Latest news with #WindowsAI
The Verge
25-07-2025
- The Verge
Microsoft's controversial Recall feature is now blocked by Brave and AdGuard
Microsoft's controversial Recall feature, that automatically screenshots nearly everything on a Copilot Plus PC, is meeting resistance from app developers. Signal kicked off a trend of blocking Recall earlier this year, with AdGuard and the Brave browser now also blocking the Windows AI feature. AdGuard calls Recall a 'privacy concern' in a blog post outlining why it's blocking Microsoft's AI tool. 'The very idea of background screen captures is unsettling,' says AdGuard. 'At any given moment, the system could snap a screenshot of a private chat window, an online form where you're entering your credit card, or simply something personal you didn't want saved.' Brave admits it was 'partly inspired by Signal's blocking of Recall,' for its decision to also block Recall from accessing its browser. 'We will disable it by default for Windows 11+ users, with a toggle to turn it back on for users who really want Recall,' says Brave. Signal first started blocking Windows 11's Recall screenshots in May, while also highlighting that Microsoft 'has launched Recall without granular settings for app developers that would enable Signal to easily protect privacy, which is a glaring omission that limits our choices.' Signal's block involves using a DRM flag, which means it blocks any screenshot or accessibility tools from accessing the messaging app. Brave is able to offer access to screenshot and accessibility tools and still disable Recall, because Microsoft lets browser apps granularly disable Recall. 'While it's heartening that Microsoft recognizes that Web browsers are especially privacy-sensitive applications, we hope they offer the same granular ability to turn off Recall to all privacy-minded application developers,' says Brave. Posts from this author will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All by Tom Warren Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All AI Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All Microsoft Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All News Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All Privacy Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All Tech Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All Windows
TechCrunch
19-05-2025
- Business
- TechCrunch
AI dev tools for Windows get a fresh coat of paint
Microsoft wants to make it easier for developers to build AI-powered apps on Windows devices. On Monday during its Build 2025 conference, Microsoft announced Windows AI Foundry, a rebranding and expansion of the Windows Copilot Runtime service the company launched last May. Microsoft describes Windows AI Foundry as a 'unified platform for local AI development' — a way to fine-tune, optimize, and deploy the AI models underpinning Windows apps. Microsoft increasingly sees AI, whether running locally or in the cloud, as a major profit driver, despite the high costs associated with developing tentpole models. In January, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella said the tech giant has $13 billion in annualized AI revenue, in part thanks to its partnership with ChatGPT maker OpenAI. Microsoft might not profit directly from third-party AI-powered apps on Windows. Still, by providing resources to make it easier to build AI software on the tech giant's flagship operating system, Microsoft aims to foster a flourishing ecosystem at the expense of rivals. Hence, Windows AI Foundry. According to a press release shared with TechCrunch, Windows AI Foundry can automatically detect a Windows machine's hardware and fetch the necessary software components to run a particular AI model. Windows AI Foundry will also keep these components up to date as new devices are released, Microsoft says, and deliver tools designed to simplify the process of prepping models. Windows AI Foundry also includes Foundry Local, a new service that 'bring[s] the power of [AI] models […] to client devices,' explains Microsoft in the press release. Foundry Local, which supports macOS in addition to Windows, comes with a set of modules to run AI models and tools directly on-device, leveraging the ONXX Runtime, an open source project aimed at accelerating AI across platforms. Foundry Local also ships with command-line interface support, letting developers use prompts like 'Foundry model list, Foundry model run' to browse, test, and interact with models running on a local server. Techcrunch event Join us at TechCrunch Sessions: AI Secure your spot for our leading AI industry event with speakers from OpenAI, Anthropic, and Cohere. For a limited time, tickets are just $292 for an entire day of expert talks, workshops, and potent networking. Exhibit at TechCrunch Sessions: AI Secure your spot at TC Sessions: AI and show 1,200+ decision-makers what you've built — without the big spend. Available through May 9 or while tables last. Berkeley, CA | REGISTER NOW 'Foundry Local will automatically detect device hardware — CPU, GPU, and NPU — and list compatible models for developers to try,' Microsoft writes. 'Developers will be able to leverage the Foundry Local SDK to easily integrate Foundry Local in their app.'
Techday NZ
15-05-2025
- Business
- Techday NZ
Getac unveils rugged Copilot+ PC with AI for critical sectors
Getac Technology Corporation is set to unveil its first Copilot+ PC, the Getac B360 Plus, at the 2025 Getac Innovation Day in Taipei. The event will feature four exhibition areas dedicated to showcasing artificial intelligence (AI) applications in rugged computing solutions tailored for industries such as defence, utilities, manufacturing, and public safety. Each area aims to demonstrate how AI-driven rugged devices can deliver cost efficiencies, optimise workflows and enhance decision-making capabilities for professionals working in challenging environments. The highlight of the event will be the introduction of the Getac B360 Plus, described as the "world's first fully rugged Copilot+ PC." This device integrates the latest Windows AI technology and expands upon Getac's current B360 and B360 Pro product lines, which are widely used by professionals in sectors requiring robust and reliable computing equipment. The B360 Plus is equipped with a neural processing unit (NPU) capable of performing up to 48 trillion operations per second (TOPS), enabling advanced AI features for use in demanding settings and high-pressure situations. According to Getac, the AI PC Series on display will also include the S510 rugged laptop and the ZX80 fully rugged Android tablet, both emphasising strong AI capabilities alongside lightweight and sustainable designs. All four exhibition zones will showcase practical, real-world AI applications. Visitors will be able to observe how Getac solutions support organisations in their digital transformation efforts, even in high-risk or high-demand scenarios, across utilities, public safety, and manufacturing sectors. For utilities, Getac will present AI-ready rugged devices enhanced with image recognition software, enabling real-time field inspections, anomaly detection, and the prediction of potential equipment failures. These features are intended to help prevent unplanned outages and improve operational reliability. The company will also highlight Getac Assist, a rugged remote expert solution that facilitates real-time collaboration between on-site field technicians and global experts. This feature allows users to share video, screens, and mark issues for more efficient problem-solving during maintenance or inspection tasks. In manufacturing, Getac's AI solutions will demonstrate how organisations can monitor factory environments remotely by combining edge computing with image recognition. These capabilities allow early identification of safety hazards, compliance breaches, and maintenance needs, supporting efforts to reduce costs and minimise risk. For public safety, the exhibition will display how Getac's range of AI-integrated devices, body-worn cameras, geographic information system (GIS) applications, and AI analytics tools can increase law enforcement efficiency and support decision-making under pressure. These tools are designed to help mitigate incidents before escalation by improving the delivery and effectiveness of emergency responses. Attendees will also have the opportunity to view live demonstrations of Getac Voice, a system aimed at streamlining field operations with voice-to-text and voice-to-command capabilities powered by edge AI technology. Speaking on the company's vision for AI and industry partnerships, James Hwang, President, Getac Technology Corporation, stated: "The development of AI technology requires cross-industry cooperation. By combining Getac's powerful rugged technology with core customer resources, Getac and its partners can jointly create innovative solutions for today's industry needs. In the future, Getac will focus on developing the Edge AI ecosystem, continue to invest in software and data applications, comprehensively improve the intelligence and future competitiveness of the industry, and create more efficient and reliable value for customers." Getac Innovation Day is an invitation-only event, with the company encouraging interested organisations to register their interest to learn more about its AI-ready solutions for frontline workers and critical industries.
