Microsoft Paint has taken the lead as the inaugural application to receive experimental AI features under the newly launched Windows AI Labs program. This initiative aims to explore innovative AI capabilities within Windows, and early glimpses of its potential have already surfaced in recent pre-release updates to Paint.
According to Mike Harsh, partner director of product management at Microsoft, the Windows AI Lab serves as a pilot program designed to validate new AI feature concepts. “The program focuses on rapid customer feedback on feature usability, customer interest, and market fit,” he explained in a statement to The Verge.
While the prompt for accessing these AI features has been spotted in some versions of Paint, the specifics of what Microsoft intends to test remain under wraps. However, the company has been progressively enhancing Paint with features reminiscent of Photoshop, such as transparency, layers, and the ability to save .paint project files. Observers speculate that the forthcoming AI tools may mirror some of Adobe’s advancements in Photoshop.
In addition to Paint, Microsoft is actively integrating AI-powered features across various Windows applications. Notable updates include free AI functionalities for Notepad, image generation capabilities in Paint, and AI-driven actions within File Explorer. This strategic push underscores Microsoft’s commitment to embedding AI into its ecosystem, enhancing user experience and productivity.
