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Microsoft is experimenting with new artificial intelligence (AI) features for first-party apps in Windows 11. On Thursday, the Redmond-based IT behemoth revealed a new update for Windows Insiders in the Canary and Dev channels. The upgrade is only available to individuals who own a Copilot+ PC. The update brings new capabilities to MS Paint, the Snipping Tool, and Notepad. Paint will receive a new sticker generating tool as well as the ability to choose particular pieces in a picture, while the Snipping Tool will be made more user-friendly.
New AI features are coming to Windows Apps
In a blog post, the Windows maker disclosed several new AI functions that are presently being evaluated by the company's Windows Insiders. There is no news on when these will become readily accessible, but based on previous trends, they might be released later this year.
MS Paint will be updated with two new AI capabilities. The first is a new Sticker Generator button, which adds to Paint's current AI capabilities like Generative Fill, Generative Erase, and the Cocreator tool. The new functionality allows users to design unique stickers using text prompts. The sticker generator button may be found in the Copilot menu. When touched, a text field appears, allowing users to describe their intended sticker.
Once completed, Copilot will create four different sticker designs. Users can select any of them and add it to the canvas. They can also copy it to another app or store it for later. Users may revisit the stickers by selecting the new Stickers option from the toolbar.
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Microsoft is also introducing a new Object Selector tool. It use AI to automatically identify and pick particular aspects in an image, which users may subsequently alter independently. Users may find the tool in the toolbar and choose an item or element in the canvas by moving the cursor over it. In addition, the business is adding a new dialogue box that gives a brief summary of Paint's new and current capabilities.
Snipping Tool is also receiving some new features. The first is Perfect Screenshot, an AI-powered application that helps users take exact screenshots without having to resize or crop them afterwards. When in rectangle mode, users may pick the Perfect Screenshot button after launching the Snipping Tool toolbar using the Print Screen keyboard shortcut. As the user begins to choose a portion of the screen, the tool will utilize AI to precisely resize the snapshot to only capture the content from the whole selection area. Users will be able to move and change the area before confirming the snapshot.
The second feature, Colour Picker, is a tool that allows users to easily check and determine the colour code of any section of the screen. Users may pick the tool from the toolbar and choose between HEX, RGB, or HSL color code output. Once complete, they may drag the mouse to the appropriate location, and the tool will display the area's color code. Users may also zoom in to see the color of a smaller region.
Finally, Microsoft is introducing a new AI capability to Notepad. This function, called Write, lets users to create fresh text content in the app using AI. Users can utilize the functionality on a blank note or to extend an existing document. After positioning the mouse in the correct location, users may either right-click and select Write or choose it from the Copilot menu.
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A text area will appear, allowing users to enter a prompt expressing what they want the AI to create. After you click Send, Copilot will produce a response on the canvas. Users can next choose whether to add the text to the document or edit it by inputting further questions. They can also choose to disregard the text.
To utilize Write in Notepad, users must be logged onto their Microsoft accounts. Notably, the function needs credits, as do other AI capabilities in Windows 11. The free tier provides 15 credits per month, while Microsoft 365 Personal and Family customers receive 60 credits per month. Copilot Pro subscribers, on the other hand, get infinite credits.
