A New Era for Photo Editing on Windows PCs
In the realm of digital photography, the power to seamlessly erase unwanted objects from images has generally been the preserve of specialized software or the latest smartphones. However, a recent update has brought this cutting-edge functionality to the fingertips of Windows PC users, courtesy of the native Windows Photos app.
The Generative Erase feature has been woven into the fabric of the Windows Photos app, and it’s turning heads for its proficiency in removing objects from photos at no extra cost. This tool is AI-driven, meticulously filling in the gaps left behind by erased objects, often leaving no trace of the edit. Users can access this feature on any device running Windows 10 or 11, provided they’ve updated their Windows Photos app to version 2024.11020.21001.0 or later.
How Generative Erase Enhances Your Photos
Imagine you’ve captured the perfect shot, but there’s an unwelcome intruder—a stray garbage bin, a photobombing tourist, or an unsightly wire. With the updated Windows Photos app, these distractions can be wiped clean from your image. The process is straightforward: open the image within the app, select the Erase tool within the Edit menu, and with a few brush strokes, the object vanishes, as the software artfully reconstructs the background.
Generative Erase defaults to an ‘Auto Erase’ mode, allowing for real-time object removal. For those looking to eliminate multiple items, you can simply disable ‘Auto Erase’, highlight all the undesirables, and then command the app to erase them in one fell swoop. The precision afforded by adjustable brush sizes means that even the most intricate edits are within reach.
Comparing Generative Erase with Google’s Magic Eraser
A personal experiment pitted Windows Photos’ Generative Erase against Google’s much-touted Magic Eraser on a Pixel 8 Pro. The challenge? To remove a light pole from an image and see which application could more convincingly restore the background. The results showcased the strengths of both tools—Windows Photos excelled in background replication, particularly with a bench that sat behind the pole, while Magic Eraser superbly reconstructed a tree that was also in the background.
Despite their respective successes, the ease of use differed. The Magic Eraser impressed with its user-friendly ‘tap-to-erase’ approach. In contrast, Generative Erase required a steadier hand and a bit more patience to accurately erase objects. Nevertheless, both managed to produce edits that, at a glance, appeared flawless, only revealing minor imperfections upon closer inspection.
Neither tool is infallible, but both offer a commendable quick-fix solution for photo editing. While features like Magic Eraser are often highlighted in smartphone marketing, it’s a pleasant surprise that a similar, powerful tool is readily available on Windows PCs—proving that high-quality photo editing need not be exclusive to high-end software or devices.
