In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, major players like Microsoft, Google, and Apple are making significant strides in the realm of artificial intelligence. This surge in AI integration means that users are increasingly presented with innovative tools designed to enhance their digital experience.
AI Actions in Windows 11
Windows 11 has already embraced AI in various forms, and this trend is set to continue. Microsoft is currently rolling out a new feature called AI Actions, which will be accessible through the context menu in File Explorer. This addition aims to streamline user interactions with files, allowing for AI-powered image editing and more. As part of the latest Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5603, this feature is expected to reach a broader audience soon.
According to Microsoft, the introduction of AI actions in File Explorer allows users to engage more deeply with their files. By right-clicking on a file, users can quickly access options such as editing images or summarizing documents without the need to open them. This functionality is designed to keep users in their workflow while harnessing the capabilities of AI tools.
With AI actions in File Explorer, you can interact more deeply with your files by right-clicking to quickly take actions like editing images or summarizing documents. Like with Click to Do, AI actions in File Explorer allow you to stay in your flow while leveraging the power of AI to take advantage of editing tools in apps or Copilot functionality without having to open your file. AI actions in File Explorer are easily accessible – to try out AI actions in File Explorer, just right-click on a file and you will see a new AI actions entry on the content menu that allows you to choose from available options for your file.
Currently, users will find four sub-entries available under the AI actions menu:
- Bing Visual Search: Utilize an image to conduct web searches.
- Blur Background: Apply a blur effect to images directly in the Photos app.
- Erase Objects: Remove unwanted elements from photos.
- Remove Background: Activate Paint to eliminate backgrounds from images.
At this stage, the AI actions support .jpg, .jpeg, and .png file formats, with potential for future expansion. Microsoft has also hinted at additional entries that will cater specifically to Microsoft 365 files.
For those with a Microsoft 365 subscription and a Copilot subscription, the following features are on the horizon:
- Summarize: Generate concise summaries of various document types stored on OneDrive and SharePoint without needing to open each file individually. Supported formats include .docx, .doc, .pptx, .ppt, .xlsx, .xls, .pdf, .rtf, .txt, and .loop.
- Create an FAQ: Transform OneDrive files into a structured, AI-generated Q&A list, perfect for internal knowledge bases, meeting preparations, or quick-start guides. Supported formats include .xlsx, .ppt, .pptx, .doc, .docx, .pdf, .txt, .rtf, .aspx, .htm, and .html.
As these features roll out in the coming weeks, users can look forward to a more integrated and efficient experience within the Microsoft ecosystem, further blurring the lines between traditional file management and advanced AI capabilities.
