What you need to know
- Copilot+ PCs will soon support super resolution within the Photos app on Windows 11.
- Microsoft started testing the feature among Windows Insiders this week.
- Super resolution can enhance and enlarge images up to 8x, allowing people to print large copies of images or zoom in on photos without dropping picture quality.
- Microsoft is also testing Optical Character Recognition (OCR) within the Photos app.
In an exciting development for users of Copilot+ PCs, Microsoft is rolling out a new AI-driven feature that promises to revolutionize image handling within the Windows 11 Photos app. Currently in testing with Windows Insiders across all channels, the super resolution capability leverages the neural processing unit (NPU) of compatible PCs to upscale images by as much as eight times their original resolution. This enhancement is particularly beneficial for those looking to improve the quality of low-resolution photos, prepare images for large-format prints, or crop tightly while maintaining clarity.
As Microsoft elaborates, “Super resolution is perfect for improving low-quality photos, preparing photos for large prints or displays, and tight cropping without giving up image resolution to zero into the content you want to focus on.” This feature is poised to elevate the user experience significantly, especially for creative professionals and photography enthusiasts.
Moreover, the integration of Copilot+ AI features is set to expand beyond just Snapdragon processors. By the end of the year, select AMD and Intel processors will also gain access to these advanced tools. Notably, AMD’s Ryzen AI 300 chips, built on the Zen 5 architecture, and Intel’s new Core Ultra Series 2 mobile chips will support a range of Copilot+ AI functionalities, including Windows Recall, Live Captions, and Cocreator.
In addition to super resolution, the Photos app is also set to incorporate Optical Character Recognition (OCR) capabilities, currently being tested by Windows Insiders. This feature allows users to detect and copy text from images directly to their clipboard, supporting over 160 languages. Whether dealing with documents, notes, or screenshots, OCR streamlines the process of extracting information from visual content.
Alongside these major updates, Microsoft is addressing user feedback with several enhancements to the Photos app:
- Single-click support in the Gallery has been introduced, allowing users to open individual images with ease, while still retaining the option to double-click if preferred.
- The Zoom feature has been improved, ensuring that large images automatically resize to fit within the Viewer window, along with better synchronization between the zoom slider and the zoom selection display.
- Bug fixes have been implemented for the Image creator and Restyle image features on Copilot+ PCs, enhancing overall performance and quality.
