Microsoft made a triumphant return to the world of in-person product launches as it hosted its Surface event in New York City yesterday 21st September. This much-anticipated event marked a significant milestone as it was the tech giant’s first in-person gathering since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The event lived up to the hype, featuring the unveiling of the highly-anticipated Windows 11 23H2 upgrade and the introduction of four new Surface devices.
Windows 11 23H2: Welcome Windows Copilot
One of the standout announcements of the day was the introduction of the Windows 11 23H2 update. This eagerly awaited upgrade is expected to be packed with an array of AI-powered features, chief among them being “Windows Copilot.” This AI-driven personal assistant is set to revolutionize the Windows user experience by providing intuitive and intelligent support to users.
Windows Copilot is currently undergoing rigorous testing with Windows Insiders and is scheduled for release by the end of September. Perhaps the most exciting aspect of this development is the news that Windows Copilot will soon support third-party plugins. Microsoft has already secured partnerships with prominent third-party developers such as Adobe, Mem, and Spotify, as reported by Windows Central. This move is expected to greatly enhance the capabilities and versatility of Windows Copilot.
Generative AI Upgrade to Paint: A Creative Revolution
In a report by Digital Trends, it was revealed that Microsoft is planning to breathe new life into its venerable Paint app, which has been a staple of Windows for over 40 years. The upgraded Paint app is expected to harness the power of generative AI, enabling users to create images from scratch with ease using simple commands.
Rumors suggest that this new image generation feature will be powered by the Bing cocreator, built upon technology developed by OpenAI’s DALL-E. One notable distinction between Paint and Cocreator’s image generation is the enhanced integration and advanced features offered by the former, including background removal.
AI Upgrades for Snipping Tool and Photos
Microsoft is not stopping at Windows 11 and Paint when it comes to integrating AI into its software. Reports indicate that two other Windows apps, the Snipping Tool and Photos, will receive significant AI makeovers. These updates promise exciting new features, such as background blur and the ability to extract text from screenshots, as reported by Digital Trends.
As Microsoft continues to embrace AI-driven innovations, these upgrades are set to provide users with a more intuitive and efficient computing experience. With Windows 11 23H2 on the horizon and a renewed focus on AI-powered applications, Microsoft is clearly committed to shaping the future of technology.
