Itransition
The latest Itransition coverage — news, analysis, and updates from the WindowsNews.AI desk.
Pixel 11 Pro Fold’s First Leaked Render Shows Off Pine Green, But a Modem Switch Could Be the Real Game Changer
A leaked render reveals Google’s Pixel 11 Pro Fold in a deep “Pine” green finish with gold or beige trim, while retaining the rectangular camera island seen on its predecessor. However, a recent FCC filing suggests a modem switch could be the phone’s most significant upgrade.
GPT-5.6 Now Drives Microsoft 365 Copilot: Smarter AI, but IT Teams Have a Compliance Decision by July 24
OpenAI's GPT-5.6 is now the preferred AI model across Microsoft 365 Copilot apps, bringing smarter multi-step assistance to Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and more. But the model introduces a direct OpenAI API path as a subprocessor, breaking some compliance guarantees. IT admins must actively decide to opt in or out before Microsoft enables it by default on July 24, making this both a productivity upgrade and a critical compliance checkpoint.
Google Photos tests one-tap video trimming tool it scrapped last year
Google Photos is testing an Auto trim feature in its Android app that revives the one-tap Basic cut tool removed last year. Found in version 7.83, the tool automatically removes excess footage from video starts and ends but isn't yet available to users. Windows users who manage media through the browser won't get this directly, but it may streamline clips synced from phones.
Anthropic's Next Claude Model: Leak Claims Breakthrough, But Don't Update Your Plans Yet
A leak claims Anthropic has trained a more powerful Claude model, possibly named Mythos 5.1 or 6, but no benchmarks, official confirmation, or release timeline exists. The current Claude lineup—Mythos 5 for vetted partners and Fable 5 for general use—remains unchanged, and users should base decisions on documented models rather than rumors.
Linux Mint Looks Like Windows, But These 3 Friction Points Could Surprise You
A How-To Geek review reveals that Linux Mint, despite its Windows-like Cinnamon desktop, falls short as a direct Windows replacement due to fragmented app installation, a lack of graphical troubleshooting tools, and a terminal-first support culture. Windows users planning to switch should test with a live USB, learn basic terminal commands, and adjust their expectations before committing.
Forced Dark Mode Arrives in Microsoft Edge Canary—No Extensions Required
Microsoft is testing a new 'Web Remix' feature in Edge Canary that can force dark mode on any website without an extension. The tool processes the restyling locally and offers additional page transformations, but early testing shows it can be overly aggressive, breaking visual elements. The feature is currently limited to a Canary experiment, and there's no timeline for a wider release.
Microsoft Prototypes Deeper Phone Tie-In for Windows 11: Start Hub, Taskbar Icons, and Shared Clipboard
Microsoft is internally testing four prototypes that would bring smartphone features directly into Windows 11: an expanded Start menu dashboard, a system tray phone control flyout, cross‑device clipboard history, and a standalone Messages app. The features are not yet in public preview, but they signal Microsoft’s strategy to make phone connectivity a native Windows experience rather than something confined to the Phone Link app.
One in Three Coloradans Now Use AI, Microsoft Report Finds—But Rural Users Are Left Behind
Microsoft's May 2026 AI Diffusion report shows 32.3% of Colorado's working-age population used major AI services, exceeding the national average but exposing a deep urban-rural divide—Boulder County topped 43% while two rural counties stayed below 10%. The findings are fueling a debate over new data-center construction, but they don't settle questions about where servers should be built or who bears the costs.
Copilot Can Now Diagnose Your PC’s Problems—But It Might Be Part of the Problem
Microsoft’s experimental PC Insights feature lets Windows 11 users ask Copilot plain-language questions about system health, but the Copilot app itself can consume over 500MB of RAM—raising concerns it may worsen the very performance issues it helps diagnose.
MultiOS-USB 0.12.1 Lets You Install Windows Without Disabling Secure Boot
MultiOS-USB version 0.12.1 now allows Windows installation without disabling Secure Boot, addressing a long-standing friction point for users. The release also switches to exFAT as the default filesystem for better large ISO support, though with some Linux compatibility trade-offs. The update includes documentation on bypassing Microsoft account requirements during Windows setup.
AMD Surfaces Experimental 8x Multi-Frame Generation in Adrenalin 26.6.2
AMD's Adrenalin 26.6.2 driver contains hidden, non-functional settings for FSR Multi-Frame Generation with ratios up to 8x, uncovered by the RadeonTuner utility. The discovery reveals AMD is actively developing the technology, but it remains experimental and unusable in games. Users should not expect immediate availability or attempt to enable the feature.
Windows 11 Bootable USB Showdown: Media Creation Tool’s Big Update vs. Rufus 4.15 Fixes
Microsoft’s Media Creation Tool now silently includes the latest cumulative update in Windows 11 installation media, significantly reducing post-install patching. Meanwhile, Rufus 4.15 fixes critical bugs from version 4.14, making it safer for bypassing hardware checks and customizing setups. This analysis breaks down when to use each tool and what the changes mean for home users, IT pros, and repair technicians.
Google’s New Setting Lets You Stop Media from Training AI—Here’s How
Google’s new Search Services History setting allows the company to save and use your uploaded media—images, voice recordings, and more—to train its generative AI models. Users can turn off the Save Media toggle and delete existing history to prevent future use. This guide explains the change and provides step-by-step instructions to protect your privacy on Windows and other devices.