Windows ecosystem Archives

Winsage

November 8, 2024

Qualcomm triples Windows on Arm OEM design wins since May

Qualcomm's CEO Cristiano R. Amon announced a significant increase in design wins for the Snapdragon X Plus eight-core platform, rising from 20 to 58 in six months. This reflects growing interest among OEMs in Arm-based Windows laptops. However, Qualcomm faces challenges in converting these design wins into consumer sales due to compatibility issues and performance concerns. Intel and AMD continue to dominate the market with hundreds of design wins annually. Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Plus platform offers AI capabilities, 5G connectivity, and improved battery life, but software compatibility remains a challenge. In Q4 2024, Qualcomm reported revenue of .2 billion, a 19% year-on-year increase, and a net income of .92 billion, a 96% rise. Over the fiscal year, revenue increased 9% to .9 billion, and net profit surged 40% to .14 billion.

Winsage

November 6, 2024

It looks like ‘Windows Intelligence’ might subsume ‘Copilot’ branding, giving yet more evidence that we can’t decide how to market AI

The landscape of computing is evolving with advanced chips featuring Neural Processing Units (NPUs) for artificial intelligence applications, leading to the emergence of the AI PC. A rebranding initiative is underway, with "Copilot" potentially being integrated into "Windows Intelligence," as discovered by an X user from references in the appprivacy.adml file. This shift aligns with cybersecurity enhancements and reflects a branding strategy similar to Apple's "Apple Intelligence." While "Windows Intelligence" may not fully replace "Copilot," it is expected to encompass it. Mainstream desktops and laptops are beginning to incorporate NPUs, qualifying them as AI PCs. The conversation around AI branding is evolving, prompting questions about the intelligence of computers, regardless of the operating system. Some users may feel overwhelmed by the rapid pace of AI integration and choose to disengage until the technology becomes unavoidable.

Winsage

November 4, 2024

Windows 11’s biggest AI feature gets recalled yet again as we approach Windows 10’s demise

Microsoft has delayed the rollout of the Recall feature for Copilot+ PCs, shifting the expected launch to December, as confirmed on October 31st. The Super Resolution feature for the Photos app was announced on October 1st and made available to Insiders last week. Microsoft is encouraging users to transition to Windows 11, offering an additional year of security updates for consumers and a more expensive Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for businesses. A redesigned Windows Hello experience has been introduced for Insiders in the Beta channel, featuring new icons and a streamlined design, though performance concerns remain regarding the speed of facial recognition sign-in. Managing passkeys has been made easier, but switching devices and creating different passkeys can still be complex for users.

Winsage

November 3, 2024

Is It Goodbye to Copilot? Introducing Windows Intelligence!

Microsoft is launching a new AI initiative called "Windows Intelligence" to unify its AI features within Windows 11. Recent updates to the Windows 11 codebase suggest that the existing AI feature, Copilot, along with other tools, will be integrated into this new framework. The branding of "Windows Intelligence" is similar to Apple's AI branding, indicating a competitive stance against Apple. Copilot will not be phased out but will receive enhancements, including a new interface and tailored recommendations. Other tools like Click to Do and Recall will also evolve under this initiative. The goal is to enhance user interaction and create a more intuitive experience within the Windows ecosystem.

Winsage

October 30, 2024

Microsoft Update Warning—400 Million Windows PCs Now At Risk

Approximately 400 million users are at risk as vulnerabilities in Windows resurface, prompting warnings for immediate action to protect PCs and personal data. The public interest advocacy group PIRG is urging Microsoft to extend Windows 10 support to all users, as the current support for educational institutions will end in one year, potentially rendering many computers obsolete. Microsoft has provided extended support options for educational institutions, allowing them to maintain security for an additional three years at a nominal fee, but details for consumer options remain undisclosed. A significant vulnerability, referred to as a "downdate" threat, remains unpatched, and a new Windows Theme vulnerability has been classified as a zero-day threat. PIRG is advocating for automatic extensions of essential security updates for Windows 10 to prevent a surge of electronic waste and enhance security for users.

Winsage

October 26, 2024

The fascinating story of the Windows Registry

The Registry is a centralized, hierarchical database introduced in Windows 3.1 to manage system-wide and per-user settings, evolving from a disorganized system of scattered configuration files. It allows for logical organization of settings, enhancing user experience and system functionality. The Registry's data storage is more efficient than traditional text files, improving performance, and it offers better security and integrity by centralizing access and modifications. Despite its intimidating reputation, the Registry is a crucial component of the Windows operating system.

Winsage

October 24, 2024

Snapdragon X finally brings MIDI 2.0 and native ASIO to Windows 11!

The Snapdragon X platform supports ASIO and MIDI 2.0, enhancing audio performance and reducing latency for musicians using Windows 11 on ARM64 systems. It enables seamless integration of older plug-ins with digital audio workstations (DAWs) like Cubase, Nuendo, and Reaper, which have ARM64 preview versions available. Snapdragon X-based Co-Pilot PCs, starting at approximately €899, are designed for professional musicians and will feature native drivers developed by Microsoft in collaboration with Qualcomm and Yamaha, expected to be fully integrated by late 2025. Industry leaders Focusrite and Steinberg/Yamaha will launch optimized ARM64 drivers for their audio hardware in 2025. The native ASIO support allows for easier use of audio hardware and software, improving the workflow for musicians and producers on Windows systems, with future support planned for x64 systems as well.

Winsage

October 19, 2024

Microsoft needs to change how it processes Windows Insider feedback

Many users feel that the Feedback Hub is not effectively addressing their input, as feedback often goes unnoticed unless it has upvotes. A user's feedback that received some attention was inadequately acknowledged by Microsoft, which focused on unrelated fixes. There is a call for Microsoft to implement a more organized feedback system that tracks issues based on specific builds and channels, and to limit submissions to users on the latest build to improve report quality. The latest build in the Canary channel allows users to remap the Copilot key to any MSIX-packaged app, enhancing user experience by providing quick access to preferred applications. Microsoft is improving the Snipping Tool by adding the ability to recognize and copy entire tables from screenshots, which enhances productivity by allowing users to integrate data into applications like Word and Excel.

Winsage

October 14, 2024

Lots of PCs are poised to fall off the Windows 10 update cliff one year from today

A significant portion of Internet-connected PCs will lose access to crucial security updates as Windows 10 approaches the end of its lifecycle. Users may consider options such as investing in paid support, purchasing new PCs, or transitioning to different operating systems. Upgrading to an unsupported version of Windows 11 is one potential path, as it accommodates most software currently in use on Windows 10. A revised guide for upgrading to Windows 11 will be provided, along with insights into using Windows 11 on unsupported PCs. Additionally, alternative operating systems like Linux and ChromeOS Flex are being explored as viable options for users with older systems. These alternatives aim to help maintain operational systems without incurring additional costs, especially for those with properly activated Windows 10 installations.

Winsage

October 13, 2024

Microsoft reminds us that the Windows Insider Program is meaningless

- Windows 11 received updates during Patch Tuesday, including a new feature for sharing local files from the Windows Search box, available for versions 24H2 and 23H2. - A new build of Windows 11 was released to Insiders in the Canary channel, which also included the file-sharing feature. - The Canary build introduced a new simplified Chinese font that had previously appeared in the Beta channel. - Windows Insiders received integration of the Phone Link app within the Start menu. - Microsoft celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Windows Insider Program by releasing special wallpapers that combine nostalgic UI elements from Windows 95 with modern design aesthetics.