Tag Archives: Windows

Artificial Intelligence, Technology

Why Windows Copilot Has Users A Little Underwhelmed

A user on the Windows 11 subreddit, meanwhile, asked their fellow posters to keep a running list of Copilot’s useful features so far. The top comment listed off a bunch of attempted prompts, with only three having been successful: Opening apps, toggling light and dark modes, and starting a focus session. Everything else, such as closing apps, searching within documents or emails, installing apps, and personalizing desktop or taskbar settings, was off-limits. The top reply to that comment clarified that Copilot could only open apps, not any other files, even files generated by Copilot.

Another commenter on the same post believed that he had gotten Copilot to “output all of its internal functions.” He gave the caveat that there could be more, but all of the ones he listed worked. That list included searching the web, creating AI-generated art, adjusting audio volume, launching apps, screencasting, launching a troubleshooter, opening the device manager, muting the audio device, turning on Bluetooth, changing the desktop color theme, turning on “do not disturb” mode, setting volume and focus sessions, changing desktop wallpaper, and snapping windows.

All told, that’s not a lot. It seems like it will be a while before Copilot does everything in Windows that users are expecting of it.

Desktops, Laptops, News

Microsoft Closes Windows 7/8 to Windows 11 Upgrade Option

For users of older Windows systems, there are now only two choices available. They can either install Windows 11 and purchase a product key from the Microsoft Store, or they can buy a new PC that comes with a pre-installed copy of Windows 11. It is important to note, however, that if your computer was purchased during the time when Windows 7 or 8 was the latest version, it is unlikely to support Windows 11.

This is because Microsoft has set specific system requirements for Windows 11, stating that hardware meeting certain criteria will provide optimal performance. To assist users, the company has released a digital tool that automatically checks their hardware and informs them whether their PC is eligible for the Windows 11 upgrade. If your PC is not compatible and you do not wish to purchase a new one, you can alternatively upgrade to Windows 10, as Microsoft will continue to provide support for this version for at least the next two years.

Gaming, Streaming Devices

Sony Pictures Core Movie Streaming Service Is The Latest Perk For Some PS Plus Members

Sony Pictures Core is a new movie streaming service that offers early access windows for some Sony Pictures movies. Currently, one of the movies available to stream is “Gran Turismo: Based on a True Story.” This service is currently available in the United States, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia, with plans to expand to the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Japan in the near future. As an added bonus, anyone who purchases the movie through Sony Pictures Core will receive a voucher code for extra in-game points to use in the game “Gran Turismo 7” for both the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5.

For subscribers of PlayStation Plus Premium, the rotating bundle library of movies is one of the perks included in the plan. In the United States, the subscription costs $17.99 per month for month-to-month billing, $15.66 per month if billed quarterly, $49.99 every three months, or $13.33 per month if billed annually at $159.99.

In addition to the basic perks of PlayStation Plus Essential, such as monthly downloadable games, discounts, cloud storage for saved games, and online multiplayer access, Premium offers a subscription library of games. This includes a downloadable catalog of hundreds of PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 games, a streaming library of PlayStation 3 games, and a collection of PlayStation 1, PlayStation 2, and PlayStation Portable games available for both download and streaming. Additionally, there are time-limited trials of various games available.

Featured

Is It Worth Driving Without AC For More Fuel Efficiency? Find Out Here


We conducted 3 tests with the Toyota Glanza, the rebadged Maruti Baleno: AC on windows up, AC off windows down, and AC off windows up

Toyota Glanza

Fuel efficiency is a top priority for Indian car buyers, especially when cruising on highways at normal speeds. However, some people believe that turning off the AC and rolling down the windows can further improve their car’s mileage. To test this, we conducted our own experiments.

Parameters

We used the Toyota Glanza, the cross-badged version of the popular Maruti Baleno hatchback, for these tests. It is equipped with a 1.2-litre petrol engine (90PS/113Nm) and a 5-speed manual transmission. We fueled the Glanza to the brim before conducting 3 tests, each covering a distance of 81km at an average speed of 100kmph. We refueled the car after each test.

Distance

81km (highway)

Average Speed

100kmph

AC temperature (Test 1)

24 Degrees

Fan/ Blower Speed

2

Here are the results:

AC ON & Windows Up

Toyota Glanza

AC

ON

Distance Covered

81km

Fuel used

3.74 litres

Calculated fuel efficiency

21.66kmpl

In the first test, with the AC set at 24 degrees Celsius and the fan speed at two, the Toyota Glanza consumed 3.74 litres of petrol while covering 81km on the expressway. This resulted in a calculated fuel efficiency of 21.66kmpl. Next, we repeated the process with the AC turned off.

AC OFF & Windows Down

Toyota Glanza Rear

AC

OFF

Distance Covered

81km

Fuel used

3.8 litres

Calculated fuel efficiency

21.31kmpl

In the second test, we turned off the AC and rolled down both front windows, assuming that this would increase the car’s mileage. However, with the AC off and windows down, the Toyota Glanza actually achieved lower efficiency compared to the AC-on test.

