Exciting New Features for Windows 11 Users
Windows Insiders can now look forward to a range of updates being rolled out to Paint, Snipping Tool, and Notepad as part of the Canary and Dev Channels for Windows 11. These updates bring significant enhancements, primarily powered by artificial intelligence (AI), aimed at elevating creativity and improving user experience.
Innovations in Paint
Among the standout features in Paint is the Sticker Generator, an AI-powered tool that enables users to create custom stickers. By simply typing a description such as “a cat wearing sunglasses”, users can generate unique stickers that can be applied directly to the canvas or saved for future use. To access this feature, one must click on the Sticker generator button located in the Copilot menu. Newly generated stickers can also be found under the Stickers option in the Paint toolbar.
Additionally, Paint will offer a new Object Select tool, designed to help users isolate and edit specific elements in their images. This smart selection tool employs AI to simplify the editing process, making it more intuitive for users to make adjustments.
Both the Sticker Generator and Object Select features are restricted to users with Copilot+ PCs, and access to the Sticker Generator requires signing in with a Microsoft account. Moreover, a redesigned welcome experience has been introduced in Paint, allowing both new and returning users to explore the latest features with ease.
Enhancements in Snipping Tool
The Snipping Tool is receiving a significant boost with the introduction of the Perfect Screenshot feature. This AI-driven capability allows users to capture screenshots without the customary need for cropping or resizing. Users can invoke this feature via the Snipping Tool capture toolbar or by pressing the Print Screen key. It intelligently resizes the screenshot based on the selected content to ensure a perfect capture every time.
Furthermore, a new Color Picker tool will permit users to identify color codes (HEX, RGB, HSL) from any content shown on their screens. This addition will be particularly beneficial for designers and developers seeking precision. Users can zoom in for greater accuracy, enhancing the overall functionality of the Snipping Tool.
Notepad Gets an AI Makeover
Notepad users will also benefit from an updated feature known as Write, which utilizes generative AI to draft text based on prompts. Users can request new text by selecting where they wish the text to appear and entering instructions through a right-click menu or keyboard shortcut. The AI-generated text then appears directly in the Notepad document, streamlining the writing process.
To access this feature, users must sign in with their Microsoft account and have a subscription to Microsoft 365 Personal, Family, Enterprise, or Copilot Pro. Importantly, users can opt to disable AI features through the app’s settings, granting them full control over their experience.
Looking Ahead
These updates signal a robust shift towards integrating AI within essential Windows applications. Feedback from users is encouraged, providing Microsoft with crucial insights into how these features are performing and what additional improvements can be made.
As the rollout progresses, it is expected that the general public will also gain access to these features in the near future. While not all features will make their way to every user, the ones that do will likely enhance productivity and creativity.
In conclusion, the updates to Paint, Snipping Tool, and Notepad reflect Microsoft's ongoing commitment to improving user creativity and efficiency through intelligent technology. Users are encouraged to explore these new capabilities and provide feedback to further enhance the Windows experience.
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