Windows Insiders are on the verge of experiencing a significant evolution in Microsoft’s software offerings, particularly with Paint and Notepad. The tech giant is set to introduce innovative features that highlight its ambitions in the realm of artificial intelligence.
Notepad’s AI Transformation
After months of speculation, Microsoft has confirmed that Notepad will receive a substantial AI upgrade. The new feature, aptly named “Rewrite,” allows users to select a portion of text and rephrase it according to their preferences for tone, format, and length. For instance, if a user finds their writing overly verbose or too casual, the Rewrite function will generate three alternative versions to choose from, while still offering the option to revert to the original text.
To ensure the integrity of the generated content, Microsoft employs a filtering system designed to uphold its values, which include human dignity, diversity, and inclusion. However, the company acknowledges that no system is infallible, and users may occasionally encounter undesirable outputs. In such cases, they are encouraged to report these instances.
The Rewrite function operates through Microsoft’s cloud infrastructure, necessitating users to sign in with a Microsoft account. Additionally, it utilizes AI credits, which can be purchased if users exhaust their initial allocation.
Enhancements to Paint
In tandem with Notepad’s updates, Microsoft is also enhancing Paint with exciting new capabilities. The Generative Erase feature allows users to seamlessly remove unwanted elements from their artwork, while Generative Fill enables them to modify and expand their creations by simply describing their desired changes in text. While Generative Erase will be available on all Windows 11 PCs, Generative Fill will initially be exclusive to Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ devices.
While the practicality of typing “medieval castle” and having the AI generate an image remains a topic of debate among investors, it is clear that every advancement contributes to the overall landscape of creative tools.
Notepad, a beloved staple among tech enthusiasts, may face mixed reactions as it evolves beyond its original text-editing purpose. For those who prefer a more traditional experience, alternatives like Notepad++ currently do not incorporate AI, although they do offer plugins for code generation. Interestingly, Microsoft has stated its commitment to reducing carbon dioxide emissions by minimizing power requirements; however, the integration of generative AI raises questions about the environmental impact of these advancements.
In terms of performance, Microsoft claims that most users will experience a launch time improvement for Notepad of over 35%, with some reporting enhancements of up to 55%.
The Rewrite feature will initially be available in preview mode for users in the United States, France, the UK, Canada, Italy, and Germany. Meanwhile, users in Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, and Thailand will need a Microsoft 365 Family or Personal account, or a Copilot Pro subscription, to access this functionality once it becomes available.
