revamped version Archives

Winsage

April 26, 2025

Microsoft rolls Windows Recall out to the public nearly a year after announcing it

Microsoft is rolling out enhancements for Copilot+ PCs, including the Recall feature and a revamped Search function that understands contextual meanings for a more intuitive experience. The new "Click to Do" feature allows users to copy text from images, search on-screen content, and summarize or rewrite text by pressing the Windows key and clicking. To use Copilot+, PCs must have specific hardware requirements, including a neural processing unit (NPU) capable of over 40 trillion operations per second. Supported processors for Copilot+ include Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite and Plus chips, Intel's Core Ultra 200V-series laptop chips, and AMD's Ryzen AI 300 series. The Recall feature and enhanced Search are available for both Arm and x86 PCs, while some Click to Do features are exclusive to Arm systems.

Winsage

March 5, 2025

Microsoft revamps the Copilot app for Windows 11, makes it truly native

Microsoft has rolled out a revamped version of its Copilot application for Windows 11 Insiders, transitioning it into a native application integrated within the operating system. Initial feedback indicates that the new Copilot app outperforms the ChatGPT desktop application, operating with speed and efficiency while using only 50 to 100 MB of RAM. The app has been redeveloped using Windows technologies like XAML and WinUI, featuring its own controls, a dedicated taskbar icon, and picture-in-picture mode. It allows for quick initiation of conversations with the AI chatbot and provides tailored responses based on installed components and applications. The current version does not control Windows 11 directly, but future updates may introduce this capability. The rollout is ongoing for Windows 11 Insiders, with the latest version identified as 1.25023.101.0.

Winsage

March 4, 2025

Microsoft’s new Copilot app for Windows has an improved UI

Microsoft is rolling out a revamped version of its Copilot application as a native Windows app to Windows Insiders. This new iteration, built using native XAML, features a fresh side panel and an improved user interface. It includes functionalities such as image uploads, the ability to generate images and text, and microphone interaction for conversational engagement. The updated sidebar allows easy access to conversation history. The app was initially introduced as a personal assistant in Windows 11 but was briefly transitioned to a basic web app. The latest update includes keyboard shortcuts and a refined appearance. The new Copilot app is currently being rolled out via the Microsoft Store, with plans for wider availability on all Windows 11 PCs in the coming weeks.

Tech Optimizer

February 28, 2025

Long-dormant Mac malware returns with advanced capabilities

As of 2025, there is an increase in malware threats targeting Apple laptops, particularly a revamped version of XCSSET, which can infiltrate Xcode projects and has enhanced capabilities that make it harder to detect. This malware employs advanced code scrambling techniques and disguises its true purpose by renaming code components. Once it infects a Mac, it embeds itself in system files and replaces the Launchpad shortcut with a counterfeit version that runs both the genuine Launchpad and the malware. XCSSET is capable of stealing sensitive information, including data from digital wallets and the Notes app, as well as gathering system information and files. It can be updated with new capabilities, increasing its data-stealing potential over time. To protect against such threats, users are advised to install strong antivirus software, be cautious with downloads and links, keep software updated, use strong and unique passwords, and enable two-factor authentication.

AppWizard

February 25, 2025

The mad lads at New Blood have remastered Ultrakill before actually releasing Ultrakill in the first place

Ultrakill has undergone a significant visual overhaul, enhancing nearly every level except the recently added four-level layer of Violence from 2023. Lead developer Arsi "Hakita" Patala showcased the revamped aesthetics of level 1-1, Heart of the Sunrise, and confirmed that while some functional changes may occur, the core geometry and layouts will remain largely intact. A comparison video highlights improvements, including a newly overhauled skybox in layer 2, Lust, which now features a fully rendered 3D city instead of a flat texture. The grotesque atmosphere of Gluttony has been enhanced with new assets, and level 4-3 Ship of Fools has received detailed upgrades. The update also includes two remixed "encore" levels with significantly increased difficulty. Ultrakill is currently available at a 33% discount as part of New Blood's 11th anniversary sale on Steam.

