seamless interaction Archives

Winsage

May 14, 2025

WSL is the best feature added to Windows in the last decade

Microsoft introduced the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) in the Windows 10 Anniversary Update in August 2016, initially as a tool for developers. WSL debuted as a beta version with a native-kernel translation layer, allowing Windows to run unmodified Linux ELF binaries. Its early performance was limited, leading users to prefer Linux virtual machines for full compatibility. The launch of WSL2 in May 2020 replaced the translation layer with a lightweight, real Linux kernel running in a Hyper-V utility VM, providing near-native performance and comprehensive syscall coverage. WSL2 has since seen continuous improvements, including GPU-compute and CUDA support in 2021, full GUI support for X11 and Wayland applications in 2022, and systemd support in September 2022. WSL2 approaches the performance of bare-metal Linux while integrating seamlessly with Windows, allowing users to launch a Linux shell easily. It enables developers to access the C drive and interact between Windows and Linux environments without dual-booting. WSL2 enhances productivity for data science workflows, allowing the use of tools like PyTorch with CUDA. It also offers features for non-developers, such as creating aliases for launching Windows applications and running Linux GUI applications. WSL's integration into Windows represents a significant shift, providing opportunities for users across various domains to explore Linux functionalities.

Winsage

May 14, 2025

Copilot on Windows: “Hey, Copilot!” begins rolling out to Windows Insiders

Microsoft is rolling out an update for the Copilot app through the Microsoft Store, introducing several enhancements. A key feature is the "Hey, Copilot" wake word, allowing users to activate Copilot Voice hands-free. Users must enable this feature in the app's settings. Once activated, users can say "Hey, Copilot" followed by their query, and the Copilot interface will appear on the screen. Conversations can be ended by tapping the ‘X’ or automatically after a few moments of silence. The feature requires manual activation and will show that the microphone is in use when enabled. The wake word detection occurs locally, and no recordings are sent to the cloud until the wake word is recognized. The feature is available only in English and requires the PC to be powered on and unlocked. The update version 1.25051.10.0 and higher is being rolled out gradually to Insiders with English display language settings. Users can provide feedback through the app.

Winsage

May 14, 2025

Windows 11’s Patch Tuesday for May finally brings Recall into the mix

Microsoft's Recall feature is set to debut after a delay due to security concerns. The update for Windows 11, released on May 13th, includes AI-driven tools to enhance user interactions and productivity. Key features integrated from the April 25th Preview update include: - Recall (preview): Allows users to retrieve information from various applications, websites, and documents using AI for quick searches based on content descriptions, with options to save snapshots of activities and manage them through Windows Hello. - Click to Do (preview): Enables immediate action on items displayed on the screen using a keyboard shortcut for editing or summarizing content. - Improved Windows Search: Enhanced search capabilities allow natural language queries to locate documents and settings. - Phone Link: Facilitates interaction between Windows PCs and mobile devices for calls, messages, and content sharing. - Widgets: Web developers can create interactive widgets with customization options for lock screen widgets. Additional updates include improvements to File Explorer, accessibility enhancements, and new settings management options for app recommendations. The update for Windows 10 focuses on a fix for Secure Boot Advanced Targeting (SBAT) and Linux Extensible Firmware Interface (EFI) to improve detection of Linux systems. Detailed patch notes and download links are available through the Microsoft Update Catalog.

AppWizard

May 3, 2025

Meta launches AI app to compete with ChatGPT

Meta has launched a standalone AI application during its LlamaCon event, providing users with direct access to Meta AI similar to OpenAI's ChatGPT. The app, available in the U.S. and Canada, utilizes user data from platforms like Facebook and Instagram to deliver personalized interactions. Users can enhance the AI's memory by sharing additional information. The app employs the Llama 4 model, offering advanced features such as image generation and editing, a voice mode for interaction, and a “discover” feed. Since its integration across platforms in 2023, Meta's AI assistant has attracted nearly 600 million monthly users as of December 2024.

Winsage

March 29, 2025

How to use the Warp AI-enabled terminal for Windows or Linux

Warp is an intelligent terminal application that enhances the terminal experience by utilizing a natural language model to interpret commands. It features a familiar interface similar to Linux or PowerShell, supports multiple tabs, and includes an output window for displaying responses and code snippets. Users can enter commands in natural language or traditional code, and it is free to use with an optional paid plan. Warp allows users to execute OS-level commands, such as listing directory contents and saving the output to a file. It also simplifies complex tasks like renaming images based on creation dates through natural language processing. Additionally, Warp can assist in coding by creating Python scripts, verifying library installations, and generating executable files using PyInstaller. The entire process can be completed quickly, demonstrating Warp's capability to streamline development for users of all skill levels.

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 13, 2025

Google prepares huge Gemini app updates for ‘personalization’ with more to try out

Google has announced updates to its Gemini app, including the introduction of the 2.0 Flash Thinking Experimental model, which enhances its ability to handle complex queries. The app now features a "personalization" experimental option that tailors responses based on user history across Google services. Users can upload files directly into the app, and Gemini can break down prompts into manageable steps for more accurate responses. The app integrates with services like Calendar, Notes, Tasks, and Photos, allowing users to perform multi-step queries seamlessly. Additionally, the Deep Research feature has been improved to help users explore complex subjects more effectively, with real-time insights into Gemini's processes. Access to the Deep Research feature will be limited to a few trials each month for general users, while Gemini Advanced users will have expanded access.

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.

Winsage

March 11, 2025

Windows’ Cortana is back from the dead, and you’re not going to like her new form

Cortana has been reintroduced as Copilot, which allows voice interaction through a hotkey. The Copilot update features voice commands and a microphone icon, aiming to enhance productivity in Windows 11. Users can engage with Copilot by holding the Alt + Spacebar for two seconds and can end the conversation by pressing the Esc key. Unlike Cortana, Copilot does not permit users to adjust system settings via voice commands; instead, it directs users to the Copilot app for interaction.

Winsage

February 19, 2025

The Windows 95 setup was text-based for a good reason, Microsoft employee reveals

When installing Windows 95, users encountered a text-based environment rather than a graphical interface. The Windows development team integrated three distinct operating system environments to streamline the installation process. MS-DOS had limited graphical capabilities, requiring the setup team to potentially develop a graphics library from scratch. The minimum requirements for Windows 95 included a VGA video card, and the setup program needed to support ideogram-based languages and simple animations. The final setup utilized the Windows 3.1 runtime, which managed graphics under MS-DOS. This practice of code recycling continues in contemporary Windows versions, which require a "miniature" operating system known as the Windows Preinstallation Environment for setup and repair purposes.