Microsoft is quietly pushing the boundaries of its built-in Windows 11 applications, integrating new artificial intelligence functionalities into MS Paint, the Snipping Tool, and Notepad. The move, currently being tested within the Windows Insider program’s Canary and Dev channels for Copilot+ PCs, raises a crucial question: are these AI enhancements genuinely useful, or just another layer of complexity added to already functional tools?
The company detailed the changes in a blog post, outlining features like a sticker generator and object selection in Paint, “Perfect Screenshot” and colour picking in the Snipping Tool, and an AI-powered writing assistant in Notepad. No official release date has been announced, but based on previous rollouts, a public launch is anticipated later this year. The news has ignited a predictable mix of excitement and apprehension among users.
MS Paint, once a staple for basic image editing, is receiving perhaps the most significant overhaul. The new Sticker Generator, accessible through the Copilot menu, allows users to create custom stickers from text prompts. Copilot generates four variations, which can be added to the canvas, copied for use in other apps, or saved for later use. Separately, the Object Select tool uses AI to isolate and select individual image elements for separate editing.
“I’ve used Paint for years,” said Elena Ramirez, a graphic design student from Chicago, “and the idea of AI helping me select objects more easily is actually appealing. But I’m also worried it will make the program too complicated for simple tasks.”
The Snipping Tool is getting two new features: “Perfect Screenshot,” designed to capture precise screenshots without manual resizing or cropping, and a Color Picker for identifying the color code of any pixel on the screen. Perfect Screenshot utilizes AI to automatically resize the captured area, aiming for accuracy. The Color Picker allows users to select between HEX, RGB, or HSL values. I blinked twice, trying to process the value these additions would add to my workflow.
Notepad’s “Write” feature, powered by AI, allows users to generate new text content or expand upon existing drafts. Accessed via right-click or the Copilot menu, users input a prompt, and Copilot generates a response that can be added, refined, or discarded. It should be noted that the feature requires users to be signed into their Microsoft account and consumes credits , 15 per month for free tier users, 60 for Microsoft 365 subscribers, and unlimited for Copilot Pro subscribers.
Here’s a summary of the key features being tested:
- MS Paint: Sticker Generator (text-to-sticker), Object Selection (AI-powered isolation of image elements)
- Snipping Tool: Perfect Screenshot (AI-assisted precise screenshots), Color Picker (color code identification)
- Notepad: Write (AI-powered text generation and expansion)
Skeptics question whether these integrations are truly necessary or simply an attempt by Microsoft to justify its AI investments. Concerns have also been raised about data privacy and the potential for these features to be used for malicious purposes. Some users have even voiced their worries on X.com, commenting, *I hope this doesn’t mean more telemetry being sent to Microsoft!* Others on Facebook echo this sentiment, one commenter saying, *This is great, but what’s the catch?*
The reliance on “credits” for the Notepad “Write” feature also raises concerns about accessibility, potentially creating a paywall for users who require AI assistance for writing tasks. There are also concerns over functionality. “I’m not sure I trust an AI to write my notes,” said Mark Olsen, a history teacher, “It feels a bit like cheating, and I worry about the accuracy of the generated text.”
Ultimately, the success of these AI-powered features will depend on their practicality and ease of use. While the potential for increased efficiency and creativity is undeniable, it remains to be seen whether these integrations will genuinely enhance the user experience or simply add another layer of complexity to already established tools. As the features roll out to a wider audience, users will be the ultimate arbiters, determining whether Microsoft’s AI gamble pays off or simply results in a bloatware burden.