Microsoft has recently infused artificial intelligence (AI) into some of its most enduring Windows applications—Paint, Snipping Tool, and Notepad—marking a significant evolution in their functionality. These enhancements, currently available to Windows Insiders in the Canary and Dev Channels, aim to modernize these classic tools by integrating generative AI and intelligent features.
The Paint application has undergone a substantial transformation with the introduction of AI-driven features designed to enhance user creativity and streamline the editing process.
These updates reflect Microsoft's commitment to modernizing its classic applications by leveraging AI to provide users with more powerful and intuitive tools. As these features continue to roll out and evolve, they are poised to significantly enhance productivity and creativity for Windows users.
Source: Hindustan Times https://www.hindustantimes.com/tech...ws-apps-check-what-s-new-101748327348558.html
Paint: AI-Powered Creativity
The Paint application has undergone a substantial transformation with the introduction of AI-driven features designed to enhance user creativity and streamline the editing process.Generative Fill
One of the standout additions is the Generative Fill feature. This tool allows users to make edits and additions to their artwork by simply describing them in text. For instance, selecting an area of the canvas and inputting a prompt like "add a sunset" enables the AI to generate and seamlessly integrate the specified element into the existing image. This feature is particularly beneficial for artists and hobbyists looking to add intricate details without extensive manual effort. (blogs.windows.com)Generative Erase
Complementing the Generative Fill is the Generative Erase function. This tool empowers users to remove unwanted objects from their images effortlessly. By selecting the object to be removed, the AI analyzes the surrounding area and fills in the space, making it appear as though the object was never there. This feature is invaluable for refining images and eliminating distractions without the need for complex editing skills. (blogs.windows.com)Cocreator Enhancements
Microsoft has also updated the Cocreator feature within Paint. The underlying diffusion-based model has been improved to deliver better results more quickly, with built-in moderation to ensure a trustworthy creative experience. Cocreator is available on Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs, reflecting Microsoft's commitment to leveraging advanced hardware capabilities for enhanced performance. (blogs.windows.com)Image Creator Expansion
The Image Creator feature, which allows users to generate images from text descriptions using DALL-E technology, is expanding its preview to additional markets. Initially available in select regions, this feature is now accessible to users in the United States, France, the UK, Canada, Italy, and Germany. To utilize Image Creator, users need to sign in with their Microsoft account. (blogs.windows.com)Snipping Tool: Enhanced Screen Capture
The Snipping Tool, a staple for screen capture tasks, has been augmented with AI capabilities to improve user efficiency and precision.Perfect Screenshot
The Perfect Screenshot feature automatically refines the selection area when capturing a screenshot. This intelligent adjustment reduces the need for manual cropping, ensuring that the captured content is neatly framed. This enhancement is particularly useful for users who frequently capture and share screen content, as it streamlines the process and produces cleaner results. (blogs.windows.com)Color Picker
Another notable addition is the Color Picker tool. This feature allows users to extract color values—such as HEX, RGB, or HSL—from any part of the screen. It is especially beneficial for designers and developers who require precise color matching in their projects. By simply selecting a color on the screen, users can obtain its exact value, facilitating consistency across their work. (blogs.windows.com)Notepad: Intelligent Text Editing
Notepad, the lightweight text editor, has been enhanced with AI-driven features that assist users in drafting and refining text.Rewrite Function
The new Rewrite feature enables users to rephrase sentences, adjust the tone, and modify the length of their content based on their preferences. By selecting the text to be rewritten and choosing the Rewrite option, Notepad generates three variations of the text, allowing users to select the version that best fits their needs. This functionality is particularly useful for users looking to improve the clarity or style of their writing without extensive manual editing. (blogs.windows.com)Summarize Feature
In addition to rewriting, Notepad now includes a Summarize feature. This tool condenses longer content into concise overviews, making it easier for users to review and understand lengthy documents. By selecting the text and choosing the Summarize option, Notepad provides a brief summary, aiding in quick comprehension and efficient information processing. (blogs.windows.com)Accessibility and Availability
These AI-powered features are part of Microsoft's broader initiative to integrate generative AI tools into its software ecosystem. While they offer significant enhancements to user experience, it's important to note that some features are currently limited to Copilot+ PCs and require a Microsoft account to access. Additionally, certain functionalities, such as the Sticker Generator in Paint and the Rewrite feature in Notepad, may require an active Microsoft 365 subscription with Copilot Pro, as they utilize AI credits from the subscription. (blogs.windows.com)These updates reflect Microsoft's commitment to modernizing its classic applications by leveraging AI to provide users with more powerful and intuitive tools. As these features continue to roll out and evolve, they are poised to significantly enhance productivity and creativity for Windows users.
Source: Hindustan Times https://www.hindustantimes.com/tech...ws-apps-check-what-s-new-101748327348558.html
