project files Archives

Tech Optimizer

December 2, 2025

AWS Transform announces full-stack Windows modernization capabilities

AWS launched AWS Transform for .NET in May, aimed at modernizing .NET applications. In response to user feedback, AWS introduced AWS Transform for full-stack Windows modernization, which streamlines modernization tasks across the Windows application stack. This service enhances modernization efficiency by up to five times and supports migration from .NET Framework to cross-platform .NET and SQL Server to Amazon Aurora PostgreSQL-Compatible Edition. It includes features for validating and testing applications, customizable deployment configurations, and modernizing ASP.NET Web Forms UI to Blazor. AWS Transform connects to source code repositories and database servers to analyze dependencies and create modernization waves. Users can configure database connectors for SQL Server and source code repositories, leading to a wave-based transformation plan. The service generates a SQL Modernization Assessment Report detailing the proposed modernization strategy. The transformation process involves converting SQL Server schema to PostgreSQL, migrating data, transforming .NET application code, and deploying applications for testing. AWS Transform exclusively supports codebases in .NET 6 or later. It also facilitates UI modernization from ASP.NET Web Forms to Blazor, managing the conversion of various project files. Additional features include support for porting to .NET 10 and .NET Standard, an editable transformation report, real-time tracking of transformation progress, and a markdown file outlining remaining tasks post-transformation. AWS Transform for full-stack Windows modernization is available in the US East (N. Virginia) Region, with no additional charges for the features beyond standard resource usage. It supports SQL Server versions from 2008 R2 to 2022 and Entity Framework versions 6.3 to 8.0.

Winsage

September 24, 2025

This Upcoming Paint Feature Brings The Windows App One Step Closer To Being A Proper Photoshop Alternative

Microsoft has introduced enhancements to the Paint application for Windows Insiders in the Canary and Dev channels, including the ability to save projects as a new .paint file format. This feature allows users to return to ongoing creations without starting anew. Additionally, Paint will now include opacity sliders for adjusting the transparency of brush and pencil tools, located on the left side of the interface. These updates aim to position Paint as a more competitive creative tool alongside advanced graphic design applications like Photoshop. The update has received mixed responses from users, with some expressing concerns over the modernization of classic applications. Microsoft has also rolled out improvements to other applications, such as the Snipping Tool, which now features Quick Markup for more efficient screenshot annotation.

Winsage

September 23, 2025

Microsoft launches Windows AI Labs for testing experimental AI features – The Times of India

Microsoft has launched Windows AI Labs, a pilot program that provides select users with early access to experimental AI features in Windows applications, starting with Microsoft Paint. The program aims to gather rapid feedback on feature usability and market fit. Participants will receive a notification in Paint to join the beta testing program, although the backend system is not fully operational yet. Users will be informed that the features are in preview stages and may not meet usual quality standards. The initiative aligns with Microsoft's strategy to enhance Paint and other Windows applications with AI functionalities.

Winsage

September 23, 2025

Microsoft’s Windows AI Lab is a new way to test experimental features

Microsoft Paint is the first application to receive experimental AI features under the Windows AI Labs program, which aims to explore innovative AI capabilities within Windows. The program is designed to validate new AI feature concepts through customer feedback on usability, interest, and market fit. While specific AI features for Paint are not disclosed, the application has been enhanced with features similar to Photoshop, such as transparency, layers, and .paint project file saving. Microsoft is also integrating AI-powered features across other Windows applications, including Notepad and File Explorer.

Winsage

September 21, 2025

Microsoft Launches Largest Update for Paint Program in Years

The "Paint" application from Microsoft has received an update for Windows 11 users, introducing a new "Project File" format that allows users to save images with layers and edits intact, similar to Photoshop's PSD format. This feature is currently available for users in the preview versions of Windows 11 under the "Canary" and "Dev" channels. Additionally, a slider for controlling the transparency of pen and brush tools has been added, enabling users to create shading effects more easily. The update is part of broader enhancements to Windows applications, including improvements to the Snipping Tool and Notepad. Users can access the new features by joining the Windows 11 Insider program and updating to the latest version.

Winsage

September 18, 2025

It looks like Microsoft is about to launch a new “Windows AI Labs” program for testing experimental AI features in Windows 11 apps

Microsoft is introducing a new initiative called "Windows AI Labs" for Windows 11 users, allowing them to test experimental AI features in Microsoft Paint. Users can sign up to provide feedback on these features, although some have faced technical difficulties during enrollment. The initiative aims to gather insights from participants to refine AI enhancements before their mainstream release. Additionally, Microsoft has updated Paint to support project files similar to Adobe Photoshop and has introduced on-device AI generation tools in Notepad. Currently, the Windows AI Labs program is exclusive to Paint, but it may expand to other applications in the future.

Winsage

September 18, 2025

Notepad gets free AI features on Copilot+ PCs with Windows 11

Microsoft is enhancing Notepad for users with Copilot+ PCs running Windows 11 by integrating AI-powered text writing capabilities in Notepad version 11.2508.28.0, currently rolling out to Windows 11 Insiders in the Canary and Dev Channels. The new features include text summarization, rewriting, and generation, available exclusively for English content. Users with a Microsoft 365 subscription can switch between local and cloud AI models, while those without a subscription can still use the local model. The AI options can be disabled in settings or users can uninstall the updated Notepad to revert to the classic version. Since the redesign of Notepad in December 2021, Microsoft has added features like multiple tabs, a character counter, text formatting, spell-check, and autocorrect. Additionally, updates for the Paint app now support Photoshop-like project files and an opacity slider, while the Snipping Tool has introduced a "Quick markup" feature for faster screenshot annotations.

Winsage

September 18, 2025

Windows Paint just got a major Photoshop-like upgrade you’ll want to try

Microsoft is introducing new features to Windows Paint, including the ability to save projects in a .paint format that retains all layers and edits. This feature is currently being rolled out to Windows 11 insiders on the Canary and Dev channels. Users can create and modify images with multiple layers, a capability previously limited to more advanced software. Windows Paint now includes an opacity slider for adjusting the transparency of strokes with the Pencil and Brush tools. Microsoft aims to position Paint as a competitive option against Photoshop and other graphic design tools. Additionally, updates to other Windows 11 applications include enhancements to the Snipping Tool and Notepad, which now features AI-powered tools. A wider rollout of these features to all Windows 11 users is expected soon.