Google is testing a version of its Gemini app for macOS, Bloomberg reports. The app would bring the AI assistant to uncharted territory, and in more direct competition with OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Anthropic’s Claude, both of which offer standalone Mac apps.
Gemini remains accessible through the web, and it sounds like the macOS app offers the same set of features, with the ability to respond to prompts, search the web and generate text, images and code. The major differentiator of the Mac app could be a feature called “Desktop Intelligence,” which gives Gemini a new source of information and context for its responses. According to a message in the app’s code viewed by Bloomberg, “when you enable apps for Desktop Intelligence you are enabling Gemini to see what you see (such as screen context) and pull content directly from these apps to improve and personalize your experience only when Gemini is in use.”
The ability to refer to information in apps and what’s currently on your screen is offered by both the Claude and ChatGPT macOS apps, and something Gemini is capable of on mobile devices. It’s not clear if Gemini for macOS will be able to actually take action in the apps it can view — like, for example, Anthropic’s popular Claude Cowork feature — but Google has already started offering that experience in a limited form on smartphones, so who’s to say that couldn’t come to desktop operating systems, too.
Bloomberg reports that the Gemini app is being tested with non-Google employees, which could be a sign it’s making its way to a public release. Thanks to Apple and Google’s AI partnership, whether the app sees the light of day or not, some of the technology that makes Gemini possible will run on macOS in the future. Google and Apple announced in January that Google’s Gemini models would power future versions of Apple Intelligence. Apple is also reportedly overhauling Siri into more of a chatbot, an experience likely made possible by Gemini.
Lost a crucial document because your system crashed before you could save it? Worry no more! Microsoft Word has introduced an automatic save option that regularly backs up your work, so you’ll never lose your progress again.
Users will now be able to manage their Word documents without thinking about saving them manually. The new Microsoft Word update allows users to automatically save their documents to the cloud as soon as they start documenting any content piece.
Raul Munoz, the Senior Product Manager at Microsoft, has stated about the new feature, “We are modernizing the way files are created and stored in Word for Windows! Now you don’t have to worry about saving your documents: Anything new you create will be saved automatically to OneDrive or your preferred cloud destination.”
Microsoft additionally hints at introducing similar features for Windows Excel and PowerPoint, which are now live.
How Does the Auto-save Feature Work?
The auto-save option can be accessed and used effectively with the compatible Word for Windows version. Let’s understand how the process works-
Primarily, users need to create a fresh document in Word and switch the AutoSave option on. Unlike the previous default document name- DocumentN, the autosave feature saves the files with the date.
To change the name of the file and its location, users need to select Save or press Ctrl+S. After selecting the file name and location, press Confirm to save the changes.
In case users try to close the file before it gets saved, a dialog displays on the screen asking whether they intend to Discard or Keep the file. If users try to close empty files, Word discards them without asking for confirmation.
Availability of the Auto-Save Feature of Microsoft Word Update-
The AutoSave feature of Microsoft Word update is available to users with Version 2509 (Build 19221.20000) or newer. This advancement is set to enhance accessibility and address the challenge of lost files. Similar features have been introduced on Windows Excel and PowerPoint as well.
Advantages of the Latest Microsoft Word Update
Microsoft Word’s new auto-save feature will unlock several benefits for users. Alongside increased security, it offers flexible file management capabilities. Let us discuss other significant advantages-
Flexibility in File Storage and Control: Users can store and manage their files more flexibly than ever. As users are in charge of the documents, they can adjust file names and locations to save, organizing the files according to convenience.
Never Lose Your Files: The auto-save feature in Microsoft Word addresses the challenge of losing files due to not saving them manually. As soon as you start making progress in a file, it automatically gets saved.
Enhanced Security and Compliance: Files saved in your organization’s cloud servers already adhere to the set security guidelines and practices. Hence, users do not need to think about protecting the files separately.
Increased Accessibility: The auto-save feature enables enhanced accessibility of Word files. It can be accessed from diverse types of devices and platforms once shared, including Android, iOS, and web browsers. Changes made to the file will get synced on all devices and platforms.
Better Collaboration: The AutoSave feature has made collaboration within and across teams easier. Users can easily share the cloud file and initiate collaboration by making changes, adding comments, and resolving comments in real time.
Agentic AI Support: The Word files are now equipped with Copilot agentic AI support. Users can unlock AI-powered capabilities whenever they need to improve or update their documents. Nevertheless, to use Copilot in Word, a Microsoft 365 Copilot license is needed.
Additional Tips:
Users will be able to easily change the location for new documents. Right-click on any cloud folder in the File section of Word, then select Set as Default Location to choose the location.
Users can manage how their files are created, whether in the traditional manner or automatically in the cloud, in the Save tab of Word Options, and opt in or opt out for Create new files in the cloud automatically.
Key Elements to Keep in Mind-
When a new Word session is started while another is running, the new file does not autosave. Hence, users need to close the previous file to enable the auto-save option for new files.
Users may sometimes encounter a delay in refreshing the recent files list while changing the name of a document.
If users disable the option for Show the Start screen when this application starts, remember that the first file they create will not autosave automatically.
Concluding Remarks!
Microsoft has been making significant advancements in its 365 Office platforms for better collaboration and enhanced productivity of diverse teams within an organization. With the integration of Copilot and flexible features, the firm is aiming to boost user experience and accessibility of the tools, including Word for Windows.
Learn about the major technological shifts and practices with KnowledgeNile!
FAQs:
1. What is the AutoSave feature in Microsoft Word?
Answer: The AutoSave feature in Microsoft Word lets users save their files automatically.
2. What is the purpose of AutoSave?
Answer: The AutoSave feature aims to reduce the challenges of data loss in unwanted circumstances, such as power shortages and device failures.
3. Where are AutoSave Word documents stored?
Answer: Automatically saved Word files are stored in cloud storage, like OneDrive.
To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.
Functional
Always active
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes.The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
