Microsoft has recently unveiled a series of AI-powered updates for its classic applications like Notepad and Paint.
These new updates, aims towards enhancing user experience and productivity. These updates are currently available in preview for Windows Insiders in the Canary and Dev Channels.
Notepad’s AI-Powered Rewrite Feature
Notepad has received a new Rewrite feature, which leverages generative AI to adjust the phrasing, tone, or length, of the highlighted text.
Users can select the text, then right-click, and choose the Rewrite option. The result shall generate three rewritten versions from which to choose.
This feature is based on the same technology as Microsoft’s Copilot assistant and requires a Microsoft account for cloud-side processing. Preview for the same is only available in the US, UK, France, Canada, Italy, and Germany.
Paint’s Fill and Erase Features
Paint has also received significant updates with the introduction of generative fill and erase features.
This new generative fill allows users to select an existing image and then type a suitable prompt to fill that area with AI-generated content.
Generative erase, removes any unwanted object from the selected area and it also recreates the background. Generative fill is available on Copilot+ PCs with Snapdragon X Elite chips, while generative erase works on any Windows 11 PC.
Revamped Launch Time
Microsoft promises substantial improvements in launch time for Notepad, with most users seeing app launch times improve by more than 35 percent, and some users experiencing improvements of 55 percent or more.
Technical Enhancements for Prism x86 Emulator
There is also a new Windows Insider Canary channel build that should add support for newer x86 CPU instructions.
This included AVX and AVX2 extensions, to Microsoft’s Prism x86-to-Arm app translation layer.
This update focuses on enhancing the performance and compatibility for high-end games and graphics intuitive professional apps on Arm-powered Windows PCs like the Snapdragon X Elite-powered Surface Pro and Surface Laptop.
These updates reflect Microsoft’s ongoing commitment to integrating AI into its software, aiming to provide users with more powerful and intuitive tools for creativity and productivity.