The ubiquity of Artificial Intelligence continues to drive extensive feature integration across software platforms. The key software provider has been at the forefront of this movement, embedding AI capabilities throughout its product ecosystem. The roadmap indicates that this integration is accelerating, with more significant AI-powered updates scheduled for foundational system applications.
New AI Capabilities Across Utilities
The company has concentrated its efforts on delivering two key features each to the image editing and screenshot tools, alongside one major generative feature for the text editor. Here is a breakdown of the planned enhancements:
Image Editor Application
The image editor has previously incorporated AI tools such as Generative Fill and Generative Erase. Two additional AI features are now being introduced:
1. Sticker Generator
A new dedicated button will appear within the application’s AI sidebar, enabling users to generate customized stickers from simple text prompts. By typing a descriptive phrase, such as ” a dog with a hat” or “a cat wearing sunglasses,” users can prompt the AI to create a selection of unique graphics.
The user can select from a generated set of sticker variations for immediate placement on the canvas. These stickers can also be copied for external use or saved for future projects. A **Stickers** option in the application toolbar provides easy access to recently created items.
2. Object Select Tool
This is an AI-powered smart selection tool designed to accurately segment and isolate specific objects or people within an image for quick editing. It functions similarly to modern mobile features where a tap-and-hold action automatically separates an element from its background.
This functionality bypasses the need for external cropping tools when incorporating image specifics into a project. To utilize it, the user selects the **Object Select** tool from the toolbar and points the cursor toward the desired element.
3. New Welcome Experience
A redesigned welcome dialogue is being implemented to efficiently introduce users—both new and returning—to the suite of latest features. This window appears upon opening the app and includes an instructional guide. It can be accessed anytime via a megaphone icon in the top-right corner.
Note: All these image editor features will be available in version 11.2504.451.0.
Screenshot Utility Enhancements
The screenshot tool is receiving two new functions focused on visual accuracy and design utility:
1. Perfect Screenshot
This feature leverages AI to ensure precise capture boundaries, effectively reducing the need for post-capture cropping or resizing. Users can edit the screenshot immediately after capturing it, streamlining the process for professionals, students, or content creators dealing with structured digital content like websites or documents.
To use it, launch the utility, select rectangle mode, and activate the Perfect Screenshot button. The selection automatically adjusts to encompass the content boundary. Pressing Ctrl while selecting an area offers a quick activation shortcut.
2. Color Picker
The utility gains an integrated Color Picker tool, facilitating the easy acquisition of precise color codes from any point on the display. Users activate the utility, tap the Color Picker icon, and hover the cursor over a specific area to retrieve the color code in standard formats like HEX, RGB, or HSL.
Fine-tuning is supported by zooming in with the mouse scroll or using the Ctrl + / – keys. This feature is particularly valuable for web developers and graphic designers requiring precise color matching.
Note: These features for the screenshot utility will be available in version 11.2504.38.0.
Basic Text Editor Generative Feature
The text editor receives a major functional upgrade with the new AI-powered ‘Write’ feature (version 11.2504.46.0). This tool is designed to assist users in rapidly generating content drafts or improving existing text.
It provides a quick, integrated solution for overcoming creative blocks or expanding concepts without switching to an external application or AI service.
Users initiate the process by placing the cursor where new text is desired or by highlighting existing text for refinement. They then right-click and select “Write”, or use the shortcut Ctrl + Q.
A prompt box will appear, allowing the user to describe the required content. The AI generates the text directly onto the page, which the user can accept, discard, or further refine with follow-up prompts.
Note: This feature operates based on user accounts and typically requires a subscription package with allocated AI credits. The AI functionality can be toggled off via the application’s settings.
These updates are being made available to early access users (Canary and Dev Channels) on the operating system, specifically targeting devices with specialized AI hardware.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the primary hardware requirement to utilize these new AI features?
Access to these advanced AI features is primarily limited to users operating on specialized hardware (often referred to as AI-ready or Copilot+ PCs), which possess the necessary on-device processing power for efficient AI model execution.
Is a subscription required to use the 'Write' feature in the text editor?
Yes, the 'Write' feature requires a user account and often necessitates a specific subscription plan that includes generative AI credits (such as a premium productivity suite plan) to function.