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Windows 11 adds AI features to Paint and Notepad apps
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Windows 11 introduces AI-powered features to Paint and Notepad: Microsoft is rolling out new artificial intelligence capabilities to its stock apps, enhancing user experience and productivity in the latest Windows 11 update.

  • The updates are currently being tested in the Canary and Dev channels, targeting early adopters and enthusiasts.
  • These new features require users to be signed in with a Microsoft account and are initially available in select countries, including the US, Canada, UK, France, Germany, and Italy.

Notepad gets a smart rewrite function: The popular text editor now includes an AI-powered rewrite tool, offering users multiple options to refine their content.

  • Users can select text and generate three different AI-powered rewrites to choose from.
  • The tool allows for fine-tuning, such as adjusting length or tone of the rewritten content.
  • Additionally, Notepad’s launch speed has been improved by up to 35%, with some users experiencing up to 55% faster startup times.

Paint app introduces generative fill and erase: Microsoft’s iconic drawing application receives two powerful AI features to enhance image creation and editing.

  • Generative fill allows users to add AI-generated elements to existing images by selecting an area and providing a text prompt.
  • Generative erase enables the removal of objects from images, with AI filling in the background seamlessly.
  • These features offer multiple attempts, allowing users to refine results if they’re not satisfied with the initial output.

Copilot+ exclusivity and performance improvements: Some advanced features are limited to specific hardware configurations, highlighting Microsoft’s push towards AI-optimized devices.

  • Paint’s generative fill feature is initially exclusive to Copilot+ PCs with Snapdragon (Arm) CPUs.
  • Cocreator, another Copilot+ exclusive feature in Paint, has been optimized for faster performance.
  • It remains unclear if these Copilot+ exclusive features will be available to all Windows 11 users in the future.

Potential user concerns and rollout strategy: Microsoft’s approach to feature integration and testing reflects a cautious stance, acknowledging potential user feedback.

  • Some users may view the addition of AI features to Notepad as feature bloat, diverging from the app’s original simplicity.
  • Microsoft plans to monitor feedback carefully before expanding the rollout to more Windows Insiders.
  • The timeline for these features to reach the general Windows 11 user base remains uncertain.

Broader implications for Windows ecosystem: These updates signify Microsoft’s commitment to integrating AI across its core applications, potentially reshaping user interactions with Windows.

  • The introduction of AI features in stock apps could set new expectations for productivity software in the Windows ecosystem.
  • The hardware-specific limitations for some features may influence future PC purchasing decisions, potentially driving demand for AI-optimized devices.
  • As AI becomes more prevalent in everyday applications, it may spark discussions about the balance between functionality, simplicity, and user privacy in operating systems.
Windows 11’s Paint and Notepad apps are getting smart new AI features – though one of the best will be for Copilot+ PCs only

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