Introduction

Microsoft is making waves in the tech world again, unveiling exciting updates to its long-standing Notepad and Paint applications—both of which originated in the 1980s! The tech behemoth has kicked off testing for these AI-fueled tools, which are now accessible for Windows 11 Insiders within the Canary and Dev Channels, provided they've upgraded to the respective versions of Paint and Notepad.

New Features in Paint

With the introduction of generative fill and generative erase features in Paint, users will witness a whole new level of creativity. These tools allow the manipulation of images using simple prompts, empowering users to seamlessly incorporate AI-generated elements into their art. "With generative fill, you can make edits and additions with just a few words while maintaining the existing art style of your project," explained Dave Grochocki, product manager for Windows Inbox Apps. The generative erase tool is also a game-changer, effortlessly removing unwanted objects and auto-filling the void in a way that blends flawlessly with the surrounding image.

Advancements in Notepad

Not to be overshadowed, Notepad is also stepping into the future with a groundbreaking feature called "Rewrite"—previously known as CoWriter. This tool utilizes generative AI to help users effortlessly rewrite and refine their text. According to Grochocki, "You can rephrase sentences, adjust the tone, and modify the length of your content based on your preferences to enhance your text." This means users can tweak the length and tone of their writing with ease, catering to various audience needs, whether it's formal reports or casual notes.

Availability

For the moment, the Rewrite feature remains in preview and is only available to Windows 11 users from select countries including the United States, France, the United Kingdom, Canada, Italy, and Germany, requiring a Microsoft account for access.

Conclusion

As the tech landscape continues to evolve, it becomes clear that Microsoft is not just resting on its laurels. With the advent of AI tools in their legacy applications, the company is setting the stage for a renewed relevance in the digital workspace of the future. Are you ready to experience the new era of Notepad? Stay tuned for updates as this exciting technology unfolds!