This week in the Windows ecosystem brought a mix of excitement and frustration, with Microsoft's Copilot facing unexpected issues, the long-awaited launch of GIMP 3.0, and several AI-powered innovations making waves. Let's dive into the key developments that Windows users should know about.

Microsoft Copilot Faces Stability Challenges

Microsoft's AI-powered Copilot feature has been experiencing intermittent outages and performance issues across Windows 11 systems. Users report:

  • Delayed or failed responses to queries
  • Integration problems with Microsoft 365 apps
  • Occasional disappearance from the taskbar

Microsoft has acknowledged these issues in a support bulletin, attributing them to 'unexpected server load' as adoption grows. The company promises a fix in the next Windows Update, expected within two weeks.

GIMP 3.0 Finally Arrives After 10-Year Development

The open-source image editor GIMP has launched version 3.0, marking its first major update in a decade. Key improvements include:

  • Modernized UI: Complete interface overhaul with dark mode and customizable workspaces
  • Performance Boost: Up to 40% faster rendering thanks to GPU acceleration
  • New File Formats: Native support for Photoshop PSD files and WebP images
  • Non-Destructive Editing: New adjustment layers feature

Windows users can download the 64-bit installer directly from gimp.org, with ARM64 support coming later this year.

AI Innovations for Windows Users

Several AI-powered tools made significant strides this week:

Perplexity AI Launches Desktop Client

The popular AI research assistant now offers a native Windows app with:

  • Offline mode for sensitive queries
  • Deep integration with Edge browser
  • Citation generation for academic work

PowerToys Gets AI Upgrade

Microsoft's utility suite added two AI-powered tools:

  1. Smart Window Manager: Predicts optimal window layouts based on usage patterns
  2. Text Extractor Pro: OCR with translation for 100+ languages

Notable Windows App Discounts

Several premium apps are currently discounted in the Microsoft Store:

  • Affinity Photo 2: 30% off (now $41.99)
  • EarTrumpet 2.0: 50% off (now $2.99)
  • Files App Pro: Free with Game Pass subscription

Windows Update KB5036893 Brings Subtle Improvements

The latest optional update includes:

  • Improved HDR calibration for OLED displays
  • Better touch keyboard on 2-in-1 devices
  • Security fixes for 12 vulnerabilities

Productivity Tip of the Week

Use Windows Snap Layouts with voice commands: Simply say "Hey Cortana, snap [app name] left" to quickly organize your workspace without touching the mouse.

Looking Ahead

Next week promises exciting developments with:

  • Rumored Surface Pro 10 announcements
  • Potential Windows 12 insider builds
  • Major update to Windows Subsystem for Android

Stay tuned to windowsnews.ai for continuing coverage of these evolving stories.