Google's Chrome and the failure of the Zune to compete with the iPod. Windows Vista is also noted as a less successful product.

Winsage

March 31, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22635.5160 (Beta Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22635.5160 (KB5053654) has been released for the Beta Channel for users on Windows 11, version 23H2. Windows 11, version 24H2 is also available as an optional upgrade for Insiders in the Beta Channel. New features include: - A speech recap feature in Narrator that allows users to track and reference spoken content, with a history of the last 500 strings spoken. Users can access this feature using keyboard shortcuts. - Copilot on Windows can now be launched with Win + C, and users can customize their Copilot key. It includes a press-to-talk feature for voice interaction. - The Windows share window has been enhanced to allow quick editing options for images, including cropping and applying filters. - A new FAQs section has been added to the Settings > System > About page to provide users with quick answers about their PC. Fixes include resolving delays in app icons appearing in the Start menu and updating the logic for desktop app icons to enhance visibility. Known issues include a flashing context menu in the Start menu and a crash issue with Narrator that can be resolved by restarting the PC. Windows Insiders in the Beta Channel will receive updates based on Windows 11, version 23H2 through an enablement package, and features are rolled out gradually using Controlled Feature Rollout technology.

AppWizard

March 30, 2025

My favorite Google productivity app is everywhere and nowhere

36% of participants in a poll confirmed they actively use Google Tasks via its app or web interface, while 18% only add tasks through other Google products without engaging with the Tasks app. 9% expressed interest in trying it out for the first time, and 36% indicated they prefer another to-do platform. Google Tasks was originally an integrated feature within Gmail and Calendar and was relaunched as a standalone app in 2018. It allows users to create tasks from various Google services, enhancing its utility. The app is characterized by its simplicity and straightforward interface, which may contribute to its obscurity. Google is gradually rolling out new features for Tasks, including improved sorting options and easier task management capabilities. Despite its potential, Google Tasks currently occupies a lower priority in Google's broader product strategy.

Winsage

March 29, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5516 (Dev Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5516 (KB5054687) has been released to the Dev Channel. The Dev Channel has transitioned to the 26200 series builds, closing the opportunity to switch to the Beta Channel. The 26200 series is based on Windows 11, version 24H2. Enhancements to Windows Search for AMD and Intel®-powered Copilot+ PCs include semantic indexing for more intuitive searches, allowing users to find documents, photos, and settings using natural language. Users can manage indexed locations in Settings and the feature supports multiple languages and document formats. The improved Windows Search can also locate cloud-stored photos, with users needing to sign into OneDrive for access. A new feature called speech recap has been introduced in Narrator, allowing users to track what has been spoken and providing quick access to the last 500 strings spoken. A streamlined UI for unexpected restarts is being previewed. The Copilot can now be launched with Win + C, and users can personalize their experience through Settings. Click to Do is available from the Start menu and supports intelligent text actions in multiple languages. The Windows share window now includes a visual preview for shared links and image editing capabilities. Several fixes have been made to improve performance and address issues in Taskbar, File Explorer, Login and Lock, Windowing, and Settings. Known issues include problems with Recall and File Explorer crashes for some users. Windows Insiders in the Dev Channel receive updates based on Windows 11, version 24H2, and feature rollouts are monitored for feedback.

Winsage

March 29, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3653 (Beta Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3653 (KB5053658) has been released to the Beta Channel for users on Windows 11, version 24H2. The update includes new features such as Quick Machine Recovery (QMR), which automatically detects and applies fixes for boot issues, and a speech recap feature in Narrator that allows users to access previously spoken content. The update also introduces a new UI for unexpected restarts, simplifies launching Copilot with the Win + C shortcut, and enhances the Click to Do feature with intelligent text actions in multiple languages. Additionally, the Windows share window now includes a visual preview and image editing capabilities. Various fixes have been implemented for issues in the taskbar, File Explorer, windowing, Windows Update, and Settings. Known issues include problems with Recall and File Explorer crashes for some users.

AppWizard

March 28, 2025

How to use ChatGPT: A beginner’s guide to the most popular AI chatbot

ChatGPT, developed by OpenAI, was launched in late 2022 and has evolved into a versatile tool for tasks such as composing emails, generating essays, brainstorming ideas, translating languages, assisting with coding, and answering questions. OpenAI offers a free version and paid plans for additional features. Users can access ChatGPT via its website or app without creating an account, although registration unlocks features like saving chat history. The user base has grown to over 400 million weekly users within six months. OpenAI's subscription plans include a free tier, a Plus plan at per month, and a Pro plan at 0 per month. ChatGPT can assist with advice, data analysis, browsing, deep research, image generation with DALL·E, and file uploads. Features include Voice Mode for spoken interaction, ChatGPT Canvas for visual organization, and ChatGPT Tasks for scheduling reminders. ChatGPT can also generate images and videos, with the upgraded GPT-4o image generator available to Plus subscribers. The desktop app is available for Windows and MacOS, and users can try ChatGPT without logging in. Accuracy may vary, and users are advised to fact-check responses.

BetaBeacon

March 28, 2025

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown Coming to Android, iOS on This Date

The Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown Mobile is priced at EUR 14.99 (roughly Rs. 1,400) in select global markets, with a special launch price of EUR 9.99 (roughly Rs. 900) for the first three weeks starting April 14.