Winsage

December 13, 2024

Microsoft Recall screenshots credit cards and Social Security numbers, even with the “sensitive information” filter enabled

Microsoft's Recall feature has returned to Windows Insiders after being removed in June due to security and privacy concerns. The updated version includes encryption for captured screenshots and a default setting to filter out sensitive information like credit card numbers and social security numbers. Initial tests show mixed results for the sensitive information filter; it successfully blocked sensitive data on some e-commerce sites but failed to prevent the capture of credit card numbers and social security numbers in other scenarios. Recall serves as a searchable memory of user activities, capturing screenshots and organizing them for retrieval. The feature now employs encryption and requires Windows Hello for access, but concerns remain about the robustness of this encryption and potential unauthorized access. Users have reported being able to access Recall remotely through applications like TeamViewer, raising security concerns. Microsoft is committed to improving Recall's functionality and encourages user feedback.

Winsage

December 10, 2024

Microsoft replaces web-based Copilot app with a native one for Windows 10 and 11 insiders

Microsoft has released a significant update for Windows Insiders, introducing a revamped native version of the Copilot app for Windows 10 and 11, replacing the previous web-based application. Key features include: - A native application that resides in the system tray. - A Quick View functionality accessible via the Alt + Space keyboard shortcut for quick interactions. - A customizable Quick View window that can be moved and resized. - A dedicated Copilot key for direct access to the main app window. Microsoft is exploring additional keyboard shortcuts, but users should note that the Alt + Space shortcut may conflict with other applications. The rollout of the new Copilot app will be gradual, requiring users to be patient for its appearance on their systems.

Winsage

November 23, 2024

Best Windows apps this week

Microsoft introduced Bing Wallpaper to the Microsoft Store, but it is not recommended due to the inclusion of potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) such as auto-installation of additional software and prompts to set Bing as the default search engine. New Windows apps include: - Beeskie: A beta app for Bluesky users providing a standalone platform for social networking. - Bloatynosy Nue: An open-source app that enhances privacy on Windows by modifying system settings and uninstalling pre-installed applications. - Last Wallpaper: An open-source application that automatically downloads and displays Bing's wallpaper of the day, supporting additional sources like Copernicus, NASA, and Wikipedia, though it requires technical configuration. Discounts on various apps and games are currently available in the Microsoft Store.

Winsage

November 3, 2024

Microsoft is building a new Outlook People app for Windows 11 (Microsoft 365 Companion?)

A new web wrapper application, tentatively named Microsoft 365 Companion or People, is being developed for Windows 11 users, based on Microsoft Edge. This application may signal the return of the People app from Windows 10, reimagined as a web-based tool integrated with Outlook.com. The original People app consolidated various accounts into a single interface for contact management and was integrated into the Windows 10 taskbar. With the transition to Windows 11, Microsoft discontinued support for the People app, directing users to manage contacts through Mail and Calendar apps. The new People app is currently in development and may initially cater to Microsoft 365 customers with work or school accounts, allowing access to contacts stored in Outlook. Preliminary tests show it features a Microsoft 365 icon, a sign-in option, and facilitates quick communication and event scheduling. The app supports calls via Microsoft Teams or Skype and allows users to view shared files. It is lightweight, under 2MB, but lacks a comprehensive feature set. There is a toggle option for a “Whole life” experience, which may enable support for personal accounts. Microsoft needs to enhance the new Outlook, as the current version does not match the feature richness of the classic Outlook or native applications.

Winsage

October 15, 2024

5 new AI features coming to Windows 11 24H2, but will you get it?

Windows 11 24H2 has rolled out an update featuring AI tools for all users, initially available on Copilot+ PCs with Neural Processing Units (NPUs). Key features include: 1. Click to Do: An overlay that provides quick access to tools based on on-screen content, launching in November. 2. Super-resolution in Photos: A tool to upscale images by up to eight times using local AI models. 3. Generative Erase and Fill in Paint: Allows users to erase elements from images and seamlessly blend backgrounds, as well as add new elements. 4. Improved Windows Search: Enables natural language queries to find files, starting with File Explorer. 5. Recall: A revamped feature that records user activity with enhanced privacy controls, initially available to Windows Insiders. The phased rollout of additional AI features will begin on November 1, 2024, with selective availability across regions. Copilot+ PC users will have access to the full suite of AI features, while standard users will receive routine OS improvements.