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.

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

Generative Fill allows users to make edits and additions with just a few words while maintaining the existing art style of their project. Whether you're a seasoned artist looking to add intricate details or a hobbyist experimenting with new ideas, Generative Fill helps you fine-tune your digital art, with just enough AI to assist you in realizing your creative vision while remaining in full control of the output. (blogs.windows.com)

Generative Erase

Generative Erase is a new AI-powered tool that helps you remove unwanted objects from the canvas, filling in the empty space left behind to make it look like the object was never there. This feature is available to users on all Windows 11 PCs. (blogs.windows.com)

Notepad: Enhanced Text Editing with AI

Notepad has been enhanced with AI capabilities to improve text editing and content creation.

Rewrite Feature

The Rewrite feature allows users to rephrase sentences, adjust the tone, and modify the length of content based on preferences to refine text. This feature is available in preview to all users on Windows 11 in the following regions: United States, France, UK, Canada, Italy, and Germany. (blogs.windows.com)

Summarize Feature

The Summarize feature enables users to condense selected text, providing a quick way to understand content. This feature is available in preview to all users on Windows 11 in the following regions: United States, France, UK, Canada, Italy, and Germany. (blogs.windows.com)

Snipping Tool: Smarter Screenshots

The Snipping Tool has been enhanced with AI capabilities to improve screenshot functionality.

Draw & Hold

The Draw & Hold feature helps users draw neat lines and shapes with ease. To use this feature, open Snipping Tool and capture a screenshot of any content on your screen. If the image does not automatically open in the app, click on the toast notification to “Mark up and share” your image. Select the pen tool and draw a line, arrow, rectangle, or oval over the image – before letting go of the shape, hold your cursor or pen still for a moment to convert your stroke into a well-formed shape. (blogs.windows.com)

Perfect Screenshot

The Perfect Screenshot mode automatically adjusts the capture area to tightly frame on-screen content, reducing the need for post-capture cropping. When activated, the tool uses a rectangular selection that analyzes the visible screen and snaps around the most prominent content in view. (blogs.windows.com)

Implications and Impact

The integration of AI into these applications signifies Microsoft's commitment to enhancing user productivity and creativity. By embedding intelligent features into widely used tools, Microsoft aims to provide users with more powerful and intuitive applications. These updates are currently available to Windows Insiders in the Canary and Dev Channels, with plans for broader rollout based on user feedback.

Technical Details

  • Availability: The new AI features are available to Windows Insiders in the Canary and Dev Channels.
  • Requirements: Users need to sign in with their Microsoft account to access these features.
  • Regional Availability: Some features are available in specific regions, including the United States, France, UK, Canada, Italy, and Germany.

For more detailed information and updates, users can refer to the official Windows Insider Blog. (blogs.windows.com)