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Best Windows 11 AI features that work on any computer
Winsage
December 28, 2024

Best Windows 11 AI features that work on any computer

A Copilot+ PC is not required to access many AI features in Windows 11; older laptops that run Windows 11 can still utilize various AI-driven tools. The Photos app includes AI enhancements such as the Background tool, which allows users to blur, remove, or replace backgrounds in images. The Generative Erase function in Photos enables users to remove unwanted objects from photos. Microsoft Clipchamp offers an Auto Compose feature for quick video editing, allowing users to create videos with AI assistance. Microsoft's Copilot has become a standalone app, enabling window movement and custom keyboard shortcuts, and integrates advanced language models to assist with various tasks across Microsoft applications.
Windows 11 gets more adverts – and we’re not sure what’s going on with the latest ads, but they’re rather bewildering
Winsage
November 25, 2024

Windows 11 gets more adverts – and we’re not sure what’s going on with the latest ads, but they’re rather bewildering

Microsoft is increasing its promotional efforts in Windows 11 by introducing advertisements labeled as ‘suggestions’ or ‘recommendations.’ These ads encourage users to purchase titles like Call of Duty Black Ops 6 and subscribe to Microsoft 365. The notifications panel now includes a prompt for the Call of Duty Black Ops 6 Vault Edition with a ‘Buy Now’ button that links to the Microsoft Store, and another notification promotes the Microsoft Defender app, which requires a Microsoft 365 subscription for full functionality. Users can opt out of these advertisements by adjusting settings in the Settings app. However, some embedded advertisements remain unavoidable, and there is a growing trend of advertisements in both Windows 11 and Windows 10, with Microsoft encouraging users to upgrade to Windows 11, often necessitating a hardware upgrade.
Windows and Office get smart: An overview of Microsoft's AI services
Winsage
November 20, 2024

Windows and Office get smart: An overview of Microsoft’s AI services

Microsoft is integrating artificial intelligence across its software ecosystem, particularly in Windows and Office applications. The AI assistant Copilot is accessible via the taskbar or Start menu and operates through the Edge browser, allowing users to engage with AI for tasks like generating text and creating images. Copilot is embedded in Microsoft Edge, enabling users to ask questions and receive answers powered by Bing, with options for different conversational styles. The Edge integration offers enhanced capabilities such as summarizing web content and utilizing plugins for travel and dining searches, which are not available in the standalone app. Microsoft's Paint application has been upgraded with Cocreator and Image Creator features that use AI to generate images based on user descriptions, leveraging Dall-e technology from OpenAI. The Image Creator operates through Microsoft’s cloud resources, while Cocreator processes locally on Copilot Plus devices. The Windows Photo Viewer has a generative erase function that allows users to remove unwanted objects from photos, intelligently filling in gaps left behind. Microsoft has developed PCs with Neural Processing Units (NPUs) to handle AI tasks locally, enhancing performance and addressing data privacy concerns. The Designer feature has expanded from PowerPoint to Word, providing AI-driven design suggestions, but requires a paid Microsoft 365 subscription. The Copilot Pro subscription allows for text generation, template creation, and data analysis in Excel, though some limitations exist. AI capabilities have also been integrated into tools like Clipchamp and Teams for video creation and communication management. Microsoft has paused the rollout of the Recall feature, which tracks user activity through screenshots, due to privacy concerns.
Google is ending Android Auto support for older phones. Here's why (and the simple fix)
AppWizard
November 7, 2024

Google is ending Android Auto support for older phones. Here’s why (and the simple fix)

As of this week, Android Auto has officially ceased support for smartphones operating on Android 8. Users with Android 8 devices are receiving notifications that their phones no longer support Android Auto, and to maintain functionality, an upgrade to Android 9 or later is essential. The integration of Android Auto into the operating system starting from Android 9 eliminates the need for a standalone app, and it is possible that the Android Auto app may be removed from the Play Store. Approximately 5% of Android users are still on version 8, and while some have attempted to sideload older versions of the app, this method has not been effective. Upgrading to a newer smartphone is the most viable solution, with budget-friendly options available, such as the CMF Phone 1 from Nothing, retailing around 0.
Microsoft teases a new OneDrive UX for Windows 11 and macOS
Winsage
October 13, 2024

