voice-activated Archives

Winsage

October 15, 2025

Microsoft hints at “something big” coming this Thursday, and I have a nasty feeling I know what it is

Microsoft is reportedly preparing to unveil a new version of Cortana, its voice-activated assistant, during an announcement scheduled for Thursday. Cortana was initially introduced during the Windows Vista era as a voice-controlled tool but faced challenges due to the technology of the time. Advances in artificial intelligence and large language models may enable a more sophisticated voice interface now. However, there remains skepticism about user acceptance of conversing with devices, given the mixed legacy of Cortana.

AppWizard

October 4, 2025

Android’s new Computer Control feature shows the Rabbit R1 was ahead of its time

Last year, AI-powered devices like the Rabbit R1 generated excitement but ultimately failed due to high costs, redundancy, and limited utility. This led to a trend in agentic AI, with companies developing AI products that autonomously handle tasks. Google is advancing its Gemini project within the Chrome browser, although it currently has limited functionality. For broader automation across Android apps, Google’s Project Astra was showcased, demonstrating hands-free control of Android devices. However, it revealed performance issues that need improvement. Google is also developing a Computer Control framework to automate Android applications through trusted client apps, requiring specific permissions for security. The framework aims to enhance automation while addressing privacy concerns and resource management.

AppWizard

September 18, 2025

Kakao, Toss rev up for AI super app showdown

Kakao Corp. is enhancing KakaoTalk, a messaging application used by over 90% of South Korea's 50 million residents, into an AI-driven super app through a partnership with OpenAI. They plan to integrate ChatGPT and their own large language model into KakaoTalk and Kanana, their new messenger with a conversational AI agent. Kakao aims to transform its messaging platform into a comprehensive app that includes messaging, payments, shopping, and other services. Competitors like WhatsApp, WeChat, and Line are also incorporating AI to enhance their platforms. Tencent has added its chatbot Yuanbao to WeChat, while Meta has introduced an AI chatbot for WhatsApp, and Line has launched its own AI assistant based on ChatGPT. Other Korean companies like Viva Republica and Coupang are expanding their services to include messaging and AI functionalities. The competition for super-app dominance is increasing as these advancements in AI are adopted.

Winsage

September 3, 2025

How to Disable Copilot in Windows 11 (Step-by-Step Guide)

Microsoft's Copilot feature in Windows 11 is an AI-driven assistant designed to enhance productivity by allowing users to ask questions, request document summaries, generate text, and conduct web searches through Bing AI. Users can disable Copilot for various reasons, including privacy concerns, performance optimization, user preference for a traditional desktop experience, and compliance requirements in corporate settings. To disable Copilot, users can follow different methods based on their Windows version: 1. Remove Copilot from Taskbar: - Open Settings from the Start menu. - Navigate to Personalization > Taskbar. - Toggle off Copilot (preview). 2. Disable Copilot via Group Policy (Windows 11 Pro & Enterprise): - Press Windows + R, type gpedit.msc, and hit Enter. - Navigate to User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Copilot. - Double-click on "Turn off Windows Copilot," select Enabled, and click Apply and OK. 3. Disable Copilot via Registry Editor (Windows 11 Home): - Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter. - Navigate to HKEYCURRENTUSERSoftwarePoliciesMicrosoftWindowsWindowsCopilot. - Create the WindowsCopilot folder if absent, then create a new DWORD (32-bit) Value named "TurnOffWindowsCopilot" and set its value data to 1. - Restart the computer. Users may face challenges such as Copilot reappearing after updates or the shortcut still functioning. IT administrators can enforce Group Policy changes across all systems to ensure Copilot remains disabled. Disabling Copilot does not affect access to AI capabilities in other applications like Bing AI in Microsoft Edge.

Winsage

August 15, 2025

RIP Peripherals? Next-Gen Windows to Lean Heavily on AI, Voice, and Vision

Microsoft's corporate VP, Pavan Davuluri, discussed the future of the Windows operating system, focusing on the role of generative AI and voice-activated controls. He indicated that significant changes in human interfaces are expected over the next five years, moving away from traditional input methods like mice and keyboards. Windows will expand across various devices, allowing users to interact through voice commands while writing or inking. Upcoming devices may have the capability to visually understand desktop content, leading to a more multimodal and intuitive user experience. Concerns about data privacy arise due to increased reliance on AI, but Microsoft is exploring AI models that can operate directly on devices to enhance user privacy. Some AI functionalities are already available in Windows 11, while a large portion of users still operates on Windows 10, which will lose official support in October.

Winsage

August 7, 2025

Microsoft teases AI-powered Windows 2030 where keyboards and mice may feel obsolete

David Weston, Microsoft’s Corporate Vice President for Enterprise and OS Security, predicts that by the end of the decade, traditional input devices like keyboards and mice will coexist with more interactive technologies. He envisions AI agents taking over roles traditionally held by security analysts, allowing them to manage tasks such as reading and responding to emails. Microsoft is investing in AI technologies, including the development of Copilot, which aims to enhance productivity. Weston anticipates a shift toward voice and visual inputs for device interaction, moving away from typing and clicking. Microsoft has introduced features like the "Hey Copilot" wake word for voice commands. He also highlights the importance of quantum computing for future security, indicating that quantum-safe encryption is being integrated into Windows. While details about Windows 12 are limited, early indications suggest a deeper integration of Copilot and enhanced security features, potentially transforming Windows into a more intuitive collaborator.

Winsage

August 6, 2025

Microsoft’s CVP thinks we’ll ditch the keyboard and mouse for voice commands in 2030, but I’m not convinced

Microsoft predicts that within the next five years, traditional input devices like the keyboard and mouse may become obsolete, replaced by artificial intelligence and voice-activated controls. David Weston, Microsoft's Corporate Vice President, stated that future generations may find using a mouse and keyboard as foreign as DOS is to today's youth. He envisions users interacting with computers through natural dialogue, suggesting that future Windows iterations will understand complex verbal commands. However, skepticism remains about the widespread adoption of voice commands, especially for tasks requiring precision, such as gaming and social media engagement.

AppWizard

August 3, 2025

Google Home App Gains Material 3 Media Controller Redesign on Android

Google has rolled out a redesigned media controller in the Google Home app for Android, featuring a Material 3 aesthetic with rounded edges and dynamic color theming. The new interface replaces the previous card-style layout with a streamlined floating panel that activates during media playback on connected devices. Users now see a pill-shaped controller at the bottom of the screen, displaying album artwork, playback controls, and a progress bar, which can be expanded for additional features. The redesign enhances accessibility with larger touch targets and improved contrast ratios. This update is part of a broader initiative to create smarter home experiences, including potential voice-activated media adjustments with upcoming Gemini AI enhancements. The redesign aims to improve user interaction and simplify multi-room audio management, while also positioning Google competitively against Amazon's Alexa and Apple’s HomeKit.

BetaBeacon

May 29, 2025

Android Auto to gain video playback, games, web browsing

New functionality is coming to Android Auto, including video playback and web browsing, but these features will only be accessible when the car is parked. Video playback will only work on supported apps and compatible cars, and the user's phone needs to be running Android 16. Game play support is available for beta testers, but it is unclear when these features will be available to the general public. Vehicles with Android Automotive OS already have access to video playback, with audio-only playback while driving coming soon. Google Gemini, a voice-activated AI search assistant, will replace Google Assistant in the coming months. Weather apps are now approved for Android Auto.

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.