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NewApp Digest
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optical character recognition (OCR) feature

Windows Snipping Tool Lets You Copy Text and Create QR Codes Without Screenshots
Winsage
April 16, 2025

Windows Snipping Tool Lets You Copy Text and Create QR Codes Without Screenshots

Microsoft has released an update to its Snipping Tool, version 11.2503.27.0, which now allows users to extract text directly from their screens without needing to take a screenshot first. Users can activate the Text Extractor feature using a keyboard shortcut and select the area for text extraction, with an animation highlighting the selection. The update also includes a QR code generator for sharing extracted text, options for automatic text copying, and removal of line breaks. The new Text Extractor improves upon the previous Optical Character Recognition (OCR) feature by streamlining the text copying process. However, some users may find it requires an additional step compared to directly using the scan tool.
Windows Photos adds fancy editing features from other Microsoft apps
Winsage
March 26, 2025

Windows Photos adds fancy editing features from other Microsoft apps

Microsoft is updating its Windows Photos app with features from its Designer application in version 2025.11030.20006.0. The app will include AI-powered editing tools, such as image touch-ups, background removal, and photo upscaling, particularly for users with Copilot+ PCs that have a Neural Processing Unit (NPU). A new Optical Character Recognition (OCR) feature will enable users to import documents and extract text from images, similar to Office Lens. The integration of Designer's creative elements will allow users to create designs using existing images for greeting cards and other layouts. Users will be able to access the "Create with Designer" feature by right-clicking on photos in File Explorer. Additionally, the app will automatically display photos from subfolders in Gallery mode and will support JPEG XL (JXL) file formats.
Windows 11's Photos app is about to get a big update, and it's all about AI
Winsage
March 25, 2025

Windows 11’s Photos app is about to get a big update, and it’s all about AI

The Photos app on Windows 11 is undergoing significant updates, currently available for Windows Insiders in the Release Preview Channel. Key features include Optical Character Recognition (OCR) supporting over 160 languages, allowing users to extract and search text from images. A new "Search in Web" function enables users to find online results for selected text. The update also introduces a Copilot button within the Photos app for image enhancement tips, insights, and framing suggestions. Additionally, new shortcuts in File Explorer provide direct access to AI editing and Visual Search, allowing users to create with Designer and erase unwanted elements. The app now supports JXL files and includes bug fixes for improved performance. Users can enable the "Show subfolders" option to view images and videos from subfolders in the Gallery.
Microsoft Photos app on your Windows PC just got a major upgrade, and you’ll love it
Winsage
March 25, 2025

Microsoft Photos app on your Windows PC just got a major upgrade, and you’ll love it

The Microsoft Photos app has received an update that introduces new features for photo organization and editing for Windows 11 and 10 users. Key features include web search functionality with Optical Character Recognition (OCR) to extract text from images, and a Copilot button that provides expert advice on image enhancement. The update also allows quick access to AI editing tools and visual search from File Explorer, with options like "Create with Designer," "Erase object," and "Visual Search with Bing." Users can customize the display of subfolder and gallery content by enabling the "Show subfolders" option. These enhancements are currently being rolled out to Windows Insiders, and users must update to Photos app version 2025.11030.20006.0 or higher to access them, although the rollout may not be immediate for all Insiders.
March 2025 Microsoft Photos update now rolling out to Windows Insiders
Winsage
March 25, 2025

March 2025 Microsoft Photos update now rolling out to Windows Insiders

The Microsoft Photos app is rolling out updates for Windows Insiders on Windows 11 and Windows 10 within the Release Preview Channel. Key enhancements include: - An Optical Character Recognition (OCR) feature that supports over 160 languages, allowing users to extract text from images and search the web for selected text. - New shortcuts in File Explorer for AI editing and Visual Search, enabling users to edit images and search for similar images directly from the desktop. - A "Show subfolders" option that allows images and videos from subfolders to appear in the Photos Gallery. - Introduction of a Copilot button in the Photos app for AI assistance, offering photo editing tips, image insights, and framing suggestions. - Support for JXL files and bug fixes for the Image Creator and Restyle Image features. Users should update to version 2025.11030.20006.0 or higher to access these features.
The Windows 11 Snipping Tool is about to get a killer new feature
Winsage
February 21, 2025

The Windows 11 Snipping Tool is about to get a killer new feature

Microsoft is adding an advanced optical character recognition (OCR) feature to the Snipping Tool, improving text extraction from images. This feature was discovered by PhantomOfEarth during Windows beta testing and will allow users to extract text with just a couple of clicks, eliminating the need for preliminary screenshots. The Snipping Tool is pre-installed on all Windows 11 devices, making the OCR functionality readily accessible without additional downloads.
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
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.
Microsoft creates a new reason to buy an AI-powered Copilot+ PC -- image upscaling in Microsoft Photos
Winsage
October 24, 2024

Microsoft creates a new reason to buy an AI-powered Copilot+ PC — image upscaling in Microsoft Photos

Microsoft has introduced a preview of its super resolution feature for Copilot+ PCs within the Photos app, specifically for Windows 10 and Windows 11 users. This image upscaling feature is exclusive to Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs running Windows 11, version 24H2 or higher, and is available in the Canary, Dev, and Release Preview Channels. The super resolution uses AI to enhance and enlarge images up to 8x the original size, ideal for improving low-quality photos and preparing images for large prints or displays. It processes enhancements using the Neural Processing Unit (NPU) on the device. Additionally, a robust optical character recognition (OCR) feature is available to all users, supporting over 160 languages for text extraction from images.
Microsoft enhances 'file sharing' between Windows PC and Android
Winsage
June 17, 2024

Microsoft enhances ‘file sharing’ between Windows PC and Android

Microsoft has introduced a new feature in the Windows Insider Preview that allows users to easily share files from a Windows PC to an Android phone. This feature requires pairing the devices using the Link to Windows app on Android and the Phone Link app on the PC. It is currently available in the Beta Channel with Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22635.3785.
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