Microsoft Introduces AI Enhancements for Legacy Windows Applications to Insiders

Microsoft is amplifying the capabilities of Windows 11 with an exciting new build rolling out to the Windows Insider channels, specifically for Dev and Canary. This update introduces powerful AI features in two beloved classic applications: Notepad and Paint.

Highlights of the Update:

Notepad now includes a revolutionary AI-powered text rewrite option.
Paint is enhanced with features such as generative fill and generative erase.
Significant upgrades have been made to Cocreator and Image Creator tools within Paint.

Unleashing Creativity with Notepad’s AI-Powered Rewrite Feature

Notepad, the iconic Windows text editor, now incorporates AI-driven rewriting capabilities that transform the way users interact with their written content. This feature draws parallels to Microsoft’s Copilot services found in other applications.

When you highlight a segment of text in Notepad, you can initiate the AI rewrite function, which provides options to adjust:

**Text Length**: Expand or condense your text as needed.
**Tone**: Change the mood of your output to suit your context.
**Format**: Modify how your text is presented, ensuring clarity and style.

Notepad Rewrite — Notepad’s new AI-powered Rewrite options. Source: Microsoft

To utilize the AI Rewrite feature, users can either right-click and select “Rewrite”from the context menu or use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + I. The AI will generate three different versions based on your selection for you to customize further.

Importantly, users do not provide direct instructions for specific rewrites; adjustments can only be made regarding size, tone, and format. Microsoft implements content filtering to maintain a standard free from harmful or inappropriate material.

This innovative feature is currently in its preview phase and is accessible exclusively to users with a Microsoft account in select regions, including the United States, France, the UK, Canada, Italy, and Germany. These users receive 50 credits for rewrites.

Additionally, users in Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, and Thailand holding a Microsoft 365 Personal or Family account, or a Copilot Pro subscription, can harness this tool at the cost of AI credits.

AI Innovations in Microsoft Paint

Paint has been transformed with groundbreaking AI-powered features. The new generative fill function enables users to enrich existing images with content based solely on brief text prompts.

For instance, users can effortlessly add elements such as a castle to a landscape image; Microsoft describes this as, “With generative fill, you can make edits and additions with just a few words while maintaining the existing art style.”

Select an area of the image using the Selection Tool.
From the resulting menu, choose the generative fill option.
Enter text instructions and click the create button to see the magic unfold.

The AI crafts content based on the provided instructions, allowing users to click “try again”if the initial output isn’t satisfactory. If the outcome meets expectations, pressing the “keep”button applies it to the canvas.

Note that this feature is currently restricted to Copilot+ compatible PCs, and users must be logged into a Microsoft account.

Generative Erase: The New Eraser Tool

This new tool in Paint streamlines object removal within images. It operates under the Eraser tool to facilitate a smoother user experience.

Choose the Generative Erase option while the Eraser tool is active.
Utilize the Erase Brush to identify and select the area you wish to remove.
Click the apply button to initiate the erasure process.

Users can adjust settings to “add area to erase”or “reduce area to erase”while using both the rectangular or free-form selection functionalities. Notably, this feature is available on all Windows 11 PCs.

Refinements in Cocreator and Image Creator Tools

Cocreator, aimed at facilitating artwork creation from text prompts, has been upgraded to provide quicker and more effective results. It reacts dynamically to user drawings on the canvas, enhancing the creative process.

The Image Creator, which allows image generation through text prompts, is now accessible in more markets, broadening its usability.

What are your thoughts on these revolutionary AI features? Would you incorporate these tools into your workflow if available? We encourage you to share your insights in the comments below.

Additional Insights

1. What is the availability of the new AI features in Notepad and Paint?

The new AI features are currently available for select users in regions like the United States, UK, France, Canada, Italy, and Germany. Users must have a Microsoft account to access these features.

2. Are there any limitations on using the AI rewriting in Notepad?

Yes, users cannot provide text-based suggestions for specific rewrites. Instead, they can only modify the size, tone, and format of the text to generate variations.

3. How can I access the new generative fill and erase features in Paint?

To access these features, you need to use a Copilot+ compatible PC and sign in with your Microsoft account. The generative fill allows content addition based on text prompts, while the eraser helps remove unwanted elements from images.

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