Microsoft Photos, often overlooked in the expansive suite of Windows applications, has emerged as a remarkably versatile tool, receiving a significant update that enhances its already impressive capabilities. This latest iteration introduces a host of features designed to streamline user experience and bolster productivity.
Enhanced OCR and Web Search Functionality
Previously, Microsoft Photos incorporated Optical Character Recognition (OCR), allowing users to effortlessly copy text from images. The recent update expands this functionality, enabling users to conduct web searches for extracted text directly within the app. This enhancement is a testament to Microsoft’s commitment to improving user efficiency, making it easier to find online resources related to documents, notes, and screenshots.
In the release notes, Microsoft articulated the significance of this update:
With this update, we’re adding “Search in Web” functionality so you can quickly search for any selected text from your images right from the app. This enhancement makes it easier than ever to extract and find online results of text from documents, notes, screenshots, and more. Whether you’re capturing text from a document or simply exploring the contents of an image, the Photos app’s OCR and online search features streamline your workflow and boost your productivity.
AI Features Take Center Stage
The integration of artificial intelligence continues to evolve within Microsoft Photos. The latest update enhances the visibility and accessibility of AI-driven photo editing tools. Users can now initiate an AI editing session directly from the Windows context menu by right-clicking on an image in Explorer, eliminating the need to open a separate application.
Additionally, a new Copilot button has been introduced, offering a suite of features aimed at enriching the user experience:
- Photo Editing Tips: Receive expert guidance on how to enhance your images.
- Image Insights: Uncover intriguing details about your photos.
- Framing Suggestions: Elevate your photography skills with tailored recommendations.
This update is currently being rolled out to Windows Insiders on Windows 11 across all Insider Channels, as well as to Windows 10 users in the Release Preview Channel. For those eager to explore these new features, further details can be found on Microsoft’s official website.
