Microsoft Notepad Augmented with AI Features

Microsoft is integrating a new AI capability into its long-standing Notepad application. Known as 'Rewrite,' this feature is being previewed to members of the Windows Insider program, as reported by The Verge.

How 'Rewrite' Enhances Notepad

Users can leverage the Rewrite feature by selecting text within Notepad and then opting to rewrite it by either right-clicking the mouse or pressing Ctrl+I. Doing so will bring up a dialog box displaying the AI's suggested revisions as well as options to modify text length, tone, and format, located above the 'Replace' command.

For those who prefer the traditional writing approach without AI assistance, the feature can be turned off easily through the app's settings, according to an official blog post by Windows.

AI Enhancements in Microsoft Paint

The Paint application is also receiving advanced AI functionalities dubbed 'Generative Fill' and 'Generative Erase.' The fill feature permits users to modify and enhance images by selecting an area and describing what they wish to add. Meanwhile, the erase function allows for image removal using a specialized generative erase brush within the eraser tool, as detailed by Windows.

Reflecting on the timeline, while it took decades for Notepad to acquire spell check, the inclusion of AI-driven painting and rewriting capabilities has come to fruition remarkably quicker.