user productivity Archives

Winsage

November 19, 2025

New Windows 11 AI agents can work in the background but create new security risks

Microsoft has introduced "experimental agentic features" in the latest Windows 11 build for Windows Insider Program testers, which includes a feature called Copilot Actions. These agentic features are designed to autonomously perform tasks such as organizing files, scheduling meetings, and sending emails, acting as an "active digital collaborator" to enhance user productivity. The features are currently optional, off by default, and available only in early test builds. To address potential risks, Microsoft has implemented a strategy where AI agents operate under separate user accounts, ensuring they cannot make significant system changes without user approval. Agents maintain activity logs for accountability, and users can supervise their operations.

BetaBeacon

October 22, 2025

Android 16’s Desktop Windowing Feature: Game-Changer for Mobile Gaming and Productivity

- When a supported Android device is connected to an external display through DisplayPort, a new desktop session begins on the connected display. - Android 16's desktop windowing features include desktop persistence, multi-instance management, multiple desktops, flexible window tiling, and enhanced app compatibility treatments. - Practices for optimal experience include building apps optimized for desktop, handling dynamic display changes, and supporting external peripherals.

Winsage

August 13, 2025

Windows Users Get Exclusive Taskbar Apps That Integrate with Microsoft 365

Microsoft is introducing three lightweight companion applications—People, File Search, and Calendar—designed to enhance the user experience for Microsoft 365 customers by transforming the Windows taskbar into a command center. These apps will be automatically launched upon startup and provide immediate access to Microsoft 365 functionalities. The People app allows users to initiate Teams calls and manage contacts, the File Search app simplifies file location across the Microsoft 365 ecosystem, and the Calendar app offers visibility into upcoming commitments and integrates with other tools. The rollout is scheduled for this month through standard update channels. This initiative reflects Microsoft's strategy to deepen integration of its services within the Windows experience, aiming to enhance user productivity and strengthen its competitive position. However, it has faced scrutiny from regulators, particularly the European Commission, regarding its bundling strategies, leading to commitments to unbundle Teams from its offerings and enhance interoperability with competing platforms.

AppWizard

August 13, 2025

The Doogee U11 just got smarter: Android 16 update, Gemini, Game Space, App Cloner

The Doogee U11 is a budget tablet that has been updated to Android 16, featuring the new Gemini AI assistant, which replaces the traditional Google Assistant and enhances user productivity. The tablet includes a Game Space mode that optimizes performance for gaming by minimizing background tasks and notifications. It has an 11-inch display with a 90 Hz refresh rate, a screen-to-body ratio of 83.2%, and dual speakers, making it suitable for multimedia consumption. The U11 also offers app cloning capabilities, allowing users to run multiple instances of applications like WhatsApp and Instagram. Specifications include: - Display: 11” HD IPS, 90 Hz - Processor: Unisoc T7200 octa-core with Mali-G57 - RAM/Storage: 16 GB RAM (4 GB + 12 GB virtual), 128 GB expandable storage - Battery: 8580 mAh, 10 W charging - OS: Android 16 with full Google certification and OTA updates.

Winsage

July 22, 2025

Forrester study reveals Windows 365 Link enhances productivity and security, projects ROI up to 195%

Shared PCs have challenges in security, compliance, and IT support due to the lack of individual logins. Windows 365 Link, launched in April 2025, aims to address these issues by providing a secure, cloud-powered Windows experience for shared environments. A Forrester study commissioned by Microsoft indicates that implementing Windows 365 Link can yield a return on investment of up to 195% over six years for organizations with 2,000 employees and 500 contractors. The projected financial benefits include: - End-user productivity gains: 22%-30% of unproductive time saved, translating to .4 million – .3 million. - Strengthened security: Savings of .5 million – .7 million from devices without local data and passwordless authentication. - Reduced hardware costs: Savings of .8 million – .2 million over six years by transitioning from traditional desktops. - IT time savings: Up to 90% savings on provisioning and decommissioning tasks, amounting to .9 million – .5 million. - Accelerated onboarding: Savings of ,000 – ,000 from faster onboarding of new desk-based workers. Users reported significant improvements in productivity, security, and cost-effectiveness with Windows 365 Link, citing reduced setup times and enhanced operational efficiency. The device is managed via Microsoft Intune, enhancing security by eliminating local administrators. Windows 365 Link is expected to be more cost-effective than traditional laptops or desktops, with an extended lifecycle. Availability is expanding to new markets, including Denmark, France, India, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Switzerland later this year.

