OCR technology Archives

Winsage

October 24, 2025

Windows 11’s Snipping Tool just got a Google Lens-like feature – here’s how to use it

The Snipping Tool in Windows 11 has been upgraded to include a visual search engine that utilizes Bing to provide additional information about captured content, such as images, text, and mathematical equations. Users can perform a visual search by capturing content on their screen and then right-clicking the image to select "Visual Search with Bing," which redirects them to Bing for related search results. The tool allows users to translate text, copy visible text, and solve mathematical equations. Users can also mark up, edit, and fine-tune images, with built-in OCR technology for text extraction. To use this feature, users need to ensure they have the latest version of the Snipping Tool, which can be updated through the Microsoft Store.

Winsage

September 18, 2025

What is Click To Do? Meet Microsoft’s next AI headliner for Windows PCs

Click To Do utilizes optical character recognition (OCR) technology to make screens interactive by allowing users to select text as if it were tangible. Selecting an email address offers the option to “Send email,” while highlighting a website URL provides the choice to “Open website.” When more than ten words are selected, users can access actions powered by the Phi Silica language model on Copilot+ PCs, enabling text summarization, bulleted list generation, and content rewriting. The platform also features an “Ask Copilot” option to send selected text to Microsoft’s Copilot AI chatbot and a “Draft with Copilot in Word” option for initiating Word documents with AI assistance. The functionality is available only to users of Microsoft’s Copilot for home use or Microsoft 365 Copilot for business applications.

Winsage

September 17, 2025

Stop struggling with Windows Search — try these 6 game‑changing alternatives

Windows 11's built-in search feature is often slow and inefficient, particularly with non-indexed locations and numerous files. It has a cluttered search home filled with advertisements. Several third-party tools are recommended as alternatives to enhance search functionality: - Command Palette: Part of PowerToys, it allows instant results for queries and supports command execution, quick navigation, and customization. - Fluent Search: Offers a comprehensive search experience with a native file indexer, rapid results, and OCR technology for searching visible content on screens. - Everything: Focuses on speed by indexing files and folders instantly, providing real-time results based on names, though it lacks additional features. - Listary: Integrates with Windows and File Explorer, allowing direct searches within these environments and offering customization for commands and automation. - Flow Launcher: A free, open-source app launcher that enhances search by integrating with the Everything indexer and includes built-in plugins for added functionality. - RayCast: An app launcher in beta for Windows, originally for macOS, featuring productivity tools and AI capabilities, allowing efficient task performance without a mouse. These tools cater to various user needs, improving the search experience on Windows 11.

Winsage

August 9, 2025

3 apps that are saying ‘no’ to Microsoft’s invasive Recall tool, and how you can too

Microsoft's Recall tool is currently available only on Copilot+ PCs, and users can easily disable it. There are concerns that Recall may become an integral part of Windows, limiting user control. Signal has developed a workaround to prevent Recall from capturing data by enabling screen security, which uses Microsoft's DRM to keep its windows blank during screenshots. Brave has implemented a similar strategy by labeling every browser window as a private browsing session, preventing Recall access while allowing screenshots. AdGuard has updated its functionality to specifically target Recall, providing an additional layer of protection for users concerned about data privacy.

Winsage

December 23, 2024

Microsoft Edge drops yellow for folders (favourites), gets monoline transparent look

Microsoft Edge has updated to version 131.0.2903.112, introducing a design shift that replaces the yellow-themed favorites folders with a monoline, transparent aesthetic. This change has received mixed reactions from users, with some expressing ambivalence and frustration over the lack of customization options. A temporary workaround exists for reverting to the classic yellow folder icons by modifying the msedge.exe shortcut. Additionally, Microsoft Edge is set to introduce new features, including pop-ups to encourage users to set it as the default browser and enhancements like on-device AI capabilities and improved PDF reading with OCR technology.

Winsage

November 24, 2024

Microsoft pulls text recognition from Photos app preview

Microsoft has disabled the Optical Character Recognition (OCR) functionality in its updated Photos app due to unspecified issues. This decision follows the introduction of the OCR capability in a Windows Insider preview released in October, which aimed to extract text from photos on Windows 11 and Windows 10 devices. Brandon LeBlanc, head of the Windows Insider Program, confirmed the deactivation within a month of the preview release. Reports of app crashes after the installation of the preview have been noted. The OCR feature was intended to enhance Microsoft's future initiatives, including the delayed Windows Recall service, which depends on accurately parsing images for searchable archives. Users hope for the restoration of the OCR feature for both Windows 11 and Windows 10, rather than limiting it to Copilot+ PC users.

Winsage

November 10, 2024

One of Windows 11 few truly useful AI features is getting a keyboard shortcut real soon, and it’s one you’ll actually want to know

The revamped Snipping Tool in Windows 11 introduces upgraded features such as screen recording, annotations, and shape placements. A notable addition is the Optical Character Recognition (OCR) feature, allowing users to extract text from screenshots. This functionality will soon have a dedicated keyboard shortcut (Win + Shift + T) for easier access. The updated Snipping Tool also includes video recording capabilities, stickers, and shapes for highlighting information. Microsoft is collaborating with AI partners to enhance Windows applications, with the OCR capabilities in the Snipping Tool being particularly beneficial for productivity.

AppWizard

September 6, 2024

Found: 280 Android apps that use OCR to steal cryptocurrency credentials

Researchers have identified over 280 malicious applications that exploit optical character recognition (OCR) technology to steal cryptocurrency wallet credentials from compromised Android devices. These apps, disguised as legitimate services, harvest sensitive information like text messages and images but are not found on Google Play, indicating distribution via phishing and dubious websites. The malware uses OCR to extract mnemonic phrases from images, making it easier for attackers to access cryptocurrency wallets. A McAfee researcher uncovered a server with stolen data due to poor security configurations, revealing the attackers' focus on capturing recovery phrases. The malware has evolved to use sophisticated communication methods and obfuscation techniques, complicating detection efforts. Initially targeting South Korea, the malware's recent emergence in the UK indicates a geographic expansion of its operations.

AppWizard

July 18, 2024

Municorn Limited Releases Highly Anticipated Scanner App for Android

Municorn Limited has launched the Scanner App for Android, which offers high definition scanning, OCR technology, cloud integration, multi-page scanning, and a user-friendly interface. The app aims to simplify document management for users on the go.

Winsage

June 21, 2024

Windows 11 feature that extracts texts from Android rolls out to everyone

- Microsoft has enhanced the Phone Link experience for Windows users with new features. - The latest update includes a Managed Devices section and the ability to use the phone as a web camera. - A new feature allows users to easily copy screenshots from their phone to their desktop. - The Scan Text feature in the app extracts text from photos using OCR technology. - The Scan Text feature works best with English text and may need improvements for other languages. - The Cross Device Experience Host package now allows users to edit phone screenshots on their PC. - Microsoft is exploring direct file sharing between Windows and Android devices through the Phone Link app.