Also Read: Upcoming Cars In October 2023: Nissan Magnite AMT, Lexus LM MPV, Force Gurkha 5-door And Others

Why did turning off the AC reduce the mileage? The answer lies in aerodynamic drag. When driving on the highway at high speeds, the car has to counter the air resistance. Opening the windows allows air to enter the cabin, creating drag and affecting the car’s performance. To maintain speed, the engine has to work harder and consume more fuel. Therefore, driving with the AC off and windows down actually reduces fuel efficiency.

On the other hand, at lower speeds within the city, the impact of aerodynamic drag is minimal, so turning off the AC and keeping the windows down can improve fuel efficiency. However, this is not the case during highway cruising. But what if we turn off the AC and keep the windows up?

AC OFF & Windows Up

Toyota Glanza

AC

OFF

Distance Covered

81km

Fuel used

3.45 litres

Calculated fuel efficiency

23.47kmpl

In our third test, we turned off the AC, kept the windows up, and set the blower speed to two for occupant comfort. By eliminating the aerodynamic drag caused by open windows, the engine had to work less, resulting in the best fuel efficiency of 23.47kmpl.

Verdict

Toyota Glanza

Based on our results, it is clear that driving with the AC off and windows down does not significantly save fuel during highway drives. In fact, it can even result in higher fuel consumption. Therefore, it is better to keep the AC on and windows up for a comfortable driving experience. However, in the city with lower speeds and less aerodynamic drag, turning off the AC and keeping the windows down can improve fuel efficiency. Keep in mind that this technique is most effective in cooler weather conditions and should not be used in high temperatures, as it may affect driver attentiveness during the journey.

Read More on : Glanza AMT

Desktops, Laptops

How To Install The Windows 11 Moment 4 Update (And What You’ll Get If You Do)

The newest update for Windows 11 comes with several noteworthy enhancements. One of the most significant additions is Copilot, an AI-powered assistive technology that can assist users with a variety of tasks, including writing paragraphs, editing images, playing music, summarizing web pages, and enabling dark mode. Copilot will be integrated into Microsoft’s Edge browser and will eventually become an integral part of Microsoft 365 products.

Microsoft Paint is also receiving a modern makeover in this update. It will now support layers for more advanced editing and will include a background removal system. Additionally, testers in the Insider program will have access to a text-to-image AI called Paint CoCreator.

The built-in Snipping Tool is now equipped with OCR (Optical Character Recognition) capabilities, allowing it to detect text in images. Users can easily extract or redact the text with the press of a button. Furthermore, the Snipping Tool has been enhanced with new recording tools, including the ability to capture audio through the microphone during screen recordings.

Another new feature is a backup app that syncs major PC preferences to the cloud. This includes details such as pinned apps and taskbar items, ensuring a seamless experience across devices. On the security front, the latest update introduces Passkey support with Windows Hello, allowing users to authenticate their identity for sign-ins using fingerprint sensors, face scans, or local PINs, eliminating the need to remember passwords.

Technology

Microsoft Introduces AI Hub in the Windows 11 App Store

Microsoft is incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) into the Windows Store with the introduction of the AI Hub. While it is uncertain how much value this will bring to the average Windows user, it offers a convenient way to explore and discover AI applications that could be beneficial.

This addition also serves as a platform for Microsoft to promote its own Office suite of productivity apps, which now feature enhanced AI capabilities. Back in March 2023, Microsoft launched Microsoft 365 Copilot, which utilizes AI to enhance Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, PowerPoint, and other apps. With this tool, Word can generate draft ideas, while PowerPoint can create detailed presentations based on a short text prompt.

Moreover, Microsoft has plans to introduce more AI-driven features to the Windows Store. One such feature, highlighted by the company, is the “AI-Generated Review Summary” that summarizes an app’s description and user reviews, providing users with a quick understanding of what an app offers and whether users are satisfied with it.

Technology

How to Fix a Non-Working Laptop Touchpad

If you’re facing issues with the touchpad on your Windows laptop, the most likely cause is the drivers. Unless there is a hardware problem, which would be easily noticeable, the problem is likely related to the mouse and pointer drivers. There are two options you can try to fix the issue.

Option 1: Update the Driver

  1. Type “Device Manager” in the Start menu search bar.
  2. Open the Device Manager.
  3. Expand either the “Human Interface Devices” or “Mice and other pointing devices” tab.
  4. Locate your trackpad on the list.
  5. Right-click on your trackpad and select “Update driver”.

The update wizard will automatically check for driver updates and install them if available.

Option 2: Reinstall the Driver

  1. Type “Device Manager” in the Start menu search bar.
  2. Open the Device Manager.
  3. Expand either the “Human Interface Devices” or “Mice and other pointing devices” tab.
  4. Locate your trackpad on the list.
  5. Right-click on your trackpad and select “Uninstall device”.
  6. Confirm the uninstallation.
  7. Restart your PC.

When your PC restarts, Windows will automatically detect the missing driver and reinstall it, hopefully resolving any touchpad issues in the process.