Winsage

May 28, 2025

Windows 10 relocation assistance with “Windows Backup for Organizations”

Microsoft is launching a public preview of "Windows Backup for Organizations" to facilitate the migration from Windows 10 to Windows 11. This tool allows for the backup of settings from Windows 10 and Windows 11 PCs and enables restoration on devices integrated with Microsoft Entra. The initiative aims to streamline the migration process as Windows 10 support ends on October 14. Devices must be "Microsoft Entra joined" or "Microsoft Entra hybrid joined," running a supported version of Windows 10 or 11, with full functionality requiring Windows 11 22H2 or newer, Microsoft Entra integration, and active Microsoft Intune test tenant and administrator rights. Interested participants can apply through a designated form. Additionally, Microsoft introduced a migration assistant within the Insider Beta preview of Windows 11 to simplify transferring files and settings from old PCs to new ones.

Winsage

May 22, 2025

Microsoft Notepad can now write for you using generative AI

Microsoft is testing updates to Notepad and Paint for Windows Insiders, focusing on integrating artificial intelligence into these applications. Notepad's new Write feature assists users in generating text based on prompts and enhances existing content with AI support. Users can insert new text or select existing text for reference, and the AI-generated text can be accepted, discarded, or refined. Notepad also includes features like Summarize, which condenses content, and Rewrite, which modifies tone and structure. Paint is receiving AI enhancements, including a Sticker generator for creating custom stickers by describing designs and an Object select tool for smart selections in images. The Snipping Tool is improving with a Perfect screenshot button that resizes screenshots intelligently and a new Color picker for precise color selection. To use Notepad's Write feature, users must sign into their Microsoft accounts, which will operate under a credits system. Pricing for these credits has not been disclosed.

Winsage

May 10, 2025

Huawei’s HarmonyOS Takes On Windows 11 with Enhanced UI and Performance — But Deprived of App Sideloading & Backward Compatibility

Huawei has introduced HarmonyOS Next, its latest operating system for consumer laptops, designed exclusively for modern laptop models and lacking backward compatibility with older devices. The OS features AI-driven functionality through Celia, Huawei's AI assistant, and comes pre-installed with essential applications like WPS Office. Visually, it resembles Apple's macOS, including a software shortcut bar at the bottom of the screen. HarmonyOS Next restricts sideloading applications, requiring users to access software through Huawei's native "App Gallery," a strategy aimed at reducing reliance on Western software among Chinese consumers.

AppWizard

May 3, 2025

Google One AI could have more tiers on the way, like a ‘Gemini Ultra’ plan

Google is reportedly planning to introduce new AI subscription tiers under the Google One umbrella, specifically "Gemini Pro" and "Gemini Ultra," alongside the existing Gemini Advanced option. The Gemini Advanced plan has recently been upgraded to include NotebookLM Plus and Veo 2 for video generation, but there will be a monthly limit on video production for subscribers. Google One's AI Premium plan has also been enhanced, offering existing users access to NotebookLM Plus and advanced Gemini capabilities in Gmail and Docs, along with 2TB of cloud storage. Upcoming updates are expected to be revealed at the I/O 2025 event, with a focus on improving user productivity and introducing new interactions.

Winsage

April 13, 2025

Microsoft is rolling out its controversial Recall feature to Windows Insiders

Microsoft is gradually introducing new preview features to Windows Insiders, including a feature called Recall, which allows users to return to previously accessed content by capturing screenshots of user activity. Recall was initially set for a broader rollout in June of last year but was delayed to meet security standards and further refine the user experience. It is an opt-in service requiring users to authenticate their identity with Windows Hello before accessing saved snapshots. Users can delete snapshots and pause screenshot saving at any time. Recall was previously available to a limited group of test users, and its release to all Insiders marks progress toward a broader launch.