Microsoft teases a new OneDrive UX for Windows 11 and macOS

Microsoft's recent OneDrive event introduced updates aimed at enhancing user experience on Windows 11 and Mac devices. Key features include a revamped user interface, Natural Language Search for file location, and the integration of OneDrive Copilot into Windows File Explorer and macOS Finder. Users will be able to generate document summaries, create presentations, and compare multiple files. A customizable Copilot agent for specific projects was also announced, promoting collaboration across platforms. Additionally, users can assign custom colors to OneDrive folders, set expiration dates for shared files, and expect improved performance in file access and management. The OneDrive mobile app will allow users to find photos using text commands, but the new features are currently limited to Enterprise and Education customers.
Uninstall Now: This Android App Is Secretly Stealing Crypto
AppWizard
September 26, 2024

Uninstall Now: This Android App Is Secretly Stealing Crypto

A fraudulent Android application posing as "WalletConnect" has stolen over 0,000 from approximately 150 users. The app, which initially appeared as "Mestox Calculator" in March, has undergone several name changes, including "WalletConnect - Crypto Wallet." It was found to have generated fake five-star reviews while also receiving reports of it being a scam. Although removed from the Google Play Store, users are advised to delete it immediately. The app functions as a web browser leading to a calculator site, and if certain criteria are met, users are redirected to a malicious site. This site is suspected of harboring malware. The underlying malware, known as MS Drainer, targets crypto wallets and has previously drained over million through phishing ads. WalletConnect, the legitimate platform, has warned users about fake apps since 2021 and clarifies that it does not have a standalone app.
Windows 11 2024 Update review: A focus on quality and performance, despite Windows Recall controversy
Winsage
August 21, 2024

Windows 11 2024 Update review: A focus on quality and performance, despite Windows Recall controversy

Microsoft has released the Windows 11 feature update version 24H2, also known as the 2024 Update, which launched on June 18 for Copilot+ PCs and will be available to other users in September and October. Key details include: - Version: 24H2 - OS Build: 26100 - Release Date: June 18 (Copilot+ PCs), September/October (general availability) Notable enhancements include: - Improved Windows Update process - Faster x86 emulation for Arm devices - New AI features utilizing dedicated neural processing units (NPUs) Key updates in various areas: Desktop & Start: - Phone Link integrated into the Start menu - Simplified taskbar system tray layout - Revamped Quick Settings for speed and customization - Windows Spotlight as default wallpaper - Animated app preview thumbnails on the taskbar - HDR image support for desktop wallpapers File Explorer: - Updated home tab layout with shared documents - Ability to duplicate tabs via right-click - Improved context menu layout - Support for .7z and .TAR archive formats - Direct access to Android phone file systems Apps: - New Outlook app consolidating email, calendar, and contacts - Updated web app for Microsoft Copilot - AI features in Photos for editing - Recall app for enhanced data retrieval (exclusive to Copilot+ PCs) - Generative AI in Paint based on user sketches (exclusive to Copilot+ PCs) Settings & Miscellaneous: - Windows Update includes checkpoints and hot patching - Voice Clarity feature for background noise removal - Simultaneous power settings configuration - Energy Saver mode for desktops and laptops - Support for Wi-Fi 7 hardware - Enhanced x86 emulation for Arm devices - AutoSR feature for gaming performance (exclusive to Copilot+ PCs) The Windows Copilot experience has shifted to a standalone app, and Windows Recall, exclusive to Copilot+ PCs, allows users to revisit previous activities while prioritizing privacy. Overall, the update focuses on enhancing user experience through various improvements.
Windows 11 hits 30% adoption (and it’s about time) – so is Microsoft’s AI gamble finally starting to pay off?
Winsage
August 2, 2024

Windows 11 hits 30% adoption (and it’s about time) – so is Microsoft’s AI gamble finally starting to pay off?

As of July 2024, Windows 11 has reached a market share of 30.83%, making it the second most popular Windows version, while Windows 10 holds 64.99% of the market. Windows 11's market share increased by just over one percentage point from the previous month and has grown by over 4.5% in the past three months. The operating system first surpassed the 20% mark in March 2023. Despite some growth, the adoption rate of Windows 11 has been slow, particularly outside PC gaming, and it experienced a decline in users earlier in 2024. The recent launch of Copilot+ PCs in June may have contributed to the increase in Windows 11 adoption. The end of support for Windows 10 next year may also encourage users to transition to Windows 11.
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