Windows Insider Program Archives

Winsage

December 28, 2024

Windows 11’s Camera Just Got Smarter: Check Out the Latest Additions

Microsoft has introduced new camera features for Windows 11 that enhance video quality and user experience. Users can now adjust camera brightness, contrast, resolution, and frame rate, allowing for better visibility in various lighting conditions and catering to different bandwidth needs. Additionally, users can utilize their camera in multiple applications simultaneously, enabling multitasking during video calls. However, these features may not be available on all devices immediately, as some older camera models may not support them, and the rollout will occur gradually. Users interested in trying these features early can join the Windows Insider Program and download version 26120.2702.

Winsage

December 28, 2024

6 reasons you shouldn’t join the Windows Insider program

The Windows Insider program allows users to test unreleased features of Windows 11 and provide feedback. Participants may encounter several issues, including: - Unstable user interface with bugs, glitches, unexpected freezes, and scaling issues. - Random reboots that risk losing unsaved work. - Throttled performance during resource-intensive tasks, such as gaming and video editing. - Increased potential for data loss due to system failures and blue screens of death (BSOD). - Microsoft collects diagnostic data from users, raising privacy concerns. - Frequent updates that can introduce new issues and require significant time for installation. Overall, the experience may lead users to prefer stable releases over Insider builds.

Winsage

December 27, 2024

Microsoft adds new camera features to Windows 11

Microsoft has enhanced the camera capabilities within Windows 11, introducing features such as adjustable brightness and contrast settings, camera resolution and frame rate adjustments, and the ability for multiple applications to access the camera simultaneously. These updates aim to improve user experience and productivity, although their availability may vary by camera model. Beta testers can access these features by downloading version 26120.2702 from the Windows 11 Dev channel.

Winsage

December 19, 2024

Microsoft’s AI “Recall” Feature Caught Screenshotting Your Social Security Number

Microsoft's AI-powered "Recall" tool captures sensitive information, including credit card numbers and social security numbers, despite a new "filter sensitive information" feature intended to prevent this. Tests by Avram Piltch revealed that the filter fails to recognize sensitive data in various contexts, such as when entering information in Windows Notepad or filling out loan applications in Microsoft Edge. Initially launched as part of Microsoft's "Copilot+ PCs," Recall faced backlash over privacy risks and was temporarily withdrawn. It has since returned for select Insiders with encrypted screenshots, but concerns about its effectiveness in protecting sensitive information remain.

Winsage

December 17, 2024

Microsoft’s mission to improve Windows 11 actually pays off with improved webcam tools

Microsoft is refining Windows 11 with Build 26120.2702, introducing a feature that allows multiple applications to access the webcam simultaneously, responding to user feedback. This functionality is being trialed by Windows Insider program participants and enables activities like video conferencing on Google Meet while streaming on platforms like Twitch. Users previously had to choose one application for webcam access. The exact limit on the number of applications that can use the webcam concurrently is unclear, but excessive usage may affect system performance. Additionally, Microsoft is developing further webcam settings for adjusting resolution, frame rate, and media type. This update reflects a shift towards user-requested features rather than unwanted elements.

Winsage

December 16, 2024

Hands-on with Phone Link Start Menu Companion: Why Does It Even Exist?

Microsoft’s Phone Link app has introduced a companion feature for the Windows 11 Start menu, currently available to Windows Insider Program users with Phone Link version 1.24061.93.0 or higher. To enable or disable this feature, users can access Windows Settings, navigate to Personalization, select Start, and toggle "Show mobile device in Start." The Phone Link companion displays a preview of the mobile device's wallpaper, connection status, Bluetooth icon, and battery percentage, along with shortcuts for Messages, Calls, and Photos. It also features a "Recents" section for recent photos, calls, and messages. However, it lacks interactive capabilities within the Start menu, requiring users to open the Phone Link app for detailed interactions. The app also requires permissions for mirroring applications and allows file transfers and displays active Edge pages from Android.

Winsage

December 12, 2024

How to launch other apps with the Copilot key on Windows 11

Windows 11 introduces the Copilot key, located next to the Alt key, which replaces the second Windows key and allows for customization. Users can modify the Copilot key to launch preferred applications by accessing Settings, selecting Personalization, and navigating to the Text input page. They can choose either the Search option or the Custom option to select an application to launch. This functionality is limited to apps from the Microsoft Store or those installed with a signed MSIX package. Users in the Windows Insider Program may have a limited selection of apps, while those on the Stable Channel can choose virtually any application. To restore the default setting of the Copilot key, users can follow similar steps to select the Copilot app, which will revert the key's function back to opening the Microsoft chatbot app.

Winsage

December 11, 2024

Microsoft gives Alt+Space shortcut over to Copilot

Copilot has transitioned from a Progressive Web App (PWA) to a native binary, now residing in the system tray after the app update. The update has caused the Alt+Space keyboard shortcut, previously used by other applications like PowerToys, to be commandeered by Copilot. Microsoft acknowledged this overlap and stated that Windows will register whichever app is launched first when using Alt+Space. Users with a dedicated Copilot key can open the app directly in a main window. The update is being rolled out for all Windows 10 and 11 devices in the Windows Insider program, although Microsoft will not extend support for Windows 10.

Winsage

December 11, 2024

Microsoft Rolls Out Native Copilot App With Quick View Features

Microsoft has announced the rollout of a native Copilot app for Windows, replacing the previous progressive web app (PWA). This update is targeted at users in the Windows Insider Program and integrates the app into the system tray for better accessibility. The new app features a quick view functionality that allows users to interact with the AI chatbot using keyboard shortcuts, specifically Alt + Space, to open or close the quick view. The quick view window is movable and resizable, and users can return to the main app window by clicking an icon. The rollout is occurring through the Microsoft Store, with the app version at 1.24112.123.0 and higher, but it is gradual, so not all users will receive it at the same time.

Winsage

December 11, 2024

Update for Copilot for Windows begins rolling out to Windows Insiders

Microsoft is rolling out an updated version of the Copilot app through the Microsoft Store for Windows Insiders. The update transitions the app from a progressive web app to a fully native version, integrating it into the system tray for easier access. A new quick view feature is introduced, accessible via the Alt + Space keyboard shortcut on Windows 10 and 11 PCs, allowing users to move and resize the quick view window. The update is designated as version 1.24112.123.0 and higher and is being gradually rolled out across all Insider Channels. Feedback can be submitted in the Feedback Hub under Apps > Copilot.