user interaction Archives

AppWizard

May 21, 2025

Early Google Photos code might’ve shown off its ‘Expressive’ new look

A tipster discovered hints of a Material 3 Expressive redesign in Google Photos' code, featuring a new card for creating memories with a collage-style layout. Following I/O 2025, Google released Android 16 QPR1 Beta 1 for Pixels, showcasing the new design language. The redesign includes a revamped user interface, an updated notification shade, an expanded quick toggle section, and a significant redesign of Gmail. Additionally, advancements in Gemini AI and collaboration between Google Search and Project Astra were highlighted.

AppWizard

May 21, 2025

Google says Gemini 2.5 models are only getting better with Deep Think and Flash

Google has announced enhancements to its Gemini 2.5 models, including the 2.5 Pro version and the new 2.5 Flash model, which improves speed and efficiency. The 2.5 Pro will include native audio output controls for developers to customize speech. Enhanced security measures will protect against malicious instructions and prompt injection attacks. Project Mariner's functionality will be integrated into Gemini and Vertex AI. Google is also introducing insightful summaries for developers to aid in debugging, along with cost control features through a "thinking budget." A generally available model will be released, and support for Model Context Protocol (MCP) will facilitate the integration of open-source tools into Gemini projects.

Winsage

May 20, 2025

Microsoft is putting AI actions into the Windows File Explorer

Microsoft is integrating AI shortcuts, called AI actions, into the File Explorer of Windows 11, allowing users to right-click on files for quick access to various AI features. Four image-related actions currently being tested include Bing visual search, background blurring, object erasure from the Photos app, and a remove background option in Paint. Microsoft plans to introduce AI actions for Office files, enabling document summarization and AI-driven list generation for Microsoft 365 commercial subscribers with a Copilot license. An "Ask Copilot" option will also be added to the right-click menu. Additionally, Microsoft is experimenting with visual updates to the widgets feature and has introduced a new power management feature that reduces energy consumption on laptops and tablets after periods of inactivity.

Winsage

May 20, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.4151 (Beta Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.4151 (KB5058486) has been released to the Beta Channel for users on Windows 11, version 24H2. This marks the transition from Build 22635.5305, the last update for version 23H2. All Beta Channel Insiders will be automatically upgraded to the latest version. New features include AI actions in File Explorer, allowing users to perform tasks like editing images or summarizing documents directly from the context menu. Currently supported image actions are Bing Visual Search, Blur Background, Erase Objects, and Remove Background, with support for .jpg, .jpeg, and .png file types. New AI actions for Microsoft 365 files, such as Summarize and Create an FAQ, will be introduced soon, requiring a Microsoft 365 subscription and enrollment in the Microsoft 365 Insider Program. Advanced settings have been redesigned and are now accessible via Settings > System > Advanced, including options for enabling long paths, managing virtual workspaces, and displaying Git information in File Explorer. Changes and improvements include added text descriptions for assistive technologies in the Accessibility flyout, notifications for incomplete search results in the Windows search box, and a new visual experience for the widgets board. User Interaction-Aware CPU Power Management has been introduced to reduce power consumption during inactivity. Fixes include resolving issues with core Windows surfaces in safe mode, maximizing File Explorer, and loading Bluetooth information in Settings. Known issues involve incorrect build version display post-PC reset, bugcheck issues with Xbox Controllers, and ongoing investigations into various features. Updates for Windows Insiders in the Beta Channel will be based on Windows 11, version 24H2, and features may not be widely released as they are subject to testing and feedback.

Winsage

May 19, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5603 (Dev Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5603 (KB5058488) is being released to the Dev Channel. New features include AI actions in File Explorer, allowing users to edit images and summarize documents via right-click options. Four image actions are available: Bing Visual Search, Blur Background, Erase Objects, and Remove Background, supporting .jpg, .jpeg, and .png file types. Upcoming AI actions for Microsoft 365 files include generating document summaries and creating FAQs, requiring a Microsoft 365 subscription with Copilot. Advanced settings have been redesigned for easier access, introducing features like Enable long paths and Virtual workspaces. Improvements include updates to the taskbar, search functionality, and accessibility features. Known issues involve problems with Xbox Controllers and various features in File Explorer and Narrator.

AppWizard

May 17, 2025

Google’s ML Kit GenAI APIs with Gemini Nano: On-Device AI for Privacy-Preserving Android Apps

Google announced on May 14, 2025, the expansion of its ML Kit offerings with new GenAI APIs powered by the Gemini Nano model, aimed at providing Android developers with access to advanced AI features while ensuring user privacy through on-device processing. The ML Kit GenAI APIs include four key capabilities: summarization, proofreading, rewriting, and image description. These APIs process data locally, keeping user data on the device, ensuring consistent functionality without internet connectivity, and avoiding recurring server costs. This development enhances the accessibility of sophisticated AI capabilities for Android developers and aligns with consumer privacy concerns. The architecture allows for future expansion of capabilities as Gemini models evolve.

Winsage

May 15, 2025

Windows Remote Desktop Gateway Vulnerability Let Attackers Trigger Dos Condition

The Microsoft Security Response Center (MSRC) has released critical security updates to address a significant vulnerability in the Windows Remote Desktop Gateway service, identified as CVE-2025-26677, which allows unauthorized attackers to cause denial of service (DoS) conditions. This vulnerability is rated as "High" severity with a CVSS score of 7.5 and affects multiple versions of Windows Server, including 2016, 2019, 2022, and 2025. Microsoft has provided security updates (KB5058383, KB5058392, KB5058385, and KB5058411) to rectify the issue. Additionally, another vulnerability, CVE-2025-29831, has been identified that could enable remote code execution (RCE) through a Use After Free weakness, also rated with a CVSS score of 7.5. This vulnerability requires user interaction, specifically an admin user to stop or restart the service, and affects Windows Server versions 2008 R2, 2012/R2, 2016, 2019, 2022, and 2025. Organizations are advised to prioritize patching both vulnerabilities and to review network configurations to limit exposure of Remote Desktop Gateway services. The vulnerabilities were discovered by security researchers from Kunlun Lab.

Winsage

May 14, 2025

Microsoft starts testing ‘Hey, Copilot!’ in Windows

Microsoft is rolling out a hands-free feature for its Copilot Voice application on Windows 11, allowing users to start conversations by saying “Hey Copilot!” Beta testers, known as Windows Insiders, can activate this feature within the updated app. Users need to enable the feature to respond to the wake word, and the rollout is gradual, with availability to testers worldwide who have set their display language to English. Eligibility requires the Copilot app version to be 1.25051.10.0 or higher. Once activated, a microphone icon will appear, and the feature uses an on-device wake word spotter with a 10-second audio buffer, ensuring audio clips are not sent to the cloud or stored locally. Full functionality requires online access for cloud processing.

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.

AppWizard

May 14, 2025

Google’s Find My Device gets a much-needed update

Google's Android operating system update on May 13 rebranded Find My Device to Find Hub, adding Ultra-Wideband (UWB) tag support and satellite connectivity for improved tracking. Google plans to partner with airlines to enable Bluetooth tag location sharing for lost luggage recovery, launching early next year. The update is part of the Android 16 revamp, which includes personalization options and the introduction of Material 3 Expressive. Additionally, Google I/O announced the transition from Google Assistant to Gemini Live across various platforms for a more intuitive AI experience.