Microsoft’s old Paint software, which debuted in 1985 and is beloved for its simplicity, is receiving a contemporary facelift. As part of a recent Windows 11 upgrade, Microsoft is putting artificial intelligence (AI) technologies into Paint, catapulting it into the age of powerful digital art production. This move follows the internet behemoth’s objective of integrating AI into its popular applications to improve user experience.
The upgrade, unveiled by Microsoft product manager Dave Grochocki, includes capabilities such as “generative fill,” which allows users to provide instructions and have AI-generated pictures appear right in their artwork. This allows users to effortlessly integrate AI visuals into their own works, making sophisticated modifications accessible to anybody, regardless of creative ability.
These new features will first be accessible to Windows Insiders, who may test new features before they are released to the general public. To utilize generative fill, customers must have devices that support Microsoft Copilot+, a version of the company’s artificial intelligence technology.
Microsoft’s integration of AI into Paint is not surprising considering the growing popularity of AI-generated art, which gained traction with OpenAI’s release of Dall-E in 2021. Dall-E’s technology allows users to generate images from written descriptions, a process that has now become standard in various tech products. The promise of this technology has piqued the industry’s curiosity, prompting businesses to experiment with how AI may boost efficiency and innovation.
Along with generative fill, the update includes “generative erase,” an AI tool that allows users to eliminate undesired elements from photographs without affecting the backdrop. This feature increases creative flexibility and streamlines editing, making it useful for anybody who wants to produce excellent pictures without extensive software abilities.
Paint isn’t the only app receiving an AI boost. Microsoft has also improved other applications, such as Notepad, to integrate AI-powered editing features. Users, for example, can request that the AI rewrite phrases, change the tone, or reduce the length of their work. This is part of Microsoft’s larger drive to incorporate AI throughout its software ecosystem, putting it at the forefront of the technological race.
AI-powered technologies are not exclusive to Microsoft. Apple, for example, just included its first AI-powered writing tools in the iOS 18.1 update, demonstrating how big tech firms are emphasizing AI to improve user interactions. Apple’s “Writing Tools” feature is comparable to Microsoft’s upgrades, highlighting a broader move toward AI-driven content production.
However, the expansion of AI technologies has not been without challenges. Platforms such as Facebook have seen an increase in AI-generated content, which can occasionally result in a surge in spam. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg confirmed the trend, noting that the business is aware of the increase in AI-generated content and intends to continue incorporating more AI-driven content.
Regardless of these hurdles, Microsoft’s choice to update Paint demonstrates its dedication to keeping established tools current. By upgrading the program with features that make creation easier and more intuitive, Microsoft is using its famous software to appeal to a new generation of creators while retaining the nostalgia of its original format.
*Source: John Towfighi’s original CNN article (November 8, 2024). You can check out the full article here.
I’m Voss Xolani, and I’m deeply passionate about exploring AI software and tools. From cutting-edge machine learning platforms to powerful automation systems, I’m always on the lookout for the latest innovations that push the boundaries of what AI can do. I love experimenting with new AI tools, discovering how they can improve efficiency and open up new possibilities. With a keen eye for software that’s shaping the future, I’m excited to share with you the tools that are transforming industries and everyday life.