In a bold step towards the future of digital creativity, Microsoft is redefining the experience of its Paint application by integrating artificial intelligence (AI). This injection of innovation promises to transform a platform that many had almost forgotten about, providing users with an entirely new way to unleash their creativity.
Amid the anticipation for Windows 11 and its upcoming AI-driven update from OpenAI, a standout piece of news is the expansion of this technology to several essential Windows 11 applications, including Paint, Photos, and Snips. This bold vision reflects Microsoft’s ambition to take creativity and productivity to the next level, simplifying tasks and empowering users with smarter tools.
The star of this evolution is the revamped version of Paint, powered by a feature called “Magic Paint“. This new tool will fundamentally change how users interact with the application. When selecting “Magic Paint” a sidebar will appear, allowing users to instruct artificial intelligence on what they want to be drawn. Based on Bing Images’ generative AI, this process relies on natural language instructions, generating stunning images that align with the user’s intentions.
The user interface suggests relevant images to add to the command, along with similar designs and an intriguing “Surprise Me” button. While a static image cannot fully capture the depth of this feature, its similarity to other Microsoft applications that employ AI promises a stimulating and user-friendly experience.
Artificial intelligence also leaves its mark on the Photos and Snips applications. In the Photos app, AI will have the ability to identify people and objects in images, allowing users to crop them and paste them into other contexts. This approach, similar to what the Photos app offers in iOS 16, translates to the potential for faster and more precise image editing.
On the other hand, the Snips feature will be enriched with Optical Character Recognition (OCR). This functionality will turn screenshots into a goldmine of information, as users can copy content from an image and paste it directly into text documents, streamlining the transfer of visual data into actionable information. While these innovative features are still in the experimental phase, and their official release is uncertain, Microsoft’s event scheduled for September 21 promises to showcase these exciting additions. Along with potential Surface device releases and other revelations, the AI-fueled creativity revolution is taking shape. Ultimately, Microsoft’s foray into AI could mark a turning point in how we interact with applications and bring our ideas to life in the digital world.